Written Answers Nos. 57-76
57. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy initiatives being taken by his Department to help ensure the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy in the context of land designation. [51557/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 proposes that by 2030 at least 30% of the EU’s land and marine areas, taken collectively across all 27 Member States, would be protected for biodiversity, and that 10% (or one-third of those areas) would have strict protection, meaning that no deliberate disturbance of species, and no deterioration or destruction of habitats would be permitted. Strict protections are likely to include areas such as ancient woodland and significant other carbon-rich ecosystems, such as peatlands, grasslands, wetlands and seagrass meadows.
Specific criteria for identification of additional protected areas, the parameters of strict protection, and the question of burden-sharing across the EU27 in reaching the 30% target are still under discussion, however all Member States have been asked to nominate a list of existing protected areas (in addition to Natura 2000 sites) for selection, and to make an initial pledge for new areas to be protected as a contribution to reaching the 30% target across the EU as a whole. These initial pledges will be discussed in a framework of biogeographical meetings with national authorities, relevant stakeholders and experts, which the Commission intends will take place over the next two years. Ireland will be discussed with other Member States in the Atlantic biogeographical region.
In the meantime, my Department is exploring a range of initiatives including the potential to designate areas of land within public and semi-state ownership, to meet the commitments of the Biodiversity Strategy. A National Fen Survey will seek to identify a suite of fens suitable for protection, and areas of native woodland are also being surveyed to determine their suitability for protection.
58. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress which has been made in finalising the parameters for eligibility for the various affordable purchase and rent schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55165/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress which has been made in finalising the parameters for eligibility for the various affordable purchase and rent schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55050/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 94 together.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, sets out the objective that everybody should have access to sustainable, good quality housing to purchase or to rent at an affordable price, built to a high standard and located close to essential services, offering a high quality of life.
Housing for All confirms the introduction of two new affordable purchase schemes. The first will see the delivery of affordable homes by local authorities. The second will see the introduction of a 'First Home' affordable purchase shared equity scheme for homes in private developments. Both of these schemes are primarily focused on supporting first-time buyers purchasing newly-built homes. In terms of eligibility, they will be targeted at households constrained by the maximum mortgage and deposit available to them. The schemes will bridge the gap between the market value and what the household can afford via the provision of equity support. The equity support can subsequently be redeemed at any time at the homeowner’s discretion, or remain outstanding until the home is sold or passed on.
The detailed design of the First Home is currently progressing for the scheme’s introduction in 2022. Eligibility will be informed by the Central Bank’s macro-prudential rules, along with designated price ceilings established by area for the scheme. Price ceilings for eligible homes and the maximum level of support available will be confirmed in advance of the scheme’s operation.
The first Cost Rental homes were delivered by the Approved Housing Body Clúid at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan, in August 2021, utilising funding from the Cost Rental Equity Loan scheme. The eligibility criteria for prospective tenants was agreed with my Department on an administrative basis, given the need to occupy these homes as soon as possible. For Taylor Hill, tenants were required to prove that their net household income was below €53,000 per annum, that they were not in receipt of any social housing supports, that their household size matches the size of the property advertised, that they could afford to pay the cost rent for the home and that their household had only entered one application for a specific cost rental property.
With the relevant elements of the Act relating to the local authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (Part 2) and Cost Rental (Part 3) commenced, it is my intention to make further Regulations governing the eligibility and price ceilings that will be applicable to these schemes in the near future.
59. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant local authority owned properties in County Kerry; the funding set aside to upgrade these vacant properties in 2022; the target number of properties to be upgraded in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54569/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 28 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2009.
Notwithstanding this, my Department provides annual funding support to local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-let under the Voids Programme. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
In 2021, Kerry County Council was allocated €1.56 million under the Voids Programme to remediate 78 vacant properties. My Department will continue to support the council in their work remediating vacant social housing properties. Details of the 2022 Voids Programme will be finalised in early 2022.
My Departments Energy Efficiency Programme also provides funding support to local authorities for retrofitting works which, can be carried out across all local authority properties. The budget for this programme increased substantially in 2021 to €65 million. Kerry County Council received an allocation of €1.38 million to upgrade 51 properties. Their allocation under the 2022 programme will be announced early next year.
