Joan Collins
Ceist:75. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to assist families who need three-bedroom homes at an affordable cost (details supplied). [3315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing Schemes
Ceisteanna (75)
Freagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to the provision of more affordable housing, both for purchase and rent, and under Housing for All we have allocated €4 billion in funding to building affordable homes. This will support the delivery of approximately 36,000 affordable purchase and 18,000 Cost Rental homes to 2030.
I set out the legislative framework for Cost Rental in the Affordable Housing Act last year. It is a long-term rental model, in which tenants only pay the cost of providing, managing and maintaining their homes. We are committed to growing this sector, and in 2022 over 700 Cost Rental homes will be completed and tenanted via Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) funded by my Department. Together with homes that will delivered by the LDA under Project Tosaigh, this will see approximately 1,500 Cost Rental homes provided for this year.
In the applications that AHBs have received for the homes made available under Cost Rental so far, they have noted a strong demand for one and two-bed homes. However, there is a willingness to facilitate demand for a range of unit sizes in order to meet this affordability crisis. In fact, three and four-bedroom Cost Rental homes have made up approximately 24% of the 821 homes approved under CREL to date.
My Department are also supporting the delivery of affordable purchase and Cost Rental homes through Local Authorities via the Affordable Housing Fund. Of the homes approved in principle to date, 38% are either three or four-bedroom homes, which further demonstrates our commitment to a broad range of unit types to meet the needs of different households across the country.
Solar Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (76)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:76. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the draft interim regulations on solar panel installations; if he is conscious of the need to expedite this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has advanced interim regulations, allowing for increased solar panel planning exemptions, which will cover the vast majority of the land area of the country, excluding limited zones around airports and aerodromes.
The draft interim regulations have been reviewed under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC and it has been determined that they are likely to have significant effects on the environment, necessitating the undertaking of a full SEA on the draft proposals. It is anticipated that the formal SEA process will commence, with consultation with the statutory environmental authorities to inform the content of the Environmental Report, following the completion of the screening for Appropriate Assessment by my Department’s Ecological Assessment Unit. The SEA Environmental Report will be published alongside the draft regulations for a period of public consultation of not less than 4 weeks. This is expected to commence shortly.
As required under planning legislation, the proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution before they can be made and the SEA process concluded. The process for finalising the interim solar panel planning exemptions is expected to be completed in Q2 2022.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (77)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:77. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the details of the new initiatives for affordable purchase will be completed; and when these schemes will open for applications. [3345/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Affordable Housing Act 2021, which I commenced in August 2021, laid the provisions for the introduction of two new affordable purchase schemes. These measures are being delivered via local authorities and the Land Development Agency and a new national First Home scheme.
The Local Authority led affordable purchase dwelling arrangements will support buyers in purchasing local authority delivered new homes by bridging the gap between the cost of the home and the combined value of the buyer's mortgage and deposit. Regulations to set out the detailed criteria are at an advanced stage and will be issued in the coming weeks. The first affordable purchase homes delivered through this scheme are anticipated to be made available next month in Boherboy, Cork City.
The First Home affordable purchase scheme will operate for the period 2022 to 2026 utilising funding of c. €400m. It will support first-time buyers on moderate incomes to buy a new-build home in private developments. A newly-established First Home Designated Activity Company to operate this scheme was incorporated in December. Significant work is continuing on the detailed design and parameters of the scheme, and full details will be confirmed upon completion of this work. It is anticipated that initial activity on key areas of work, including public communications, will begin in Q1, and in advance of First Home’s first receipt of applications and deployment of equity support, scheduled for Q2 this year.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (78)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:78. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the delivery of genuinely affordable homes to rent and to buy on an estate (details supplied) and Poolbeg, Dublin city. [3324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regeneration of Poolbeg West is an important step in the transformation of the Dublin Docklands area, with the potential to provide for 3,500 homes. In June 2021 following a comprehensive international open market campaign, named a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate, Oaktree Capital Management, and Lioncor Developments (“the Consortium”) acquired a controlling 80% shareholding in the company which owns the glass bottle site for €200m. NAMA maintains a 20% minority interest. The development of the site will be undertaken by the Consortium.
I am advised that in July 2021, a planning application was submitted to Dublin City Council (DCC) for Phase 1 to construct 600 apartments, including 90 affordable and 62 social homes. DCC issued a decision in September 2021, requiring the applicant to revert with further information on matters outstanding. As this site is progressed, my Department is coordinating internally to work with DCC, and the developers to progress this much needed housing.
