Written Answers Nos. 128-149
128. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the Departmental working group that was set up to investigate potential amendments to building regulations to require changing places (details supplied) in suitable public buildings; the proposed structure of the public consultation and if a timeline can be provided for its completion. [3301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities in all publicly accessible in Department buildings to offer persons with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene in safety and comfort. [2544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 294 together.
The Building Regulations apply to the design and construction of all new buildings (including dwellings) and to certain works to existing buildings. They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access. Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
In December 2020, my Department established a Working Group specifically to examine the provision for a changing places toilet in certain buildings. A changing places toilet offers larger supported facilities that address the needs of people for whom current accessible sanitary accommodation is inadequate. These facilities enable people with complex care needs to take part in everyday activities such as travel, shopping, family days out or attending a sporting event.
The plenary Working Group has met six times to date, in addition to a number of sub-group meetings. Draft documentation, which includes draft Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations, draft Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use and a Regulatory Impact Analysis, is currently being finalised to support a public consultation on the matter shortly.
Finally, it should be noted that Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005 places an obligation on public bodies to make their buildings and services accessible. Section 25 states that 'a public body shall ensure that its public buildings are as far as practicable, accessible to persons with disabilities' and requires public bodies to apply Part M retrospectively to the public areas of public buildings. Section 25 states that where Part M is amended, public buildings shall be brought into compliance with any amendments not later than ten years after the commencement of that amendment.
129. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement he has had with Cork County Council and Cork City Council to improve on the current timelines to complete all social housing and HAP applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications 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.
Regulation 12 of the 2011 Regulations prescribes the timescales for the processing of applications by local authorities and provides that, subject to conditions, a local authority shall deal with an application within a period of 12 weeks. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and ensure that such applications are dealt with within timeframes that are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum. Different timescales may apply where the local authority requires additional information from the applicant within the relevant period, as defined in the Regulations, thus leading to possible extensions to the 12 week deadline in terms of completing the application process.
If a household meets the eligibility and need criteria, it qualifies for the suite of social housing supports, including HAP, and is placed on the housing list to be considered for the allocation of suitable tenancies in accordance with the authority’s allocation scheme.
Despite the challenges faced throughout the period of the Covid emergency measures, local authorities and the HAP Shared Service Centre (HAP SSC) have continued to provide a critical service to all HAP customers.
Measures that were required to be taken in the context of Covid-19 did, however, have an impact on processing times for HAP applications.
Once a HAP application has been received and confirmed as valid by the relevant local authority, it is entered on the system by the local authority and then submitted for processing and payment by the HAP SSC. If there are delays at the processing stage within a local authority, payment to the landlord may be backdated to the date on which a complete and valid application form was received by the local authority. The landlord is therefore not penalised for any delay.
My Department and the local authorities are aware of the importance of minimising HAP processing times and the critical need to keep this under review at a local level, in order to ensure times are minimised to the greatest extent possible. This has been communicated clearly to the County and City Management Association (CCMA), and my Department is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to do so over the coming months.
130. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the findings of the report A Hidden Crisis: Traveller homelessness in the South West published 18 January 2022; and the response by his Department to the report. [3325/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the challenges identified in the report entitled 'A Hidden Crisis: Traveller homelessness in the South West' which was commissioned by the Cork Kerry Regional Traveller Accommodation Working Group and which investigates both the causes and impact of Traveller homelessness and hidden homelessness in the Region which is a valuable contribution on the issue.
The Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, published in July 2019, reviewed the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, and other legislation that impacts on the provision and delivery of accommodation for Travellers. The Expert Review report, which is intended to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for providing accommodation for members of the Traveller community, has 32 recommendations across 4 categories which are aimed at:
1. Addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;
2. Removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;
3. Increasing resources and delivery capacity; and
4. Strengthening governance arrangements.
Delivery and implementation of the recommendations will involve several areas within my Department as well as input from other Departments, local authorities and other external stakeholders.
A Programme Board established to drive implementation of the recommendations from the Expert Group report has agreed a work programme for 2021 focused on national issues and the local level strategic policy committees will be considered in due course. For example, internal liaison is ongoing with Homelessness Unit developing insights on Traveller homelessness. The Programme Board recently agreed to report progress on implementation of the recommendations on my Department's website. It is expected that this information will be available shortly.
