Written Answers Nos. 327-352
327. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the slow process in relation to the insulation of local authority properties in an area (details supplied); the reason such little funding has been allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54220/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme was launched in 2021 in response to a commitment made under the Programme for Government to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard by 2030, of which approximately 36,500 of those homes are expected to be local authority homes. A target of 2,400 social homes for upgrade works has been set for 2021, 750 of which relate to the Midlands Retrofit Pilot.
This new Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme is not only geared to meet the Programme for Government commitment but also addresses fuel poverty and the need to improve thermal performance in the social housing stock. The Programme has received a substantial increase in annual funding support to assist local authorities in the management and maintenance of their stock. The Programme will see a significant increase and ramping up of retrofitting works over the next number of years, building on the good work already undertaken by local authorities’ to-date.
The Programme requires local authorities to move to a deeper level of retrofitting, eligible works under the programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation, windows and external doors, heat pumps and ancillary works.
The programme has experienced significant delays due to the effects of COVID-19, and other issues including in the supply chain, particularly concerning Heat Pumps, Windows, Doors and Insulation. However, local authorities have undertaken a lot of preparatory work on the Programme in 2021 bringing their targeted units to tender and commencement stage.
A Budget of €65m has been allocated to local authorities in 2021, with €20 million allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Pilot as part of the 'Just Transition' programme, and the balance of €45 million under the 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme and Dublin City Council has received an overall allocation of €9,458,613 for the retrofit of a minimum of 412 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard.
328. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Water Services Acts allow for the taking in charge of developer-provided wastewater treatment infrastructure but the memorandum of understanding between Irish Water and local authorities does not allow the taking in charge of such infrastructure; if the memorandum of understanding will be revised in line with the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Water Services Acts; if legislation will be amended to allow Irish Water to take over estates with standalone water services infrastructure such as wells, water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants and associated pumping station systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54235/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no legislative impediment to the taking in charge of residential estates reliant on developer provided infrastructure (DPI), for water services purposes, where it is appropriate to do so.
Circular Letter PL 5/2014 updated the arrangements in place to address matters related to the taking-in-charge of residential developments following the establishment of Irish Water. The Memorandum of Understanding between Irish Water and local authorities, as referenced in the question, is intended only to address the arrangements necessary for taking in charge of estates which are connected to the public water and waste water services networks run by Irish Water. It does not address housing developments which rely on DPI and which must necessarily be considered separately on a case by case basis.
In this regard a multi-annual Waste Services DPI Resolution Programme was introduced in 2019 to facilitate the progressive resolution in a sustainable manner of the DPI element of water services in relevant estates with a view to supporting the taking-in-charge of the estates upon resolution.
Allocations for the first funding cycle covering the years 2019-2021 inclusive were announced in September 2020. This first funding cycle focussed 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 currently being undertaken by Irish Water which I understand is scheduled to be completed in 2022, will inform future policy considerations on resolving sub-standard DPI 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 an independent 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:
www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/circular-ldpi01-2020-approval-projects-residential-estates-under-developer
Under the approvals circular, local authorities were asked to examine further estates that required funding for resolution. Arising from this process, valid bids for estates were received from a number of local authorities.
I am awaiting a report from the Expert Panel following an evaluation of these further estates and the pilot projects.
329. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps or avenues that are open to a person or community when they wish to appeal a decision or An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54250/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the appeals and referrals body for decisions made by planning authorities. In addition, the Board is the decision making authority for developments such as Strategic infrastructure or Strategic Housing Developments. There is no administrative appeal of decisions of the Board. Where a party wishes to challenge a decision of the Board, an application for leave to apply for judicial review may be made to the High Court in accordance with Section 50 and 50A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
It is a matter for the Courts to decide whether to grant leave for Judicial Review in planning cases in accordance with sections 50 and 50A of the Act.
330. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria for a local authority and or housing association in advance of purchasing a house on the private market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54251/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 targeted acquisitions during the period 2021-2025. The relevant criteria for acquisitions during 2022 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
331. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of council housing applications with Carlow County Council as of November 2021. [54253/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area is 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, including for County Carlow, across a range of categories.
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. As such, my Department does not have information on the number on the social housing list as of November 2021.
