Written Answers Nos. 574-593
574. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of requests from local authorities to acquire new land in 2021, by local authority in tabular form; the location of the land; and the amount of funding requested. [1998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecific allocations of funding are not made to local authorities for land; they make their own decisions regarding land acquisition in line with their needs across a range of purposes and they do not present all proposals for the acquisition of new land in advance to my Department.
When land is used for the construction of new social housing, my Department provides full funding in respect of the capital costs, including land costs and construction costs.
However, to support local authorities in their delivery of social housing, a new initiative was implemented in 2021 to fund land acquisition where it's for new social housing developments. The focus with this initiative was for land that is development-ready for housing, is appropriately zoned, which faces no other known obstacles to its development and where the local authority can work to a delivery programme to develop social housing as soon as possible on the site. In such cases, funding for the land was provided by my Department when a local authority presented a viable social housing development proposal for the site.
The table below shows a breakdown of sites acquired by local authorities under this 2021 initiative. It is important to note that this is not reflective or inclusive of all sites that may have been acquired by local authorities during 2021 through the normal process, and these sites below are solely those acquired on foot of the Land Initiative circular introduced last year. I look forward to the support of public representatives in the advancement of much needed new social homes on these sites.
|
LA |
Scheme/Site Location |
Funding requested |
|
Cavan |
Belturbert |
€120,000 |
|
Cork City |
Clover Hill Court |
€2,043,000 |
|
Fingal |
Holywell |
€2,250,000 |
|
Fingal |
Ballyboughal |
€1,750,000 |
|
Fingal |
Swords Road |
€1,750,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
Thomastown |
€302,445 |
|
Longford |
Keenagh |
€264,864 |
|
Mayo |
Achill |
€185,000 |
|
Meath |
Donore |
€18,560 |
|
Meath |
Navan |
€800,000 |
|
Meath |
Ashbourne |
€1,900,000 |
|
Meath |
Navan |
€120,000 |
575. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the work of the Dublin Housing Delivery Group; the membership of same; the terms of reference; the number of meetings to date; and if a commitment will be provided that its minutes will be published on the website of his Department. [1999/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dublin Housing Delivery Group (DHDG) was established in June 2021 to co-ordinate and drive delivery of social and affordable housing in the four Dublin local Authorities.
Membership of the DHDG includes the Chief Executive of the four Dublin Local Authorities, the Chief Executive of Housing Agency (HA), programme co-ordinators from the Housing Delivery Co-Ordination Office (HDCO) and Assistant Secretaries and Principal Officers from the social and affordable division at my Department.
The group is supported by housing delivery and planning staff in the four Dublin Local Authorities and by relevant staff of DHLGH and HDCO. Other stakeholders such as AHB representatives or the LDA are invited to meetings as appropriate.
Terms of Reference
The terms of reference agree for this group are as follows:
- Having regard to targets set by the Minister for social housing delivery across the 4 Dublin Local Authorities under Housing for All for the period 2022 to 2026, to examine options for delivery including areas where the Dublin Local Authorities can collaborate to ensure delivery of those targets for Dublin as a whole.
- In recognition of the proportion of new housing required across all tenures in the Dublin region, the Group, led by the four Chief Executives, will support preparation of the Housing Delivery Action Plans by the four Dublin local authorities, with support from the DHLGH and Housing Delivery Coordination Office (HDCO).
- Monitor the 4 Dublin Local Authorities Housing Delivery Action Plans to ensure a responsive approach to overall social housing need and specific categories of Housing Need,across the Dublin Local Authorities e.g. Disability, Age Friendly Housing, households with a 1 bedroom housing need.
- Explore the relative effectiveness of the delivery mechanisms currently in use and identify new mechanisms to advance single and mixed tenure social and affordable housing in Dublin.
- Assess the Dublin Local Authorities’ multi-annual programmes, consolidate data and risk assess the robustness of the delivery pipeline to deliver on the Programme for Government.
- Monitor and accelerate, where needed, the delivery of social and affordable homes, particularly new build homes by the four Authorities and its delivery partners.
- Support the provision of Cost Rental Housing as a new form of Housing Tenure
- Assess the capacity of Approved Housing Bodies to support the delivery of LA multi-annual targets in the Programme for Government.
- Support and encourage the Dublin local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and other relevant stakeholders to work together, in terms of housing delivery and identify opportunities for innovation, partnership and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.
- Examine barriers to delivery such as infrastructure gaps, cost of housing delivery, funding models etc.
