Written Answers Nos. 194-203
194. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the role her Department played in Ireland's bid to host the 2024 America's Cup; when the bid was made and conceived; the number of meetings within her Department that were held in preparing the bid documentation; and the external groups that were contacted as part of the process. [51857/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been considering issues relating to a bid for the America's Cup since May 2021. Following a competitive tender process, my Department engaged EY to conduct a Cost Benefit Analysis on the project and this has been the main focus of my Department's work. In that context, meetings were held with external stakeholders including local authorities, the Port of Cork, and transport providers. This cost benefit analysis built on earlier engagement with the rights holders and analysis by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
My Department is now engaged in a further six month period of assessment to build on the initial Cost Benefit Analysis and assess the potential of hosting the 37th America's Cup. This work will need to be completed before I can make a recommendation to Government on whether Ireland should move forward in the host venue bid process and this has been conveyed to the organisers. In the meantime, my Department will consult other stakeholders as appropriate.
195. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital and current funding that has been allocated to sailing in Ireland for each of the past ten years; the clubs or locations that received same; if there is a growth in the number of persons involved in the sport; and the numbers. [51985/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes the allocation of current funding across a variety of funding schemes. Sport Ireland channels its funding through the National Governing Bodies of Sport. In the case of sailing, funding is allocated to the Irish Sailing Association.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the funding allocated to the Irish Sailing Association in the past 10 years and for information on participation levels in the sport. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.
In relation to capital supports, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1st March 2021. By the closing date, over 3,100 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures were published earlier this year and all applications are being assessed accordingly. Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6m were announced on the 6th August.
The remaining applications for capital works are now being assessed. This work is ongoing with allocations for all successful applications expected to be announced in the coming months.
Details of all allocations, including those to sailing-related projects, made under the SCEP since 2000 are published at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/. Likewise details of all payments made under the SCEP since 2011 are available at www.gov.ie/en/collection/efc6c4-sports-capital-programmes-payments/ .
196. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider exempting community and volunteer sports clubs from paying rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51784/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Acts 2001-2020. The making of valuations for rating purposes and decisions in relation to exemptions is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020 provide that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Acts. However, Paragraphs 4, 4A and 4B of Schedule 4 provide for certain exemptions for property directly occupied for sporting purposes.
Land developed for sport, such as a playing pitch, has a long standing exemption from rateability. Paragraphs 4A and 4B of Schedule 4, added by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 provides for the exemption of property used exclusively for community sport and otherwise than for profit.
As a result of the changes made by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, it is normally property registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act 1904 and used for the sale and consumption of alcohol and property used to generate other commercial type income that is rateable. Income from membership fees and income from community organisations and participants in community sport using buildings does not result in a property occupied by a sports club and used for community sport purposes being deemed rateable.
I recognise the positive contribution made by sport’s clubs in their community and on the whole, much property occupied by sports clubs is exempt from commercial rates.
The Valuation Acts are very specific about the range of exemptions that can be applied by the Commissioner. Where a property occupier is unsure as to the position of their property being rateable or exempt, they should contact the Valuation Office by e-mail at valuationservices@valoff.ie.
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. 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. There is also a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
197. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to suspend the local connection criteria for accessing emergency accommodation as the cold weather period approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51747/21]
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 local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise.
In terms of preparations for the cold weather period, my Department is working with local authorities to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place. These arrangements involve the introduction of additional bed capacity to ensure that there is shelter available for individuals experiencing homelessness who may be at risk of rough sleeping. Depending on the particular local requirements, local authorities may also introduce additional measures such as extended opening hours of homeless facilities and extended outreach services.
The cold weather arrangements are typically introduced in November and additional funding is provided by my Department to meet the costs associated with these measures. Since my appointment, I have been working closely with the local authorities, including the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), on a range of homeless issues including the arrangements for the winter period. I understand that the DRHE is currently preparing its cold weather response which will be activated shortly. From my engagement with local authorities, it is my understanding that they can and do exercise discretion in ensuring that the most vulnerable on our streets do not end up sleeping without shelter due to a lack of a local connection to the area, particularly during cold weather periods.
198. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the unintended consequences of the EWSS and the impact it has on those seeking mortgages (details supplied). [51763/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) scheme remains open for business. Local authorities are receiving and processing RIHL applications and are incorporating increased flexibility to accommodate applicants during the COVID 19 Pandemic.
As is the case with any lender, local authorities must lend mortgages on a prudent basis, taking into account the most recent income and employment data available. It would not be appropriate to lend when there is an identifiable risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to the level required to support the borrowing requested. This is both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, in particular to seek to ensure that borrowers are not left with unsustainable debt burdens, given that a mortgage is a long-term commitment.
Where such persons are approved for an RIHL loan, draw down would not commence until their unsupported income post PUP/EWSS has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months. This is line with the requirement to lend prudently.
This is not a blanket ban and local authorities can use their judgement and knowledge of local employers to advance loans to applicants before the end of this three-month period, where appropriate. This discretion was set out in Circulars 19 and 29 of 2020 and 9 of 2021.
There are further exceptions to this approach. In the case of a joint application where only one party is on PUP/EWSS, the application can also proceed to drawdown if repayment capacity can be assured based on the other person’s income. For applicants whose post PUP/EWSS income is lower (e.g. due to reduced hours) than stated on their application, their application can be re-assessed to determine the most appropriate borrowing amount for them.
In addition, persons currently on the PUP/EWSS can continue to apply for a RIHL mortgage based on their pre-PUP/EWSS Income. This will provide clarity to applicants regarding their eligibility for the loan amount and will enable them to commence the property search.
199. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of single persons on Mayo County Council social housing list; the average waiting time for a single person to access long-term housing excluding emergency accommodation through Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51837/21]
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. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 61,880, a reduction of 32.4%.
Below is the link to the summary report for 2020 which includes breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories.
SSHA 2020 Report
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 specific question posed regarding the number of single persons on Mayo County Council social housing list, tables 2.4 and A1.4 of the report provide details on household size.
With respect to the average wait time for a single person to access long-term housing through Mayo County Council, information of this exact type is not held by my Department. However, details on the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists), for each local authority can be found at tables 2.8 and A1.8 of the report.
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.
200. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any flexibility in relation to income limits for being accepted onto Mayo County Council social housing list in circumstances in which two older adults (details supplied) and their son are €60 approximately above the current limits but are being evicted from their privately rented accommodation in January 2022 and will struggle to find other accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51838/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are matters solely for the local authority concerned. As Minister, I am precluded by housing legislation from intervening in relation to the procedures followed, or decisions made, by local authorities in the provision of social housing support in individual cases.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10% and separately a 2.5% allowance for each child.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced in 2011 also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. As set out in "Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland", the efficiency of the banding model and its application to local authorities will be considered. Equivalisation as between singles and families will also be considered. The review will also have regard to new initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and Cost Rental housing. I intend that the review will be completed this year.
201. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspections carried out by local authorities in priority areas for action under the 2nd Cycle River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 under the Local Authorities Water Programme; the number of non-compliance incidents registered; the number of enforcements and penalties issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51851/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Environmental Enforcement, exercises general supervision in relation to the performance of these functions by local authorities.
Local authorities develop annual enforcement plans to allocate resources where they are needed most. Their activities are planned based on the risk posed to the environment and what is deemed a priority. Information on the number of inspections carried out, non-compliances identified, enforcement activities and prosecutions by local authorities is outlined in the latest activity report on Local Authority Environmental Enforcement available on the EPA’s website:www.epa.ie/publications/compliance--enforcement/public-authorities/focus-on-local-authority-environmental-enforcement---activity-report-2019.php .
The River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 sets out the actions that Ireland will take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2027 and meet the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive.
This Plan identified 190 Priority Areas for Action (PAA) around which the Local Authority Waters Programme’s (LAWPRO) work is concentrated. These catchment areas have been prioritised for focussed scientific assessment to understand the issues affecting water quality. Working with local communities, landowners, business owners and public bodies, LAWPRO then seeks to develop relevant and workable solutions to identified issues.
