Holly Cairns
Ceist:90. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government for credit unions to become a key provider of community banking. [12157/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCredit Unions
Ceisteanna (90)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments in relation to the credit union sector. The Review of Policy Framework is in its final stages with a summary list of proposals having recently been shared with all the credit union representative bodies. A final stakeholder engagement session has been scheduled for early March. Legislative proposals arising will go to Cabinet shortly thereafter.
As part of the Review of the Policy Framework, Minister of State Fleming has conducted extensive stakeholder engagement, meeting with the representative bodies, collaborative ventures, service providers, the Credit Union Advisory Committee, the Registrar of Credit Unions and individual credit unions. The information gained from these meetings will help inform the next steps taken by Government.
In terms of supporting the sector to provide essential financial services to local communities, the following are some recent developments which highlight the potential of the sector to grow and fulfil a role in relation to community banking.
Lending and Investment
The Central Bank has in recent years reviewed both the lending and investment frameworks. Since 1 January 2020, credit unions now have a combined capacity to provide up to €1.1 billion in additional SME and mortgage loans, with further capacity available to credit unions who can comply with certain conditions or on approval by the Central Bank. As of September 2021, credit unions had a combined mortgage and SME loan book of circa €387 million, an increase of 19% year-on-year.
Credit unions are permitted to place their surplus funds that have not been lent to members in a range of investments including Tier 3 Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). I am pleased to share with the Deputy that three credit union backed funds have received approval from the Central Bank. Credit unions will be able to invest up to €900 million in these regulated funds, which will subsequently lend to AHBs.
SME Lending
Nineteen credit unions were approved in early 2021 for participation in the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. Further, in November five credit unions were announced as participants in the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS). The BILS provides low-cost loans of €25,000 to €1.5m to eligible Brexit-impacted businesses.
In total, SME lending has grown 6.9% year on year to end September 2021. Further development of SME lending in a controlled manner could also assist credit unions in growing and diversifying their loan book.
Access to Finance for Retrofit
The Government significantly increased the funding available to support retrofit. My officials have been engaging with stakeholders to support increased credit union participation in retrofit loan schemes.
Other Services
Other than member savings and lending, in order to provide “additional services”, a credit union must receive approval from the Central Bank.
66 credit unions are approved to provide current accounts.
The Central Bank has prescribed a list of exempt services which may be provided without requiring approval. The Central Bank is undertaking a review of the Exempt Services Schedule to ensure that the services listed reflect the current financial services landscape. The Central Bank has commenced a public consultation seeking views from stakeholders on the proposed changes arising from this review.
Office of Public Works
Ceisteanna (91)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:91. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will request an update from OPW officials in relation to the expected timeline for the removal of fencing located in the Old Abbey in Drogheda (details supplied); the details of plans to address the conditional issues which led to the installation of the fencing; if he will provide other information that he may have in relation to this historic section of town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11865/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the property known as The Abbey of St. Mary d'Urso is not in the care of the OPW and it is understood that it is in the ownership of Louth Co. Council. There may be a perception locally that OPW owns the Abbey as it is located immediately behind the Garda Station at Connolly Way. OPW however, has no connection with the property.
Flood Risk Management
Ceisteanna (92, 93)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:92. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will take into charge an issue regarding erosion at a private property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:93. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are planned works to be carried out at the Fenit Bank at the entrance to Fenit Island (details suppled); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12028/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie.
The OPW has no applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme from Kerry County Council in respect of flooding in this area.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 92.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Ceisteanna (94)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:94. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cuntas a thabhairt ar an mbéim shonrach ar an dáileadh méadaithe i mBuiséad 2021 maidir le hearnálacha na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, go sonrach i dtaobh chur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11931/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Forálann Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021 d’athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar an mbealach a bheartaímid do sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí Gaeilge ar ardchaighdeán do phobal na Gaeilge. Is tionscadal fadtéarmach é seo a bhfuil taighde cuimsitheach agus forbairt Plean Náisiúnta um Sholáthar Seirbhísí Poiblí trí mheán na Gaeilge ina chroílár. I láthair na huaire, táim ag obair i gcomhar le hoifigigh mo Roinne chun éifeacht a thabhairt d'fhorálacha an Achta sa tréimhse amach romhainn. Chuige sin, tá plean oibre forbartha ag oifigigh mo Roinne ina leagtar amach na céimeanna éagsúla atá le glacadh sna míonna amach romhainn chun forálacha an Achta a fheidhmiú.
