Written Answers Nos. 469-487
469. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce legislation to facilitate a referendum to prohibit privatisation of public water services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16576/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra474. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to hold a referendum on amending the Constitution to prohibit the privatisation of public water services. [16740/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 474 together.
The Programme for Government states that the issue of the environment, including water, and its place in the constitution is to be referred to the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee for consideration.
This issue, particularly in relation to water, is also relevant to the broader water sector transformation programme. In this regard the Government has recently published a Policy Paper, entitled Irish Water - Towards a national, publicly-owned, regulated water services utility, setting out the expectations and views of Government on the next phase of transformation. The Government expectation is that water services activities will be fully integrated into and delivered by Irish Water and that an appropriate operational framework will facilitate this integrated service delivery model. The Policy Paper is available on my Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/06326-water-sector-transformation-policy-paper/.
The Paper restates the Government’s strong commitment to public ownership of public water services. The principle of public ownership of the public water system is currently reflected in the Water Services Acts and the Paper states that the Government sees no circumstances arising where any part of Irish Water would be placed in private ownership. There is broad agreement amongst the Irish people and across the political spectrum that public water services should be publicly owned and controlled. It is intended that the forthcoming legislation to facilitate the separation of Irish Water from the Ervia Group will further strengthen the imperative of public ownership of Irish Water.
There must also be recognition that not all water services are provided by Irish Water. The Government's policy and stated commitment therefore is to maintain public water services in public ownership, whilst respecting private arrangements for the provision of water services by group water schemes and by individual households, businesses and other bodies.
The Policy Paper commits to engagement on the referendum issue, noting that such engagement must take place within the context of the wider societal engagement, and in which the relevant Oireachtas Committee will have a key role to play.
470. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to instances of litigation or the threat of litigation arising from the inclusion of social clauses in public procurement contracts in each of the years 2017 to 2020. [16596/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of instances of litigation or the threat of litigation arising from the inclusion of social clauses in public procurement contracts awarded by my Department during the period in question.
471. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has allocated funding for the collaborative town centre health check which is in the programme for Government; if so, the amount allocated to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Collaborative Town Centre Health Check is an initiative of the Heritage Council which is funded by my Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie.
472. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if renovation grants are available to restore properties in rural areas. [16688/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to bringing vacant and partially vacant properties back into use. The primary benefit of bringing vacant buildings back in to use is the increased supply of quality and sustainable housing for the individuals and families. Revitalising our main streets through well designed refurbishment of residential units, particularly above shops, could help to rejuvenate rural areas, smaller town centres and city streets as well as producing more homes.
While there are a range of grants available to meet specific housing adaptation needs, or indeed for the thatching of properties, which could support the restoration of properties in rural areas, the most specific supports available to assist owners to bring vacant housing stock back into use, are:
- The Repair and Leasing Scheme is available to assist private property owners, local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in utilising existing vacant housing stock throughout the country. The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for rental property. If eligible for the scheme, the property owner can avail of a loan of up to €60,000 from the local authority to carry out the refurbishment of property.
- The Buy and Renew initiative particularly focuses on older vacant homes to help tackle the problem of dereliction and improve the appearance of the community with the added value of delivery social housing units. It provides the option for suitable properties to be purchased rather than leased.
The Bringing Back Homes manual published by my Department is aimed at property owners, members of the public, local authorities and stakeholders in the construction industry who are interested in developing vacant buildings. It provides clear and detailed guidance on current policy and regulatory requirements that apply to this form of development. The Bringing Back Homes manual is available to download at: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/home-ownership/vacant-homes/vacant-homes
The manual also supports the work of the vacant homes offices in local authorities, which create a central point of contact for those interested in developing existing buildings. These offices are a useful resource to assist developers and owners in clarifying the regulatory requirements that exist and how they apply to development, thus reducing uncertainty and complexity but maintaining safe, sustainable and quality standards for homes.
My Department is working closely with Local Authorities to encourage property owners to avail of the Buy and Renew Scheme and the Repair and Lease Scheme to combat vacancy and dereliction and to accelerate, where possible, bringing units back into use for residential purposes. This focus on greater use of these schemes also aligns with the ambition under Action 58 of Our Rural Future – Rural Development Plan 2021 to 2025.
473. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to implement a scheme such as the defective block scheme specifically to address mica in public and non-residential buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16720/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulations for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme came in to operation on 31 January 2020. The Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 provide for a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo only, to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks. The scheme opened for applications at the end of June 2020. I have no plans to extend it to include non-residential buildings.
In respect of the local authority housing stock, Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 provides that management and maintenance is a matter for each individual local authority. This includes maintenance programmes and carrying out of responsive repairs and pre-letting repairs. My Department will however give due consideration to any submisions received on the matter of publically owned social housing stock from the respective local authorities. In respect of non-residential buildings, I have no plans to implement a defective concrete blocks type grant scheme.
475. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the discrepancy in figures between those given by his Department in the 2020 summary of social housing assessments and those given in the 2020 allocations report by Cork City Council in respect of social housing waiting lists given that these figures were both taken one month apart but show a significant difference. [16752/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area are provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recent summary, conducted in November 2020, shows that 61,880 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 6,813 households or 9.9% on the last assessment in June 2019. The total number of households qualified in Cork City in November 2020 was 3,953, representing a decrease of 686 households (-14.8%) between June 2019 and November 2020.
The following is the link to the summary report for 2020 which includes breakdowns by each local authority, including Cork City, across a range of categories.
2020 Report https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/#:~:text=The%20Summary%20of%20Social%20Housing,is%20not%20currently%20being%20met.
In relation to the discrepancy that the Deputy refers to, it should be noted that the SSHA is a point in time snapshot of the demand for social housing support in each local authority area and does not necessarily reflect the dynamic nature of entry to and exit from the housing waiting lists.
Additionally, the key figure reported in the SSHA is referred to as ‘net need’. Net need is the total number of households qualified for social housing support whose need for support is not being met. This total excludes the following households:
- Duplicate applications - Where a household has applied to more than one authority for social housing support, only their first application was included in the count.
- Those in receipt of social housing support - for example, households currently living in local authority rented accommodation, approved housing body accommodation, accommodation provided under the HAP scheme, accommodation provided under the RAS, or accommodation provided under the SHCEP schemes.
- Households on a transfer list - any household that has applied for a transfer from an existing form of social housing support including HAP.
The oversight and management of the lists of qualified households awaiting accommodation, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with Sections 20 and 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Assessment and Allocation Regulations, respectively.
In relation to the figure contained within Cork City’s allocation report, the Deputy is directed to the local authority which would be in a position to outline the nature and methodology utilised for the production of their report.
476. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which contracts are awarded for the running of homelessness services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16779/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities. Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 sets out the purposes for which costs may be incurred by housing authorities in respect of the provision of homeless accommodation and related services.
While responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis, with nine administrative regions in place. A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. It is a matter for the management group of the consultative forum, in the first instance, to determine the services and the funding required to address homelessness in each region. Following that determination the procurement of individual services and associated contractual arrangements entered into are a matter for individual housing authorities. In contracting services housing authorities are obliged to ensure compliance with all relevant statutory obligations in respect of provision of services and use of public funds.
477. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the reports from the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage will be provided for each of the four Dublin local authorities; the number of structures and buildings that have been listed for protection or deselected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16805/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy functions as Minister with regard to the protection of our architectural heritage are set out in the Planning and Development Acts, as are the responsibilities of local authorities and owners. Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS).
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) was established by the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999. Its purpose is to identify, record, and evaluate the post-1700 architectural heritage of Ireland as an aid in its protection.
Under Section 53 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I may recommend structures given a Regional, National or International Rating by the NIAH to the elected members of the local authorities for their consideration for inclusion on the RPS in the development plan. The final decision as to inclusion of a building or structure on the RPS, however, is a reserved function of the relevant planning authority. I do not recommend structures for removal from the RPS.
The NIAH has carried out fieldwork in the four Dublin local authority administrative areas: Fingal, South Dublin, Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
The fieldwork for Fingal was completed in 2000 and 664 structures were recommended by the then-Minister to the elected members of Fingal County Council on 21 March 2003.
The fieldwork for South Dublin was completed in 2002 and 788 structures were recommended by the then-Minister to the elected members of South Dublin County Council on 15 November 2002.
The fieldwork for Dublin City is ongoing. To date, 3,967 structures were recommended by the then-Minister to the elected members of Dublin City Council. The recommendations were made on 4 June 2014, 14 September 2015 and 12 June 2018.