Local authorities will always have a level of vacancy in their housing stock. This will fluctuate over time, as tenancy surrender and re-letting of stock is an ongoing process. Therefore, ongoing data in relation to vacant local authority owned homes are not collated by my Department.
However, statistics in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy in local authority owned properties. The most recent report, relating to 2020, is available on the NOAC website at the following link:
noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NOAC-Local-Authority-Performance-Indicator-Report-2020.pdf
It is important to note that my Department and local authorities supported by the Local Government Management Association are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the implementation of centrally hosted ICT system to support the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes which will be supported by my Department’s stock improvement funding programmes. It is envisaged surveys will commence early in 2022.
60. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will approve funding for a new fire station in Rathdowney and Stradbally, County Laois. [54360/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
In December 2020, I announced a new Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
- Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
- established Health and Safety needs;
- state of development of the project (is site acquired?, etc.); and
- value for money offered by the proposal.
This new Programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire engines. In order to maximise the available Capital Programme funding, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and that offer best value-for-money taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally.
Project consideration stages in my Department include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
I understand that there was an historic project application in relation to the fire station in Rathdowney that did not eventually progress as proposed and that, in 2017, Laois County Council put in place an extension on to Rathdowney Fire Station, consisting of separate male and female toilets, a shower cubicle and a new muster bay. While a new fire station at Rathdowney is not currently included in my Department’s 2021 – 2025 Fire Services Capital Programme, it is included in a list for annual review. Laois County Council has indicated that a new fire station in Stradbally is their number one priority. My Department will have regard to this, and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for funding, in considering any proposal.
62. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the local authorities that plan to implement the proposals outlined in Housing for All which relate to affordable purchase homes and affordable rental homes; if they have communicated with his Department on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55077/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system. Over €4 billion in funding is provided annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing.
A multi-faceted approach is being implemented to deliver 54,000 affordable homes interventions between now and 2030. This will be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency, as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme established in Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 will be underpinned by the preparation by each local authorities Housing Delivery Action Plan. This will allow each local authority to determine any affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan the provision of affordable homes accordingly. Local authorities will be submitting their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing, before the end of December 2021.
Arising from the Programme for Government commitment to extend the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF), a review of SSF progress and projects to date was undertaken. Having regard to feedback from local authorities, a number of significant improvements to the funding scheme, now named the Affordable Housing Funding (AHF) scheme, have been agreed and communicated to local authorities by way of Circular in June 2021.
My Department has been accepting AHF applications since 1 September 2021. Furthermore, my Department is currently engaging with the 14 local authorities with SSF schemes approved in principle to clarify whether they now wish to continue with their SSF application as agreed or re-submit their application to be considered under the new terms of the AHF.
Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the ‘First Home’ scheme primarily to support affordability-constrained first-time buyers to purchase privately developed new homes. This scheme will commence in 2022 and will be available at a national level.
Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the establishment of a Cost Rental sector in Ireland, through the Ministerial designation of Cost Rental dwellings. Budget 2021 allocated €35 million to the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme which enabled the first Cost Rental homes to be delivered this year by the Clúid AHB at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan. The tenanting processes for further Cost Rental homes at Enniskerry Road in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Barnhall, Leixlip, County Kildare, are currently underway. In total, 390 Cost Rental units will be delivered through this funding, with the initial focus being in the Greater Dublin Area and Cork. A further €75 million was allocated in Budget 2022 to help meet the Housing for All target of 750 Cost Rental homes in 2022.
The LDA will deliver both homes for affordable purchase and Cost Rental. The Housing for All strategy outlines how the Land Development Agency through Project Tosaigh will seek to unlock stalled developments and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes.
In addition the Help to Buy Scheme and the Local Authority Home loan scheme remain available nationally and make housing more affordable to purchasers.
64. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has requested Cork City Council and Cork County Council to furnish details of all derelict properties currently on their respective registers; the way his Department now plans to tackle the problem of dereliction in Cork city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54980/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing vacancy and maximising the use of existing housing stock is a primary concern of this Government, as demonstrated by one of the four pathways dedicated solely to this priority area in the new Housing for All strategy. The most recent figures available from Census 2016 indicate that there were 183,000 vacant homes nationwide, a 20% reduction on figures reported in Census 2011 (230,000).