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
332. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the schedule plan and forecasts his Department has outlined regarding the regulatory and legislative developments still required to develop the offshore wind energy sector; if his Department’s projections indicate that all outstanding regulation issues will be addressed in time for Ireland’s 70% renewable energy target by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54266/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), formally established on 21 May 2021, is the long-term forward planning component of the new marine planning system, which establishes a coherent and integrated way in which to manage and plan for the sustainable development within our extensive Maritime Area, and includes eleven Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) marine planning policies to support Government's vision and objectives for ORE.
The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Bill, which is currently at Committee Stage in the Dáil, establishes a new development management system for the maritime area to replace the current regime, as operated under the Foreshore Act 1933, with a new fit-for purpose marine planning system.
The MAP Bill is the State’s leading response to the much needed reform of marine governance and a key enabler of Ireland’s decarbonisation goals and as such, Government is committed to prioritising the passage of a balanced and Aarhus-compliant MAP Bill through the Oireachtas. Development of the MAP Bill is being led by my Department, working closely with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and his officials, providing input on provisions specific to ORE.
The MAP Bill envisages a system that is designed to work for all types of development – from the smallest structures to the largest ORE proposal – and will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential and maximising the potential of our seas with protecting our rich and unique marine environment. The Bill will provide for a completely new governance regime for the entire Maritime Area underpinned by the NMPF. The main features of the new regime comprise:
- Forward planning through the National Marine Planning Framework, including comprehensive sub national planning,
- Development management through a sequenced consenting system that:
- replaces foreshore consents with streamlined Maritime Area Consents (MACs) – a single state consent to enable the occupation of the maritime area and act as a gateway to the planning system;
- extends the existing planning permission regime into the entire maritime area; and
- provides for licensing of certain activities.
- Robust enforcement provisions to ensure the lawful use of the maritime area.
- This new marine planning system will incorporate consenting for the occupation of the maritime area (Maritime Area Consents, or MACs) by a new agency, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), and a new planning consenting regime, to be implemented by coastal local authorities and An Bord Pleanála.
The enactment of the MAP Bill will provide a modern, up-to-date regulatory framework that will enable ORE developments beyond the limits of the current foreshore regime. It is intended that this important Bill be enacted in this Dáil term.
Ireland’s increased climate and energy ambition is reflected in the Government target to achieve 5GW of installed offshore wind generation by 2030. There is a further commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a longer-term plan to utilise the potential 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our Atlantic waters. The 5GW target will be primarily met through development of ORE in Ireland’s eastern and southern coastal regions. This reflects the suitability of water depths in these regions for deployment of conventional fixed bottom offshore wind turbines and existing electricity grid infrastructure to connect these projects to the onshore grid. Subsequent cost-effective deployment of renewables in deeper waters off the west coast, to take advantage of stronger and more consistent wind speeds, should be increasingly feasible through future advances in floating turbine technology.
Given that the new agency, the MARA, will take time to establish and become operational, a decision has been taken and is reflected under the draft legislation, to enable the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to invite and grant MAC applications from projects satisfying the definition of “relevant maritime usage” under the Transition Protocol. It is proposed that the Minister will be enabled to invite applications from those projects during a specified period in advance of the establishment of MARA. The timing for this is dependent on the legislative process. Once established, the MARA will assume responsibility for any MACs granted by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. These projects will be required to apply for all of the requisite consents under the Bill and will be subject to the full assessment procedures by An Bord Pleanála in the context of the planning permission application.
Work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) has also been initiated by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. This will provide an evidence base for the identification of areas most suitable for the sustainable development of wind, wave, and tidal technologies, and will include an assessment of other maritime activities and marine biodiversity. The OREDP, in tandem with a planned economic analysis, will set out the path-way for the development of offshore renewable energy beyond 2030.
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is currently developing terms and conditions for offshore wind-specific auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). Owing to the specific scale and nature of typical offshore wind farms, dedicated auctions are initially required to support the longer-term potential of this technology in Ireland. A public consultation on the draft terms and conditions for RESS 1 auctions is now underway. The closing date for submissions is 6 December.
333. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has a policy position on the construction of cargo container houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54268/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraModern methods of construction contain many benefits in terms of delivery and affordability, and are supported by my Department's Housing for All policy.
All new dwellings must comply with building regulations, the aim of which is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings, and in addition achieve a 60-year durability for all key elements. The Building Regulations set out the minimum requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings.
The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M).
Part D of the Building Regulations sets out the legal requirements for materials and workmanship. It requires that all works must be carried out
- using “proper materials” which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used, and
- in a workmanlike manner
to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
The process of Agrément certification applies to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms. National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and with the terms of the certificate. Such certificates may be in addition to, but not conflict with CE marking.
