Written Answers Nos. 224-243
224. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authorities that record domestic violence as distinct from relationship breakdown as a category of eligibility for emergency accommodation by county; and the number of recorded applications for each county in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [27326/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the plan by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive to add domestic violence as a distinct category to its Pathway Accommodation and Support System; and the undertaking that he can give in relation to its adoption by other local authorities and housing bodies. [27327/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
My Department publishes a detailed monthly report on numbers using emergency accommodation, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. These reports serve as important management information for my Department, the housing authority sector and the various State funded non-governmental organisations involved in the delivery of homeless services. The reports are produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS), the single integrated national data information system on State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements overseen by housing authorities. The Reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's open data portal https://data.gov.ie/
These reports do not capture details of individuals utilising temporary accommodation that is not overseen by housing authorities, such as clients of domestic violence refuges. While my Department does provide support through the Capital Assistance Scheme for accommodation for victims of domestic violence, responsibility for the development and provision of services in this area rests with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and I understand that the delivery of these services is managed by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
At the time of PASS’s initial development, my Department was contributing funding for domestic violence services. As a result, domestic violence was included as a category within PASS as a reason for families and individuals presenting as homeless. However, following the realignment of national responsibility for domestic violence services in 2015 to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the compilation and management of data in relation to clients receiving shelter at a domestic violence refuge became a matter for Tusla.
I understand that the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), as the body responsible for the management and administration of PASS, is completing a review of PASS with a view to amending the reasons for presenting as homeless that can be recorded on the system. I understand this is to minimise data gaps with regards to reasons for homeless presentations. The DRHE have advised my Department that while Tusla have statutory responsibility for the provision of accommodation and related services to victims of domestic violence, there are times when shelters are full or when a family is discharged from a refuge to homeless services and so there is a need to record this more systematically. To that end, the DRHE are examining the restoration of domestic violence as a reason motivating individuals to present as homeless to PASS.
This review is still ongoing and on its completion, the DRHE will propose its recommendations to my Department and the other Regional Homeless Lead Authorities.
Local authorities are not requested to submit data on individuals presenting as homeless as a result of domestic violence. However, Dublin has provided additional information in this regard, details below.
|
Year |
Month |
Region |
Number of Adults |
|
2021 |
October |
Dublin |
2 |
|
2021 |
November |
Dublin |
1 |
|
2021 |
December |
Dublin |
2 |
This data pertains only to adults within family households.
226. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a response to correspondence (details supplied) submitted to his Department will be issued. [27342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he supports the calls for an independent examination in relation to correspondence (details supplied) submitted to his Department of his Department’s handling of the urban gull issue since 2016, especially given the recent publication by the Government of the Report of the Strategic Review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the many serious issues identified in that report. [27343/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that his Department persisted with the derogation decision threshold that is, represent a threat to public health and safety (details supplied), instead of using the correct derogation decision threshold as specified in the 1979 Birds Directive Article 9.1.a), and in S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.55.2.a) that derogations may be made in the interests of public health and safety; and the specific provisions in primary legislation that he is relying upon in choosing to persist with the 1986 threshold text. [27344/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226, 227 and 228 together.
Work on the upcoming Wild Bird Declarations is ongoing. Minister O'Brien extended the existing Wild Bird Declarations by a period of three months up to the end of July 2022. This will allow for the completion of the review of submissions received as part of the public consultation process, the receipt of legal advice and other internal discussions in relation to species (including urban gulls) included in the Declarations.
Officials will be in touch directly with the Deputy in relation to the correspondence referenced. Implementation of the action plan to extensively restructure the National Parks & Wildlife Service is now under way and I very much look forward to seeing this develop over the next two years.
229. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policies which exist in relation to the development of solar farms in rural areas; if there are guidelines in relation to the maximum size relative to the area; if not, if he has any plans to develop such guidelines or policies given the rise in applications for solar farms in rural Ireland; if an analysis has been carried out in relation to the potential benefits and detriments of the development of such farms on prime agricultural land; if an analysis has been carried out by his Department on the estimated cost to the local community of the change of use of agricultural land to solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27357/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs is the case with the large majority of development types, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority and with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Within the wider national and local planning context, planning authorities must make their decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications. In making decisions on a planning application, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan including any zoning objectives, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.
