Written Answers Nos. 121-142
122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for the encouragement of sporting and recreational activity in all primary and second level schools throughout Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3523/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation and delivery of activities in primary and second-level school settings, including the physical education curriculum, sporting activity generally and inter-school sport competition, are matters for the Department of Education and the schools concerned. I have no statutory role to exercise in that context.
Sport is an important part of the overall Irish sporting landscape and makes a positive contribution to the promotion and achievement of physically active lifestyles by its participants, including school-going children. My Department maintains an ongoing relationship and dialogue with the Department of Education in relation to the pursuit and implementation of respective policy aims. The Department of Education is also represented on the Sports Leadership Group, which I chair.
The achievement of a more physically active school-going population is a shared objective of both educational and sporting policy, to which both my colleague the Minister for Education and I are fully committed. It is my intention to discuss shared policy objectives with the Minister for Education in the near future.
124. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the interest payable on the equity loan under the affordable purchase shared equity scheme will be linked to harmonised indices of consumer prices, HICP; if not, if it will be linked to any other index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3491/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the initial rate of interest that will be on equity loan repayments under the affordable purchase shared equity scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3492/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is currently engaging with the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the banking sector on the issue of the proposed €75 million shared equity loan scheme; the nature, frequency and content of these engagements; if additional funding for the scheme from private banks is being sought; if so, the rates of interest being discussed; and the involvement the banks will have in the administration of the shared equity loan scheme. [3364/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 125 and 136 together.
In December last, the Government approved the priority drafting of the Affordable Housing Bill 2020, which will provide a legislative basis for a number of new affordable housing measures, one of which is the Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme. Once enacted, the Bill will deliver on key affordability commitments in the Programme for Government. To advance this legislation and operationalise the scheme, my Department is working closely with partners in Government, the Housing Agency and is also engaging with representatives of the retail banks.
The detailed design of the scheme is currently ongoing including consideration of the administrative and funding structures as well as any interest rate arrangement that may apply. It is intended that, when finalised, the scheme will be open to new build homes, subject to regional price caps, and targeted at first time buyers.
126. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment being taken off the local authority social housing list due to their household income being above the threshold due to the fact the payment has brought them above the income limit; if he will engage with the Minister for Social Protection on this matter and request that local authorities do not take a temporary payment such as the pandemic unemployment payment into account and therefore use it to remove workers and families from the social housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3539/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if exceptional needs social welfare payments are not taken into account when determining social housing eligibility when the social housing need assessment threshold is carried out; if this means that the pandemic unemployment payment from March to August 2020 is also not taken into account for the same purposes as during that time PUP was deemed to be an exceptional needs payment. [3113/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 131 together.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Under the Household Means Policy (HMP), which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. With the exception of specific payments as outlined in the HMP as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, is assessable.
In relation to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), Circular 38/2020 regarding the treatment of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) when assessing and/or reviewing income eligibility for social housing support was issued to local authorities. The Circular advises that the PUP payment should be considered as temporary in the overall context of an applicant household's income.
In the case of a household whose income may be temporarily higher than normal due to receipt of the PUP, and where that payment results in the household finding themselves above the income threshold, the authority, under section 4 of the Household Means Policy, has the discretion to disregard income that is once off, temporary or short term in nature, and which is outside the regular pattern of a person’s annual income. In making a determination to disregard PUP, a local authority should consider whether it may be appropriate to disregard the difference between income immediately prior to receipt of the PUP and current income.
Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
127. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of housing assistance payments paid out to each local authority since the introduction of the scheme on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2977/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is funded through a combination of Exchequer funding and tenant differential rents collected in respect of HAP tenancies.
Limerick City and County Council provides a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. The HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord.
At the end of Quarter 3 2020, there were over 58,200 active tenancies being supported under the HAP Scheme. Details on the number of tenancy setups and Exchequer funding provided to the HAP SSC for HAP from 2014 to Q3 2020 are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Additional households supported at year end |
Outturn €m |
|
2014 |
485 |
€0.39m |
|
2015 |
5,680 |
€15.64m |
|
2016 |
12,075 |
€57.69m |
|
2017 |
17,916 |
€152.69m |
|
2018 |
17,926 |
€276.6m |
|
2019 |
17,025 |
€382.4m |
|
End Q3 2020 |
11,887 |
€330.6m |
128. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average construction and all-in development costs for one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom social houses and one-, two- and three-bedroom social housing apartments delivered under the social housing capital investment programme, SHIP, in the past 12 months as distinct from the departmental expenditure ceilings for such units which was provided in an earlier reply, in tabular form. [2978/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra129. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average construction and all-in development costs for one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom social houses and one-, two- and three-bedroom social housing apartments approved under the SHIP in the past 12 months as distinct from the Departmental expenditure ceilings for such units which was provided in an earlier reply, in tabular form. [2979/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.
The relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
2017 |
Construction Costs* (incl abnormals) |
Abnormal Costs |
||
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of costs per unit € |
|
|
1bed house |
155,177 |
132k - 193k |
11,479 |
6k - 54k |
|
2bed house |
178,411 |
102k - 282k |
14,381 |
1k - 54k |
|
3bed house |
190,887 |
104k - 276k |
7,905 |
1k - 36k |
|
4bed house |
223,309 |
161k - 309k |
10,909 |
4k - 28k |
|
1bed apartment |
178,523 |
109k - 232k |
18,811 |
1k - 54k |
|
2bed apartment |
225,260 |
191k - 308k |
12,760 |
5k - 41k |
|
3bed apartment |
330,376 |
330k - 330k |
41,056 |
41k - 41k |
|
2018 |
Construction Costs* (incl abnormals) |
Abnormal Costs |
||
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of costs per unit € |
|
|
1bed house |
169,184 |
109k - 250k |
23,507 |
5k - 78k |
|
2bed house |
190,521 |
108k - 357k |
21,412 |
1k - 78k |
|
3bed house |
218,039 |
125k - 514k |
24,063 |
3k - 107k |
|
4bed house |
219,574 |
179k - 275k |
16,358 |
7k - 41k |
|
1bed apartment |
258,057 |
126k - 370k |
46,978 |
2k - 105k |
|
2bed apartment |
292,581 |
147k - 378k |
58,999 |
3k - 105k |
|
3bed apartment |
302,579 |
182k - 421k |
50,334 |
10k - 108k |
|
2019 |
Construction Costs* (incl abnormals) |
Abnormal Costs |
||
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of costs per unit € |
|
|
1bed house |
189,320 |
144k - 208k |
26,699 |
7k - 47k |
|
2bed house |
198,174 |
136k - 255k |
20,022 |
4k - 58k |
|
3bed house |
226,455 |
131k - 346k |
19,227 |
4k - 58k |
|
4bed house |
234,794 |
192k - 298k |
19,510 |
4k - 58k |
|
1bed apartment |
291,762 |
129k - 354k |
32,609 |
4k - 43k |
|
2bed apartment |
290,902 |
170k - 373k |
26,249 |
4k - 43k |
|
3bed apartment |
323,407 |
232k - 398k |
27,379 |
4k - 43k |
|
2020 |
Construction Costs* (incl abnormals) |
Abnormal Costs |
||
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of costs per unit € |
|
|
1bed house |
185,246 |
139k - 237k |
25,181 |
3k - 46k |
|
2bed house |
195,392 |
129k - 263k |
25,115 |
6k - 66k |
|
3bed house |
214,076 |
152k - 342k |
25,121 |
6k - 66k |
|
4bed house |
263,204 |
205k - 321k |
41,527 |
19k - 66k |
|
1bed apartment |
197,087 |
169k - 269k |
32,919 |
24k - 54k |
|
2bed apartment |
230,300 |
198k - 306k |
16,882 |
7k - 54k |
|
3bed apartment |
N/A |
N/A |
130. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position of persons who have lost their first house due to bankruptcy in respect of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and if an application for such persons who would otherwise meet all other required criteria would be accepted under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3044/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general terms, a person who has been discharged from bankruptcy and is eligible in all other respects for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, including being a first-time buyer, may apply for a loan and will be subject to the same credit assessment process that applies to all applicants. Applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan must be of good credit standing; have a satisfactory credit record; and be a first time buyer, to be eligible.
The Housing Agency provides a central credit assessment service to local authorities and credit checks are undertaken as part of the credit assessment process. The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the statutory credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authorities.
132. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a query in relation to turf cutting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. These Directives aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas. Ireland's approach is to recognise the traditional right to cut turf for domestic purposes, while balancing this with our obligations under the Habitats Directive. This balanced approach is based on a respect for and understanding of that tradition and has been carefully nurtured to build trust and work with stakeholders to save the natural heritage of Ireland's bogs.
