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Tuesday, 2 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 394-414

Heritage Sites

Ceisteanna (394)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

394. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider taking in charge a historic site of significant heritage importance (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52911/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The number of national monuments in State care already take in some 1,000 sites at over 760 locations around the country. These entail considerable resource commitments in terms of both funding and personnel. Nevertheless, in the interests of preservation, conservation, management and presentation of built and archaeological heritage, my Department acquires certain additional heritage properties and monuments from time to time as resources and opportunities permit. These properties may come onto the open market, may be bequeathed to the State or may be offered to it free of cost. In all cases my Department examines the potential acquisition carefully, taking into account the conservation needs of the property and Value for Money principles.

There are currently no proposals before my Department in relation to the acquisition of the structure referred to by the Deputy. My Department is only ever in a position to make a very limited number of such acquisitions. Should this property come on the market, my Department will certainly examine the possibility of acquisition.

The property referred to by the Deputy is included in the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (KE047-048) and, as such, is protected under the National Monuments Acts. Notwithstanding the fact that the structure appears to have no registered owner, as a recorded monument, it may be eligible for grant funding under the Community Monuments Fund as a project proposed by the Local Authority in partnership with a local community or heritage group.

The Community Monuments Fund is there to support local authorities, private owners, custodians, and community groups in the care, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites, such as this one. The scheme is administered through the local authorities and it is expected that the 2022 scheme will be announced shortly.

Statutory Instruments

Ceisteanna (395)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

395. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when SI No. 79 of 2008 related to extending the bathing season in Dublin Bay for the purposes of enabling all year round water quality testing will be amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52943/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My officials are currently examining the most suitable options to provide for safe bathing water during the winter months, and improve the dissemination of information around bathing water quality, particularly in the Dublin bay area. Both Minister Noonan and I have met with a number local interest groups for the Dublin Bay area, including the Dublin Bay SOS Group, and I am committed to developing a solution that will allow flexibility around the bathing season and the protection of those people who swim throughout the year.

Ongoing work by the Dublin Bay Task Group, chaired by Dublin City Council is aimed at improving bathing water quality all year round. The work of this group, and the welcome commitment from Irish Water to operate its ultraviolet filter at Ringsend for a period outside of the bathing season are already providing improved protection for bathers, while also improving our knowledge of the quality of our bathing waters outside of the defined season.

My officials will examine options with the Bathing Water Expert Group at the next meeting of the group. The group will undertake a robust analysis of the positive and negative consequences of each of the options. In particular I know the group will want to ensure existing summertime bathing water designations are not jeopardised in the short term as a consequence of weather-effected winter sampling results while also providing protection to those bathing in Dublin Bay all the way through the year. The next meeting of the Bathing Water Expert Group is expected to take place in early December, after which I will give consideration to the most appropriate option for amending the regulations.

Building Regulations

Ceisteanna (396)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

396. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review part M of building regulations (details supplied) which states that buildings must only be suitable for visitation for wheelchair users to ensure that the 9,500 homes built per annum over the next five years pursuant to the Housing for All plan will be substantively accessible and suitable for occupation by disabled persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52954/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Housing needs of people with disabilities are addressed in the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2016-2021. A new NHSPWD, is currently being developed by my Department and the Department of Health, with a view to publishing by the end of 2021. The strategy is about facilitating the provision of housing options and related services to disabled people to allow individual choice and support independent living.

In accordance with the vision and strategic aims of the current NHSPWD to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach to meeting the housing needs of people with a disability at local level, Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) have been established in all local authority areas. These are chaired by the Directors of Housing with membership including the Health Service Executive (HSE) and disability representatives.

Each HDSG has prepared a local Strategic Plan for its own City/County area, to develop specific local strategies to meet the identified and emerging housing needs of people with disabilities in their areas with a view to developing annual targets for the delivery of housing to people with a disability on their housing waiting lists.

The Building Regulations apply to the design and construction of all new buildings (including dwellings) and to certain works to existing buildings. They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.

The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access. Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment.