This work involves a multidisciplinary and cross-agency approach, working with stakeholders such as the EPA and the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). The ASSAP provides 30 sustainability advisors who work collaboratively with farmers in these PAAs. Funded by my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the dairy industry, the progromme provides farmers with free advice and support that will enable them to contribute to the protection and enhancement of water quality. A voluntary and collaborative service, ASSAP aims to improve the water quality of these catchments by working together without the need for penalties or restrictions.
The first Step of LAWPRO’s work in a PAA, is to improve the scientific understanding by gathering and collating all relevant and available data into a Desktop Study Report. This ensures there is a focus on the issues that are significantly affecting water quality and the mitigation actions that need to be prioritised.
Another important aspect of LAWPRO’s work in the PAA’s is informing and working with local communities. Following their desktop studies and prior to commencing their fieldwork assessments, LAWPRO organises a community information meeting to discuss the water body with local people and interest groups. Local meetings are followed by farmer engagement events organised by advisors from ASSAP, with the support of LAWPRO staff.
Environmental scientists then walk the catchment and take samples throughout to determine the water quality. Using this data, local knowledge and data previously collected, they will identify the pressures within the catchment that threaten the catchments water quality.
Once the fieldwork is concluded and analysed, LAWPRO discuss the outcome of the assessment with the relevant implementing bodies or landowners, agreeing timelines for implementation of measures to improve water quality. The advisors from the ASSAP will discuss any agricultural measures with the farmers. With the assistance of the farmer, the ASSAP advisor will seek to identify the main source of pollution to the catchment and agree the draft actions to be acted upon. In many cases, these can be simple adjustments to management practices such as the better use of fertilisers to minimise their runoff into waterways.
I understand that while work in the PAA’s is being undertaken by ASSAP, local authorities have agreed not to carry out routine water inspections on farms within these catchments. However, other routine inspections such as discharge licenses, private drinking water supplies and septic tanks, along with non-routine inspections including pollution incidents and complaints, are still being investigated in these areas. This decision will be continually reviewed as part of the local authorities’ ongoing development of annual enforcement plans.
Further information in relation to the PAA’s is available on LAWPRO’s website at www.lawaters.ie/priority-areas-for-action/, with additional information on water quality and the status of waters available on www.catchments.ie .
As key commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is currently preparing a new strengthened River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, to cover the period 2022 – 2027. Further advancing Ireland’s commitment to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the new plan will build on the work of the second-cycle, again describing the main pressures and activities affecting water status and setting out the environmental objectives to be achieved up to 2027. The plan will also identify the measures needed to achieve these objectives, including proposed changes to the approach taken to Areas for Action.
A draft copy of this plan was recently published for public consultation, details of which are available on the department’s website at www.gov.ie/draftRBMP .
202. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspections carried out by local authorities under the 4th Nitrates Action Programme in 2018, 2019 and 2020; the number of non-compliance incidents registered; the number of enforcements and penalties issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51852/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authority functions, including enforcement activities, are set out under Part 6 of the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017. Under these regulations, local authorities are required to undertake inspections to determine on-farm compliance with the provisions of the regulations on farms within their jurisdiction. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility within the regulations for oversight of local authority enforcement functions and for reporting on implementation and compliance with the requirements of the regulations. This is managed through the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement and through the collaborative Network for Ireland’s Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (NIECE network). This is in addition to the general oversight of local authority environmental functions assigned to the EPA by section 63 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.
Information on the number of inspections carried out, non-compliances identified, enforcement activities and prosecutions by local authorities under the Nitrates Action Programme is collated by individual local authorities and reported to the EPA, who publish the consolidated enforcement data as part of their regular Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Activity Report.
A copy of the latest report is available on the EPA's website at the following: www.epa.ie/publications/compliance--enforcement/public-authorities/focus-on-local-authority-environmental-enforcement---activity-report-2019.php.
203. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the list of applications being considered by his Department relative to new roads infrastructure in County Kilkenny; the stage each application is at in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51860/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding for roads infrastructure is not a matter for my Department, but is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.