Is í mo phríomhthosaíocht ag an tráth seo próiseas a reáchtáil ar mhaithe le beirt comhalta a earcú a bheidh ionadaíoch ar an gCoiste Comhairleach a bhfuil foráil déanta dó san Acht ar son phobal labhartha na Gaeilge taobh istigh agus taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht. Tá an réamhobair don phróiseas sin tosaithe ag an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí i gcomhar le hoifigigh mo Roinne.
Leis an Acht nua seo, tá bunsraith láidir leagtha síos dúinn, mar Stát, chun fíorcheannaireacht a léiriú i dtaobh an teanga a chaomhnú do na glúinte atá le teacht. Tagann forálacha an Achta i gcomhréir le huaillmhian bheartais fhoriomlán an Stáit maidir le tacú leis an nGaeilge agus maidir leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn. Ní mhiste a lua gur togra uile-Rialtais é seo nach mbeidh dírithe ar allúntais airgeadais amháin agus go mbeidh oibleagáidí orainn go léir trasna an státchóras maidir lena fhorfheidhme.
Tá acmhainní breise faighte agam laistigh de leithdháileadh mo Roinne i mBuiséad 2022 chun dlús a chur le cur i bhfeidhm na reachtaíochta nua, chomh maith le hacmhainní breise a sholáthar d’Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga i mbliana chun córais mhonatóireachta na hoifige sin a neartú. Tá earcú na n-acmhainní foirne breise seo beagnach críochnaithe ag mo Roinn.
Tá beartaithe agam, thar na míonna amach romhainn, sraith seimineár faisnéise a eagrú do chomhlachtaí poiblí maidir le forálacha an Achta nua, agus tús a chur le hailt ábhartha den Acht ar bhonn chéimiúil.
Waterways Issues
Ceisteanna (95)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:95. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the Royal Canal boundaries are defined on either side of the canal from Clonsilla train station to Castleknock train station; and if he will provide a map displaying the boundaries of this section. [11821/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Waterways Ireland has stated that on the towpath side or the south side of the Royal Canal, the boundary is generally clearly defined and is often bounded by the adjacent railway line.
On the north bank of the canal, the boundary is mainly comprised of trees and shrub material, so this boundary is not as clearly defined on the ground as the south side of the canal.
Boundary maps of the section of the Royal Canal from Clonsilla train station to Castleknock train station are attached for reference purposes. The agency has prepared these maps based on desktop analysis only and no surveying has been carried out. Boundaries, particularly on the north side of the canal, may be subject to adjustment once formal registration process commences.
If further clarification is sought regarding the boundary detail at a specific location between Clonsilla and Castleknock, I am informed that Waterways Ireland is willing to engage directly with the Deputy to clarify this matter.
Waterways Ireland can be contacted about this matter via email at ceooffice@waterwaysireland.org
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (96)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:96. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of an application made by Clare County Council for a pyrite redress scheme for homeowners in County Clare. [11844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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 required further elaboration in order to evidentially support an extension of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme to County Clare. My Department subsequently wrote to Clare County Council on the 6 December, 2021 outlining formally the nature of the clarifications required. Clare County Council undertook to review their submission and address the gaps in evidential data which had been identified by my Department.
My Department received a response with some clarifications from Clare County Council, dated 20 December 2021. It is accepted by Clare County Council in their correspondence of the 20 December that the causative link to actual damage arising from pyrite induced expansion has not been conclusively established in respect of the 5 homes tested to date.