The ‘Programme for Government Our Shared Future’ commits to ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of housing design types provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities.

In addition, the joint policy statement Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, launched by my Department and the Department of Health in 2019, includes an Action on universal design to “In partnership with industry, introduce measures to ensure that over a five year period delivery is increased to ensure that 30% of all new dwellings are built to incorporate universal design principles to accommodate our ageing population.” Appropriate measures to deliver on this commitment are currently being formulated by the National Disability Authority, who are an independent statutory body that provides information and advice to the Government on policy and practice relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities.

Finally, in December 2020, my Department established a Working Group to examine the provision for a changing places toilet in certain buildings. A changing places toilet offers larger supported facilities that address the needs of people for whom current accessible sanitary accommodation is inadequate. These facilities enable people with complex care needs to take part in everyday activities such as travel, shopping, family days out or attending a sporting event.

The plenary Working Group has met six times to date, in addition to a number of sub-group meetings. Draft documentation, which includes Draft Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2021, Draft Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use 2021 and a Regulatory Impact Analysis, is currently being prepared to support a public consultation in the matter later this year.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (397)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

397. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if licensed premises are currently included in the exemption to convert to residential use without the need to attain planning permission as per the bringing back homes scheme; if not, if he has plans to include licensed premises in any future revisions of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52985/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018 - S.I. No. 30 of 2018 - which came into operation on 8 February 2018, provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises, including vacant areas above ground floor premises, to residential use. This measure was aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply.

The Government's recently published New Housing Plan for Ireland - Housing for All commits to reviewing and extending the 2018 regulations that exempt certain vacant commercial premises from the requirement to obtain planning permission for change of use to residential purposes to the end of 2025. This review is presently underway in my Department and will be completed by the end of the year. This review is looking at a number of potential amendments, including the possibility of providing for an exemption for the conversion of vacant pubs to residential use, which could be incorporated in any revisions to the current regulations.

While the idea of exempting the conversion of pubs to residential use may on initial consideration seem positive, there are practical considerations that also need to be taken into account in this regard including the size, location and zoning of pubs and what exemption size thresholds might be applied in this regard. My Department is presently undertaking a detailed review of this proposal with a view to feeding into the final draft regulations.

It should be noted, however, that under section 262(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, legislative proposals in relation to exempted development require the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas before they can be signed into law. It is intended to submit the final draft regulations in this regard to the Oireachtas for approval shortly.

Defective Building Materials

Ceisteanna (398)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

398. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homeowners in County Clare represented at a meeting (details supplied). [53029/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I was not in attendance at the meeting referenced.

Defective Building Materials

Ceisteanna (399)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

399. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the fact that the extension of the defective blocks scheme is consistently and equivocally referred to as the MICA redress scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety that this is causing homeowners in County Clare in which pyrite is the issue not MICA; if he will make a commitment to any extension of the scheme to cover homeowners affected by all defective blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53030/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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. My Department may refer to it as the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. Any extension of the Scheme to additional local authority areas will ensure that homes, which can demonstrate damage in accordance with the IS:465 protocol and the scheme regulations and guidance, would be eligible to apply for grant assistance to help with the cost of necessary remediation works.

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (400)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

400. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing acquisitions agreed for each local authority for each year from 2021 to 2025 as part of their overall social housing targets in tabular form. [53154/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The recently published Housing for All strategy is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. The annual targets include the delivery 88,400 new social homes and 53,800 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.

Individual targets for the delivery of social housing in the period 2022-2026 were issued to each local authority in September 2021, with the main focus on the delivery of new build homes. There will be a limited number of social homes delivered through targetted acquisitons during the period 2021-2025. There are no targets for acquisitions at a local authority level. Details of the number of acquisitions in each local authority will be published as part of my Department's quarterly reporting on social housing delivery.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (401)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

401. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the fund available in 2022 for the farm plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53193/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am pleased that, as part of the overall allocation of just under €6bn for the Department, heritage funding for 2022 will amount to €133.5m (a 36% increase on the previous year) across capital and current, contributing to the conservation of Ireland’s heritage for present and future generations.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which has responsibility for biodiversity, is the single largest component of that allocation, at over €47m. This represents a total increase of 64% since I became Minister – bringing funding for biodiversity and nature back up to a level not seen since before the financial crisis.

