Seán Sherlock
Ceist:81. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of a project (details supplied). [4577/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUrban Renewal Schemes
Ceisteanna (81)
Freagraí scríofa
The Cork Event Centre was included as a commitment under Project Ireland 2040 and it underlines the Government’s objectives around urban regeneration, enhanced amenity and heritage, associated quality of life standards, balanced regional development, and the regeneration and development of Cork City Centre.
It was agreed in the context of Budget 2020 that responsibility at central Government level for making the grant aid support available for the project would transfer to my Department.
Responsibility for the advancement of proposals for the development of the Cork Event Centre remains, in the first instance, a matter for Cork City Council.
Social and Affordable Housing
Ceisteanna (82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:82. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the introduction of a new form of tenure in cost rental (details supplied). [4592/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Higgins
Ceist:83. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the locations in which the 400 cost rental homes will be built; and his plans for future developments in the years thereafter. [4593/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Higgins
Ceist:84. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the eligibility criteria for the cost rental scheme; and the income thresholds for single applicants and couples. [4594/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Higgins
Ceist:85. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the cost rental homes will be new dwellings or if existing dwellings will be repurposed and used for these developments. [4595/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Higgins
Ceist:86. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role that local authorities will play in the provision of cost rental homes; and the agency which will have oversight for the provision of cost rental homes. [4596/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Higgins
Ceist:87. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the other jurisdictions with cost rental accommodation which have been examined in drawing up legislation. [4597/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Higgins
Ceist:88. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding from his Department that will be allocated to the roll-out of cost rental affordable accommodation. [4598/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 to 88, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, contains a commitment to develop a Cost Rental model for housing delivery. Cost Rental is a new tenure option for Ireland, designed to assist households currently facing affordability pressures in the private rental market. It is defined as housing where the rents charged cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only. Although the current focus is on implementing Cost Rental in newly constructed homes, in order to contribute to an overall increase in supply, the re-purposing of existing homes can be considered in the future.
A range of work is already ongoing to deliver Cost Rental housing, with State support, through a number of avenues. We are utilising the expertise of Local Authorities, the Land Development Agency (LDA), and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver three initial Cost Rental projects that are already underway: two developments in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown at Enniskerry Road and Shanganagh, and a third at Emmet Road (the former St Michael’s Estate) in Dublin City. The 50 units at Enniskerry Road are under construction, supported by a grant from my Department’s Serviced Sites Fund, and are currently scheduled for completion in Q3 this year.
In addition, Budget 2021 allocated €35m for a new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, under which the Government will make loans on favourable terms to AHBs for up to 30% of the cost of new homes for Cost Rental. CREL will leverage the proven expertise and capacity of the AHBs, demonstrated in their development and management of social housing units. This €35m will support AHBs to deliver c .350 new homes for Cost Rental, at rents below market levels. It is expected that the remaining development or acquisition costs for the homes will be met by long-term commercial loans from the Housing Finance Agency, which has confirmed it will make a corresponding €100m available next year.
CREL will accelerate delivery in this new sector, in advance of the LDA’s planned future output and the delivery of Cost Rental homes by Local Authorities. The forthcoming Affordable Housing Bill proposes that the making of loans to AHBs under the CREL scheme will be managed by the Housing Agency, given its expertise and close working relationship with the AHBs and Local Authority sector in relation to housing.
The intention is that Cost Rental will be informed by National Planning Framework priorities. It will be focused, at least initially, in densely populated urban areas where rental affordability pressures are particularly acute and where State resources can have the biggest impact. A Call for Proposals under the CREL scheme was issued for my Department to AHBs in December 2020, and the assessment process is currently ongoing. Following completion of the selection process, which is expected shortly, the locations of CREL-supported projects will be made available.
The forthcoming Affordable Housing Bill defines a Cost Rental tenancy in Ireland for the first time. The provisions would allow me, as Minister, to designate such a tenancy where the rent is set at a level to cover the costs of delivery (including financing), management, and maintenance of the property. This rent would increase on an annual basis only in line with consumer inflation, which would ensure that rents continue to cover ongoing management and maintenance costs while remaining stable in real terms.
It is envisaged that the primary means of eligibility would be maximum household income, to ensure that Cost Rental benefits a target cohort of moderate-income households who face affordability pressures in the private rental sector. These income limits are currently being developed by my Department as part of the detailed drafting of the Bill.
In relation to examples from other jurisdictions, my Department’s work has been informed by examination of the Austrian and Danish housing models in particular. These systems have mature Cost Rental sectors which have developed over a long period and demonstrate the progressively positive impact that such a model can have over long periods. In addition, the European Investment Bank, which has extensive experience in supporting the delivery of affordable housing across Europe, has sponsored an ongoing research report on Cost Rental in Ireland, which includes an assessment of relevant European comparisons.