The Emmet Road (formerly St Michael’s Estate) project is being undertaken by DCC. Current plans propose 484 homes, 375 being Cost Rental and 109 social homes. I met with residents of the area in December 2021. This will be an important site in the development of a long-term model for the large-scale provision of Cost Rental homes.
Approval in principle for €18.75 million in Departmental funding for the Cost Rental homes has been granted for this project. The European Investment Bank has also confirmed support in principle. My Department is also committed to providing funding support for the social housing on this site and to working with all parties to progress both of these developments.
Departmental Meetings
Ceisteanna (79)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:79. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the organisations or persons he or the Minister for State have met in the past two years in relation to development plans (details supplied); the number of meeting requests which were turned down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of Ministers’ engagements are published periodically on my Department’s website and I will arrange for the relevant weblink to be circulated with the official record.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/5f6f1-ministers-diaries/
Of those who have requested to meet with me, many were already represented on The Moore Street Advisory Group. Indeed I met with this group at one of its first meetings in December 2020. This group, which included 1916 Relatives, street traders and Oireachtas members last year presented its final report to Minister O’Brien and myself, putting forward a number of important recommendations on how the street and its market could be rejuvenated and how the national monument buildings at Nos. 14 – 17 Moore St. could be presented to the public as a 1916 Commemorative Centre.
As Minister, I am precluded from commenting on a live planning case under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 so am unable to meet with any groups to discuss a planning application while a case is live.
I also receive numerous types of requests to attend and officiate at events, to visit sites, and to meet with individuals or groups. Unfortunately due to time pressure I am unable to agree to everything presented to me. I did receive some requests for meetings from parties interested in the development plans referred to, however I must reiterate that many of those requesters were represented on the MSAG with whom I met.
Derelict Sites
Ceisteanna (80)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:80. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all local authorities have furnished the details on the total number of derelict properties currently on their registers; the number of actions and fines issued under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 for each respective local authority; the changes he will make based on this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3191/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local Authorities are required to submit an annual return to my Department providing information on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 in their functional areas. The derelict sites returns are collected in Q2 of the following year.
A table containing the information requested regarding the operation of the derelict sites levy, as per the most recent returns from local authorities relating to the year 2020, will be circulated with the official record. In total, 1,548 derelict sites were registered on local authority derelict sites registers at the end of 2020.
Addressing vacancy and dereliction, and maximising the use of the existing housing stock, is a priority objective of the Government, as evidenced the recently published Housing for All A New Housing Plan for Ireland where one of the four pathways in the plan is specifically dedicated to this area.
My Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act with a view to improving its effectiveness. My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 to identify potential improvements, with local authorities and will be engaging with local authorities on this matter on the course of this year.
|
Local Authority |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice / demand under the Act issued |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 1 January 2020 |
No. of Derelict Sites entered onto Register during the year |
No. of Derelict Sites removed from Register during the year |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2020 |
No. of Derelict Sites levied during the year |
Amount levied during the year |
|
Carlow |
38 |
37 |
3 |
18 |
22 |
9 |
€64,364.00 |
|
Cavan |
52 |
23 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Clare |
0 |
44 |
0 |
5 |
39 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Cork County |
13 |
180 |
0 |
0 |
180 |
12 |
€44,700.00 |
|
Cork City |
90 |
100 |
3 |
8 |
95 |
67 |
€ 1,739,640.00 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Dublin City |
83 |
85 |
2 |
14 |
73 |
66 |
€1,648,150.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
35 |
22 |
2 |
14 |
10 |
7 |
€301,000.00 |
|
Fingal |
12 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Galway City |
21 |
12 |
4 |
0 |
16 |
4 |
€298,900.00 |
|
Galway County |
17 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Kerry |
57 |
68 |
12 |
23 |
57 |
11 |
€150,162.00 |
|
Kildare |
12 |
14 |
2 |
0 |
16 |
11 |
€93,450.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
17 |
0 |
2 |
15 |
2 |
€3,150.00 |
|
Laois |
0 |
88 |
11 |
7 |
92 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
36 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Limerick City & County |
287 |
90 |
125 |
13 |
215 |
67 |
€280,265 |
|
Longford |
4 |
34 |
2 |
0 |
36 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Louth |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
€13,500.00 |
|
Mayo |
265 |
156 |
166 |
54 |
268 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Meath |
40 |
12 |
8 |
0 |
20 |
11 |
€ 116,654.00 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
35 |
1 |
0 |