- Review and consider information on delays in the translation of planning permissions through to commencement notices on private developments. Consider strategies to address delays and potential opportunities (e.g. for affordable or additional social housing) to develop such sites.
- Monitor and make recommendations to ensure that land is activated through the co-ordination of other State activity e.g. alignment of IW / NTA / DoES infrastructure investment with the multi-annual housing programme.
- Review and monitor use of available land to support the delivery of social, affordable and private homes in the Dublin area including public land banks available to develop social and affordable housing and the land “gap”, if any, to be addressed.
- Ensure there is an adequate supply of LA housing available to support on-going delivery.
- Review report provided by the Dublin Housing Directors in regards to delivery of the Traveller Accommodation Plans and an update from Department on the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Group on Traveller Accommodation.
- Issue invitations to relevant stakeholders to attend meetings of the DHDG and present on relevant topics as required.
- Furnish quarterly reports to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage setting out progress on social and affordable housing delivery in Dublin, against the Action Plans including any proposals to assist delivery.
Governance
- The Chairperson of the taskforce will rotate on an annual basis among the 4 Chief Executives of the local authorities.
- The Taskforce is supported by housing delivery and planning staff in the four local authorities, and by relevant staff of DHLGH and the HDCO.
- The DHDG reports to the Minister as required, and at least quarterly.
- Decisions, where required, are made by consensus, while delivery remains the direct responsibility of the local authorities/AHB sector.
- The Secretariat is provided by the HDCO.
Meetings of this group have taken place in June, July, October and December of 2021.
As set out in the Terms of Reference the HDCO, as secretariat of this group, will furnish quarterly reports to me setting out progress on social and affordable housing delivery in Dublin, against the Action Plans including any proposals to assist delivery. I met with the 4 Dublin LA Chief Executives in June 2021 and again in September 2021 and received oral updates on the key issues. I expect to receive the end Q4 report from the HDCO over the coming weeks. In the context of the overall reporting arrangements being put in place for Housing for All these reports and minutes of the meetings will be published on the Housing For All website.
576. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Housing for All commitment to introduce legislation for default conciliation at the Residential Tenancies Board; the nature and detail of such conciliation; and when the legislation will be introduced. [2000/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All – a new Housing Plan for Ireland includes an action to provide for default conciliation as part of the disupte resolution process within the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and my Department is currently working to amend the Residential Tenancies Acts to provide for this process under Part 6 of the Acts.
The Government recognises that it is in the interest of both the tenant and landlord to resolve any disputes as early as possible without recourse to lengthy adjudication and tribunal processes. Additional resources will be provided to the RTB to ensure that it can continue to play its part, including facilitating early engagement to prevent disputes escalating to formal RTB dispute resolution, particularly in cases of rent arrears and where a legal tenancy termination or illegal eviction is in prospect.
At present, section 93 provides that the Board may arrange for mediation of a dispute between a landlord and tenant only where both parties consent. Mediation and conciliation help to resolve disputes at an early stage.
577. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the full details of the process of the way the Urban Regeneration Development Fund applications are assessed, scored and funding awarded. [2022/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary focus of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is on supporting projects that will contribute to compact growth and that will improve the liveability of our cities and towns.
To date there have been two calls for proposals under the URDF, the first in July 2018 and the second in January 2020. Both calls were advertised widely, and the circulars for each call, setting out the objectives of the Fund, the focus of the call and application conditions, together with the application form and assessment criteria were made available through my Department’s website.
Furthermore, to assist prospective applicants with the application process, my Department also hosted a number of workshops to provide information on the purpose of the URDF, the particular focus of the call and the types of proposals that would be considered for support.
All applications for URDF support were assessed in terms of their alignment with the intended purpose of the relevant URDF call and also their viability before being considered for approval.
The comprehensive assessment process for calls 1and 2 involved four distinct parts: -
- An initial assessment of all proposals carried out by my Department was provided to a Project Advisory Board (PAB) comprised of Department officials, specialists in the various relevant sectoral areas and representatives from other interested Government Departments/Agencies.
- The PAB considered each proposal in terms of the set URDF assessment criteria and made recommendations on suitability for consideration for URDF support.
- The PAB recommendations were reviewed by a sub-group of the Department's Management Board.
- Final recommendations were submitted for Ministerial consideration and approval.
Already, the URDF is providing significant 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 the National Development Plan.
To date almost €312m has been allocated in respect of the 87 projects approved under Call 1, while in March last year I announced URDF funding support of €1.3 billion in respect of a further 45 proposals approved under Call 2.
578. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the local authorities that have a disability or equality officer in tabular form. [2027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.
However granular data, in terms of the number of local authorities that employ disability or equality officers is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from individual local authorities.
579. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the regeneration of a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2030/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from reviews of the conditions of its older flat complexes and based on the need to modernise and bring the living conditions up to acceptable levels and as part of its climate action plans, Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised my Department that they are developing a long term strategy for the redevelopment and/or refurbishment of many of these complexes. This is a matter for DCC in the first instance.
With regards to Pearse House, due to its large size and scope, the regeneration of this complex will be carried out on a phased basis over a number of years.
In April 2021, my Department issued Stage 1 Approval for the first phase of the regeneration of Pearse House. The approved regeneration proposal involves the amalgamation of existing flats that are well below size standards in Blocks L, M, N and P also known as the “small flats” and the new construction of additional flats.
DCC has advised my Department that its architects have prepared a design brief to commence the procurement of a design team who will develop and finalise a plan for the new housing scheme. DCC expect to have the external design team appointed and working on progressing development design by Q2 2022.
They have also advised that consultation with Pearse House residents, and elected members, will commence in the coming months.
580. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the final social, affordable purchase and affordable cost rental output for 2021, in tabular form. [2032/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on all social housing delivery activity. This data is available to the end of Q3 2021 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
In relation to affordable homes for purchase and rent, the provisions of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 establish the basis for two new affordable purchase schemes and a cost rental scheme. The Government’s Housing for All strategy set targets for the delivery of 36,000 affordable purchase including 18,000 Cost Rental homes in the period from 2022 to 2030. Programme level statistics for affordable delivery will be published on a quarterly basis commencing this year.
In relation to 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic, and associated closure and restrictions of construction sites, had significant impacts on the anticipated timelines for the delivery for Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) and Affordable Housing Fund (AHF, previously known as the Serviced Site Fund (SSF)) supported housing developments. However, 67 Cost Rental Units, supported by CREL were delivered during 2021.
583. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the payments made to Mayo County Council during 2021 under the defective concrete blocks scheme; the items for which these payments were claimed; if there are outstanding payment claims on 31 December 2021; and if so, the details of same in tabular form. [2061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra584. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the payments made to Donegal County Council during 2021 under the defective concrete blocks scheme; the details of the items for which these payments were claimed; if there are outstanding payment claims on 31 December 2021; and if so, the details of same in tabular form. [2062/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra585. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if applications for the defective concrete blocks scheme can still be accepted and processed by the relevant local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2063/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 583, 584 and 585 together.
Donegal and Mayo County Council have responsibility for the administration of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. This includes the assessment of applications for eligibility and payment of grants to successful applicants under the specific remediation option approved.
Applications can continue to be made to local authorities in Mayo and Donegal and processed under the current Defective Concrete Block grant scheme, underpinned by the Dwellings Damaged by the Use Of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020, until the measures announced as a result of the Government decision on 30 November are legislated for. Appropriate transitional provisions will be included in the new legislation to provide a mechanism to move applications that are received in the meantime to the revised scheme once it commences.
Budget 2021 provided funding of €20 million to fund the operation of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme for the counties of Donegal and Mayo only. Details of payments made to both County Councils under the operation of the scheme for 2021 are set out below:
|
Local Authority |
Grant Recoupment Claims |
Administrative Fees |
|
Mayo |
€477,716.96 |
€200,368.84 |
|
Donegal |
€3,003,543.84 |
€363,875.17 |
There were no outstanding payment claims with my Department on 31 December 2021.
586. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will publish the report of the independent review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. [2089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Parliamentary Question 59 of the 2nd of December 2021. The position is that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) paper referred to is close to completion following the extensive research, consultation, orientation and feedback work. (The title of this component on the Review process in not as set out.) This will punctuate that part of the Review process and creates the conjunction to the next phases. The rest of the Review process continues apace.
The next phases of the review process are in train. Firstly, the Reflect Phase as I and my Department consider the outcomes of this work and then synthesize the resourcing gains of the past 18 months with a detailed, expert analysis of governance, organisational structures, communications, data systems and future resourcing, and outline the NPWS’ specific requirements across those areas. The final, Renew Phase will detail the objectives and prioritised actions required to equip the NPWS to continue to deliver on the ambitious goals, objectives and targets emerging from our Programme for Government – Our Shared Future , the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, Heritage Ireland 2030 and the new National Biodiversity Action Plan.