The fieldwork for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is ongoing. To date, 383 structures were recommended by the then-Minister to the elected members of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The recommendations were made on 14 September 2015 and 9 August 2017.
Recommendations arising from these surveys are made available to the local authorities as a PDF report and a digital dataset. The individual records are also published, and are available to view for free, on the NIAH website: www.buildingsofireland.ie.
478. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the benefits he expects to see from the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16831/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra479. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the co-operation between local authorities that will be seen through the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16832/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role and responsibilities of the oversight and governance board under the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16833/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 478 to 480, inclusive, together.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) identifies areas of practical cross-border cooperation, including working together for economic advantage such as the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. Local authorities have a key role to play in economic development within their own areas and it is clear that there is scope to build a cross-border economic approach that will be of wider, regional benefit. This will take time to develop, particularly in the context of Covid-19. While it is primarily a matter for the local authorities involved, my Department will endeavour to support the process by providing the legislative framework that underpins the functioning of the local government system in Ireland.
481. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for a delay in the Land Registry relating to the land transfer for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16855/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Property Registration Authority (PRA) has established a dedicated unit to investigate issues raised with them. While the required investigations can take some time to complete, the PRA expedites processing where they are notified of urgency relating to a case. The specified application has been expedited and will be processed without delay.
In relation to any specific cases with the Property Registration Authority arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific case referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at reps@prai.ie.
482. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the proposed regulations which the planning regulator is planning and which, if implemented, will be viewed as detrimental to rural Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16895/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of any proposed regulations put forward by the planning regulator, as referred to in the question. Further, a thorough check in my Department indicates that correspondence of this nature has not been received from the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).
On a point of information, I wish to clarify that only the Minister has the power to make Regulations; the making of Regulations is not a function of the Office of the Planning Regulator. Moreover, whereas the Minister is responsible for determining planning policy, the statutory role of the planning regulator is plan evaluation and assessment; oversight and review of the performance of planning functions and the delivery of planning services; and, research, education and training.
483. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the grants available for private residences to retrofit to enable access for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16977/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist eligible people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (max grant €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (max grant €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People (max grant €8,000). A means test applies to each grant scheme. The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of the local authorities.
Further details on these schemes is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
484. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding available to local authorities to retrofit social housing to enable access for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16980/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people or people with a disability. The programme is 90% funded by the Department and a 10% contribution from the Local Authority. Typical works include adaptations such as stairlifts, level deck showers, ramps and grab rails, widening door opening widths and improving circulation spaces but also extensions to provide for ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms. The detailed administration of the scheme is the responsibility of the local authorities.
Details of the funding provided by my Department is available at the following link:https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/grantsfinancial-assistance/disabled-persons-grants-and-improvement-works-lieu-schemes
485. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the salary scales for all staff at all grades in local authorities from chief executive down in tabular form. [17017/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the table at the link.
486. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the planned Dunleer fire project; if a site has been identified; when work will commence; the planned completion date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17028/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
I recently announced a new Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
- Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
- established Health and Safety needs;
- state of development of the project (is site acquired, etc.?); and
- value for money offered by the proposal.
This new Programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire engines. In order to maximise the available Capital Programme funding, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and that offer best value-for-money taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally.
A new fire station at Dunleer is provided for in this Capital Programme. Louth County Council has indicated that Dunleer is their number one fire station priority. The Council has submitted a preliminary appraisal to my Department in January 2021 which is currently under review. I understand that a potential site has been identified by the Council. My Department will continue to work with Louth County Council to progress the Dunleer fire station project.
487. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to extending the 2021 commercial rates waiver to credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra503. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering extending the commercial rates waiver to credit unions and community-based co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17519/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 503 together.
In order to continue supporting ratepayers, and in recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government has put in place a new, more targeted commercial rates waiver for the first half of 2021. It applies to businesses most seriously affected by the restrictions. Automatic eligibility is extended to hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers, and various other sectors. Categories of commercial property, such as offices, industrial premises, banks, building societies and credit unions are not automatically eligible, but may qualify if they can provide proof of serious impact to their local authority. As provision has been made for businesses that do not automatically qualify to apply, there are no current plans to broaden the scope of automatic eligibility.