On the 7 February 2022 officials from my Department met with officials from Clare County Council to progress matters. It was confirmed by Clare County Council that samples from five other properties are now being tested in accordance with the I.S. 465 protocol. If evidence of pyrite induced expansion is evident within the blockwork samples taken from these homes and the necessary causative link to the damage within the homes is established, my Department should be in a position to recommend to Government that an extension of the scheme to Clare would be legislated for.
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.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (97)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:97. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the provision of social and affordable housing in County Clare. [11845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Increasing the supply of social and affordable homes is a priority for this Government as shown clearly in the Housing for All strategy. Following the launch of the strategy last September we issued social housing targets to all local authority Chief Executives for the 5 years 2022 to 2026. Of the national target of over 50,000 new social homes, I’m asking Clare County Council to deliver 833 over those years, through their own projects and also working with the housing associations. Under Housing for All, the funding is in place to support Clare County Council and indeed all the Councils, to get these housing projects built.
I want to acknowledge that Clare County Council - with good support from their public representatives - has always delivered well against their social housing targets to date. They also have a solid pipeline of new projects in place and I’m keen that they advance these as speedily as possible.
For the purpose of tracking social housing delivery, a Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) is published each quarter by my Department. This provides details of the individual social housing build projects in the programme of each local authority, including Clare County Council. The CSR provides details of locations of the projects, the number of homes being delivered and the current status of each project, including those currently on site and under construction. The most recently published CSR covers the period up to the end of Quarter 3 of 2021, and is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/feea9-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2021/. Information on Quarter 4 of 2021, will be available shortly and will be added to the published data. Further specific information on their build programmes will be available from the local authorities.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 established a basis for four new affordable housing measures, to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes through (1) delivering affordable homes on local authority lands, (2) the introduction of a new form of tenure in Cost Rental, (3) a First Home shared equity scheme and (4) expanding Part V planning requirements to increase the 10% contribution requirement to 20% and to apply it to cost rental, as well as social and affordable housing. The First Home shared equity scheme will be available nationally on a demand-led basis. This scheme will primarily support first-time buyers purchasing new homes through the private market. It is anticipated this scheme will be open for applications in the second half of this year. The national 2022 target delivery for the First Home Scheme is 1,750.
At a national level, 2,550 Affordable Purchase homes and 1,580 Cost Rental homes are targeted for delivery for 2022. Annual targets will increase incrementally in subsequent years.
Delivery of affordable housing will be underpinned by Local Authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Having reviewed the submitted Plans, my Department has held meetings with Local Authorities. The information shared in these meetings, and through a two-day Housing Summit held last week with all local authorities, will facilitate more informed target setting for each area. Updated Housing Delivery Action Plans will be published by the local authorities, including Clare County Council, later this year.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (98)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:98. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration that has been given to the proposals from the collaborative town centre health check and other new methods of locating vacant properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11854/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Addressing 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) in every local authority across the country. Work is also 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 provide a new data set on vacant homes.
Local authorities play a key role at the local level in identifying vacant properties in their area having regard to data collated at the national level such as through the Census and the work of the Department of Finance. I would encourage every local authority to exhaust all of these data sources, including other avenues such as the collaborative town centre health check which is an initiative of the Heritage Council, in identifying vacant properties and bringing them back into productive residential use.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (99)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:99. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will supply the details of any proposed cost rental homes in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Housing for All targets, approximately 18,000 Cost Rental homes are to be delivered by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and the Land Development Agency (LDA) by 2030. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and construction restrictions impacted on delivery timelines in 2021, a scale up in Cost Rental delivery will occur in the near-term.
Under Budget 2022, €70 million was allocated to the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme for Cost Rental delivery by AHBs in 2022. Over 900 homes have been approved for funding under the scheme to date, with a total of almost 4,000 CREL-funded homes being targeted for delivery over the 5 years to 2026.
40 CREL-funded Cost Rental homes were tenanted by the Clúid AHB at Barnhall Meadows in Leixlip, Co. Kildare in December 2021, where cost rents charged are approximately 40% below comparable market rents in the area. A further 16 Cost Rental homes will be tenanted in this development by the end of Q2 2022.