However, work is underway by the Department of Finance through the current Local Property Tax returns to assess the present vacancy situation and once collated and analysed this data will contribute to a number of policy initiatives outlined in Housing for All, including:
- A new local authority-led programme to help Local Authorities buy or compulsory purchase 2,500 vacant homes in their areas which can then be sold on the open market will ensure homes don’t lie vacant.
- Reform of the Fair Deal Scheme to remove disincentives to selling or renting unused homes.
- The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.
- A new Town Centre First policy, which will include approaches to utilising existing stock and new financial incentive mechanisms.
These measures are in addition to the vacant property tax consideration being pursued by the Department of Finance.
My Department issued Circular Letter PL 09/2021 on 17 September 2021 seeking returns from all local authorities regarding the implementation of the Derelict Site Act during 2020. The information received from Cork City Council and Cork County Council is provided below.
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Local Authority: |
Cork City Council |
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Notices |
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Q.1 |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice/demand under the Act issued |
90 |
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Derelict Sites Register |
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Q.2 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 1 January 2020 |
100 |
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Q.3 |
No. of Derelict Sites entered onto Register during the year |
3 |
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Q.4 |
No. of Derelict Sites removed from Register during the year |
8 |
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Q.5 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2020 |
95 |
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Acquisition |
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Q.6 |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
1 |
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Q.7 |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
0 |
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Levy |
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Q.8 |
No. of Derelict Sites levied during the year |
67 |
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Q.9 |
Amount levied during the year |
€1,739,640 |
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Q.10 |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2020 |
€163,231 |
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Q.11 |
Cumulative amount of levies outstanding at 31 December 2020 |
€3,432,955 |
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Local Authority: |
Cork County Council |
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Notices |
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Q.1 |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice/demand under the Act issued |
13 |
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Derelict Sites Register |
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Q.2 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 1 January 2020 |
180 |
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Q.3 |
No. of Derelict Sites entered onto Register during the year |
0 |
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Q.4 |
No. of Derelict Sites removed from Register during the year |
0 |
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Q.5 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2020 |
180 |
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Acquisition |
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Q.6 |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
0 |
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Q.7 |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
0 |
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|
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Levy |
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|
|
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Q.8 |
No. of Derelict Sites levied during the year |
12 |
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Q.9 |
Amount levied during the year |
€44,700.00 |
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Q.10 |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2020 |
€900.00 |
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Q.11 |
Cumulative amount of levies outstanding at 31 December 2020 |
€44,700.00 |
The Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act with a view to improving its effectiveness, and continues to keep the relevant provisions under review.
67. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to provide persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder suitable social or affordable housing. [55160/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is determined to ensure that housing policy addresses the needs of those who experience exclusion in our society, including those with disabilities. The National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2016-2021, which is a joint Strategy with the Department of Health provides that people with disabilities, including those in the community, and those in congregated settings, may access housing supports on an equal basis with other citizens.
The current Strategy runs to the end of this year. Development of a new joint Strategy to 2027 is underway and has involved two consultation phases with a research phase running in parallel with the first consultation phase. A new joint Strategy will be in place by 1 January 2022.
The new Strategy is being developed within the framework of the overarching housing plan Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland which was launched in September targeting delivery of more homes for people with different housing needs, including delivery of over 10,000 new social homes per year to 2030. Specifically for people with disabilities, the Plan prioritises the delivery of an appropriate range of housing types and related support services in an integrated and sustainable manner promoting equality of opportunity, individual choice and independent living.
There is ongoing and extensive engagement with all local authorities across all delivery streams to ensure maximum delivery of homes for those who need them. I meet regularly with local authorities and I know that they are committed to ensuring that housing is provided to all eligible applicants as speedily as possible and that the support needs of applicants are appropriately assessed.
68. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new national housing strategy for disabled people will be published; if the strategy will move beyond the single strategy of decongregation and include the provision of supported living with targets and actual numbers in order that it can be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55041/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011-2021 is a joint strategy with the Department of Health.