I, and my Department, will continue our collaborative work with local authorities to support the consistent delivery of accommodation for Travellers and to address the needs of all those experiencing homelessness, including Travellers.
131. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Strategic Review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service report, the second and third review phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3246/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review process of the National Parks and Wildlife Service is ongoing and I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question 586 of 19 January 2022.
The position is as outlined therein - there are three phases to the Review process. The first phase; which involves an extensive research, consultation, orientation and feedback work feeds into the remaining phases. The rest of the Review process continues apace. Next is 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 disaggregated or published separately ahead of a Government decision on the Strategic Action Plan for the NPWS, which is the planned outcome of the Review process.
132. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement his Department has had with other stakeholders on ensuring the availability of suitably skilled construction workers to meet Housing for All targets. [3048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All makes the following commitments in relation to Skills & Capacity in housing policy objective 17:
- up-to-date forecast of labour demand and supply for the construction sector implementing the policies necessary to fast-track sufficient numbers into the residential construction workforce. Such policies may include, but are not limited to:
- an integrated education, training and activation response, including delivery of new courses and apprenticeships etc
- working with Industry (through the Construction Sector Group) to review and promote the attractiveness of careers in the construction sector.
- recourse to international labour markets where supply is unavailable locally, including facilitating recruitment from abroad and changes
- employment permit schemes where necessary
- encouraging participation in the Irish market by international construction firms and builders
Responsibility for delivery of the above actions rests with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and employment (DETE) .
DHLGH engages with the relevant Government bodies and stakeholders to deliver these and related actions in the following forums:
- The Secretary General subgroup on Industry Capability chaired by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to deliver innovation and productivity related actions.
- The Inter Departmental Group International Recruitment Sub-Group chaired by DFHERIS
- The Construction Sector Group and its sub groups convened by DPER
- The Expert Group for Future Skills Needs working groups facilitated by DETE to produce the EGFSN Building Future Skills-Built Environment report and the EGFSN Skills for a low carbon economy report
- The development of the pilot Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) centre of excellence with Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board , Solas and other government and industry stakeholders which is now being extended to three further Education and Training Boards by DFHERIS.
133. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to be in a position to issue a new call for proposals and applications for retrofitting projects from local authorities. [3343/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme in 2013 with the aim of funding retrofit of social homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013, over 75,000 units of local authority stock have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of over €183 million.
The Energy Efficiency Programme was revised in 2021 around the Programme for Government (PfG) commitment to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard by 2030, of which approximately 36,500 of those homes are expected to be local authority homes. The Programme is not only geared to meet the PfG commitment but also addresses fuel poverty and the need to improve thermal performance in the social housing stock.
The Programme has received a substantial increase in annual funding and will see a significant increase and ramping up of retrofitting works over the next number of years, building on the good work already undertaken by local authorities to-date. The Programme requires local authorities to move to a deeper level of retrofitting. Eligible works under the programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation, windows and external doors, heat pumps and ancillary works.
A Budget of €65 million was allocated to local authorities in 2021, with €20 million allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Pilot as part of the 'Just Transition' programme, and the balance of €45 million under the 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme.
In 2022, the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting programme will see a significant increase in funding support to €85 million, allowing approximately 2,400 homes nationally to be upgraded to a B2 or equivalent standard.
My Department are currently working with local authorities on shaping the 2022 Energy Efficiency Programme. Final details of the 2022 programme will be announced in due course.
134. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the planned timeframe for the various stages of the next River Basin Management Plan for Ireland once the current public consultation stage is over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently preparing the third River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, to cover the period 2022 – 2027. A key commitment in the new Programme for Government, a new revised and strengthened River Basin Management Plan will advance Ireland’s commitment to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive .
Building on the work of the second-cycle, this plan will again describe the main pressures and activities affecting water status and set out the environmental objectives to be achieved up to 2027 and identify the measures needed to achieve these objectives, including those highlighted by the EPA.
I published the draft plan in September 2021 for a six month consultation period which will end on 31 March 2022.
On 17 January 2022, my Department hosted an online stakeholder event as part of the wider ongoing engagement with stakeholders and advisory groups on the production of the third River Basin Management Plan for Ireland.