Under the Second Call for Proposals for CREL funding, issued to AHBs in October 2021, I have given approval in principle to the allocation of €53.6 million for the provision of 521 Cost Rental homes across 11 sites in 7 Local Authority areas, 486 of which are scheduled to deliver in 2022. Three of these 11 sites, comprising a total of 186 Cost Rental homes, are currently scheduled to be delivered in Kildare in 2022. Details of the funded projects, including locations, unit types and cost-covering rents will be released when the relevant AHBs have completed necessary financial and commercial arrangements.
These properties will make a real difference for people who are struggling to pay rents in the private market. Of the 65 homes delivered under CREL to date, the tenants are paying cost rents that are approximately 40% lower than comparable market rents in their areas.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (100)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:100. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will supply the details of any proposed affordable purchase homes in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11918/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 home 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.
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 Kildare County Council, submitted their Plans to me in December 2021. This allowed 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 assist the local authority delivery of affordable housing was previously made available through the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) and is presently available through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
Kildare County Council submitted an application to my Department for SSF funding to assist in the delivery of 10 affordable purchase homes at Ardclough Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare. Funding was approved in principle in August 2019 and this project is currently at planning and design stages. Kildare County Council has advised my Department that it is envisaged that these 10 affordable homes will be delivered early in 2024.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (101)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:101. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Land Development Agency development proposal at Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Land Development Agency (LDA) has advised my Department that they are expecting to lodge a revised planning application in April 2022 for a development on the 10.08 acre site at Devoy Barracks in Naas. Subject to a successful grant of planning permission, it is envisaged that construction will commence in 2023, with an estimated development programme of approximately 3 years. It is estimated that this site has the potential to provide 221 units.
As this site is currently at the pre-development stage, the exact delivery potential will only be finalised as final plans are put in place and planning permission is secured. The LDA will have regard to Government policy, and all appropriate legislation, on the appropriate tenure mix for developments on public land, as well as the criteria for the operation of cost rental and affordable housing schemes.
As with all State bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, arrangements have been put in place by the LDA through which Oireachtas members can request information directly from the Agency in relation to operational matters - in this regard, the LDA may be contacted directly at oireachtas@lda.ie.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (102)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:102. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on any recent progress with Project Tosaigh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11920/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Land Development Agency’s (LDA) Project Tosaigh is a market engagement initiative to unlock land with full planning permission that is not being developed by private sector owners due to financing and other constraints and use it to accelerate the supply of affordable housing. It allows the LDA to supplement the State lands it is already working on and accelerate the delivery of cost rental and affordable purchase homes by unlocking private land that is ready to be developed but where construction has stalled or not commenced.
The target is delivery of 5,000 new homes by 2026 for affordable cost rental or sale to eligible households under affordable purchase arrangements.
It is characterised by:
- Activation of planning consents that have not commenced or are proceeding more slowly than optimal;
- Achieving delivery both in the near term, as well as providing a 5-year programme of delivery;
- An open and transparent process, compliant with procurement rules;
- A focus on delivery of affordable homes with some social homes to be secured if conditions allow, while securing value for money for the State.
Given the scale of ambition and having taken market soundings, the LDA is working on a dual track approach to running Project Tosaigh.
The first phase of Project Tosaigh involves an initial expressions of interest (EoI) process, launched on 12 November 2021, to engage builders and landowners in forward purchase agreements, with the intention of securing stock in certain developments in the shorter term. This process is targeting lot sizes of c. 150 homes upwards in the Greater Dublin Area (including Dublin City, South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal, Meath, Kildare, Louth and Wicklow), Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford via forward purchasing agreements.
A very encouraging level of response was achieved and the LDA are working though the large numbers of proposals. Engagement meetings in respect of schemes with the potential to deliver some units (to practical completion) in 2022 have been prioritised. Broad indications of schemes with potential to progress and delivery timelines are expected to be available in the coming weeks.
