Written Answers Nos. 292-326
292. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the updated average cost for retrofitting a social housing unit as part of the national retrofitting scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2013, Exchequer funding has been provided through my Department's Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support local authorities with the retrofit of local authority owned homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013 over 75,000 homes have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of €184 million under the scheme.
In response to the Programme for Government commitment, my Department launched a newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Programme in 2021 for local authority owned housing. This new programme set a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for insulation, windows and doors and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a Heat Pump and associated works. The installation of gas/oil boilers are no longer supported under the energy efficiency programme funded by my Department.
An annualised breakdown of the funding provided and the number of properties upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit programme for the years 2013-2021 is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/.
Earlier this year, my Department announced that funding of €85 million will be provided for the upgrade of approximately 2,400 social homes in 2022. Each local authority received an individual allocation along with a minimum target of homes they are required to retrofit. The programme has been devised in a way to give local authorities a level of flexibility when selecting properties to retrofit ranging from those requiring minor levels of works to properties needing the maximum level of retrofitting required to bring them to a B2/cost Optimum standard.
Under the 2022 EERP programme, my Department funds costs of up to €48,850, plus project management fees, on individual local authority homes. The actual cost of retrofitting works on each home will depend on its pre-works BER but can be as low as €16,350 in some cases. Targets set and funding allocated to local authorities under the new programme calls for local authorities to undertake a variety of house types, from those requiring minimal investment to those requiring major investment, in order to achieve the B2/Cost Optimal BER. Local authorities are asked to ensure that the average cost per home drawn down under the programme is circa €36,000, including project management fees. Adhering to this average will ensure that the maximum number of homes can be retrofitted with the available budget.
Work in relation to the 2022 programme is underway but it will be later this year before significant recoupment claims are lodged with my Department. Full details in relation to the 2022 EERP will be available early in 2023.
293. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department meets all of obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015.
The Employment Equality Acts oblige employers to make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. An employer must take ‘appropriate measures’ to meet the needs of disabled people in the workforce. This means they must make arrangements that will enable a person who has a disability to.
- have equal opportunities when applying for work
- be treated the same as co-workers
- have equal opportunities for promotion
- undertake training
My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) who provides additional support to staff with disabilities on an ongoing basis, providing reasonable accommodations as appropriate. The DLO is the first point of contact should staff require additional supports or work-place accommodations. The DLO deals with requests on a case by case basis, working with the individual and liaising with relevant officials and outside agencies, as required.
My Department is committed to supporting employees with disabilities. In this regard some specific measures within my Department include:
- Participation in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme since 2018 offering graduates with disabilities a 6 month work placement within the Department.
- My Department published its Universal Design and Accessibility Policy and Action Plan in 2020, which aims to demonstrate the Department’s commitment to accessibility, the principles of Universal Design and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
- During 2020 and 2021 my Department has run Inclusion Awareness Training and Autism Awareness Training, supporting our commitments under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021. This is set to continue in 2022.
- We have a mentoring programme open to all staff.
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mails |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
294. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the potential housing development on the site of the Central Mental Hospital; and if any affordable purchase schemes will be included in the development. [24318/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Development Agency (LDA) submitted a planning application in March 2022 with a total application site area of c.9.6 ha, on lands at the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin 14. It is estimated that this site has the potential to provide 977 social and affordable housing units.
As this site is currently at 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.
295. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the efforts to supply housing for displaced Ukrainian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently established a dedicated Cabinet Committee, chaired by An Taoiseach, to oversee and coordinate the Ukraine humanitarian response, including accommodation and supports for persons arriving in Ireland from the conflict in Ukraine.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (D/CEDIY) is leading the initial humanitarian response, including providing emergency and longer-term accommodation and related supports. My Department is supporting this work, focusing on solutions to the longer-term accommodation challenges, and is leading cross-government efforts through a Housing Taskforce established by the Government for this purpose.
The Taskforce is examining options under three headings: rapid delivery volumetric accommodation; use of vacant public and private buildings as multi-occupancy accommodation; and measures to stimulate and accelerate construction of new permanent build homes.
The Office of Public Works is leading on the modular or volumetric accommodation solutions. While a potentially smaller piece of the overall response, it can help meet accommodation needs where other accommodation is not readily available.
Meanwhile, I am establishing an Emergency Vacant Housing Delivery Unit in the LGMA. This unit will support local authorities and public bodies in repurposing vacant public and private buildings as temporary multi-occupancy accommodation. Over 500 properties have been identified and analysed to date, with 90 or so capable of accommodating around 5,300 persons already notified to D/CEDIY.
To meet increased demand for housing arising from the unexpected and urgent need to accommodate persons from Ukraine, I am also establishing a Clearing House Group to examine contractual, operational and compliance matters associated with planning permissions. The Group, comprising a small number of experts, will recommend measures to address blockages and constraints to residential and student accommodation development, as well as related local infrastructure required to facilitate housing. These measures may include using emergency planning powers under the Planning and Development Acts.
The Government is committed to the continued delivery of Housing for All. Any new accommodation developed in response to the humanitarian crisis will be separate and additional to Housing for All targets. That said, any suitable permanent accommodation delivered through these measures will be directed to social and affordable housing when the crisis resolves.
296. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing unit builds commenced in Fingal in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the way that the year to date in 2022 compares to previous years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24338/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraData in relation to housing commencements, broken down by Local Authority area, is published by my Department on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a5cb1-construction-activity-starts/.
297. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the person or body that represented his Department at meetings when the matter of compensation to Moore Street traders was discussed; and what was agreed between the parties. [24353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was represented by The National Monuments Service, who was engaged in some limited preliminary discussions, regarding the payment of compensation to the Moore Street traders for any potential disruption that may be caused to their business, as a result of works on Moore Street.
The proposal related to the payment for compensation by my Department to the Moore Street Traders in respect only of works carried out by the Minister, relating to the maintenance of the National Monument at numbers 14 to 17 Moore Street. It should also be noted that no agreement has been reached nor has any compensation been paid out at this stage my Department.
298. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department’s targets for new affordable housing provision in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24371/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraExchequer investment from the National Development Plan, together with Housing Finance Agency lending and Land Development Agency (LDA) investment will mean that through the National Development Plan the Government is committed to investing over €4 bn per annum housing measures between 2021 and 2025. This funding commitment underpins the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ Plan, which commits to more than 9,500 new-build social homes, 4,000 affordable purchase homes and 2,000 Cost Rental homes per year up to 2030, to be delivered across a number of funding mechanisms.
National affordable housing delivery targets were published in Housing for All for 2022 – 2030. Overall targets to 2030 include 54,000 affordable housing units; 36,000 of which will be affordable purchase homes, with the remaining 18,000 to be cost rental units.
From 2022 to 2026, over 28,000 affordable homes are targeted for delivery across all local authority areas.
Within the above figures, targets have been set for overall delivery by the LDA and Approved Housing Bodies. Additional delivery is also projected through Part V, the First Home Scheme and by Local Authorities delivering on their own lands or via advance purchase.
While all Local Authorities are encouraged to bring forward affordable schemes where they are needed, specific targets have been allocated to 18 local authorities to bring forward delivery in addition to LDA, AHB or Part V delivery in their area. These authorities are those where the need for affordable housing is a significant proportion of overall housing need, as per the table below.
In addition to the targeted local authority delivery, affordable purchase and Cost Rental homes will also be made available by AHBs and the LDA as part of the overall affordable housing delivery commitment under ‘Housing For All’.
The delivery targets, for local authority arranged delivery only, for each of the local authorities concerned are shown in this table below:
|
Housing for All Local Authority Affordable Housing Delivery Targets from LA Lands or Advance Purchase 2022 – 2026 |
Total |
|
Carlow County Council |
38 |
|
Cork City Council |
378 |
|
Cork County Council |
189 |
|
Dublin City Council |
2114 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
1,057 |
|
Fingal County Council |
981 |
|
Galway City Council |
151 |
|
Galway County Council |
226 |
|
Kildare County Council |
226 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
76 |
|
Laois County Council |
38 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
264 |
|
Louth County Council |
226 |
|
Meath County Council |
151 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
1,133 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
76 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
76 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
151 |
|
TOTAL |
7,550 |
Where local authorities without affordable housing targets have localised affordability challenges in key towns, they can apply to my Department for funding to develop affordable housing schemes where they can demonstrate that an affordable scheme is needed to address those localised affordability challenges and they can meet the criteria for the Affordable Housing Fund.
299. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the affordable housing targets funded by the affordable housing fund for County Wexford from 2022 to 2026. [24411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational affordable housing delivery targets were published in Housing for All for 2022 – 2030. Overall targets to 2030 include 54,000 affordable housing units. Within that, the target for affordable purchase homes is 36,000 dwellings, with a further 18,000 to be cost rental units. From 2022 to 2026, over 28,000 affordable homes are targeted for delivery.
Funding is made available by Government to assist local authority and AHB delivery of affordable housing, for purchase and rent, through the Affordable Housing Fund, previously known as the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF), and the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL).
Wexford County Council received SSF funding approval for a development in Ramsfort Park in Gorey, Co Wexford which will assist in the delivery of 23 affordable purchase homes. Wexford County Council has advised my Department that it is their intention to appoint a contractor with a view to work on this project commencing in early 2023.
No specific target has been set for Wexford County Council regarding the provision of affordable housing and it is a matter for the local authority to consider whether a particular requirement for affordable housing arises and whether it will bring forward specific affordable schemes. My Department and the Housing Agency are available to assist in this regard. Where local authorities have localised affordability challenges in key towns, they can apply to my Department for funding to develop affordable housing schemes where they can demonstrate that an affordable scheme is needed and they can meet the eligibility criteria for the Affordable Housing Fund.
No local authority is excluded from making applications under the Affordable Housing Fund and all local authorities are encouraged to bring forward affordable schemes where they are needed.
The First Home shared equity scheme, under Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act, will primarily support first-time buyers purchasing newly constructed homes on the private market. This scheme will be available at a national level, including in Wexford, and will incorporate regional price caps reflecting median house price sales. Confirmation of the final details of this scheme is ongoing in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders and it is anticipated that the First Home scheme will be available for applications in the second half of this year.
300. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the application from Dublin City Council regarding the regeneration of St. Andrew’s Court and Pearse House. [24432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides both capital and current funding to local authorities across a range of funding initiatives to assist them in providing homes for families and individuals on their social housing waiting lists. To provide transparency on the new social housing projects being advanced, each quarter my Department publishes a Social Housing Construction Status Report and updated Social Housing Delivery statistics for all years from 1999. The report for Quarter 4, 2021 is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/af746-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q4-2021/.
These quarterly reports provide details of the social housing construction schemes completed and those in the pipeline for all local authorities including Dublin City Council (DCC).
DCC is currently progressing plans for the redevelopment of both Pearse House and St. Andrews Court.
In April 2021, my Department issued Stage 1 Approval for the redevelopment of 75 units under the first phase of the regeneration of Pearse House. Due to its large size and scope, the regeneration of this complex will be carried out on a phased basis over a number of years.
DCC has advised my Department that the tender assessment for procurement of the design team is on-going. Once the design team is appointed, they will work on design proposals which will be shared with the community as part of the ongoing community consultation.
In December 2020, my Department issued Stage 1 Approval for the construction of 37 units at St. Andrews Court using Design Build methodologies. This project will form part of Bundle 3 of the Lot 2 Volumetric programme. DCC have advised that an integrated design team have been procured and appointed to the project and have been working on design proposals and working on detailed costings for the project to prepare for the next stage of departmental approval. The next stage will be to prepare for consultation with the community and to engage with Area Councillors regarding pre-planning initiation.
301. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the maximum and minimum social housing rents charged by local authorities in the 31 local authority areas in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24452/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.
The day-to-day operation of the social housing system, including the setting of rents, is a matter for each individual local authority. The right of local authorities to set and collect rents on their dwellings is an executive function as laid down in section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
302. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to introduce limits in regulations for water hardness and lime; the supports that are available to persons who have high levels of lime in their water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHard water is safe to drink and meets the required drinking water standards, some households may choose to soften their water supply however, this is a matter of personal choice.
The European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 require that any water supplied is wholesome and clean. Hardness and lime are not included as parameters in the Schedule to these Regulations. There are no plans to introduce maximum permissible limits as these parameters do not pose a risk to human health.
Water hardness is a natural characteristic in much of Ireland's drinking water supply that does not cause regulatory deficiencies and it is not within the criteria for the purpose of grant assistance schemes.
303. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter with regard to a walk in Killarney National Park (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24458/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing with road improvement works at Killarney National Park having secured funding for additional works in 2022. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) assesses all roads and trails and the walk you suggest will be assessed along with all the other roads and trails for improvement. This is a particularly beloved walk by locals and tourists alike and it is being prioritised for repair.
Since 2017 over €18.5m in investment has been allocated, specifically, to Killarney National Park. On Tuesday, 3 May, the Government approved the implementation of the €55m Strategic Action Plan for the NPWS. This Action Plan will build further on this investment and the additional resources and investment in staffing resulting from the Action Plan will deliver strong benefits for Killarney National Park and across the country including the opportunity for further capital works at various walks and trails.
This fulfils an important commitment in the Programme for Government, and is a very positive result for everyone concerned.
304. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines. [24555/22]
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 distance, 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, which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Significant work has been undertaken on the noise elements and engagement between the two Departments is ongoing 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. 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.
305. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning permission for wind turbine installations that have been granted in counties Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath over the past five years; and the proportion this represents of the national total. [24556/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/.
However, the data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority but are not broken down by development type, including the number of planning permissions for wind turbine installations that have been granted. Such information may be sought directly from the relevant planning authority.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following link on the CSO website: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/.
306. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the interests of all members of An Bord Pleanála; his plans to broaden the scope of the review of An Bord Pleanála (details supplied). [24566/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published the terms of reference (attached) for Senior Counsel Remy Farrells "Report into the management of conflicts of interest and relevant disclosures by the Deputy Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála in relation to certain Decisions of that Board and related matters" on 12 May 2022.
While the purpose of the report is to provide an opinion from Senior Counsel on specific matters of concern, in considering the issues and preparing his report, Counsel will have regard to such material and information as he considers relevant to the matters of concern. In accordance with the terms of reference Senior Counsel "shall exercise such discretion in relation to the scope of his examination of the matters of concern as he considers necessary and appropriate, having regard to the general purpose of the report". I will consider the Senior Counsel's report, when submitted, to determine further appropriate measures.
307. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that no housing options for an aging population policy statement implementation reports have been published in 2020 and 2021; and when the next implementation report will be published. [24578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, published the "Housing Options for Our Ageing Population" policy statement in 2019 which provides policy options in support of a range of housing and accommodation alternatives for older people. The policy statement, together with two Implementation Group reports, are available on the Government's website at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/83781d-housing-options-for-our-ageing-population-policy-statement/
The Joint Policy Statement was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including the range of voluntary groups and NGO’S that provide services and supports to older people and includes 40 Actions which require significant inter-departmental and agency working and collaboration to implement.
It is intended that the third and final report of the Implementation Group addressing each of the 40 actions will be published shortly.
308. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of all persons and organisations consulted by his Department in determining the viability challenge and other details of the Croí Cónaithe cities scheme; if he will commit to publish the data underpinning the viability challenge and the data underpinning the subsidy level of up to €120,000 in Dublin and potentially 20% higher elsewhere. [24579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra313. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of extant planning permissions for apartments in all of the cities eligible for the Croí Cónaithe Cities programme with a breakdown by those permissions using the build to rent design standards and those using the build to buy standards by number of apartment schemes; and the number of units in each scheme in tabular form. [24620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 313 together.