Discussions on the distribution of this allocation across NPWS work areas, schemes and programmes, including farm plans, are ongoing, having regard to a range of priorities, workforce planning and existing commitments.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (402)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

402. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider providing funding for a site manager for the Ballymun area to examine the large amount of council owned land zoned for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53209/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While the appointment of project managers for Social Housing projects is a matter for the Local Authority, funding is available for such costs from my Department. Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised my Department that they recognise the benefit of a programme management approach to enabling delivery of their ambitious housing delivery target under Housing for All. To this end they are in the process of appointing a project manager to lead, drive and co-ordinate the delivery of bundled housing projects.

DCC has also informed my Department that they have recently appointed a project manager to lead the planning and delivery of both the Church of the Annunciation and Kildonan developments. They have also advised that they will be making an application for Affordable Housing Fund funding which will include a project manager and that further consideration of appointments of project managers is underway.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (403)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

403. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing sites in Ballymun and Finglas that are actively been considered for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53210/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department provides both capital and current funding to local authorities across a range of funding initiatives to assist them in providing homes for families and individuals on their social housing waiting lists and to support affordable purchase and cost rental tenures.

To provide transparency for new social housing projects being advanced, each quarter my Department publishes a Social Housing Construction Status Report and updated Social Housing Delivery statistics for all years from 1999. The report for Quarter 2, 2021 is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/. These quarterly reports provide details of the social housing construction schemes completed and those in the pipeline for all local authorities including Dublin City Council (DCC). While the identification of sites in Ballymun and Finglas is a matter for the local authority, new applications for funding consideration will be welcomed by my Department.

DCC have informed my Department that their Housing Development section is working with all relevant stakeholders, including the local elected members and local community, to progress the delivery of a mixed typology of housing in the Ballymun and Finglas areas to meet current and future housing needs.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (404)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

404. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of existing contracts of an indefinite period entered into by his Department prior to the enactment of the EU Procurement Directive. [53233/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016, gave effect to Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement. My Department can find no evidence of contracts of an indefinite period entered into prior to the enactment of the EU Procurement Directive.

Traveller Accommodation

Ceisteanna (405, 408)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

405. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the State funding for the acquisition of housing for Traveller families to prevent families entering homelessness and to provide accommodation for families that cannot be provided for from standard social housing stock; when this funding was first introduced; and the amount of this funding that has been drawn down to date by local authority in tabular form. [53251/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mick Barry

Ceist:

408. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funds made available and drawn down for each local authority for the acquisition of housing for Traveller families as referred to in the draft combined fifth and sixth state report of Ireland to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on page 63 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53299/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 408 together.

My Department provides funding, on a case by case basis, for the acquisition of housing for Traveller families where suitable accommodation cannot be provided from the existing or newly constructed social housing stock. The amount of funding drawn down for this purpose and the local authority it was drawn down by, is presented below in tabular form below. This funding has been available to local authorities since Q4 2019.

Local Authority

Funds recouped for property acquisitions to accommodate Traveller families Q4 2019 - present

Fingal County Council

€404,117

Galway City Council

€687,774

Kildare County Council

€212,200

Laois County Council

€313,752

Leitrim County Council

€214,200

Limerick City and County Council

€462,663

Longford County Council

€278,460

Louth County Council

€253,324

Mayo County Council

€395,143

Meath County Council

€741,551

Offaly County Council

€338,298

Sligo County Council

€135,695

Total

€4,437,177

In addition, €822,460 in funding has been provided through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for Cena, a Traveller specific focussed, Approved Housing Body (AHB), from January 2021 to date.