In parallel, schemes submitted where delivery would be expected to begin in 2023 and thereafter are being reviewed and engagements with parties in respect of those schemes are now underway.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (103)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 25 January 2022, the status of the review by his Department and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the local authority Housing Delivery Action Plans; the number of plans that have been received by his Department to date by local authority; the number of plans reviewed to date; the number of plans approved to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11948/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities will develop and submit Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022 - 2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All.
All local authorities submitted their Housing Delivery Action Plans to me in December. My Department is now working closely with each local authority and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office to review the Plans, having regard to the targets and policy objectives set out in Housing for All. This will require further engagement with local authorities in the coming weeks. It is intended to publish the Plans in Quarter 2 of 2022 when this process of assessment and engagement has concluded.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (104)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:104. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing and affordable housing projects under construction in Galway city and county by the location address, the number of units, project status and the expected completion date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For the purpose of tracking social housing delivery, a Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) is published each quarter by my Department. This provides details of the individual social housing build projects in the programme of each local authority, including Galway City and County local authority areas.
The report provides details of locations of the schemes, the number of homes being delivered and the current status of each scheme, including those currently on site and under construction. The most recent CSR publication covers the period up to the end of Quarter 3 of 2021, and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/feea9-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2021/. Information on Quarter 4 of 2021, will be available shortly and will be added to the published data. Further specific information on their build programmes, including expected completion dates, will be available from the local authorities.
Under Housing for All, the funding is in place to support both Galway local authorities, including approved housing bodies with whom they work, and I'm keen that they progress their social housing schemes as quickly as possible and that they receive the support of public representatives in the advancement of their programmes.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 established a basis for four new affordable housing measures, to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes through (1) delivering affordable homes on local authority lands, (2) the introduction of a new form of tenure in Cost Rental, (3) a First Home shared equity scheme and (4) expanding Part V planning requirements to increase the 10% contribution requirement to 20% and to apply it to cost rental, as well as social and affordable housing. The First Home shared equity scheme will be available nationally on a demand-led basis. This scheme will primarily support first-time buyers purchasing new homes through the private market. It is anticipated this scheme will be open for applications in the second half of this year. The national 2022 target delivery for the First Home Scheme is 1,750.
At a national level, 2,550 Affordable Purchase homes and 1,580 Cost Rental homes are targeted for delivery for 2022. Annual targets will increase incrementally in subsequent years.
Delivery of affordable housing will be underpinned by Local Authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Having reviewed the submitted Plans, my Department has held meetings with Local Authorities. The information shared in these meetings, and through a two-day Housing Summit held last week with all local authorities, will facilitate more informed target setting for each area. Updated Housing Delivery Action Plans will be published by the local authorities, including the both Galway authorities, later this year.
Galway City Council received approval in principle from my Department in August 2019 under the Serviced Sites Fund (now the Affordable Housing Fund) for approx. €4.4 million for a project at Merlin Park Lands. It is anticipated that this development will deliver 85 affordable purchase homes and Galway City Council have advised my Department that this project will be completed by 2024.
Additional affordable housing delivery in the two Galway local authorities will also be facilitated through the expanded 20% Part V requirement.
Climate Change Policy
Ceisteanna (105)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 16 February 2022, the engagement he or his Department has had with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the roll-out of decarbonisation zones in each local authority; his Department's role in the development of the promised guidelines for the implementation of the decarbonising plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11950/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department had responsibility for the initial stage of coordinating the identification of decarbonising zones by Local Authorities under the Climate Action Plan 2019.
Responsibility for coordinating the subsequent development of Decarbonising Zone plans rests with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Development of the plans is subject to the publication of statutory guidance under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 under the remit of the Minister of Environment, Climate and Communications. Action 80d and 80e in the Climate Action Plan 2021 identifies the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Environmental Protection Agency as having responsibility for developing guidelines for Decarbonising Zones.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (106)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:106. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the work of the working group to examine defects in housing; when he expects the final report to be completed; his plans for the publication of the final report; the details of interim reports received to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of addressing building defects. It commits to an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report, "Safe as Houses?". Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates this commitment.