For new innovative products or systems, not covered by existing standards, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by 3rd party certification by an independent approval body, such as NSAI Agrément. My Department does not have an approval function and does not approve or endorse products for compliance with the building regulations or standards.
One of principal objectives of Housing for All is to support innovation and productivity in construction and modern methods of construction.
In this regard, actions include:
- the new Construction Technology Centre, led by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment will prioritise residential construction for its first three years of operation - supporting innovation, modern methods of construction, digital and manufacturing technology.
- Funding and supports for innovation and productivity-related projects in the domestic residential construction sector will be provided through enterprise agencies.
- Funding for research and innovation will be increased to a level commensurate with the scale of construction in the domestic economy by 2024
- Enhance holistic construction product assessment processes for the residential sector to facilitate certification of modern methods of construction and the introduction of sustainable construction products and oversight of onsite installation,including through expanding the successful National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément approach
- Promoting a greater culture of innovation and digital adoption.
My Department is engaging with these initiatives in the interests of improving efficiency, sustainability and value for money, while maintaining compliance with Building Regulations and other minimum quality standards.
334. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the publication of the report of the working group on the use of Peat Moss in Horticulture; if the findings of the report will be debated in Dáil Éireann and acted on without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54279/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy statutory remit and responsibility as Minister does not include regulation of the harvesting or supply of horticultural peat. However, to assist in addressing the important issues around horticultural peat for domestic purposes, I set up an Independent Working Group under the Chair of Dr. Munoo Prasad. The potential of alternatives to the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry was examined extensively by the group, together with a number of related issues.
I received the final report of the Chair of the Independent Working Group set up to Review the use of Peat Moss in Horticulture, on the 20th October 2021. The report is being considered and will be brought to Cabinet in due course. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Prasad, the members of the working group and all who contributed to the report.
335. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the grants available from his Department for group sewerage schemes; if he plans to increase the grants; the arrangements in place to enable new group sewerage schemes tie into the Irish Water sewerage network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54304/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme provides capital funding under a number of measures relevant to the Deputy's enquiry on Community Waste Water Connections (called Group Sewerage Schemes in previous multi-annual programmes).
Information on the scope of capital grants and their amounts under the current multi-annual programme were provided to local authorities as part of the bids process under Circular L1/19 on 8 February 2019. The Circular, including the Framework for the Programme, can be found on my Department’s website at this link.
Information on the arrangement in place for the linking of Community Waste Water Connections to the public waste water network can be found on the Irish Water website at this link.
My Department, under the oversight of the Rural Water Working Group, is reviewing the Framework for the upcoming Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2024.
The organisations that are participating on the Working Group reflect the importance and wide ranging impact of the Rural Water Sector. In addition to my Department (Chair), the Working Group comprises of: the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health Service Executive, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and the County and City Management Association. The Working Group is also consulting with other relevant stakeholders, including Irish Water.
The aim of the Framework is to provide guidance to local authorities, private water suppliers and their technical advisors on the process, structure and broader criteria required for the multi-annual programme. In reviewing the Framework the Working Group is also considering emerging demands within the Rural Water Sector, to expand and improve on the previous multi-annual programme.
Under the National Development Plan 2021-2030 funding has been allocated over the period 2021 to 2025 for (non-Irish Water) investment in rural water infrastructure. This includes €175 million for the Rural Water Programme to be delivered through the multi-annual programme.
I expect to receive a submission on the Framework in the coming weeks for my consideration with, subject to my approval, the bids process for the upcoming multi-annual programme to take place early in the new-year.
336. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Residential Tenancies Board can provide a breakdown per county of the number of reports from landlords, tenants or neighbours of disputes in relation to nuisance including obstruction of sunlight caused by vegetation which is situated at or on or close to the boundary line between adjoining and separately owned dwelling including any outbuilding, office, yard, garden or other land adjacent to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54480/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
My Department does not collect the data sought, however the Clerk of the Dáil requested that arrangements be put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies to members of the Oireachtas. Following the issue of Circular LG (P)05/16 on 20 September 2016 from my Department, the RTB set up a dedicated email address for this purpose. The RTB may be contacted at OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie to establish the extent to which it may hold the information sought.
337. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the terms of reference for the review of the model of local authority retained fire services delivery, with particular emphasis on the recruitment and retention of staff that has been approved by the management board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. [54499/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the person or body that will carry out the review of the model of local authority retained fire services delivery; when the review commenced; when the report is due to be completed; and if it will be made publicly available. [54500/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra339. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if serving firefighters and those who have left the service will be consulted as part of the review of the model of local authority retained fire services delivery that has been approved by the management board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54501/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 337 to 339, inclusive, together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy, providing the legislative framework, running a central training programme and issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects. Fire services issues are managed in my Department by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM).
Fire services are provided in Ireland by local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. Under this legislation, there are 31 fire authorities which provide fire prevention and fire protection services for communities through 27 service delivery structures. Local authority fire services are delivered by approximately 3,300 local authority staff engaged at 217 fire stations nationwide. 16 of these stations being staffed by full-time firefighters, a further 4 are mixed full-time and retained, and 197 are staffed by retained firefighters, with approximately 2,065 retained firefighters around the country. It is important to note that the numbers of fire service front-line staff have been maintained at a constant high level throughout the economic challenges of the past number of years, even when staffing numbers, by necessity, were reduced in other areas of the local authority sector.
In 2013, my Department published 'Keeping Communities Safe (KCS) - A Framework for Fire Safety in Ireland'. The adoption of KCS as national policy saw national norms/ standards being established for fire services in Ireland for the first time, against which local authority fire services could benchmark themselves. The report of the Fire Service Validation Group, ' Fire Services in Ireland, Local Delivery - National Consistency', published in 2016, noted the staffing arrangements in place in fire services across Ireland to achieve these standards and that fire services manage staffing levels in fire stations to achieve the national standards of fire service response.
The provision of fire services by local authorities is based on a risk management approach which involves an analysis of the nature of the fire hazards and the incidence and extent of fires which occur, as well as the fire protection measures in place. There has been a welcome downward trend in the incidence of fire, with the fire fatality rate per million of population, using a three-year average, currently at 4.3 deaths per million of population. While each death is one too many, this figure is a third of what it was twenty years ago when it stood at 12.9 deaths per million of population and positions Ireland among countries with very low fire fatality rates.
In relation to issues regarding recruitment and retention within the retained fire service; in May 2021, the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management mandated a small internal project team to undertake a review of the model of local authority ‘retained’ fire services delivery, with particular emphasis on the recruitment and retention of staff, with the proviso that due consideration also be given to input from the County and City Management Association (CCMA).
The objective of the review is to explore and understand the issues which are impacting on service delivery, to undertake research and analysis and to propose options which will underpin the continuing provision of effective and inclusive local authority fire services into the future. The Project Team will work with and report to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management Fire Service Operations Committee in the performance of its functions.
The initial engagement element of the review is the gathering of appropriate data and information, to inform the needs analysis and option appraisals for further development. To that end, the project team undertook a procurement process and have secured the services of an independent consultant who will survey the views of the personnel who work in the retained fire services and those that have recently retired from the retained fire services. That feedback in conjunction with consultation at appropriate stages with all key stakeholders during the review process, including central and local government, the public, fire service management/staff, and the staffing interest groups will form the basis of the final review report. It is the expectation of the project team that the final review report will be submitted to the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in 2022. At that time the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management will make a determination on the publication of the report.
340. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will implement the recommendations in the July 2013 report titled Report on the Title of the Architect; and if he will support the call from an organisation (details supplied) to include a standard grandfather clause in Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. [54512/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 introduced a system of statutory registration for architects and restricted use of the title of "architect" to persons who are registered architects.
Section 22 of the Act makes specific provision for registration based on technical assessment of persons who had been independently performing duties commensurate with those of an architect for a period of 10 or more years in the State prior to the commencement of the Act. This is, in effect, what is often colloquially referred to as a grandfather clause.