Addressing the current housing shortage requires short, medium and long-term action to stimulate housing supply. The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme, introduced in Housing for All, will help to activate construction-ready apartment supply in our cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme is focused on delivering additional apartment supply in our cities for those who wish to own rather than rent. Proposals must be in full compliance with the relevant planning permission, the Building Control Act, and any other legislative requirements.
The information sought by the Deputy is not compiled and published by my Department. However, SHD data published by An Bord Pleanála is available. While SHD data does not represent the entire of the planning permissions for apartments which may be extant, they are a useful indicator for the majority of large scale developments. The following table is sourced from An Bord Pleanála published information and is a breakdown of extant planning permissions for apartments granted under the SHD process (over 100 units) up to the end of February 2022, divided into Build to Sell (BtS) and Build to Rent (BtR) apartments for each city. One development included both BtS and BtR apartments and is included in the breakdown.
|
City* |
No of Extant BtS SHD Developments |
No of Extant BtS SHD Apartments |
No of Extant BtR SHD Developments |
No of Extant BtR SHD Apartments |
|
Dublin |
59 |
15,750 |
24 |
8,393 |
|
Cork |
8 |
2,642 |
3 |
433 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
111 |
1 |
30 |
|
Galway |
4 |
467 |
1 |
345 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
144 |
- |
- |
|
Totals |
73 |
19,114 |
29 |
9,201 |
For the purpose of this data, a city is defined as the area within the CSO 2016 Census Settlement Boundary of the relevant city. This is one of the eligibility criteria for Croí Cónaithe (Cities). Developments under active judicial review have been included for completeness.
There are a sizeable number of un-activated planning permissions for apartments in urban areas the construction of which can be advanced in the shorter term to meet important housing supply and compact growth objectives. In many cases, the cost of constructing new apartments is more than the price achievable in the sales market, leading to a clear viability gap as set out in a number of reports, including published findings.
To tackle this issue, Housing for All announced a new Croí Cónaithe (Cities) scheme to bridge that viability gap. Following extensive development work, I launched the scheme on the 10th May. My Department, together with the Housing Agency, developed the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme drawing on
- a stakeholder engagement workshop on December 10th last, to gain feedback on the proposed scheme from industry experts;
- consultations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Revenue Commissioners and legal advice in relation to the operational basis for the Scheme;
- Housing Agency, internal Department, published and commissioned research; and
- Housing Agency analysis and assessment modelling.
The scheme details, including reports on viability, form key elements of a State Aid notification currently with the Directorate General for Competition in the European Commission (DG Comp). I will consider publication of associated documentation at the appropriate time.
309. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of all affordable housing developments funded by his Department via AHF, CREL, the LDA or delivered via Part V by local authority area in tabular form; and the number of affordable homes in each scheme. [24580/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Under this strategy, approximately 10,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered from 2021 to 2026 by AHBs, Local Authorities and the LDA. AHBs will be supported by Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding and Local Authorities will be able to avail of funding for Cost Rental delivery through the Affordable Housing Fund, formerly the Serviced Sites Fund. The LDA will also deliver Cost Rental on its own portfolio of sites or through acquisitions under Project Tosaigh. As it is the first year of most of these programmes, pipeline projections are only being developed and numbers may increase over the year as schemes get approved.
Approved Housing Body Delivery
To date, approval in principle has been confirmed so far for approximately 900 Cost Rental homes to be delivered by AHBs under the CREL scheme in the period to 2023. The necessary financial and commercial arrangements in relation to a number of these projects are being completed by the AHBs concerned. Full details of the projects, including specific locations, housing typologies and cost-covering rents, cannot be made public until these arrangements are concluded. Details are set down in the tables below. This table does not include CREL applications at various stages of preparation for submission under an open CREL call, or applications being processed.
|
Cost Rental CREL Delivery 2021 |
||||
|
Cost Rental CREL Delivery 2021 |
||||
|
Funding Stream |
Development Name |
Approved Housing Body |
Local Authority Area |
No. Cost Rental Units |
|
CREL |
Taylor Hill, Balbriggan |
Clúid |
Fingal County Council |
25 |
|
CREL |
Barnhall, Leixlip |
Clúid |
Kildare County Council |
40 |
|
Total |
65 |
|
Cost Rental CREL Delivery 2022 - 2023 |
||||
|
Funding Stream |
Development Name |
Approved Housing Body |
Local Authority Area |
No. Cost Rental Units |
|
CREL |
Kilcarbery Grange |
Tuath |
South Dublin County Council |
74 |
|
CREL |
Barnhall, Leixlip |
Clúid |
Kildare County Council |
16 |
|
CREL |
Parklands, Citywest |
Tuath |
South Dublin County Council |
44 |
|
CREL |
The Paddocks, Newbridge |
Clúid |
Kildare County Council |
46 |
|
CREL |
Lancaster Gate, Cork City |
Clúid |
Cork City County Council |
73 |
|
CREL |
The Paddocks, Newbridge |
Clúid |
Kildare County Council |
50 |
|
CREL |
Mariner's Cove, Rush |
Respond |
Fingal County Council |
55 |
|
CREL |
Hansfield, Fingal |
Respond |
Fingal County Council |
31 |
|
CREL |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
457* |
|
Total |
846 |
|||
|
Total 2021 - 2023 |
911 |
*Agreement set to be concluded
Local Authority Delivery
In relation to Affordable Housing Fund supported affordable housing delivery, 50 Cost Rental homes were tenanted last month in Woodside, Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, with rents with approximately 40% below open-market rates for comparable homes in that area.
