Written Answers Nos. 88-111
88. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to support local authorities given the impact Covid-19 has had on local authority incomes and the corresponding impact on expenditure programmes and plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22862/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the financial supports that are being considered by his Department in respect of the devastating impact on their local authority incomes and the corresponding impact on expenditure plans as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports made available to local authorities to compensate for a loss of revenue resulting from Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23195/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 92 and 318 together.
My Department has engaged extensively with representatives of the local government sector and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform over the past year concerning the financial challenges facing local authorities as a consequence of the pandemic.
In 2020, €900m was allocated by Government to fund the cost of a nine-month waiver of rates. This was an unprecedented measure that offered support to both businesses and local authorities. Of this, €729m was distributed to the 31 local authorities.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned the distribution of any unspent funds from the overall rates waiver allocation to the local government sector to help minimise the impact of reductions in other local authority income streams and to help meet the costs associated with the response to the pandemic. As a result a further €131m was distributed to the local government sector for 2020.
In order to continue supporting businesses and ratepayers, and in recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government is funding a rates waiver for the first half of 2021. Funding of €320m has been announced.
As has been the case since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage regularly and constructively with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic and other matters arising.
In relation to the local authorities expenditure plans, it is a matter for each authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process, having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. The elected members of a local authority have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, which include adopting the annual revenue budget, and are democratically accountable for all expenditure by the local authority.
90. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish the review of the Flemish Decree in relation to the rights of persons to travel within the European Union and the building of one off rural houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22873/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to clarify that the ‘Flemish Decree’ was a March 2009 Decree of the Flemish Region (a Federal Region within Belgium), on land and real estate policy, which made the purchase or long-term lease of land (i.e. all immovable property, that included existing, homes, businesses and farms) in certain Flemish communes (local authorities) conditional upon there being a ‘sufficient connection’ between the prospective buyer or tenant and the relevant commune. As such, the Flemish Decree effectively restricted significantly more than development rights in respect of new housing. The broad scope of the Flemish Decree was such that it was successfully challenged in the European Court of Justice, which ruled that it was contrary to EU freedoms.
Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005 (which were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000), planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing.
Since 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) has been in force as the overall national planning policy document, as part of Project Ireland 2040. In this regard, National Policy Objective (NPO) 19 of the NPF aims to ensure that a policy distinction is made between areas experiencing significant overspill development pressure from urban areas, particularly within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment, on the one hand, and other remoter and weaker rural areas where population levels may be low and or declining, on the other. NPO 19 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need may be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The NPF is a planning policy framework and provides an important strategic basis for interpreting the 2005 Guidelines. Work is currently underway in my Department on an update of the 2005 Guidelines and in doing so, having regard to the principles of the outcome of the ‘Flemish decree’ case, where relevant. I expect to receive an initial draft guidelines document in the coming weeks. Given the complexity of the issues involved, the need for environmental assessment and both internal and external consultation, I would expect updated guidelines to be available later in 2021.
In the interim, the NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, enable planning authorities to continue to draft and adopt county development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas. My Department communicated to planning authorities (Circular letter PL 2/2017) on 31 May 2017, advising them that the existing 2005 Guidelines remain in place until advised otherwise by the Department.
91. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that the size of the capital and borrowing limits for the Land Development Agency has been decided; the estimated level of forecast construction and creation of a land bank in the key growth centres that this could support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22673/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in September 2018, by way of an Establishment Order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, pending the enactment of primary legislation when it will be established as a commercial State agency.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, legislation to establish the Land Development Agency (LDA) on a statutory basis is being progressed as a matter of urgency. The Land Development Agency Bill 2021 will focus on the establishment of the corporate form and financial structure of the Agency. The Bill recently concluded Second Stage in Dáil Éireann.