In 2013, in response in particular to the lower than anticipated rate of applications for registration by technical assessment, an independent review of the arrangements in place for registration was undertaken by Mr Garret Fennell, Solicitor. Mr Fennell’s report on the matter is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.old.gov.ie/file/1213. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht also examined the matter and published its Report on the Title of Architect (July 2013) which is available at: data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/31/joint_committee_on_education_and_social_protection/reports/2013/2013-07-17_report-on-title-of-architect_en.pdf
Both reports, which were welcomed by my Department, made a number of recommendations intended to improve and streamline the arrangements for registration. Implementation of these recommendations, in consultation with the Architects Alliance of Ireland and others, has seen a number of reforms being implemented, which include the administration of the technical assessment process on a cyclical basis where briefing, guidance and support for candidates can be administered in a structured manner; mentoring and supporting applicants; facilitating assessment based on recent projects; facilitating applicants with reassessment/reapplication (i.e. ensuring that the technical assessment procedure is not seen as a one chance only route to registration); and reviewing and simplifying guidance materials with direct input from practice-trained persons. My Department and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), as registration body, are committed to continuing to work with the Architects Alliance of Ireland and others in this manner to achieve whatever further reasonable and practical improvements of registration arrangements can be made in the context of the Fennell report or otherwise.
In addition to the transitional “grandfather” provision set out above, section 14(2)(f) of the Act provides a permanent route to registration for practically trained persons who have 7 years appropriate practical experience and who have passed the prescribed register examination. In 2016, the Architects Alliance of Ireland proposed a special entry route to incorporate the proposed development of a second prescribed register admission examination as currently provided for under this section. Assessment for registration under section 14(2)(f) comes within the responsibility of the RIAI, who are designated as the registration body for the purposes of the 2007 Act, and as the competent authority for the purposes of the Directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications (as amended). For this reason, the Architects Alliance of Ireland were advised by my Department to discuss their proposal, in the first instance, with the RIAI as registration body and competent authority for the architectural profession in Ireland.
My Department and the RIAI, as registration body, are committed to continuing to work with the Architects Alliance of Ireland and all other stakeholders to achieve whatever further reasonable and practical improvements in registration arrangements can be made. I would encourage all practically trained persons to pursue the routes to registration which are open to them and to continue to engage constructively with my Department and the RIAI.
341. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social homes that have been retrofitted to date by county through the 2021 energy efficiency retrofitting programme; the funding allocated to each local authority for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54547/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme launched in 2021 is designed around the Programme for Government commitment to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard by 2030, of which approximately 36,500 of those homes are expected to be local authority homes. A target of 2,400 social homes for upgrade works has been set for 2021, 750 of which relate to the Midlands Retrofit Pilot. The newly revised programme involves a move from a 'shallow' to a 'deeper' retrofit of local authority homes.
The €65 million Budget support provided in 2021 has been allocated to local authorities, with €20 million allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Pilot as part of the 'Just Transition' programme, and the balance of €45 million under the 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme. A breakdown of the latter allocation along with the minimum target number of homes each local authority is required to retrofit are outlined in the table attached.
The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions has had a negative impact on the work of the local authorities in regard to this programme causing delays in surveying, tendering and retrofitting works, and delays also in the supply line delivery (particularly concerning the delivery of Heat Pumps, Windows, Doors, and Insulation). While some authorities have indicated delays in the delivery of their targeted units this year, a number have indicated their capacity to complete additional units, and revisions have been made to take account of these increases.
To date, claims have been received in respect of 199 properties under the 2021 Energy Efficient Programme but very significant additional claims are expected from local authorities in the coming weeks. Claims to date are set out in the table below;
|
Local Authority |
Units |
|
Dublin City Council |
128 |
|
Fingal County Council |
10 |
|
Cork County Council |
13 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
45 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
3 |
|
Total Units |
199 |
|
Local Authority: |
Min no of target units: |
Allocation €45m |
|
Carlow |
22 |
€595,514 |
|
Cavan |
24 |
€649,652 |
|
Clare |
31 |
€839,134 |
|
Cork City |
123 |
€3,329,467 |
|
Cork County |
85 |
€2,300,851 |
|
Donegal |
58 |
€1,569,993 |
|
DCC - M&E & Voids |
347 |
€7,699,139 |
|
DLR |
54 |
€1,461,717 |
|
Fingal |
65 |
€1,759,475 |
|
Galway City |
29 |
€784,996 |
|
Galway County |
47 |
€1,272,235 |
|
Kerry |
51 |
€1,380,511 |
|
Kildare |
55 |
€1,488,786 |
|
Kilkenny |
29 |
€784,996 |
|
Laois |
31 |
€839,134 |
|
Leitrim |
10 |
€270,688 |
|
Limerick |
60 |
€1,624,130 |
|
Longford |
20 |
€541,377 |
|
Louth |
52 |
€1,407,580 |
|
Mayo |
21 |
€568,446 |
|
Meath |
41 |
€1,109,822 |
|
Monaghan |
22 |
€595,514 |
|
Offaly |
21 |
€568,446 |
|
Roscommon |
26 |
€703,790 |
|
SDCC |
117 |
€3,167,054 |
|
Sligo |
28 |
€757,928 |
|
Tipperary |
60 |
€1,624,130 |
|
Waterford |
62 |
€1,678,268 |
|
Westmeath |
25 |
€676,721 |
|
Wexford |
54 |
€1,461,717 |
|
Wicklow |
55 |
€1,488,786 |
|
Totals: |
1725 |
€45,000,000 |
342. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of council homes that have been retrofitted under the midlands retrofit programme 2020, by county; the associated funding costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54548/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020 funding of €20 million was made available as part of the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan for an energy efficiency retrofitting programme to fund upgrades to local authority houses in the midlands, under the 'Just Transition' programme. The Midland Retrofit Programme was established as a pilot programme to provide learnings on the move to 'deeper retrofit', to trial the aggregation concept and provide economic stimulus to the counties most affected by the cessation of peat harvesting for electricity generation. It centered therefore on upgrading larger batches of homes in distinct, compact geographical areas.
