Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
452. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged on resuming construction and completion works on private homes after 5 April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17338/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra499. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the impact that level 5 restrictions have placed on families who moved out of their home to have construction work carried out (details supplied); if the additional costs incurred will be factored in when decisions are made about public health restrictions; his plans to assist this cohort with additional expenses and costs as a result of the restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17335/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 499 together.
The Government announced that additional public health restrictions would apply under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 on 6 January 2021. The additional restrictions required all construction activity to cease from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with a number of exceptions. These measures are set out in The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions)(Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (as amended). The decision on restrictions was taken by the Government following advice from NPHET.
With regard to private housing development, the Regulations provide that housing and construction works ongoing on 8 January could continue where the works required to render the property capable of occupation were scheduled for completion by 31 January 2021. The Regulations also provide for the supply and delivery of essential or emergency maintenance and repair services to businesses and homes (including electrical, gas, oil, plumbing, glazing and roofing services) on an emergency call-out basis. No other private housing construction activity is allowed under the Regulations. There is no provision for the payment of expenses in relation to costs incurred during the period of the restrictions.
On 30 March, the Government announced that all residential construction can resume from 12 April 2021.