In relation to affordable purchase and the Affordable Housing Fund, any funding being made available will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities submitted their initial Plans to me last December. Preparation of the Plans is allowing 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. The Plans are being revised and updated by local authorities in the light of ongoing engagement and clarifications, and I expect that they will be ready for publication by the Summer. However, I can confirm the baseline target for local authorities as being 7,550 homes to 2026 (this figure excludes delivery of affordable homes under all other affordability measures). The local authority Housing Delivery Action Plans will provide a comprehensive overview of projected delivery of affordable housing nationally.
The Affordable Housing Fund provides exchequer funding support to local authorities to allow the delivery of housing at affordable prices or rents on local authority lands or via advance purchase arrangements with developers for new housing on developer-owned land. Funding has already been approved for 6 advance purchase arrangements by local authorities to deliver almost 200 housing units in 2022.
Land Development Agency Delivery
The LDA is pursuing a twin-track approach of accelerating near term construction of affordable homes on both state and private land, whilst also working over the longer term to assemble large state-owned land banks capable of delivering thousands of new homes.
Details of the work that the LDA is progressing on public lands that will deliver affordable purchase and cost rental can be found here;
lda.ie/projects-schemes/
In 2022, the LDA will see construction commencing on two of these sites, St Kevin’s Hospital, Cork city (delivering 265 units) and Shanganagh, Shankill in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (delivering 597 units with 306 cost rental and 91 affordable homes).
Examples of further progress that has been made can be seen in the LDA’s has recent submission of planning applications the LDA including 977 homes in Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, 344 homes in Hackettstown, Skerries, 817 homes in Castlelands, Balbriggan and 219 units in Devoy Barracks, Naas.
In addition to the public lands that the LDA is working on, 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. The target under Project Tosaigh is the delivery of 5,000 new homes by 2026 for affordable cost rental or sale to eligible households under affordable purchase arrangements. The first strand of Project Tosaigh involved an expressions of interest (EOI) process, launched in November 2021, to engage builders and landowners in forward purchase agreements, with the intention of securing stock in certain developments in the shorter term. Details of all homes that will be made available under Project Tosaigh will be confirmed when commercial agreements are finalised. Full details of the initiative can be found here;
lda.ie/home-building-partnership/
Additional affordable housing delivery will be facilitated under the provisions of the expanded 20% Part V requirement as and when they arise and subject to the planning process.
The introduction of the 'First Home' shared equity scheme which will support the delivery of 8,000 affordable homes nationally in the period 2022 to 2026.
310. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of and which of the 101 recommendations from the 2016 review of an Bord Pleanála that have now been fully implemented; the status of the remainder; and the timescale for the full implementation of the recommendations. [24591/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála was undertaken by an independent expert panel and published in March 2016. An Implementation Group, comprising representation from my Department and An Bord Pleanála (the Board), was established to oversee the implementation of the Review recommendations.
The Review contains 101 recommendations relating to legislative provisions, communications and stakeholder engagement, the Board's role and governance along with organisational and operational matters.
The Implementation Group published its Terms of Reference and Plan for Implementation in 2016. The Board, supported by my Department, as required, took the lead in the implementation of a large number of the key recommendations, with my Department taking the lead in examining recommendations requiring legislative underpinning.
“Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland” sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation. This review is being led by the Attorney General and he has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. The review is due to be finalised by September 2022 to allow updated legislation to be enacted by December 2022. As such, recommendations of the Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála requiring legislative underpinning will be considered in the context of the ongoing review of planning legislation.
An update on the implementation status of each of the 101 recommendations contained in the report is attached in tabular form.
311. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the terms of reference for the inquiry into allegations of a conflict of interest at An Bord Pleanála will be published; the expected timeline for publication of the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24592/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published the terms of reference (attached) for the Report into the management of conflicts of interest and relevant disclosures by the Deputy Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála in relation to certain Decisions of that Board on the 12th of May 2022. In accordance with the terms of reference, Remy Farrell, Senior Counsel, is requested to provide a report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage within a period of 6 weeks from the 12th of May 2022. I will consider the matter of publication once I have had an opportunity to review the Senior Counsel's report.
312. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if build to rent planning permissions and developments will not be eligible for the Croí Cónaithe cities subsidy in cases in which they do not meet the Governments design standards for build to purchase apartments. [24619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the current housing shortage requires short, medium and long-term action to stimulate housing supply. The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme, introduced in Housing for All, will help to activate construction-ready apartment supply in our cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme is focused on delivering additional apartment supply in our cities for those who wish to own rather than rent. Proposals must be in full compliance with the relevant planning permission, the Building Control Act, and any other legislative requirements. Every apartment within a proposed development must be sold to an eligible purchaser in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
While my Department does not compile and publish this data, the following table is sourced from An Bord Pleanála published information and is a breakdown of extant planning permissions for apartments granted under the SHD process (over 100 units) up to the end of February 2022, divided into Build to Sell (BtS) and Build to Rent (BtR) apartments for each city. One development included both BtS and BtR apartments and is included in the breakdown.
|
City* |
No of Extant BtS SHD Developments |
No of Extant BtS SHD Apartments |
No of Extant BtR SHD Developments |
No of Extant BtR SHD Apartments |
|
Dublin |
59 |
15,750 |
24 |
8,393 |
|
Cork |
8 |
2,642 |
3 |
433 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
111 |
1 |
30 |
|
Galway |
4 |
467 |
1 |
345 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
144 |
- |
- |
|
Totals |
73 |
19,114 |
29 |
9,201 |
* For the purpose of this data, a city is defined as the area within the CSO 2016 Census Settlement Boundary of the relevant city. This is one of the eligibility criteria for Croí Cónaithe (Cities). Developments under active judicial review have been included for completeness.
The significant number of extant BtS apartment developments is our focus in launching the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme, whose support is targeting the building of apartments for sale to owner-occupiers.
314. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any provision in the HAP legislation to allow a single HAP claim to be split and paid to two separate bank accounts in cases in which the rented property is owned by two separate individuals. [24621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented sector and the tenancy agreement is between the HAP recipient and their private landlord. The local authority does not have a role in the tenancy.
The HAP application form comes in two parts: Section A to be completed by the applicant tenant and Section B to be completed by the landlord or agent. An application for HAP will only be accepted by the local authority when both Section A and Section B are completed, signed and returned along with the required supporting documentation. Once a HAP application has been received and confirmed as valid by the relevant local authority, it is then processed by the HAP Shared Service Centre (SSC) in Limerick. The HAP SSC manages all HAP-related rent transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. It sets up the HAP payment account.
A FAQ document was developed to assist landlords with the completion of the application form. This is shared on local authority websites or issued with the application form. This document states that HAP payments can only be paid into one nominated bank account for each landlord or agent for all HAP properties.
The HAP SSC must file a return with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners each year. Revenue regulations stipulate that the HAP SSC can only make a payment to one nominated bank account.
315. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 5 May 2022, if the matter (details supplied) will be re-examined given that he has responsibility for the control of access to the lakes in Killarney National Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the use of fishing/pleasure boats at the site mentioned my Department does not issue new permanent mooring spots. There are, however, 20 boat moorings on the Lakes and these moorings are subject to a local lottery and are allocated annually for a twelve month period. This remains the official policy of the Department.
It is not permitted generally to sell moorings on the lake and if you have specific information in that regard I would ask that you report it to the duty officer in Killarney National Park and my Department will follow up.
316. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if advice will be provided on a matter raised in correspondence in regard to loft conversion guidelines (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Loft Conversion Guidelines – Protect Your Family – Fire Safety Guidance (2022) are primarily aimed at home owners, builders and designers to highlight the principal issues that need to be addressed when converting a roof space in an existing dwelling house. The publication also aims to support a culture of compliance with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2021.
The Building Regulations 1997 - 2021 set out the legal requirements in Ireland for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Documents (Parts A - M respectively) available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/d9729-technical-guidance-documents/ provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms. Where works are carried out in accordance with the relevant technical guidance, such works are considered to be, prima facie, in compliance with the relevant regulation(s). Generally, the Technical Guidance Documents provide guidance which relates to non-complex buildings.
In response to the Deputy's question, I wish to confirm that the correspondent's detailed questions have been responded to separately.
In general, it is recommended to seek the advice of a competent professional, who can provide advice specific to the proposed works, and can assist in ensuring that any relevant works comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations.
317. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to introduce new rental legislation in autumn 2022 that will address the anomaly that has left the southern part of the Carrigaline local electoral area outside of a rent pressure zone. [24702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ballincollig-Carrigaline Local Electoral Area (LEA) was designated a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) on 27 January 2017 under section 24 of the Residential Tenancies Acts (2004-2021).
New Local Electoral Areas and Municipal Districts were signed into law on 31 January 2019 for Cork City and County (which took into account the expanded Cork City boundary) for the May 2019 local elections. The new LEAs and Municipal Districts see the old Ballincollig-Carrigaline LEA being split, with Ballincollig becoming part of Cork City Council. Carrigaline and its hinterland are now contained within its own LEA and Municipal District, which is wholly within the remit of Cork County Council.
The areas within the new Carrigaline LEA which were designated as a RPZ under the old Ballincollig- Carrigaline LEA remain designated as a RPZ under section 24A(6) of the Residential Tenancies Acts, which provides that “Where a local electoral area is prescribed by order as a rent pressure zone and, subsequently, any local electoral areas are duly amended in a manner that affects the area of the local electoral area so prescribed, then the order shall continue to have effect as if the local electoral area concerned had not been so amended.”
Therefore, under Section 24A(6), areas already designated as RPZs will remain designated and areas that are not designated nor due to become part of Cork City Council will retain their current undesignated status. Areas within the new Carrigaline LEA that were not previously designated as a RPZ remain undesignated. This is clearly in keeping with RPZ designation criteria and is not a loophole in the process.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 provides that any area falling within the new Cork City Council boundary, which was not already within a RPZ, became an RPZ from 31 May 2019.