Also during the public consultation phase, the Local Authority Waters Programme is hosting regional town hall meetings to gather the views of local communities. Details of these community engagements will be available on www.LAwaters.ie. My Department will also engage in further stakeholder meetings, such as our ongoing engagements with An Fóram Uisce, throughout the consultation period and beyond to ensure the identified measures are appropriate to meet the challenges ahead.
Following the public consultation phase the draft plan will be revised, taking on board public consultation outcomes, with a view to publication as soon as possible.
135. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the legislation underpinning the revised MICA redress scheme will be published; his views on whether the sliding scale announced as part of the revised MICA redress scheme must be abolished; and when the agreed changes to the scheme will be published. [3321/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI brought a Memorandum to Government on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on the 30 November 2021. It included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn. The comprehensive changes include:
- The current 90% maximum grant will be increased to a 100% grant for all remediation options 1-5.
- The maximum grant cap for option 1 (demolition and rebuild) will be increased from €247,500 to €420,000.
- The grant calculation methodology in respect of option 1 remediation will be based on a cost per square foot with grant costings to be set by my Department following receipt of information on up to date construction costs from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). An indicative rate of €145 per square foot for the first 1,000 sq foot with a sliding scale thereafter has been announced by my Department and this will be subject to review as required in line with construction cost changes. In the case of remediation options 2-5 a similar but necessarily different approach will be taken to inform the appropriate grant rate for blockwork removal and replacement following receipt of advice from SCSI. The SCSI will be completely independent in their engagement with my Department on construction costs.
- A revised application process will be introduced which will only require the homeowner to submit an initial ‘Building Condition Assessment’ at minimal cost recoupable on entry to the Scheme. The Housing Agency will take over testing, sampling and categorisation of homes on behalf of homeowners and local authorities and will thereafter recommend the appropriate remediation option and grant amount for each home.
- Alternative accommodation and storage costs are to be included, subject to a maximum of €20,000.
- In relation to works carried out under remediation options 2-5, a second grant option, will be available for such a home in the future if blockwork which was not removed as part of the initial remediation work subsequently proves defective in accordance with the IS;465 standard.
- A new independent appeals process will be introduced.
- €5,000 will be available for essential immediate repair works recommended by a building professional as part of the Building Condition Assessment process.
- The Scheme will be extended beyond the current scope of Principal Private Residences only, to also cover Residential Tenancies Board registered rental properties, subject to the introduction of a clawback mechanism upon re-sale within a set time period depending on the remediation option used. Opportunities for the State to acquire such rental properties for social housing purposes will also be examined.
Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link;
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/
I aim to bring the required primary legislation to give effect to the enhanced scheme before the Oireachtas as soon as possible with Spring 2022 being the indicative target timeline.
136. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons and households on local authority waiting lists by local authority and county in tabular form. [3319/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families with a housing need currently in County Monaghan. [3200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 148 together.
Detail on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The SSHA captures the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need has not yet been met and helps better inform policy and plan for the delivery of the right types of social housing support. The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2020, is available at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/#:~:text=The%20Summary%20of%20Social%20Housing,is%20not%20currently%20being%20met.
The 2021 SSHA process is underway and I expect to publish the summary report before end Q1, 2022.
138. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for the publication of the revised wind energy development guidelines; the reason for the significant delay in publishing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
Guidance on the noise aspect is currently being finalised by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Significant work has been undertaken on the noise elements and the two Departments recently met to discuss new developments in this regard including consideration of the impact of the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources and the need to ensure that proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines are fit for purpose. These aspects are currently being considered and further engagement between the Departments is expected imminently. Following this inter-departmental engagement, I will be in a better position to provide an update on the expected publication date of the revised Guidelines, the finalisation of which remains a priority.
It should also be noted that the review and finalisation of the Guidelines has been included as a specific action in the recently published Climate Action Plan.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála, must have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
140. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to launch a national pilot wastewater scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department builds its strategic water policy and infrastructure delivery programmes around the National Planning Framework 2018-2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
Investment is primarily delivered through Irish Water while my Department operates the Rural Water Programme directly. The Programme for Government supports the uptake of Irish Water's Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme 2020-2024, which will provide water and wastewater growth capacity in smaller settlements that would otherwise not be provided for in Irish Water's capital investment plan.