The Midlands Retrofit Programme has experienced significant delays due to the effects of COVID-19 and other obstacles including tendering and supply chain issues particularly concerning Heat Pumps, Windows & Doors, and Insulation. Notwithstanding the impact of Covid-19, local authorities undertook a lot of the preparatory work on the Programme in 2020 and in 2021 brought their targeted units to tender and commencement stage.
To date, 100 of the proposed 750 units have been completed and the remainder are either on site or at tender stage. A significant number of additional homes will be completed by the year end with the balance to be completed by Q2 2022.
The table below sets out the number of confirmed units completed by each local authority under the programme. No funding has been recouped at this time on retrofitting works under the programme but it is expected that claims from local authorities will be submitted in the coming weeks.
|
Local Authority |
Number of units completed |
|
Galway |
21 |
|
Kildare |
25 |
|
Offaly |
18 |
|
Longford |
24 |
|
Roscommon |
12 |
|
Total |
100 |
343. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report into alleged planning irregularities in County Donegal will be published; and the action he plans to take arising from the contents of the report. [54549/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am considering the report, entitled 'A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council', by Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C., and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.
In this regard, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (CEI/18/0019) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to requests to publish this report will also be taken into account.Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.
It should be noted that in each of these cases, both the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Information Commissioner decided not to grant access to the report. The Office of the Information Commissioner decision stated "placing the details concerned in the public domain would significantly breach the rights to privacy of identifiable individuals." Therefore, this is a matter that requires careful consideration.
344. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of loan applications to the Housing Finance Agency from higher education institutions that have not been approved in each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54581/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Finance Agency (HFA) was established under the Housing Finance Agency Act 1981. The Act was amended in 2016 by Section 51 of the Planning and Development (Housing) Act Residential Tenancies Act 2016 to allow the HFA to lend to Universities for the purposes of student accommodation. Since that time almost €170 million of loans have been approved for over 1,400 units of accommodation in various Universities.
My understanding is that each application received by the HFA from Higher Education Institutions for loan finance to support the development of on-campus accommodation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and is currently subject to approval by the Board of the HFA. As such, approval or otherwise of loan applications is an operational matter for the HFA itself. My Department has no involvement in the matter, nor is any information relating to individual loan applications held by my Department.
345. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when dredging will commence at Magheroarty Pier, Magheraroarty, Gortahork, County Donegal; the reason this application has taken so long to be processed; if his attention has been drawn to the impact of the delay in dredging is having on the local fishing fleet (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54598/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe foreshore licence application for proposed dredging works and beach nourishment at Magheraroarty Pier in County Donegal is currently being considered by my Department. The assessment of the applications for a foreshore consent involves several steps; including public and prescribed bodies consultation, environmental assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directive in particular, a technical review by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC) and a consideration of public interest matters.
While, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on an application that will come before me for decision, I can confirm that a determination was recently made in relation to the Appropriate Assessment Screening element of the process, which concluded that the proposed dredging works is likely to have significant effect on Ballyness Bay SAC in view of the sites conservation objectives. Therefore an Appropriate Assessment is required in this case.
Under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended, a further public consultation is required to be held for 30 calendar days. Arrangements are currently being made to carry out this public consultation.