At the moment, while rental inflation in the Carrigaline LEA has been above the Non-GDA Standardised Average Rent of €1,058.95, the LEA has been above 7% in only 2 of the last 6 quarters, thereby not satisfying the criteria for designation as an RPZ at this time. The Housing Agency and the RTB will continue to monitor this carefully and if the Carrigaline LEA meets the designation criteria it will be designated as an RPZ.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to extend the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) until the end of 2024. The designation of all existing RPZs has also been extended until 31 December 2024. The Act provides that rent reviews outside of RPZs can, until 2025, occur no more frequently than bi-annually. This provides rent certainty for tenants outside of RPZs for a minimum 2 year period at a time.
I have no plans to amend the RPZ designation criteria under the Residential Tenancies Acts at this time. My Department and the RTB keep the operation of the Acts under constant review, with a view to introducing any necessary legal change.
318. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the term market value in 2.(1) of the eligibility criteria with respect to S.I. No. 183 of 2022, means the full price of the home including the purchase price and the affordable housing fund subsidy. [24711/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Affordable Housing Regulations 2022 were signed and came into effect on 13 April 2022. Made with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the regulations deal with the assessment of eligibility for purchasing a new home under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
These Regulations set out a household-specific and home-specific eligibility rule which assesses the applicant’s mortgage-funded purchasing capacity under the macro prudential rules and the cost of purchasing the home being made available at its open market value. This is important because the scheme provides that only those households with a demonstrated need will be supported and they will only be supported to the amount needed. Once eligibility based on need has been established, the local authority can determine the price to be paid by an eligible purchaser and the percentage equity interest to be taken in the home by the Local Authority.
With regard to Regulation 2(1), the 'market value' of an affordable dwelling is to be determined by the Local Authority pursuant to section 14 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Section 14 deals with the valuation of affordable dwelling for certain purposes, and 'market value' is defined as 'the price for which the affordable dwelling might reasonably be expected to be sold on the open market for the estate purchase by the homeowner, freed and discharged of any mortgage or incumbrance (including the affordable dwelling purchase arrangement)' . This is not the actual purchase price at which the affordable home will be made available for purchase by an eligible applicant, but rather the hypothetical price which someone would pay for unit on the open market.
319. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if elected members of a local authority can bring forward variations to a county development plan outside of the review period; and if not, if such actions are solely at the discretion of a local authority CEO. [24712/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the initiation of a variation to a development plan outside a plan review period, Section 13(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) states that:
“A planning authority may at any time, for stated reasons, decide to make a variation of a development plan which for the time being is in force”.
The functions under Section 13(1) above are not listed in the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) as a function reserved to the members and are therefore ‘executive’ in nature.
Section 13 (1A)(a) of the Planning and Development Act enables the elected members of a planning authority, for stated reasons, to submit a resolution to the Chief Executive of the planning authority requesting him or her to prepare a report on a proposal by them to initiate a process to consider a variation of the development plan, where three-quarters of the members of that authority have approved such a resolution.
The Chief Executive is then obliged to submit a report within four weeks of the making of the resolution and if he or she considers the proposal is not justified, should outline reasons for not initiating the variation process, in writing.
If the Chief Executive considers that further to a resolution and report under Section 13 (1A)(a) that a variation is justified, or, if for stated reasons under Section 13(1) decides to make a variation, further to giving notice of the proposed variation and a period of public consultation, as well as reporting back to the elected members with recommendations and a further period for their consideration, the elected members must be the ultimate decision makers in determining whether to proceed with a proposed variation. The elected members may also decide to further modify, or to not proceed with a proposed variation.
Decision making in respect of a proposed variation, once initiated, is therefore a reserved function.
320. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends, either by amendment to section 42 (1B) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or by other means, to provide for further extensions of planning permissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24751/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended ('the Act') specifies that the appropriate period for the completion of a planning permission shall generally be 5 years, unless otherwise specified by the planning authority pursuant to Section 41.
Section 42 of the Act enables the holder of a planning permission to apply to a planning authority for up to two extensions to the initial appropriate period of the permission, provided the combined duration of both extensions does not exceed 5 years.
The granting of such an extension is subject to the Planning Authority being satisfied that the development has been commenced, substantial works have been carried out, the development will be completed in a reasonable time and that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and appropriate assessment (AA) are not required for the proposed extension.
There is a circumstance where the holder of a permission may apply for a further extension to the appropriate period of a planning permission, beyond the initial appropriate period and the extension of duration period or periods under Section 42, and this is explained as follows:
Section 7 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 ('the 2021 Act'), which was commenced on the 9 September 2021 provides a temporary provision allowing for applications for further extensions of planning permissions which have already availed of an extension under section 42, or otherwise under section 42(1A). This provision seeks to ensure the timely delivery of housing and the completion of construction projects, in the context of delays and disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides for the further extension of the appropriate period of a planning permission by an additional period of up to 2 years or until 31 December 2023 whichever first occurs, subject to the planning authority being satisfied of a number of matters set out in section 42(1B). These matters include that the relevant planning authority shall be satisfied that: the development has commenced; that substantial works have been carried out; that the extension is required to enable the development to be completed; and that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and appropriate assessment (AA) are not required for the proposed extension. The provision applies to extant permissions due to expire and as well as to permissions which expired between 8 January 2021 and 8 September 2021.