Hare Coursing
Ceisteanna (89)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:89. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will call for the immediate release of any hares currently in captivity in view of the fact that coursing meetings are not permitted to take place during current Covid-19 restrictions and in view of the animal welfare issues related to holding wild animals in captivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4600/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coursing Club has informed my Department that all hares current held in captivity by coursing clubs will be released forthwith. I welcome this decision.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (90)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:90. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the planning and development and nature conservation (heritage) functions Bill will be published; if it will contain provisions dealing with substitute consent rising from a recent Supreme Court case that urgently needs addressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4647/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the coming weeks, I intend to request the approval of the Government for the publication of the Planning and Development and Nature Conservation (Heritage Functions) and Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2021 and for the presentation of the Bill to the Oireachtas.
Amendments to substitute consent provisions in the Planning and Development Act 2000, addressing a recent Supreme Court case, have already been enacted into primary legislation, namely in sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Planning and Development, Residential Tenancies, Act 2020.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (91)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:91. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if housing developments that were fully or partially developed as holiday homes in circumstances in which the management company which was condition of planning is now dissolved, in which no bond is available and no enforcement has been taken by the local authority are excluded from the taking-in-charge process under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4667/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provisions and procedures in relation to the taking in charge of housing estates and residential developments by local authorities are provided for in section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Decisions in relation to the taking in charge of individual developments is a matter for consideration by the local authority concerned on a case-by-case basis having regard to whether the development has been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority concerned in accordance with the permission granted and any conditions to which the permission is subject, including the standard of infrastructure and services provided, and whether the planning permission granted was for permanent residential or temporary holiday home use.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (92)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:92. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if estates in which planning was granted for a mix of holiday lets and residential use can be put forward for the funding by local authorities in relation to the national taking in charge initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4669/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Taking-in-Charge Initiative (NTICI) was a once-off fund launched in April 2016, to trial new approaches and working methods in supporting the taking-in-charge process of housing estates. Under the terms of the NTICI, developments that were subject to valid taking-in-charge applications, were eligible for inclusion in the associated call for funding proposals.
Ultimately, €7.5 million was paid to local authorities in respect of 330 developments, containing some 14,930 homes. The National Taking in Charge Initiative was confined to estates that were eligible for taking in charge, that contained wholly or a majority of principal places of private residence and not private residential complexes such as multi-unit developments, gated developments, retirement villages and holiday home developments that were permitted and operate on the basis of a private management company or other similar such arrangements.
The NTICI is no longer operational. Residential developments consisting of two or more dwellings that have been granted planning permission under section 34 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, may be eligible, depending on the grant of planning condition, for taking in charge, as provided for under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The taking in charge of residential estates is a reserved function of the elected members of the relevant local authority. Under subsection 1 of section 180, the planning authority is obliged to initiate taking in charge procedures where requested by either the developer or by the majority of owners of the dwellings. However, this is subject to the development being completed to the satisfaction of the authority and in accordance with the permission and any conditions.
The ongoing maintenance of private housing developments is a matter for the owners of the properties in question.
Local Authority Staff
Ceisteanna (93, 94)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:93. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning enforcement officers employed by Cork City Council in each of the years 2018 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:94. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning enforcement officers employed by Cork County Council in each of the years 2018 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4706/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos.93 and 94 together.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority. However, granular data, in terms of the specific role and function of each individual staff member, is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. Such information may be sought directly from the relevant local authority.
Local Authority Staff
Ceisteanna (95)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:95. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Cork City Council employs an equine officer; if he will provide further information in relation to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4707/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority. However, granular data, in terms of the specific role and function of each individual staff member, is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from Cork City Council.
Building Regulations
Ceisteanna (96)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:96. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to address the issues of embedded carbon construction through revisions to building regulations, planning laws and in social and affordable housing developments funded by his Department; and if he has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) on the issue of embedded carbon in construction. [4724/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Embodied Carbon in construction materials makes a significant contribution to the lifetime carbon emissions of new buildings. The operational carbon emissions for heating, lighting and other services have been significantly reduced in Nearly Zero Energy Buildings. These regulations apply to all new buildings including social and affordable housing developments. Currently these embodied carbon emissions are addressed in the Climate Action Plan and the Construction Products Regulation.
In addition my Department has issued design guidelines for sustainable housing which includes recommendations to have due regard for the environmental impact of construction materials. These guidelines “Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities” are available on my Department’s website at the following link. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/24d9e-quality-housing-for-sustainable-communities-design-guidelines/.