Once the primary legislation is in place, arrangements will be finalised for the capitalisation of the LDA with funding of up to €1.25 billion being provided from Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). The overall capitalisation of €1.25 billion for the LDA from ISIF, along with its borrowing ceiling of €1.25 billion, are prescribed in the LDA Bill which the LDA was consulted on during the Bill drafting phase. This capital will be utilised by the LDA to support the delivery of its projects on an economic basis in line with the provisions of the Bill.
The capitalisation of €1.25 billion was decided by Government on 7th September 2018 prior to the launch of the LDA. The New Economy and Recovery Authority (“NewERA”)(a business unit of the National Treasury Management Agency) advised the Department of Housing and the Department of Finance on the appropriate borrowing limit for the LDA, which was set at €1.25 billion.
I can confirm that all of the LDA's funding requirements to date have been provided for by my Department. The LDA has been progressing significant preparatory work on its existing sites made available to them with potential for 4,000 homes, with feasibility, planning and other preparatory work already initiated and is also developing a pipeline of additional sites.
The LDA intend to deliver cost rental housing at scale, which would enable them to recycle their initial capitalisation for future developments. If additional capitalisation of the LDA is required in the future, the matter will be considered at that time.
93. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reverse the sharp increase in single person homelessness evidenced in recent months. [22935/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Monthly Homeless Report for March and the Homeless Quarterly Progress Report for the first quarter of 2021 were published by my Department on Friday 30 March. The number of individuals presenting to homeless services and the number of people accessing emergency accommodation continued to decline in the first quarter of 2021, following a trend first established in fourth quarter of 2019. The March report confirms that there were 8,060 individuals accessing emergency accommodation, a decrease of 1,847 individuals, or 18.6%, on the 9,907 total recorded one year previously. This is the lowest number of homeless individuals recorded since June 2017. These Reports confirmed a decrease in the number of single individuals accessing emergency accommodation in March.
These reports also show that at the end of March, a total of 539 individuals were being housed under the Housing First programme. I look forward to the targets outlined in the National Implementation Plan for the programme being achieved by the end of this year. I wrote to each local authority on 26 February to recognise the progress made on Housing First to date, to stress the importance of the national targets being met, and to confirm that the expansion of the programme from 2022 for the years ahead will be announced later this year.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to reducing and preventing homelessness and provides detail on how the Government is approaching this work as a priority. Homelessness is complex and causal factors and family circumstances vary considerably as do the responses needed. Homelessness is also inter-related with the other areas of the housing system and with broader social and healthcare policy and service delivery. Therefore, a whole of Government approach is required in dealing with this challenge.
The Programme for Government recognises that many households experiencing homelessness have additional support needs and includes specific measures to address these needs. These include measures to help rough sleepers into sustainable accommodation, the continued expansion of Housing First, with a focus on the construction and acquisition of one-bed homes, and, importantly, ensuring that there is dedicated funding and resources to deliver the necessary health and mental health supports required to assist homeless people with complex needs.
Increasing the supply of housing, particularly new build social and affordable homes, is a priority for me and for this Government. The Programme for Government commits to increasing the social housing stock by more than 50,000, with an emphasis on new builds. In Budget 2021, we backed this objective with funding of €3.3 billion for the delivery of housing.
94. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department is taking to support and encourage outdoor dining in summer 2021; the engagement he has had with the local authorities on the matter; if section 254 licence fees will be charged for outdoor furniture use by local commercial rate payers this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22616/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith a view to supplementing the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Scheme which was recently announced by my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media , and further to the expected easing of Covid-19 restrictions over the coming months, I presented a package of amending planning regulations to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 27 April last to assist in facilitating outdoor dining as well as increased vibrancy and commercial activity in urban areas, particularly in relation to the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
The package of regulations includes the waiving of the street furniture licence fees in respect of tables and chairs used for serving food outside hotels, restaurants, pubs and other establishments in the current year; enabling restaurants to operate as takeaways for the remainder of 2021 without having to apply for change of use planning permission; and revised planning arrangements in relation to the erection of awnings, canopies and other structures at such establishments to support outdoor dining with no fee being applied for the erection of such structures when ancillary to a street furniture licence for tables and chairs.