While the Department is satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning applications for solar farm developments, the matter is being kept under review. Where the need for specific planning guidance for solar farms is identified, my Department will develop such guidance as appropriate.
230. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the policy of joint tenancy in local authority housing with the view to include the full-time carers of tenants who also qualify for housing support in their own right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27361/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, a “tenant” means any person to whom a housing authority has let a house under the Housing Acts 1966 to 2014 or Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Typically where a dwelling is allocated to a qualified household, which includes partners, a joint tenancy will be created unless the local authority concerned decides otherwise. The Tenancy Agreement is signed by both proposed tenants, rather than a single tenant. In certain circumstances, and if deemed appropriate, the authority may create a joint tenancy where the proposed tenants are not partners.
It is a matter for each local authority, as part of its housing management functions, to determine the conditions in relation to joint tenancies in its administrative area.
Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 220.
232. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the vital work that was carried out by homeless organisations during the Covid-19 pandemic; if they will be included in the Covid-19 recognition payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27420/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all staff working in homeless organisations for their efforts during this most challenging period. There are many people across the country who went above and beyond over the course of the last two years and their continued contribution has been essential to getting us through this difficult time.
The decision regarding to whom the COVID-19 payment should be made does not rest with my Department.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government made decisions earlier this year in relation to recognition of these efforts. A national day of recognition and commemoration to mark the contribution of all workers across the economy was held on the 18 March this year. Furthermore, an additional permanent public holiday will be in place from next year.
The Government also announced the payment of a COVID-19 recognition payment of €1,000 for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The HSE has published details on this payment, including full eligibility criteria, particulars, and terms and conditions that apply to HSE and Section 38 organisations' employees. This information is available at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
The detailed administrative arrangements and terms and conditions associated with this measure are matters for my colleague the Minister for Health.
233. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will be undertaking a review of the current social housing income thresholds; if so, if any amendments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 75 of 5 May 2022 which sets out the position in the matter.
234. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding that was allocated by his Department and that was drawn down for re-let works on local authority homes by Wicklow County Council in the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27422/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Notwithstanding the legal obligations on local authorities to manage and maintain their housing stock, my Department does provide annual funding to local authorities to support their work in this area through the Voids Programme. This funding was initially introduced to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted at ensuring minimal turnaround and re-let times for local authority vacant stock.
From 2014 to 2021, expenditure of some €261 million was recouped to local authorities under the Voids Programme which funded the return to productive use of 18,527 properties nationwide.
An annualised breakdown of the funding provided and the number of properties remediated under the Voids programme for the years 2014-2021 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area. For 2022, my Department will provide €25 million in funding to support the return of 2,273 vacant local authority homes. Of this, €935,000 has been allocated to Wicklow County Council to remediate 85 vacant properties. Details in relation to the vacant properties remediated under the 2022 programme will be available in early 2023.
235. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of retrofitting local authority social homes to a building energy rating B2 or cost optimal equivalent in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [27436/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority social homes that have been retrofitted to a building energy rating B2 or cost optimal equivalent by local authority in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [27437/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority social homes that have been retrofitted with an air source heat pump by local authority in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [27438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of retrofitting local authority social homes with an air source heat pump, by local authority in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [27439/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236, 237 and 238 together.
Since 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 total 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:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
My Department also introduced a pilot Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme in 2020-2022, the details of which are found below. A further 146 properties were retrofitted to a BER of B2/ Cost Optimal Equivalent and these figures are in addition to the National Retrofit Programme.
gov.ie - Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme - Expenditure and Units (www.gov.ie)
The 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme provided funding for the installation of 604 heat pumps, while the Midlands Retrofit Pilot allowed for the installation of heat pumps on all 146 properties. The funding available for the installation of a heat pump last year was €13,000. This has been increased to €16,000 for the 2022 programme.
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 retrofitting on 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.
239. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the building energy ratings achieved by homes retrofitted through the Midlands Retrofit Programme in 2021 and 2022; and the reason for the underspend in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic. [27440/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority social homes that have been retrofitted to a building energy rating B2 or cost optimal equivalent through the Midlands Retrofit Programme, by local authority in tabular form. [27441/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes, broken down by BER rating, prior to their retrofitting under the Midlands Retrofit Programme in 2021 and 2022, by local authority; the number of homes, broken down by BER rating, after their retrofitting under the Midlands Retrofit Programme in 2021 and 2022, by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27442/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 239 and 241 together.