None of the component parts of the Review process will be published separately or ahead of a Government decision on the outcome of the Review process.
587. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 452 of 19 October 2021, if the National Coastal Change Management Strategy Steering Group has met to finalise a group strategy; if not, when he expects such a meeting to take place and a strategy to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the Question No. 452 of 19 October 2021, the Steering Group has not met but is expected to meet in the coming weeks. Rather than convene a full meeting, to assist and support the work of the group, my Department and the OPW have engaged in a series of bilateral meetings in the interim with relevant Departments and key stakeholders. These bilateral meetings have provided an opportunity to discuss the emerging work of the Group and to stimulate the most effective engagement of these key stakeholders. The meetings to date have been very useful in allowing for issues relating to coastal change management to be identified and explored in the context of the particular operations of the participating organisations.
The findings of the Steering Group are at an advanced stage of drafting and will be finalised for presentation to Government for consideration. The scoping report on a National Coastal Change Management Strategy is intended to provide a framework for key decisions to be taken on how Ireland could best manage its coastline in light of the future risks.
588. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 26 of 11 November 2021, if he will report on his Department’s progress in appointing a full-time vacant homes officer position in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2018, my Department has made funding of €50,000 per annum available to each local authority to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a vacant homes officer. Housing for All commits to ensuring that vacant homes officers are full-time officers. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction with a view to increasing the opportunities for residential development.
In October 2021, my Department communicated with each local authority on the continuation of this funding into 2022 to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office supporting local authorities funding of a vacant homes officer. My Department will be communicating further with local authorities, subsequent to the forthcoming launch of the town centre first policy, with a particular focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction to support the regeneration of town centres.
592. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that children in emergency accommodation have timely access to a child support worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2161/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at the local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities with additional supports, including the provision of family supports, provided to families by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland commits to working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and provides detail on how the Government is approaching this as a priority. It includes eighteen distinct actions on homelessness. Two of these actions relate specifically to the provision of supports for families and children and in enabling their exit from homelessness. There is a commitment to enhance family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multi-agency and coordinated response, and the dissimenation of innovative practice. There is a commitment to identify and provide enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to families experiencing long-term homelessness to help them exit from homelessness and maintain their homes. These actions are being delivered with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla.
The Government will continue to prioritise responses for families experiencing homelessness and this is being reflected in both strategic policy and in specific actions.
593. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will establish a dedicated task force to review the effect of housing insecurity on one-parent families and to develop appropriate solutions. [2163/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are independent in the exercise of their functions and, as such, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. Lone parents are entitled to access all of the housing support delivery mechanisms on an equal basis with all other citizens.
However, the Government is determined to ensure that housing policy must address the needs of those who experience social exclusion in our society by taking firm action. The Housing for All plan launched in September 2021 contains a specific commitment to a Fresh Start principle which will be of assistance to lone parents who may wish to apply for affordable housing or a local authority home loan.
Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Housing for All commits to working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and provides detail on how the Government is approaching this as a priority. Homelessness is a complex issue, and causal factors and family circumstances vary considerably, as do the responses needed. Homelessness is also inter-related with the other areas of the housing system and with broader social and healthcare policy and service delivery. A new National Homeless Action Committee has been established to lead this whole-of-Government approach. The Committee, which had its first meeting in December, brings together all of the key Government departments, agencies and stakeholders involved. Homelessness prevention is a key priority issue for the Committee.
An important aspect of Housing for All is to support families and children experiencing homelessness. Family homelessness, including lone parent homelessness, has seen an appreciable reduction since 2019, but still remains a key challenge. The overriding objective is to provide homes to those households at risk of or experiencing homelessness through the various social housing supports available.
Many families have found themselves trapped in long term homelessness. Housing for All commits my Department to working with Local Authorities and NGOs to identify families experiencing long-term homelessness that have complex support needs. Those that do will be provided with enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to help them exit homelessness and maintain their homes. Additional supports are to be provided to families by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Increasing the supply of housing, particularly new build social and affordable homes, is a key priority of this Government. Under Housing for All there are specific and costed plans to increase supply across all tenure types, including very significant commitments to social and affordable housing, with over 90,000 social homes, and 36,000 affordable and 18,000 cost rental homes to be delivered by 2030. €4 billion in capital is being invested annually on social and affordable housing. This is the biggest such programme in the history of the State.
The Government will continue to prioritise responses for all families, including lone parents, affected by housing insecurity and this is being reflected in both strategic policy and in specific actions.