In that context, the National Peatlands Strategy recognises that domestic turf cutters have a traditional right to cut turf for their own use and that this right is balanced with the conservation objectives for designated bogs and the legal obligations on the State.
133. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the matter of a tenant trying to purchase social housing (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3194/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 governing the Scheme provides for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including houses provided to Local Authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, houses specifically designed for older persons, group Traveller housing and houses provided to facilitate people with disabilities transferring from institutional care to community-based living.
Housing authorities may, within the provisions of the Regulations, exclude certain houses which, in the opinion of the authority, should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. It is a matter for each individual housing authority to administer the Scheme in its operational area in line with the over-arching provisions of the governing legislation for the scheme, and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.
A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in the Programme for Government are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. I expect to be in a position to publish the review and finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.
134. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number working in the Property Registration Authority; his plans to increase staffing levels in view of the inordinate delays in having applications dealt with and in view of the stress this is causing to persons finalising house sales and applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3211/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current number of staff employed by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) is 571, representing 528.36 full-time equivalents.
On foot of the restrictions introduced by the Government on 30 December 2020, the PRA has implemented its Business Continuity Plan Level 5 response for the continued provision of essential services. The PRA is operating a high level of service at a reduced capacity. All services remain available, excluding public counter access.
Applications for registration are dealt with in order of priority. However, urgent applications are considered for expedited processing on a case-by-case basis.
There are no plans to review the staffing complement of the PRA.
135. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to protect the heritage associated with the Anglo-American cable house on Valentia island, County Kerry which is the site of the first transatlantic cable link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3267/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 1858, the first successful transatlantic cable was laid between Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, and Heart’s Content in Newfoundland, Canada. Transatlantic communications were operated from the Telegraph Field between 1865 and 1868. Operations were conducted initially from the Wooden Building until the Anglo-American Cable House replaced it between 1866 and 1868. Thereafter, operations transferred to the Cable Station in Knightstown before they finally ceased in 1966.
The suite of sites associated with the first transatlantic telegraph are of significant importance to the history of communications technology and industrial heritage, and three key sites have been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area under the West Iveragh Local Area Plan. My Department is currently undertaking a review of Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites and anticipates receiving an application from the local authority with respect to sites associated with the transatlantic telegraph.
The Department will assess whether any such application is suitable for inclusion in the updated Tentative List to be submitted to UNESCO with the benefit of advice from an Expert Advisory Group to be established for this purpose. Key matters for appraisal in this context will be the capacity of the application to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value and the extent of stakeholder support for the project.
To be deemed of Outstanding Universal Value, a property must be so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations. It must also meet the conditions relating to integrity and/or authenticity and have an adequate protection and management system in place for all included areas to ensure their Outstanding Universal Value can be adequately safeguarded.
The following revised reply was received on 2 February 2021.
In 1858, the first successful transatlantic cable was laid between Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, and Newfoundland, Canada. Transatlantic communications were operated from the Telegraph Field between 1865 and 1868. Operations were conducted initially from the Wooden Building until the Anglo-American Cable House replaced it between 1866 and 1868. Thereafter, operations transferred to the Cable Station in Knightstown before they finally ceased in 1966.
The suite of sites associated with the first transatlantic telegraph are of significant importance to the history of communications technology and industrial heritage, and three key sites have been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area under the West Iveragh Local Area Plan. My Department is currently undertaking a review of Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites and anticipates receiving an application from the local authority with respect to sites associated with the transatlantic telegraph.
The Department will assess whether any such application is suitable for inclusion in the updated Tentative List to be submitted to UNESCO with the benefit of advice from an Expert Advisory Group to be established for this purpose. Key matters for appraisal in this context will be the capacity of the application to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value and the extent of stakeholder support for the project.
To be deemed of Outstanding Universal Value, a property must be so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations. It must also meet the conditions relating to integrity and/or authenticity and have an adequate protection and management system in place for all included areas to ensure their Outstanding Universal Value can be adequately safeguarded.
137. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address the difficulties that social housing tenants encounter when seeking an inter-council housing transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3365/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe oversight and practical management of social housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.
Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households. Ultimately, it is a matter for the local authority to decide the conditions to be met in relation to transfer applications.