In 2020 funding of €20 million was made available for an energy efficiency retrofitting programme to upgrade approximately 750 dwellings in the midlands, under the 'Just Transition' programme. The Midlands Retrofit Programme (MRP) was established as a pilot programme to provide learning on the move to B2/Cost Optimal retrofitting, test the benefit of focusing on upgrading larger batches of homes in distinct, compact geographical areas whilst simultaneously providing an economic stimulus to the counties most affected by the cessation of peat harvesting for electricity generation.
The Programme experienced significant delays due to the effects of COVID-19 and associated difficulties including tendering and supply chain issues. It delivered 146 retrofit homes in 2021 and will finish at the end of 2022.
The tables below give a breakdown of pre and post works BERs by local authority area for the 146 properties completed in 2021. Minimal funding has been recouped to date to local authorities under the programme. Full details will be provided in early 2023 when the programme is completed and all claims from local authorities have been received and processed.
|
Local Authority |
Pre-Works BER Rating |
|
Galway County |
56 |
|
B3 |
1 |
|
C1 |
7 |
|
C2 |
5 |
|
C3 |
21 |
|
D1 |
10 |
|
D2 |
3 |
|
E1 |
3 |
|
E2 |
2 |
|
F |
1 |
|
G |
3 |
|
Kildare |
20 |
|
C1 |
5 |
|
C3 |
8 |
|
D1 |
1 |
|
D2 |
1 |
|
E1 |
1 |
|
F |
4 |
|
Offaly |
18 |
|
C3 |
1 |
|
D2 |
1 |
|
E2 |
7 |
|
F |
5 |
|
G |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
40 |
|
D2 |
9 |
|
E1 |
13 |
|
E2 |
11 |
|
F |
3 |
|
*Not Available |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
|
C1 |
2 |
|
D2 |
1 |
|
E1 |
4 |
|
F |
5 |
|
Grand Total |
146 |
|
Local Authority |
Post works BER rating |
|
Galway County |
56 |
|
A1 |
9 |
|
A2 |
4 |
|
B2 |
43 |
|
Kildare |
20 |
|
B1 |
2 |
|
B2 |
18 |
|
Offaly |
18 |
|
A3 |
9 |
|
B1 |
5 |
|
B2 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
40 |
|
A3 |
4 |
|
B1 |
7 |
|
B2 |
29 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
|
B1 |
10 |
|
B2 |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
146 |
*There are four Pre-BERs not available for one Local Authority.
An annualised breakdown of the units retrofitted under both the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme and Midlands Retrofit Programme, is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/
242. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 684 of 26 April 2022, the definition of deep retrofit and shallow retrofit as referenced in the document linked in the response; the average works completed under both shallow and deep retrofits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27443/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme (EERP) in 2013 with the aim of funding 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.
Up to 2020, the EERP was carried out in two Phases:
- Phase 1 provided funding targeted at cavity wall/attic insulation.
- Phase 2 focused on fabric upgrade works to those dwellings with solid/hollow block wall construction and included the provision of some heating upgrades.
The majority of the 75,000 homes retrofitted to date have been retrofitted under Phase 1 involving cavity wall and attic insulation often called a 'shallow retrofit'.
In 2021 my Department moved away from the shallow retrofits under the previous phases to a 'deeper retrofit' based on a holistic approach, designed around the Programme for Government commitment that calls for the retrofit of 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent (BER) standard by 2030, of which, approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes.
This involves the implementation of measures as per the schedule of eligible works, such as, external wall insulation, attic insulation and the installation of a heat pump which allow for a property to reach a BER of B2 cost optimal and is reflected in the updated information published on the link below.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
243. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated carbon emissions savings from the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme, annually from 2013 to date in tabular form. [27444/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme in 2013 with the aim of funding 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.
The scheme will also help Ireland meet its commitments in relation to carbon emissions. Increasing the numbers of homes retrofitted will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector and will help Ireland reach its greenhouse gas emissions targets over the next decade.
Information available on carbon emissions savings associated with this expenditure can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.ntma.ie/publications