A first consultation phase for the development a new joint Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Department of Health Strategy to 2027 for the housing of people with disabilities was launched earlier this year, with a research phase running in parallel.
A second consultation phase took place last month and preparation of the new Strategy is continuing.
A new joint Strategy will be in place by 1 January 2022.
69. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress of the affordable housing scheme in County Cork to date; his plans for this scheme going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54981/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing.
Measures to deliver this housing are supported by over €4 billion in funding annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing. 54,000 affordable homes interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021 and the funding being made available, will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities, including both Cork City Council and Cork County Council, will be submitting their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing before the end of December 2021. This will allow each local authority to assess the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan provision accordingly.
Funding to support local authority delivery of affordable housing was made available through the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF). Following the Programme for Government commitment to extend the SSF, a progress review of SSF projects was undertaken. Considering feedback from local authorities, significant improvements to the scheme, now named the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), have been agreed and communicated to local authorities by Circular in June 2021.
My Department has been accepting AHF applications since 1 September 2021. Furthermore, my Department is currently engaging with the 14 local authorities, including both Cork City Council and Cork County Council, with SSF schemes approved in principle to clarify the status of their approved SSF projects.
Nine SSF applications from Cork received approval in principle; three from Cork City Council and 6 from Cork County Council. In the case of Cork City Council, one SSF project is currently in progress and I understand that one will be resubmitted under the AHF applications process. I also understand that Cork County Council has advised my Department of their intention to re-submit all 6 approved SSF projects to be considered under AHF.
In relation to the scheme governing the affordable purchase of local authority provided or arranged affordable housing, it is intended that regulations regarding income eligibility in respect of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme will be in place shortly.
70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is anticipated that the figures under the affordable housing scheme for each county will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55111/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system. Over €4 billion in funding is provided annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing.
A multi-faceted approach is being implemented to deliver 54,000 affordable homes interventions between now and 2030. This will be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency, as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Delivery of affordable housing in accordance with the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme established in Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 will be underpinned by the preparation by each local authority's Housing Delivery Action Plan. Local authorities will be submitting their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing, before the end of December 2021. This will allow each Local Authority, to determine any affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan the provision of affordable homes accordingly.
Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the ‘First Home’ scheme to primarily support affordability-constrained first-time buyers to purchase privately developed new homes. This scheme will commence in 2022 and will be available at a national level.
Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the establishment of a Cost Rental sector in Ireland, through the Ministerial designation of Cost Rental dwellings. Budget 2021 allocated €35 million to the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme which enabled the first Cost Rental homes to be delivered this year by the Clúid AHB at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan. The tenanting processes for further Cost Rental homes at Enniskerry Road in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Barnhall, Leixlip, County Kildare, are currently underway. In total, 390 Cost Rental units will be delivered through this funding, with the initial focus being in the Greater Dublin Area and Cork. A further €75 million was allocated in Budget 2022 to help meet the Housing for All target of 750 Cost Rental homes in 2022.
The Land Development Agency will deliver homes for both affordable purchase and Cost Rental. The Housing for All strategy outlines how the Land Development Agency through Project Tosaigh will seek to unlock stalled developments and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes.
In addition the Help to Buy Scheme and the Local Authority Home loan scheme remain available nationally and make housing more affordable to purchasers.
71. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 311 of 22 June 2021, when he expects a tender to be approved for the water-rock development project at Midleton, County Cork; when approval of the construction phase of the project is likely to proceed thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54985/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages. This will enable the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in urban areas of high demand. LIHAF was designed to specifically address the issue of housing supply, a crucial factor in terms of house prices. 30 projects were approved with an overall budget of €195.7m, €146.8m Exchequer funded and the remainder funded by local authorities.
The Midleton Water-Rock LIHAF infrastructure includes services corridor link roads, trunk surface water drainage and other road/junction improvements and received original funding of €5.5m of which the Department will fund €4.13m. Cork County Council issued an invitation for the works 3 August 2021 and the tender submission return date was 17 September 2021. The Council is currently in the process of concluding the tender evaluation process for construction of the Water-Rock works. It is expected that this process will be concluded by the end of November 2021 and will have identified the most economically advantageous tender. Cork County Council has advised that it intends to make a submission on this matter to my Department shortly thereafter.