All four Dublin authorities have provisions in their allocation schemes for inter authority/mutual transfers for sitting tenants whereby the authority is prepared to accommodate applications for inter authority/mutual transfers provided certain criteria are met. All four Dublin authorities also make provision in their allocation schemes for households wishing to move to a home more suitable to their household needs. Similar arrangements apply in the two Cork and two Galway local authorities.
It is also already possible for households to move and relocate between local authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme where the household income is within the appropriate income limits. Guidelines on inter-authority movement were introduced in 2017 to allow for local authorities to facilitate movement of HAP households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant, currently on a local authority waiting list, wishes to access rented accommodation with HAP support in another local authority area.
HAP tenants continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits will be those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated. The originating local authority will engage with the relevant new local authority to facilitate eligible requests for inter-authority movement.
Furthermore, the Programme for Government provides for a package of social housing reforms, including the introduction of a social housing passport to allow households move from one local authority list to another. The issue of providing for wider tenancy movements is being examined and I will look at proposals in relation to such wider movement along with the other reform package measures.
138. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider making payments under the turf cutting compensation scheme early in 2021, given increases in energy costs and to assist families in meeting their heating costs during the winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme was established in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation and was extended in 2014 to include raised bog natural heritage areas. This scheme is applicable to turf cutters who have been affected by the designation of raised bogs as special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas and who fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. It is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off payment of €500 on the signing of a legal agreement under the scheme.
Annual payments under the scheme for qualifying applicants are generally made from March in each year in order to facilitate the provision of fuel for the following winter period. For example, annual payments for the year 2020 were issued from March 2020 and continued throughout the year for the winter period 2020-2021.
139. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 14 January 2021, if he will review the scientific basis for not supporting the construction of an overflow outfall for the Lough Funshinagh turlough, given that Lough Funshinagh is one of the most significant sites of its type in the EU and is a priority habitat and in view of projections of more significant rainfall, particularly in the west of Ireland due to climatic changes that will have a detrimental impact of the unique hydrology of this particular turlough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3428/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the difficulties being faced by householders in the local area with respect to the threat of flooding at Lough Funshinagh. Policy and its implementation concerning flood risk management is primarily the responsibility of the Office of Public Works and the local authority and I understand that they have considered the options available. In the context of the designation and the emergency nature of relief works needed, as in all cases such as this, my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service stands ready to address that dimension, on request from those authorities.
140. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing will be increased; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan in which the existing income limits are much too low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3484/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and 2.5% for each child, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced in 2011 also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new local authority house building starts activated in the past 12 months; the number due to start in 2021 by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3499/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority housing schemes likely to be started in the counties adjacent to Dublin in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses likely to become available from the private sector developments to meet the needs of local authority housing applicants over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3504/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 143 and 146 together.
My Department has published the Quarter 3 2020 Social Housing Construction Status Report, which provides details of all social housing developments under construction in each local authority. The report is available at the following link:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-obrien-publishes-social-housing-construction-status-report-for-q2-2020-2/.
The data for Quarter 4 2020 is being compiled and the report will be published as soon as it is available.
The Report identifies the quarter in which local authority social housing construction projects started on site, including those that started in the preceding 12 months. Projects identified in the Report as at 'Stage 4 approved or Final Turnkey/CALF approval' have been approved by my Department and will start on site in 2021 (or may have started in Q4 of 2020), subject to restrictions arising from the response to Covid-19.
Budget 2021 provided €3.3 billion for the delivery of housing. The available funding will deliver 12,750 new social homes through build, acquisition and leasing. A major focus of this investment is the delivery of new build, with an overall target of 9,500 new homes, in addition to 800 acquisitions and 2,450 homes to be delivered through leasing programmes. The Government will be publishing a new housing strategy this year, which will set out details of social housing delivery for 2021-2025, including social housing targets for 2022 onwards.
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of Rebuilding Ireland loans approved and drawn down in each local authority area in the past two years; the number of such loans likely to be issued in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3500/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications for local authority loans currently before each of the local authorities in the greater Dublin area, including County Kildare; the plans in hand to meet such housing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3502/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together.
My Department publishes information on the overall number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount.
Figures for 2019 and the first two quarters of 2020 are available on the Gov.ie website
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid
My Department does not collect information the number of applications for local authority loans currently before each of the local authorities.
In relation to the plans in hand to meet such housing requirements, a further €210 million has been secured to allow local authorities to lend through this scheme in 2021.