This further extension period takes into account the restrictions on construction and disruptions in logistics, supply chains as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, I have no plans to provide for further legislation for extensions to planning permissions.
321. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views regarding compulsory sales orders; if any research carried out by his Department in this regard can be outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to an issue in which local authorities are not progressing the CPO of properties due to the fact the property has no registry of deeds or the property has a financial charge on it; the advice from his Department to local authorities’ concerning this particular issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24792/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 323 together.
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
Housing for All commits to a range of measures to address vacancy and maximise the use of existing housing stock including plans to introduce a new programme for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of vacant properties to ensure their use for residential purposes. While the concept of a Compulsory Sales Order is not included in Housing for All, it may be considered in the context of a wider review of CPO legislation. The detailed arrangements for the CPO programme are currently being developed, with the aim of advancing it this year, including engagement with Local Authorities in understanding the challenges being faced by them and it will build on the experience of many Local Authorities that already utilise CPO acquisitions in their delivery of new social homes through the Buy and Renew scheme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 323 together.
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
Housing for All commits to a range of measures to address vacancy and maximise the use of existing housing stock including plans to introduce a new programme for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of vacant properties to ensure their use for residential purposes. While the concept of a Compulsory Sales Order is not included in Housing for All, it may be considered in the context of a wider review of CPO legislation. The detailed arrangements for the CPO programme are currently being developed, with the aim of advancing it this year, including engagement with Local Authorities in understanding the challenges being faced by them and it will build on the experience of many Local Authorities that already utilise CPO acquisitions in their delivery of new social homes through the Buy and Renew scheme.
322. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the expert group currently reviewing building regulations in relation to change of use and living over the shop type developments and related concerns; if the remit and findings of the group to date will be outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Regulations 1997 to 2021 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations.
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. A number of reviews are ongoing at present including Part B Fire Safety, Part M (Changing Places Toilet) etc.
In February 2022, I signed that the Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022, which extend the operation of the previous 2018 Regulations in this regard until end 2025, and provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use, including the conversion of vacant areas above ground floor commercial premises to residential use. This measure is aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply.
In relation to the refurbishment or conversion of existing buildings for residential use, my Department also published the “Bringing Back Homes - Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings’, available on the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c790-bringing-back-homes-print-version/. Created as a reference guide, the manual aims to provide property owners, members of the public, Local Authorities and those involved in the construction industry with clear guidance on how current regulatory requirements apply to common, existing building types.
324. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that are being taken to tackle overcrowding in rental accommodation; the status of the overcrowded housing Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24793/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart IV of the Housing Act 1966 deals with overcrowding. It empowers local authorities to prohibit the use of an overcrowded dwelling, serve notice on an owner specifying the maximum number of persons that may occupy it without causing overcrowding, and require property owners to take appropriate action to alleviate such overcrowding.
Housing for All, the Government's national housing plan, will provide the environment for the delivery of an average of 33,000 homes per year over the period to 2030. This will also help address issues of overcrowding in residential accommodation by increasing the number of affordable, suitable and high quality homes available to all households.
Information with regard to the Overcrowded Housing Bill 2018, which is a Private Members Bill, is available at www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2018/11/.
325. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to take action to ensure that shareholders in a company do not divide up the assets of a company (details supplied) into individual residential units for the purposes of evading restrictions on carrying out tenant evictions. [24798/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 (RTA) regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
Due to the quasi-judicial nature of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, to comment or intervene in the specifics of an individual case.
Where there is a dispute as to the validity of a Notice of Termination, all tenants can apply to the RTB for dispute resolution.
Section 5(1) of the RTA defines “landlord” as the person for the time being entitled to receive (otherwise than as agent for another person) the rent paid in respect of a dwelling by the tenant thereof and, where the context so admits, includes a person who has ceased to be so entitled by reason of the termination of the tenancy.
I have no plans to amend the definition of landlord at this time.
326. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe in which the working group to examine defects in housing report on defective apartments will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24835/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position in relation to defective apartments which have failed fire regulation standards; the scheme that he will establish to deal with the matter; if the mica scheme provides a blueprint for future schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the number of apartments that were purchased by local authorities which have defective elements such as fire standards and so on; if they can be included as part of any defective apartments scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 326 to 328, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of addressing building defects. These include a commitment to examine defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report "Safe as Houses?" and to assist owners of latent defect properties, by identifying options for those impacted by defects, to access lowcost, long-term finance. Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates these commitments.
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.
3. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
4. 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.
- 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.
6. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
7. 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.
8. Report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
As part of its deliberations, the working group is consulting with a wide range of relevant stakeholders. As part of this stakeholder engagement, the Working Group conducted a series of online surveys between 31 January and 14 March 2022 seeking the experiences of homeowners, landlords, Directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents. These submissions are currently being analysed.
The insights gained through engagement with stakeholders as well as the outcome of the online consultation are informing the ongoing deliberations of the Working Group and are supporting 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 will require sufficient time to complete its work. In that context, 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.