When this process is complete, the application will be referred to the MLVC for technical and environmental assessment. The MLVC report will inform the Appropriate Assessment determination in this case, which will be followed by a comprehensive submission to me for consideration, seeking a determination on the foreshore license application. The submission will consider all issues raised during the assessment process, including the observations and comments made by the public and prescribed bodies during the consultation process.
346. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to works carried out in the basement of Emo Court in January 2019 prior to the granting of a derogation licence; and his views on and if he will address same. [54610/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra347. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a recommendation of prosecution from the NPWS regarding works carried out at Emo Court that involved the disturbance of a bat roost. [54611/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.
My Department is aware that Emo Court House hosts an important roost for Brown Long-Eared Bats, and is further aware that complex stabilization and restorations works are being undertaken by the OPW at the House over recent years, including the works undertaken in 2019 and since then. My Department is in ongoing contact with OPW in regard to its obligations under the Wildlife Acts and the modalities of compliance in the context of its natural and fixed heritage obligations at the site, the complexity of the works undertaken and the matrix of dynamics connecting the fixed and fragile structure and the natural habitat and ecosystems connected to it.
To assist public authorities in meeting their obligation to respect the strict protection given by EU law to bats and their roosts, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department will shortly publish a series of guidance documents dealing with the practical aspects of bat conservation. My officials are happy to work with public authorities in order to assist them in meeting their obligations.
348. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the long-promised community centre for St. Mary’s Park Estate, King’s Island, Limerick (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54685/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe advancement of housing and other works under the Limerick Regeneration programme is a matter in the first instance for Limerick City and County Council.
The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan provides a roadmap for the regeneration of Limerick and includes plans for a community centre in St Mary's Park at an estimated cost of €2.5m. Limerick City and County Council submitted initial proposals for this project in 2015. My Department queried the demolition of the existing facility and the extent of facilities being proposed. There are no proposals currently with my Department in respect of this project and any such proposals advanced by the Council will be considered.
349. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to review the maximum grant amounts for housing adaptation grants for elderly persons and persons with disabilities due to the increased cost of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54686/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs detailed in Housing for All, housing policy objectives 6 and 7 give a commitment to undertaking a review of the range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our ageing population and people with a disability. Officials from my Department have begun a review of the existing grant limits and income thresholds applicable to the grant schemes.
350. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the decarbonised zones project; when decarbonised zones will be approved, guidelines issued and when the steering committee structures will be outlined considering that deadlines for submission was 21 April 2021. [54691/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Climate Action Plan 2019 and Interim Climate Action Plan included an objective for Local Authorities to identify and develop Decarbonising Zones. My Department issued a circular to local authorities on 10 February 2021 asking each local authority to identify a decarbonising zone and to provide a broad outline of the main projects that could be implementable in the decarbonising zone plus an indication as to the potential outcomes deliverable in terms of reductions in carbon emissions.
As responsibility for Climate Mitigation measures rests with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, it is for that Department to oversee the development of the Decarbonising Zones and the funding of the required measures.
351. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the sources of funding for the planned decarbonised zone activity and the support for project managers to enable local authorities to support this significant new activity. [54692/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Climate Action Plan 2019 and Interim Climate Action Plan included an objective for Local Authorities to identify and develop Decarbonising Zones. My Department issued a circular to local authorities on 10 February 2021 asking each local authority to identify a decarbonising zone and to provide a broad outline of the main projects that could be implementable in the decarbonising zone plus an indication as to the potential outcomes deliverable in terms of reductions in carbon emissions.
There are as yet no specific funding streams identified for programmes of work to be undertaken in the identified decarbonising zones. As responsibility for Climate Mitigation measures rests with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, it is a matter for that Department to oversee the development of the Decarbonising Zones and the funding of the required measures.
352. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is planned to allocate additional funding resources to Galway County Council housing department to implement the government's ambitious programme Housing for All in view of the current staff deficit in the council and the lack of resources to fund additional staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54752/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, supported by an investment package of over €4b per annum. The Government plans to deliver more than 90,000 social homes to 2030, with a focus on the social housing build programme, with a target to reach delivery of more than 9,500 new-build homes on average each year for the next five years to 2026.
Housing for All also includes a commitment to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. Significant work has been undertaken to identify the additional staff resources required by local authorities to deliver the social housing targets set out in Housing for All. My Department will be providing resources to local authorities to allow for the recruitment of additional staff and will be notifying the local authorities of the arrangements in this regard in the coming weeks.