Under the Climate Action Plan the Office of Public Works (OPW are putting in place a roadmap to promote greater use of lower-carbon building material alternatives in construction and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are carrying out a research and development project to examine life cycle analysis and embedded energy in buildings to compare the use of sustainable materials.
The review of Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (known as the Constructions Products Regulations or “the CPR”) was confirmed by the European green deal in December 2019 and the circular economy action plan in March 2020. In parallel, the European Commission initiated discussion on an implementation plan for a future environmental life cycle assessment framework for construction products, looking at the impacts on the wider environment that occur during the whole life cycle of a construction product. The objective is to identify the strategic issues that need to be addressed with a view to the implementation of Basic Works Requirement 7 ‘Sustainable Use of Natural Resources’ (BWR7) in the context of the current and the future revision to the Construction Products Regulation.
Ireland will be obliged to follow this harmonised procedure via harmonised technical specifications for construction products, when a consensus of approach emerges. In that regard, it would be counter to harmonisation to develop national rules for matters covered by the Internal Market regulation.
While no agreement has yet been reached on the specifics of a revision of the CPR, the European Commission have prepared a document assessing the impact and the preparation of a new proposal. The purpose of this document is to provide a starting point for an open dialogue with industry and other stakeholders to inform the discussions.
This document was available for public consultation on my Department’s website and was brought to the intention of industry stakeholders – and specifically the organisation the Deputy refers to. In addition, my officials have engaged with that organisation on this topic.
In relation to planning, Project Ireland 2040 prioritises compact growth. The overall National Planning Framework (NPF) strategy is for a better balance of development between the regions, a greater focus on Ireland’s cities, where 50% of development overall is targeted, with 50% of that growth to be supported to take place in the four cities other than Dublin.
Compact growth also means targeting a greater proportion of development to take place in settlements of all sizes, through urban infill and the re-use of brownfield lands. Through compact growth, the NPF effectively sets out recycling rates for the reuse of brownfield land, by requiring 40% of new housing nationally, to be built within infill and brownfield lands and encourages reuse of existing building stock (50% of development in the five cities where 50% of future development is to take place and 30% elsewhere, where the other 50% of development is targeted).
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (97)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:97. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered delaying discussion regarding local development plans given the logistical difficulties facing both councils and elected representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4731/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In light of the initial impacts of the Covid-19 emergency last year, an Order was made by Government on 29 March 2020, under section 251A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), which ultimately resulted in the extension of all planning timelines for a period of eight weeks to 23 May 2020.
As a result of the Spring 2020 emergency order, an additional period of eight weeks may be added to any city or county development plan process that commenced prior to 29th March 2020.
In the time since the expiry of this period of extension, the planning system has learned many lessons and has adapted to the public health advice and the framework for restrictive measures agreed by Government. Under the current Level 5 restrictions and associated regulations, the planning service is remains operational as an essential service.
A vital element of a functioning planning system is to ensure that public participation rights are not curtailed, subject to public health protocols and remote working where feasible, and that local authority decision making processes in respect of planning applications and development plans can continue to function in a transparent manner.
The planning system as a whole has implemented changes in this regard since the expiry of the extension period, including public health protocols for visitors to and staff working in local authorities and for local councillors, the requirement to scan and upload planning applications to an online location within 5 days of submission, and confirmation by Regulation in October 2020, and again in January 2021, that planning is an ‘essential service’, meaning that participating members of the public are permitted to travel to engage in a planning process where it is not possible to engage remotely.
As the Deputy may also be aware, a recent amendment to section 11(3)(b) of the Planning and Development Act also now allows for an alternative to ‘in-person’ public meetings at the initial stage of a development plan process, which has enabled planning authorities to adapt public consultation procedures in light of present restrictions on the holding of public gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Government has also legislated for remote or partially remote council meetings to take place, including in relation to planning matters such as the county development plan process. Local authorities have been making use of this provision for a range of functions, although it is also possible to make use of a larger venue than a local council chamber, should that be considered necessary
Other legislative provisions made at the end of 2020 allow the Government, at the request of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to make new emergency orders during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, which would extend certain statutory planning timelines. However, these provisions are intended as a precautionary ‘backstop’, that enable Government to make a decision in circumstances where it has been determined that the ongoing operation of the planning system is critically and evidentially compromised, notwithstanding safety measures already undertaken, and provisions for remote access and/or use of a larger venue.
As we look towards post-Covid recovery, the continued safe operation of the planning system will be important to support a pipeline of new housing, infrastructure and employment and also to ensure that measures are in place to deliver more sustainable development, advance decarbonisation and ensure environmental protection.