36 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Offaly |
19 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Sligo |
0 |
20 |
1 |
2 |
19 |
0 |
€ - |
|
South Dublin |
8 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
4 |
€37,417.00 |
|
Tipperary |
39 |
46 |
4 |
11 |
39 |
10 |
€45,150.00 |
|
Waterford City & County |
6 |
33 |
0 |
0 |
33 |
0 |
€ - |
|
Westmeath |
73 |
101 |
3 |
5 |
99 |
64 |
€370,500.00 |
|
Wexford |
84 |
52 |
5 |
12 |
45 |
22 |
€199,640.00 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
€42,000.00 |
|
Total |
1274 |
1369 |
355 |
189 |
1548 |
371 |
€5,448,642.00 |
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (81)
Joan Collins
Ceist:81. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department sent a memo to Dublin City Council in November 2021, informing the Council to cease the acquisition housing programme given that a family (details supplied) has received a tenancy termination notice and is in danger of being made homeless. [3187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's priority under Housing for All is to deliver 47,600 new build social homes over the next five years. Substantial funding is available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies or AHBs to deliver on this objective as the primary means through which they will increasingly meet the needs of those on their waiting lists. I am also keen that local authorities and AHBs avoid competing with potential private purchasers for available properties.
Given the need to avoid competition and the focus of support on the build programme, I have asked local authorities to limit their acquisitions of privately owned properties, with approximately 200 acquisitions to be undertaken over this year under SHIP and CALF funding programmes.It will be a matter for the local authorities themselves to decide their specific priority acquisitions but I have asked that they have particular regard to the following areas:
- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
- Other properties that allow persons/families to move from homelessness;
- Specific housing required for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs;
Any acquisition proposed must represent value for money per my Departments acquisitions guidelines.
Dublin City Council will assess all proposed acquisitions taking into account all of the above factors.
Regarding situations where landlords are selling a property rented to a person or a family in receipt of social housing supports local authorities have the services of tenancy sustainment officers to intervene at the first response.
I understand that Dublin City Council has informed my Department that as the property referred to by the Deputy does not fall under the priority categories for acquisitions it is not in a position to acquire it at this time. My Department understands that the Council's Allocations Section has been notified of the medical needs in this case and the household are to be assessed to determine whether a medical priority is appropriate in these circumstances.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (82)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:82. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered the submission from Donegal County Council in relation to the issue of MICA in local authority housing stock; if his Department will fund the necessary remedial works; and when a decision will be made in respect of same. [3322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department received a submission from Donegal County Council, dated 21 October 2021 in connection with social houses affected by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction. A response issued to the Council on the 3 November, 2021 indicating that my Department would review the submission.
The Government decision of the 30 November 2021 around enhancements to the Defective Concrete Blocks grant scheme, included provision for a parallel grant process to the DCB scheme for local authority and approved housing body owned social homes impacted by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction.
In order to progress implementation of the Government decision a meeting was held on 20 January 2022 between officials from my Department and Donegal County Council. The submission from Donegal County Council in regard to the social homes in their ownership was discussed and my Department will be responding formally to the submission in due course.
Work is ongoing in my Department to bring forward the legislation necessary to provide for the enhanced grant scheme. Work is also ongoing in tandem on the formulation of a scheme for the remediation of local authority and approved housing body owned social homes.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (83, 105)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:83. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the social housing output as of the end of Q4 of 2021. [3323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:105. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social houses built per local authority; the number of social houses leased per local authority; and the number of social houses purchased from the private market per local authority in 2021 and to date in 2022. [3320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 105 together.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on social housing delivery for each local authority on a quarterly basis. The statistics are currently available to the end of Quarter 3 2021. In the first nine months of the year, a total of 5,187 social homes were delivered, including 3,144 social homes delivered through new build, 1,576 social homes delivered through leasing programmes and 467 delivered through acquisitions. Details of individual local authority delivery are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
The Quarter 4 2021 statistical returns process is underway and the social housing outputs will be published in due course, in conjunction with the Quarter 4 Construction Status Report. In 2022, data on housing delivery will continue to be collated and published on a quarterly basis.