Commencement of infrastructure construction is dependent on receiving approval from my Department and full implementation of the Section 47 agreements by the Landowners. Section 47 Agreements between the Landowners and the Council were countersigned by the Chief Executive of Cork County Council 31 July 2021. Subject to both conditions above it is intended that the construction phase will commence in Q1 2022.
72. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to publish the final report of the working group on horticultural peat. [55048/21]
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 on the 20th October. The contents are now being considered carefully with a view to the matter being brought to Government in early 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.
73. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for reducing estate regeneration and refurbishment funding in Budget 2022 to €50 million from the €73 million that had been allocated for 2021. [55106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regeneration/Remedial subhead A.15, within my Department’s Vote, provides funding for a range of other very important supports in addition to the National Regeneration programme and Remedial Works Programme, namely the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme (DPGs) and Improvement Works in Lieu Scheme (IWILs).
In 2021 the budget available to this subhead is €73 million, of which, €46 million has been allocated to the programmes of Regeneration and €27 million made available for the DPG and IWIL schemes respectively.
Capital funding of €50 million is being provided in 2022 to support the National Regeneration Programme which equates to an increase of €4 million when compared to the €46 million which was budgeted for the programme in 2021.
Reflecting the critical nature of the supports needed with regard to DPGs and IWILs in meeting the needs of some of the most vulnerable sectors of our community, it was agreed, as part of Budget 2022, that the funding for these programmes will no longer be reflected under the Regeneration/Remedial Subhead. Instead, a dedicated and separate funding stream for these supports will be established next year. To that end, I am particularly pleased that my Department has secured capital funding of €25m in 2022 to ensure that we can continue to provide these important programmes which assist local authorities in carrying out the necessary works to cater for the needs of elderly and disabled tenants and families living in overcrowded conditions.
The restructuring of the Regeneration/Remedial works subhead into two distinct funding streams demonstrates an increased commitment in this area.
74. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to promote biodiversity in urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53537/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the lead on the development and coordination of implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). The current Plan runs from 2017 to 2021 and work is underway on drafting the next Plan, Ireland's fourth, to be put in place next year.
The Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme, operated by the NPWS, offers funding to assist local authority biodiversity officers (and heritage officers in local authorities without a biodiversity officer) with the implementation of projects that promote actions contained in the NBAP.
First launched in 2018, the Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme supports actions for biodiversity in local areas and is an important element of the overall NBAP implementation. Engagement with communities and local authorities is crucial to the implementation of the Plan and the grants help raise awareness of biodiversity issues locally, regionally and nationally.
Projects supported by the Scheme range from those that aim to increase appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, to projects that support endangered species and ones tackling invasive alien species, including in urban centres.
An amount of €1.35 million has been made available in 2021 for this scheme, double that of 2020.
Successful applications this year include:
- Carlow County Council Biodiversity project which aims to improve biodiversity by replacing annual bedding plants in containers in urban centre of towns in Carlow with native tress, perennials and shrubs which will they hope will create refuge corridors for birds, bees and insects;
- Cork County Council will develop a number of County Town Pollinator Plans;
- Galway County Council will develop a Healthy Green Spaces Project - about improving the quality of Galway city’s green spaces to be welcoming and inviting for people, to deliver on the need to reverse biodiversity loss, support pollinators, make positive impacts against or to cope with climate change, reduce waste and the reliance on carbon based fuels;
- A total of 14 Pollinator Projects across the country worth €122,000, have been funded on awareness, education and more Pollinator Friendly planting. Many pollinator projects are located in urban areas and make a positive contribution to biodiversity in our towns and cities.
My Department continues to work with local authorities, particularly through the Heritage and Biodiversity Officers networks, with view to improving outcomes for biodiversity across the country. This crucial engagement will continue as my Department prepares the next National Biodiversity Action Plan, due for publication in 2022.
75. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria and application timeline for urban regeneration and development fund funding in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55157/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe URDF was launched in 2018 to support more compact and sustainable development. The Fund is providing part-funding for projects that will enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns, while also ensuring that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.