My Department is deeply appreciative of the ongoing work of the local government sector to maintain all essential services in accordance with public health requirements and also the co-operation of the public, who continue to engage remotely where possible, as well as that of city and county council local elected representatives throughout Ireland. At present, it is not considered necessary to make emergency orders to further extend city or county development plan processes. My officials are actively monitoring the planning situation in conjunction with the sector, to keep matters under review.
Social and Affordable Housing
Ceisteanna (98)
Michael Ring
Ceist:98. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will include persons who are divorced or legally separated as eligible applicants for the proposed affordable purchase shared equity scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4746/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government, ‘Our Shared Future’, commits to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system, and to progress a state-backed affordable home purchase scheme to promote home ownership. To begin delivering on these commitments, Budget 2021 allocated €75 million for an affordable housing shared equity scheme.
On the 20th of January last I published the General Scheme of the Affordable Housing Bill 2020. This provides the legislative basis for a number of new affordable housing measures, including the aforementioned Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme. The Government approved the priority drafting of the Bill and my Department is working to advance this legislation.
I can confirm that the scheme will be targeted at first time buyers of new build homes. The more detailed design aspects of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, is currently ongoing, and will be informed by our continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders. In finalising any eligibility criteria, I have confirmed my intention to give close consideration to household status and situations of relationship breakdown.
Social and Affordable Housing
Ceisteanna (99, 100)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:99. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the 35 social housing projects that have used the one stage approval process; the location of these projects; the number of units in each project; and the cost of each project, in tabular form. [4800/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEoin Ó Broin
Ceist:100. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing projects that have accessed the one stage approval process since the cap was increased to €6 million that would otherwise have accessed that process; and the number of units of accommodation in these projects. [4801/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
There are 37 social housing projects that are on site or completed, having used the single stage process, not 35 as stated in the reply to Question number 233 of 20 January 2021. The information sought on these projects is set out below; costs shown are the 'all-in' costs sanctioned by my Department to deliver the project.
|
Local Authority |
Location |
Units |
Costs |
|
Carlow |
Rathvilly |
8 |
€1,635,549 |
|
Carlow |
Myshall |
4 |
€696,351 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow Town |
6 |
€1,148,487 |
|
Carlow |
Kildavin |
1 |
€184,230 |
|
Carlow |
Ardattin |
6 |
€1,136,390 |
|
Carlow |
Hackettstown |
1 |
€184,230 |
|
Carlow |
Borris |
1 |
€184,230 |
|
Carlow |
Kildavin |
1 |
€194,792 |
|
Clare |
Sixmilebridge |
2 |
€583,966 |
|
Clare |
Kilmihil |
2 |
€575,902 |
|
Cork County |
Dripsey |
6 |
€1,307,208 |
|
Cork County |
Douglas |
2 |
€336,291 |
|
Cork County |
Castletownbere |
3 |
€509,622 |
|
Cork County |
Inniscarra |
1 |
€128,744 |
|
Cork County |
Cobh |
1 |
€173,099 |
|
Donegal |
Dunfanaghy |
8 |
€1,183,200 |
|
Kerry |
Killarney |
6 |
€1,175,247 |
|
Kilkenny |
Thomastown |
4 |
€522,818 |
|
Kilkenny |
Mullinavat |
2 |
€428,282 |
|
Kilkenny |
Jenkinstown |
2 |
€515,703 |
|
Laois |
Portlaoise |
1 |
€249,363 |
|
Laois |
Portlaoise |
2 |
€444,637 |
|
Laois |
Ballybrittas |
1 |
€191,050 |
|
Laois |
Stradbally |
6 |
€1,296,983 |
|
Louth |
Drogheda |
3 |
€751,813 |
|
Mayo |
Castlebar |
6 |
€1,305,937 |
|
Mayo |
Crossmolina |
3 |
€810,670 |
|
Mayo |
Crossmolina |
3 |
€674,134 |
|
Mayo |
Kilmaine |
6 |
€1,103,033 |
|
Mayo |
Moygownagh |
3 |
€785,812 |
|
Mayo |
Charlestown |
3 |
€689,528 |
|
Meath |
Navan |
4 |
€833,221 |
|
Meath |
Trim |
3 |
€555,140 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Town |
1 |
€237,978 |
|
South Dublin |
Clondalkin |
2 |
€441,124 |
|
Tipperary |
Newport |
3 |
€365,191 |
|
Tipperary |
Ballina |
4 |
€678,650 |
Since the increase in the limit for such projects from €2m to €6m, one additional scheme to provide 11 new homes in Fingal has been included in the single stage process that would have otherwise used the 4-stage process.