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (406)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

406. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the fresh start principle as outlined in Housing for All will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53253/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Housing for All is the most ambitious housing plan in the history of our State, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment of over €4bn per annum. As detailed in Housing for All under ‘Pathway to Supporting Home Ownership and Increasing Affordability’, affordable purchase and the home loan scheme will be primarily targeted at first time buyers. However, the plan also confirms that it is intended that a ‘Fresh Start’ principle will apply for applications to these schemes. Depending on the particular scheme, this could mean that people who have been involved in a relationship breakdown or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, will be eligible to apply.

Housing for All commits to delivering an average of 4,000 affordable purchase homes per annum. Regarding the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, I have already commenced Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 regarding Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements. Section 10 of that Act details criteria for the assessment of applicant eligibility by a housing authority and provides eligibility in cases where a marriage, civil partnership or relationship has ended. It is intended the Regulations governing the operation of these provisions will be put in place in the near future. It is intended that upon deployment of the measure the Fresh Start principle would also apply to the new First Home Shared Equity Scheme.

With regard to Cost Rental affordable homes, the first set of Regulations under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 came into effect on 19 August, and these govern the process by which the owners of dwellings may obtain the designation of their properties as Cost Rental dwellings. With the relevant elements of the Act relating to the local authority affordable purchase scheme (Part 2) and Cost Rental (Part 3) now commenced, it is my intention to make further Regulations governing eligibility and price ceilings that will be applicable to these schemes by November 2021. These regulations will also reflect the ‘Fresh Start’ principle.

Finally, the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, the 'Local Authority Home Loan', which will be in place later in 2021, will also apply this 'Fresh start' principle. The ‘Fresh Start’ definition will come into effect with the other changes under the Local Authority Home Loan Scheme later this year, when the new Regulations and revised Credit Policy are in place.

Regional Assemblies

Ceisteanna (407)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

407. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the gender split to be applied when local authorities appoint councillors to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly; if he plans to legislate for gender quotas on the regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53256/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The legislation providing for the establishment, constitution, functions, membership, etc, of the Regional Assemblies is the Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Assemblies) (Establishment) Order 2014, S.I. No. 573/2014.

Article 5 of the Regulations sets down the number of members of each Assembly and arrangements for their appointment.

As per Article 5(2), "every member of a regional assembly shall be appointed by the constituent local authority of which such person is a member". Members are appointed at the annual meeting of the local authority held after every local election, or so soon thereafter as may be.

Question No. 408 answered with Question No. 405.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (409)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

409. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of passports that have been issued from 1 April 2021 to 15 October 2021, by the number of passports issued online, the number of passports issued in cases in which the applications were by post and the number of passports issued for the first-time to the applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52038/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Passport Service issued over 455,000 passports books and cards between 1 April and 15 October 2021.

During that period, almost 430,000 passport applications related to the Passport Online system, while over 25,000 were postal applications. Approximately 75% were renewals and 25% were first time applications.

Almost 45% of passports for simple online adult renewals issue within one business day, while more complex applications take longer.

The current Passport processing times, provided all required documentation is provided and in order, are:

10 working days for Simple Adult renewals,

15 working days for Complex renewals,

40 working days for First Time applications on Passport Online and

8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service.

In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (410)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

410. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason an application by a person (details supplied) was incorrectly cancelled; if he will immediately reinstate this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52092/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has been in direct contact with the applicant and is assisting them with submitting a new passport application.

The Passport Service regrets the inconvenience caused to the applicant and will ensure the new application is expedited as quickly as possible.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 418, 428, 437)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

411. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52098/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

412. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52099/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Collins

Ceist:

413. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52138/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Lawless

Ceist:

414. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52160/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Lawless

Ceist:

415. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52184/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Ring

Ceist:

416. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that this person and their father are stranded in another country until such time as the applicant receives their passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52185/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Collins

Ceist:

418. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite a passport in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52213/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

428. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application can be approved for a new-born baby (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52737/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Lawless

Ceist:

437. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52921/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 to 416, inclusive, 418, 428 and 437 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has already issued passports to the applicants.

Question No. 412 answered with Question No. 411.
Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 411.
Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 411.
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