In keeping with the aims of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Project Ireland 2040, the URDF demonstrates a new and more tailored approach to the provision of Government support. Over its planned duration up to 2030, URDF support will be targeted in an integrated, dynamic and responsive way to support the regeneration and rejuvenation of our towns and cities.
Already, the URDF is providing assistance for major projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan.
Through the URDF, successful applicants are receiving targeted integrated support for innovative holistic solutions to the issues that have hindered the regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities.
To date there have been two Calls for proposals under the URDF with a total of €310m allocated to date in respect of the 87 projects approved under Call 1, while in March this year I announced URDF funding support of €1.3 billion in respect of a countrywide programme of 45 proposals approved under Call 2.
Before being approved for URDF support all successful applications were assessed in terms of their alignment with the intended purpose of the URDF programme and also their viability. Each project is unique as each is location specific, and many are of significant scale, complexity, and cost. As is normally the case, such projects must be carefully developed and managed in accordance with the normal conditions and practices that apply to public sector managed projects including exercising appropriate cost control and delivering each project as approved and in full compliance with the Public Spending Code.
At this stage my Department's immediate focus is on ensuring early progress on these important projects and in this regard my Department is currently engaged in a series of meetings with local authorities to discuss the advancement of the current programme of 132 transformational regeneration and development projects.
Following completion of this process consideration will be given to the timing and focus of any next call for proposals under the URDF.
76. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options that are under consideration for mid-income families who cannot secure sufficient mortgages where financial institutions will not take their rental payments into consideration on their applications; the engagement he has had with the Minister for Finance in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55079/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to issue of mortgage requirements and the assessment by financial institutions of mortgage applications, these requirements are governed by the Central Bank of Ireland which retains independence in the establishment of macro-prudential policy and mortgage measures.
Information in this regard, including on exemptions and other matters, is available at the following Central Bank links:
www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/explainers/what-are-the-mortgage-measures,
and
www.centralbank.ie/financial-system/financial-stability/macro-prudential-policy/mortgage-measures,
In relation to housing affordability more broadly, the Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing.
Measures to deliver this housing are supported by over €4 billion in funding annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing. 54,000 affordable homes interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Following two broad-based Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) calls for proposals to local authorities, funding of almost €200 million was approved in principle in support of 40 infrastructure projects in 14 local authority areas across 9 counties to assist in the delivery of almost 4,200 affordable homes for purchase or for rent.
Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme established in Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 will be underpinned by the preparation by each local authorities Housing Delivery Action Plan.
Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the ‘First Home’ scheme to primarily support affordability-constrained first-time buyers to purchase privately developed new homes. This scheme will commence in 2022 and will be available at a national level.
Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the establishment of a Cost Rental sector in Ireland, through the designation by the Minister of Cost Rental dwellings. Budget 2021 allocated €35 million to the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme which enabled the first Cost Rental homes to be delivered this year by the Clúid AHB at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan.
The LDA will deliver both homes for affordable purchase and Cost Rental. The Housing for All strategy outlines how the Land Development Agency through Project Tosaigh will seek to unlock stalled developments and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes.
In addition the Help to Buy Scheme and the Local Authority Home loan scheme remain available nationally and make housing more affordable to purchasers.
Further information is available on the dedicated website www.rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie
For prospective purchasers of newly-built properties, the availability, through the Revenue Commissioners, of the Help to Buy Initiative for first-time buyers may provide additional assistance to prospective applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx
As part of Housing for All, I announced a reformed successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme, the 'Local Authority Home Loan'. The Local Authority Home Loan will include an increase in the income ceiling for single applicants.
For counties where the scheme’s house price limit is €320,000 (Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow), the income ceiling for a single applicant will be €65,000. This will be an increase of €15,000 on the €50,000 income ceiling under the current Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme. In the rest of the country where the scheme’s house price limit is €250,000, the income ceiling for a single applicant will remain €50,000. The income ceiling for joint applicants is €75,000. The maximum loan amount will remain €288,000.
I have already implemented a reduction of the mortgage interest rate for new borrowers by 0.25% under the existing Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL), as from 10 September 2021. This lower rate will also apply to loans issued under the forthcoming Local Authority Home Loan.
I look forward to announcing further details in respect of the Local Authority Home Loan in the coming months.