Further to the discussions at the Joint Oireachtas Committee and having regard to the requirements of section 262(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requiring a positive resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas before such regulations can be signed into law by me as Minister, the regulations received the necessary positive resolutions in the Dail and Seanad on 28 and 30 April respectively. This enabled me to sign the package of regulations on the latter date. Detailed information on the content of the new regulations and advice on their practical implementation was communicated by my Department to planning authorities by way of Planning Circular Letter PL 06-2021 which issued on 30 April last.
95. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the operation of the defective blocks scheme to date; the amount drawn down by Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23004/21]
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.
Budget 2021 provides funding of €20 million to fund the operation of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme for the counties of Donegal and Mayo. At this stage 378 stage one applications (308 in Donegal and 70 in Mayo) have been submitted and nearly 60% have been approved. Mayo County Council have drawn down €448,593 since the scheme opened in June 2020.
96. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of plans to introduce maternity leave for councillors; the meetings that have been held to date to progress this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22614/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCouncillors, like members of the Oireachtas, are office holders rather than employees. As such, they are not covered by the statutory framework for employees on issues such as maternity leave, sick leave and annual leave.
As matters stand, it is under the provisions of Section 18 of the Local Government Act 2001, relating to absences from the role, that councillors may be absent for maternity purposes. Under Section 18, a councillor shall be deemed to have automatically resigned from membership of a local authority if he or she is absent from meetings for a continuous period of 6 consecutive months. Where the absence is due to illness or “in good faith for another reason”, then the period of absence may be extended first to 12 months and then to up to 18 months by resolution of the Council.
A councillor who is absent for 6 months will continue to receive the full amount of his or her Representational Payment, currently worth €17,706 per annum. Thereafter this payment is reduced by 50% for absences of 6 to 12 months duration. A councillor who is absent for more than 12 months will not receive any further payments regardless of the reason for the absence.
With effect from January 2017, the Social Welfare Acts were amended so that councillors gained access to the same benefits as self-employed contributors. Accordingly, councillors are now reckonable for the purposes of accessing Class S benefits, including Maternity Benefit.
Following the publication of Ms Sara Moorhead S.C.’s Review of the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected Members, I approved the establishment of a working group of key local government stakeholders, including councillor representative organisations. The working group was tasked with drawing up an Action Plan for examination and implementation of the non-pay related recommendations in the Moorhead Report. Included in its terms of reference is consideration of the issue of maternity and parental leave options. Addressing these non-pay issues, together with the pay reforms proposed, will facilitate the retention of existing councillors, while also maximising the accessibility of local government to future candidates. The working group first convened in February and has met four times to date. It will shortly finalise its Action Plan.
However, as I believe that the issue of maternity leave warrants urgent attention and includes wider matters and supports other than maternity leave, I asked the local government stakeholder working group to establish a subgroup specifically to examine all maternity-related matters for councillors. This group, which is a representative and cross political party group of women councillors, has met twice to date. The considered discussions within the group have helped my officials and I to more fully understand the maternity-related needs of women councillors. This ongoing engagement will inform policy approaches in relation to supports available to councillors taking maternity leave, but also to identify the complex legal issues involved in and possible legislative options necessary to provide for maternity leave for councillors.
I recognise that this issue is a percevied obstacle to the participation of women in local government. I am however determined to address the matter in a progressive manner, including through legislative change, if necessary, to ensure that local authority elected members are fully representative of the constituents they serve but also that the role of the councillor is accessible, manageable and sustainable for all.
98. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will put a fair and equitable tenant purchase scheme in place to cater for persons who want to buy out their houses especially the elderly who have been renting for 30 years or more and those in rural cottages built in family owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23012/21]
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.
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 finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.
99. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Quality Standard Framework is being applied to all homeless services; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22883/21]
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 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.