Complementary to that Programme, my Department is also currently examining waste water requirements in the context of villages and similar settlements that do not have access to public waste water infrastructure. I have instructed the relevant officials in my Department to prepare a report on this topic at a national level. This process is at a very advanced stage, and I will be in a position to consider the matter once I have received the final report.
141. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of capital funding drawn down in 2020 and 2021 in respect of waterways developments; the capital funding provided for such works in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3338/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2022 capital provision of a total of €20,464m for Waterways Ireland represents a significant increase compared to 2020 and 2021, and includes funding of €7m from the Shared Island Fund toward Phases 2 and 3 of the Ulster Canal restoration project.
Waterways Ireland drew down capital funding of €5,73m in 2020 and €7m in 2021.
Waterways Ireland will use this funding to progress the restoration of the Ulster Canal, the expansion of blueways and greenways and the maintenance and development of the inland waterways. These work programmes are critical to providing a safe and high quality recreational environment for the public, whilst also preserving the industrial and environmental heritage of the waterways for future generations.
142. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the extension of the defective block remediation scheme to County Clare. [3115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a submission from Clare County Council, dated 23 July 2021, requesting the extension of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme to County Clare. A response issued to the Council on 3 August 2021 indicating that my Department would review the submission and it also sought a detailed breakdown of costs associated with the Report. A breakdown of costs associated with the Report was received on 28 September 2021.
In order to progress matters a meeting was held on 9 November 2021 between officials from my Department and Clare County Council to review issues which require further elaboration in order to evidentially support an extension of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme to County Clare.
Clare County Council undertook to review their submission in light of the discussion which took place and address the gaps in evidential data which have been identified by my Department. In that regard, the relevant local authority are to continue to take the lead, build on the good work to date and demonstrate damage which has been documented has manifested due to the presence of reactive pyrite, which is crucial for applicants in the existing scheme.
My Department is eager to progress this matter and to that end, issued a correspondence to Clare County Council on the 6 December 2021 outlining formally the nature of clarifications sought.
My Department received a response with some clarifications from Clare County Council, dated 20 December 2021 and this response is currently under review and will be replied to as soon as possible.
The extension of the scheme to other local authority areas was considered as part of wider deliberations on the Scheme by Government. I, as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, may, with Government approval, extend the scheme beyond the counties of Donegal and Mayo to additional counties, where the evidence supports such an extension.
143. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of estates which have progressed to being taken in charge for 2020 and 2021 in Cork county and city; the number of applications still to be progressed in Cork county and city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe taking in charge of residential estates by local authorities is provided for under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended and procedures for this are initiated under section 11 of the Roads Act, 1993. The taking in charge of residential estates is a reserved function of the elected members.
The intention of the legislation is that once a residential estate is complete, the planning authority can be requested to take over the roads and footpaths, public lighting and open spaces. However, where work has not been completed to satisfactory standards, there can be a delay in this process as enforcement proceedings including invocation of bonds are progressed.
Subsection 2 of Section 180 requires the planning authority, where requested by the majority of the owners of the dwellings involved, to take in charge a residential estate even if it has not been completed to the satisfaction of the authority, if four years have elapsed since the expiry of the planning permission and no enforcement action has been initiated.
Ultimately, progression of individual developments through the taking-in-charge process is a matter for the relevant housing developer, the residents in such developments and the relevant local authorities, following the procedures laid out in section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
My Department does not collect the information sought and it is advised that the Deputy contact Cork City Council and Cork County Council in relation to this matter.
144. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of his plans to implement the shared equity home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3354/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 4 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides the basis for the establishment of the First Home affordable purchase shared equity scheme. The scheme will support first-time buyers on moderate incomes to buy a new-build home, subject to price ceilings reflective of median prices.
Budget 2022 allocated €44 million to my Department for First Home. The banking sector has confirmed it is committed to working with the State to develop and deliver this scheme, and has agreed in principle to match this State funding in order to increase the pool of funding available to potential new homeowners. Subject to the necessary approvals by all parties, it is anticipated that the First Home scheme will operate for the period 2022 to 2026, utilising overall funding of c. €400m and providing support to c. 8,000 households to purchase homes.