In this regard, I established a working group to examine defects in housing. This working group has been meeting monthly since March 2021 (except for August). In addition, regular subgroup meetings take place to advance elements of the work.
The group’s terms of reference, adopted in May 2021, are focused on fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The full terms of reference of the Working Group are to:
1. Examine defects in housing having regard to the recommendations in Item 4 “Addressing the legacy of bad building and poor regulation” in Chapter 4 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government report - ‘Safe as Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection’
2. Establish the nature of significant, wide-spread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 – 2013 in Ireland through consultation with affected homeowners, homeowner representative organisations, owners’ management companies, relevant managing agents, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, industry stakeholders, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other relevant parties. Including such matters as:
- Identification and description of defect,
- Nature of defect – design, product, workmanship,
- Non-compliance with building regulations or actual damage,
- Severity/risk to life or serviceability of dwelling,
- Period of construction affected,
- Type of dwelling affected,
- Location of dwellings affected.
1. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
2. Consider a methodology for the categorisation of defects and the prioritisation of remedial action.
- In the case of defects with fire safety implications, consider how the framework for enhancing fire safety in dwellings can be applied to mitigate the risks arising from fire safety defects pending the remediation of defects and the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings, which is currently being developed by National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.
1. Suggest mechanisms for resolving defects, in the context of the legal rights, duties and obligations of developers, builders, building professionals, insurers, mortgage providers, building control authorities, fire authorities, owners’ management companies, owner occupiers, renters and landlords, including:
- Technical options for the remediation of dwellings,
- Efficient means of carrying out work,
- individual dwellings or whole building approach,
- routine maintenance/refurbishment or remediation,
- Structures or delivery channels needed to facilitate resolution – advice and support.
1. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
2. Pursue options on possible financial solutions to effect a resolution, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance.
3. Report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
In regard to the working group’s deliberations, the first round of stakeholder consultation commenced in July 2021 with more detailed follow up and additional stakeholder consultations ongoing at present. A series of online surveys was also launched by the Working Group on 31 January seeking the experiences of homeowners, landlords, Directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents. The surveys will run until 14 March 2022 and can be accessed at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/consultation/7e319-online-survey-in-relation-to-defects-in-apartment-and-duplex-buildings/.
The engagement with stakeholders and the online consultation will inform the deliberations of the Working Group and support the delivery on its extensive terms of reference and finalisation of its report.
I am satisfied that the Working Group is working effectively and efficiently on this complex matter, and I look forward to a report later this year following completion of their consultations and deliberations. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents and I plan to publish it in due course. I have not and do not expect to receive an interim report before submission of the final report.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (107)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of plans to appoint a permanent CEO of Galway County Council; the status of the recruitment campaign; when he expects the new CEO to be in position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has advised the Public Appointments Service (PAS) of the requirement to hold a recruitment competition for a replacement permanent Chief Executive in Galway County Council and it is now a matter for PAS to put the necessary recruitment arrangements in place.
There is a requirement for all Chief Executive posts for Local Authorities to be advertised openly on the www.publicjobs.ie website operated by PAS and the timing of the advertising of this post is a matter for PAS.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (108)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:108. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will put practical measures in place to facilitate Ukrainian citizens who are related to Irish citizens, including grandparents, to take-up residence in Ireland for the duration of the current hostilities; if they can be assisted in physically exiting Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12038/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased that my colleague the Minister for Justice announced on 25 February the lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals travelling to Ireland in the current context. This became effective immediately and Ukrainian nationals who are considering leaving Ukraine to travel to Ireland can do so without a visa, if they judge it safe to travel.My Department meanwhile continues to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens currently in Ukraine. The situation on the ground remains, of course, very difficult. Ireland is continuing to co-ordinate with our EU partners and others on issues relating to exit routes from Ukraine. Updated travel advice is available at www.dfa.ie/travel for Ukraine, as well as for neighbouring countries that people may be planning to travel to or through.