All emergency accommodation, whether provided by local authorities, NGOs, voluntary bodies or privately are required to comply with standards and these standards are monitored. The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services is in place nationally for local authority and NGO delivered services. The Framework was developed to ensure a consistent approach in how local authorities and service providers respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and to improve the quality of services provided.
Local authorities also carry out inspections on facilities that are not covered under the Framework. This regime operates in parallel with, and is based on, the NQSF arrangements. The Standards and Facilities Teams in the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) oversee all emergency accommodation in the region and seek to ensure that all relevant guidelines, policies and procedures are complied with in order to deliver a safe and comfortable place to stay for service users. The DRHE has an inspection regime in place to deal with complaints and to ensure accommodation is appropriate and safe. This includes engaging with homeless families and individuals on issues arising in their accommodation. The DRHE has confirmed to my Department that it has a thorough complaints procedure in place, and that each complaint is fully investigated and addressed in a timely manner.
Separate to the service standards expected of providers via service level agreements, all homeless service providers must meet the requirements of statutory codes, in particular the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Fire Services Acts.
My Department has been advised that Dublin City Council and the DRHE have commissioned a comprehensive review of all properties/facilities being managed by both NGOs and by private operators. They have confirmed that this report, when complete, is to be published. They have advised my Department that they have also initiated a procurement process for the engagement of an external body or company to take on the permanent role of inspecting and reporting back on all properties being funded by the DRHE, with such reports to be published on the DRHE website.
100. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address the issue of vacant council houses in Limerick city and county to ensure that these properties can be quickly refurbished and made available as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22865/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authority's to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
In relation to Limerick City and County Council, the local authority has received over €6.5 million of funding from 2014 to 2020, supporting the return of 393 properties to use.
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work remediating vacant social housing properties in 2021. In preparation for this year’s programme correspondence issued to all local authorities requesting data on the total number of vacant units within their social housing stock as at January 2021. This process will help inform funding requirements and allocations for this year’s programme. A further communication in respect of the 2021 voids programme will issue to all local authorities shortly.
It is important to note that my Department and local authorities are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance to a planned maintenance approach. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response. My Department will support these work programmes by ensuring that the funding available under the various stock improvement programmes are aligned with this approach.
101. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for an affordable housing scheme outside of Dublin and for cost-rental accommodation in counties Laois and Offaly. [22867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government "Our Shared Future".
I am currently progressing two affordable purchase schemes. The fisrt of these entails the delivery of affordable homes by local authorities. To support this, under the Serviced Sites Fund, €310 million has been allocated to provide infrastructure to support the delivery of more affordable homes on local authority lands. With a maximum of €50,000 funding available per home, at least 6,200 more affordable homes, to buy or rent, can be facilitated. To date, Serviced Sites Funding of €198 million has been approved in principle in support of 39 projects in 14 local authority areas, which will assist in the delivery of over 4,200 affordable homes. All Serviced Sites Fund proposals are assessed on the basis of economic analyses submitted by local authorities, which are required to verify local affordability challenges, project viability, and the ability to deliver affordable homes with at least a 10% discount on open market values.
Whilst an application for Serviced Sites funding has not been made by Laois or Offaly County Councils to date, it is open to Councils to do so should they identify an affordable housing challenge and the viability to deliver homes against the above-mentioned criteria.
Separately, a new National Affordable Purchases Shared Equity scheme is currently being designed for private developments. My intention is that this measure will be available nationally. It will help bridge the gap, by means of an equity stake purchased by the State, between the maximum mortgage available to eligible households and the price of the new home they wish to buy. The objective of the scheme will be to increase housing supply by activating viable planning permissions and to enable First Time Buyers to buy a new home at a price they can afford.
In relation to Cost Rental, a range of work is ongoing to deliver this new form of housing. My Department is utilising the expertise of Local Authorities, the Land Development Agency (LDA), and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver projects in a variety of ways, in order to prove the concept of this new sector. This is in conjunction with the policy development for the sector that is set out in the forthcoming Affordable Housing Bill.