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) addressed the First Home scheme in its Financial Stability Review II of 2021, published 25 November 2021, and noted that the Scheme would provide an equity rather than a loan product and as such would mitigate the risk of borrower over-indebtedness. In light of these conclusions, the CBI amended the Mortgage Measures Regulations in order to make explicit that regulated mortgage lenders, including the pillar retail banks, may collaborate with the Government in the First Home scheme. This amendment was made, by the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48) (Housing Loan Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, on the 7 December 2021.
It is intended that the scheme will be operated by a newly-established ‘First Home Scheme Ireland’ Designated Activity Company which was incorporated in December last. Significant work is continuing on the detailed design and parameters of the scheme, and full scheme details will be confirmed upon completion of this work. It is anticipated that initial activity on key areas of work, including public communications, will be conducted in Q1 of this year, in advance of First Home’s first receipt of applications and deployment of equity support, scheduled for Q2.
145. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the introduction of the new local authority-led programme for compulsory purchase orders of vacant properties for resale on the open market; the funding he is providing for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3278/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 508 of 19 January 2022 which sets out the current position on this matter.
147. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new build social homes and new build affordable homes that were delivered in County Mayo in 2021; the targets for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on social housing delivery for each local authority on a quarterly basis. The statistics are available to the end of Quarter 3 2021 and show that in the first nine months of 2021, 11 new build social homes were delivered in Mayo in 2021. A detailed Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) is published each quarter by my Department. The CSR shows that there were 11 schemes of 88 homes on site in Mayo at the end of Quarter 3 2021 with a further 15 schemes of 225 homes at various stages of design and procurement. The 2022 social housing build target for Mayo County Council is 90 homes.
The delivery of affordable housing will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Under Housing for All, all local authorities were required to prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan by December 2021. This allows each local authority to assess the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and plan provision accordingly. Local authorities can undertake HNDA analysis at sub-county level to determine whether there is a need for Government funded affordable housing schemes in specific towns/areas.
149. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the review for planning exemptions for solar panels for educational and community buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3307/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Included in the planning exemptions set out in the Regulations are those applying to the installation of solar infrastructure on a variety of building types, including houses, businesses, industrial and agricultural to which specific conditions are attached.
My Department, in the context of the Climate Action Plan and in consultation with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has undertaken a review of the solar panel planning exemptions set out in the Regulations, with a particular focus on facilitating increased self-generation of electricity.
This review is now complete. Substantial changes to the current planning exemption thresholds for solar panels are proposed, as well as the introduction of new classes of solar panel planning exemptions relating to their use in apartments and in educational/community/religious buildings.
In light of the need to appropriately address aviation safety concerns arising from the “glint and glare” impacts of solar panels and the easing of the solar panel planning exemption thresholds, my Department is in the process of commissioning the development of detailed aviation safeguarding maps which will identify and delineate specific but limited areas in the vicinity of airports and aerodromes (referred to as exclusion zones) within which the exemptions will not apply. Project scoping feedback has been received from interested parties through the draft Request for Tender process and has been considered by my Department in the development of the final Request for Tender documentation. My Department intends to publish the call for tender shortly.
Whilst this work is ongoing, my Department has advanced interim regulations, adopting a temporary, albeit more stringent, radial approach incorporating initial defined exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes. These interim regulations, allowing for increased solar panel planning exemptions, will cover the vast majority of the land area of the country, only excluding those limited exclusion 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 a draft of the interim regulations for a period of public consultation of not less than 4 weeks. This public consultation is expected to commence shortly. A copy of the draft interim regulations and the Environmental Report will be made available for inspection over this period. Written submissions or observations will be taken into consideration before finalisation of the draft interim regulation.
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 from both Houses before they can be made and the SEA process concluded.
Accordingly, the process for finalising the interim solar panel planning exemptions as referred to above, with interim exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes, is expected to be completed in Q2 2022. As outlined, pending the finalisation of the aforementioned aviation safeguarding maps, these interim regulations will allow for the vast majority of the country to be covered by the proposed new solar panel exemptions apart from those areas in close proximity to airports and aerodromes.
Work on the development of the aviation safeguarding maps for airports and aerodromes is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022. The final supplementary set of regulations - delineating the final exclusion areas around airports and aerodromes in which the exemptions will not apply - will be prepared thereafter and, subject to environmental reporting considerations, will subsequently be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval in a timely manner.