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. It is important that the State targets its affordability measures towards the parts of the country that are experiencing the most extreme affordability challenges.
One of the main sources of State funding for Cost Rental homes is the new Cost Rental Equity Loan scheme, which was allocated €35m in funding in Budget 2021. It gives AHBs access to Government loans on favourable terms to cover up to 30% of the cost of new Cost Rental homes. Following the detailed assessment of submitted proposals, approval was granted for the funding this year of 390 new Cost Rental homes, located in Dublin, Kildare, and Cork. Cost-covering rents for these homes will be at least 25% below comparable open market prices. Further details of these homes, including precise locations, will be published when the successful AHBs have completed necessary commercial arrangements. I intend seeking an expansion to this scheme through the review of the National Development Plan and the Budgetary process, in order to give AHBs certainty of funding on a multi-annual basis and allow them to plan developments into the longer term.
The detailed provisions to operationalise each of the schemes referred to above will be contained within a new housing Bill which I intended to bring to the Oireachtas in the very near future to allow their commencement this year.
Both the Help to Buy and the Rebuilding Ireland Homeloan remain available to eligible purchasers to make the cost of housing more affordable.
102. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider expanding the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme to include the cost of refurbishing existing houses and bringing them back into use for first time homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22875/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is designed to enable suitable first time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range, or to self build; it does not include undertaking refurbishment of existing houses.
There are no plans currently to include refurbishment of existing houses as part of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans Scheme.
103. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure that all 566 outstanding developer-provided water infrastructure projects in residential developments across the State are brought in charge; the estimated cost of funding these works to bring them up to taking in charge standard; and the timeframe within which his Department will provide this funding. [22938/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 September 2020, I announced allocations under the new multi-annual capital investment programme for the progressive resolution of housing estates with “developer provided water services infrastructure”, to enable the taking in charge of these estates. The announcement followed an independent Expert Panel review of all valid bids. The Panel’s recommendations are based on criteria set out in the Framework document issued to local authorities when requesting bid proposals. This, the first funding cycle of a new multi-annual programme, runs to the end of 2021.
The focus of the first multi-annual programme is on estates in towns and villages where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks. The programme will also support a number of pilot projects where connection is not feasible in the immediate future. These pilot projects, together with a major study to be undertaken by Irish Water, will inform future policy on the issues referred to in the question including the estimated cost of resolving sub-standard developer provided infrastructure with sustainable solutions.
All local authorities that submitted bids were informed about the outcome of their bids in a circular which included a copy of the Expert Panel report on the bids process. The report provides the commentary of the Panel on their evaluation in the case of unsuccessful bids and guidance for the local authority in making future bids in upcoming programmes.
The circular is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/circular-ldpi01-2020-approval-projects-residential-estates-under-developer
105. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will reconsider the proposal to have bed and breakfast businesses valuated for paying commercial rates. [1712/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of liability of particular properties for rates is a matter for the Commissioner of Valuation, who is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Acts 2001-2020. The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.
Under the Valuation Acts 2001 - 2020 a property is rateable unless it is expressly exempted. Schedule 4 lists the categories of property which are exempt from rates. There are no provisions or definitions in the Valuation Acts that specifically cover or address the term “bed and breakfast”. However, the Acts do contain several provisions relating to such properties which must be read as a whole. Regard must also be had to determinations of the Valuation Tribunal and the Courts in interpreting the legislation.
Therefore, the question as to whether a particular property offering accommodation is or is not rateable, or the extent to which it may be rateable, is a matter of law to be established by reference to the facts of each case.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts, 2001-2020, including a decision as to whether a property is or is not rateable. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. Finally, there is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
106. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the expert group on Traveller accommodation and in particular its proposals regarding changes to the Part 8 planning and section 183 land transfer processes in local authorities. [22936/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Traveller Accommodation Expert Review Report has 32 recommendations which can be broken down into 4 categories which are aimed at:
1. addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;
2. removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;
3. increasing resources and delivery capacity; and
4. strengthening governance arrangements.
The recommendations have been categorised into separate streams reflecting recommendations that can be completed within my Department, recommendations that require the assistance of other Government Departments and Agencies and recommendations that will require the commission of further independent research.
Prior to the establishment of a Programme Board to drive implementation of recommendations from the expert group Report, my Department has been progressing a number of recommendations and consulting with and reporting on progress to the National Traveller Accommoodation Consultative Committee. For example, a review has been concluded of the arrangements for the disbursement of funding for the provision and refurbishment of Traveller specific accommodation and a new process implemented for the 2020 allocation of funding.
The Programme Board has now agreed a work programme for 2021. Projects are being set up to examine in detail the issues which need to be considered in respect of the recommendations which have been made. The Expert Group Report recommendations in respect of the Part 8 planning consent process and local authority land disposal procedures are included in the agreed 2021 work programme.
107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 24 November 2020, the status of the work of the Galway social housing task force; the number of times the task force has met to date in 2021; the details of all reports by the task force since January 2020 which have been received by his Department; if copies of same will be provided; when the task force will complete its work; when the task force will publish a final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22891/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Galway Social Housing Task Force is continuing with its important work, including that of monitoring and accelerating the delivery of new social homes in the city and county. To date in 2021, the Task Force has met once and has three further meetings scheduled this year.
I met with the Chair recently to discuss the Task Force's continuing work and I will be staying in contact with their progress as I wish them to have a strong and productive role in advancing our housing agenda in Galway. It is the progress that is made against this agenda that will determine when the Task Force's work is complete.
I previously provided the Deputy with copies of reports provided by the Chair of the Task Force and will also arrange for a copy of the most recent report to me to be provided.
108. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the recent report by the European Committee of Social Rights published in April 2021 (details supplied); and the steps he plans to take to resolve the issues at the heart of the collective complaint. [22939/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Notwithstanding the legal obligation on local authorities to manage and maintain their own stock, my Department supports a number of local authority housing stock improvement programmes which have seen over €757m of exchequer funding invested in local authority housing stock improvement works since 2014. For example:
The Voids Programme funds local authorities to remediate vacant homes to ensure they meet minimum letting standards. Since 2014, 16,102 vacant local authority homes have been remediated and re-let at a cost of €229m
The Energy Efficiency Programme aims to upgrade homes. Since 2014, 60,357 homes have benefited from retrofitting works at a cost of €134m. Budget 2021 saw a significant uplift in Energy Efficiency funding and the Programme for Government commits to further funding being made available to local authorities going forward for planned maintenance works; insulation, windows and doors and heating systems
The Disabled Persons Grant Scheme funds necessary adaptations to local authority housing stock to accommodate the needs of the elderly and disabled and to relieve overcrowding. Since 2014, thousands of households have had their living conditions improved at a cost of €94m.
The Regeneration Scheme funds programmes of estate regeneration in a number of targeted areas around the country. These projects seek to address the causes of disadvantage in these communities through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration. Projects being funded under the Programme target the country’s most disadvantaged communities, including those defined by the most extreme social exclusion, unemployment and anti-social behaviour. Over €300m of exchequer funding has been provided to support this programme.
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in these area in 2021, however, it is important to note that my Department and local authorities are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach for housing stock management and maintenance to a planned maintenance approach. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys of circa 140,000 social homes in local authority ownership over a 4 to 5 year timespan. This is scheduled to commence in late 2021 as part of the piloting of the ICT system to support this work. The subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes will be determined as a result of these surveys. My Department will support these work programmes by ensuring that the funding available under various stock improvement programmes support this approach.
109. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legislative and policy-based measures which prevent the pumping of sewage into public waterways. [12892/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels for public water services, including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure, encompassing the management of urban waste water collection and treatment infrastructure.
All discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water require a waste water discharge licence or certificate of authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The authorisation process provides for the EPA to place stringent conditions on the operation of such discharges to ensure that potential effects on the receiving water bodies are strictly limited and controlled. This is in line with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive which sets out requirements for the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water with the objective of protecting the environment from the adverse effects of waste water discharges.
The EPA is the key statutory body for investigating complaints of pollution and for the enforcement, both directly and through oversight of Irish Water and local authorities, of environmental legislation in Ireland, including compliance in relation to licensed urban waste water discharges.
The EPA’s recent report on the performance of urban waste water treatment in 2019 shows that, while many challenges remain, Irish Water is continuing to make progress and is improving our waste water systems. Irish Water has reduced the number of priority waste water sites listed by the EPA and has increased the number of large towns and cities that now meet the required EU standards for waste water discharges.
In addition to its major investment programme, Irish Water has brought forward proposals for a Small Towns & Villages Growth Programme, as part of its Capital Investment Plan 2020-2024 submitted to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. The Small Towns & Villages Growth Programme is intended to provide water and wastewater growth capacity in smaller settlements which would not otherwise be provided for in its Investment Plan to 2024. My Department understands from Irish Water that an allocation of €97.5m for this programme was approved by the CRU. Irish Water is also prepared to support local authorities who wish to seek funding for un-sewered villages through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund of the National Development Plan.
In terms of overall national policy, the River Basin Management Plan 2018 - 2021 outlines what Ireland is doing to protect and improve our waters. This is supported, amongst other measures, by a new water quality resource in the Local Authority Waters Programme; by the Irish Water’s Strategic Funding Plan 2019-2024; and by new capital investment for rural water services.
In this regard, the Programme for Government commits to a new revised and strengthened River Basin Management Plan in 2022, to protect Ireland’s water quality and ensure that we have a well-protected environment and vibrant communities.
The investment needs across our entire water system are considerable and will take a number of investment cycles to fully resolve and will require significant and sustained investment. Under the Programme for Government, the Government has committed to continuing the €8.5 billion funding package agreed in Project Ireland 2040, which will be invested in public water services to ensure the continued operation, repair and upgrading of Ireland’s water and waste water infrastructure to support social and economic development across the State and ensure compliance with EU Directives.
110. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if fire belts will be put in place to divide up the 27,000 acres in Killarney National Park following the recent fires. [23059/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fires in Killarney National Park at the weekend before last were a tragedy.
The staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department, the Air Corps, The Civil Defence Fire Service, Kerry Water Rescue, both Executive and Celtic Helicopter companies and volunteers put their lives on the line to quench these flames, and while there were no casualties this time, the consequences for these teams could have been fatal.
Significant and immediate cross-Departmental, cross-agency and intense public private cooperative operations were implemented at the weekend. Public Services, private companies and volunteers rallied together and worked non-stop to halt the spread of the flames, both physically on-site and in an administrative capacity.
Preliminary mapping by NPWS staff has shown that that in excess of 2500 hectares, half the terrestrial area of the park, of priority habitat has been extensively damaged by this fire, as well as having severe localised impact on flora and fauna. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the NPWS will be following up with authorities including the Kerry Fire Services to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the blaze. One of the main challenges is to encourage members of the public, (including landowners, farmers and recreational users of publicly accessible land), to act responsibly at all times, to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, to be mindful of the need to protect property, both publicly owned and privately owned and to appreciate the value of our natural heritage, particularly in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and Designated (Natura 2000) Sites.
With regard to the question of firebreaks, as stated above, my Department is assessing the impacts of the fire and will be assessing the best means for wildfire control, over such a large area, in consultation with experts.
111. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department that have had access to files and or email restricted and or revoked as part of a disciplinary process or preceding or following a disciplinary process from 1 January 2018 to date in 2021. [22783/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo staff of my Department have had access to files or email restricted or revoked as part of or preceding or following a disciplinary process during the period in question.
