Written Answers Nos. 492-513
492. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the ownership of the multi-storey car park adjacent to Michael Street, Waterford is with Waterford local authority. [29256/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities.
Given the corporate independence and diversity of state bodies and agencies and multiplicity of land holdings for a range of different purposes, there isn’t currently one central database of all lands solely in state ownership. Local authorities are however required to maintain their own asset registers. The acquisition and disposal of property is a matter for the Local authority and I have no function in this matter.
493. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any former Secretary Generals are seconded from his Department; the locations of same; the purpose of the secondment; the remuneration they are in receipt of from his Department or additional allocation to the agency or institution to which they are seconded arising from the secondment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo serving Secretary General from my Department is seconded to another agency or institution. My Department has no role in respect of the careers of former Secretaries General.
494. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has since granted foreshore consent for the proposed deployment at the marine test site at issue of the SmartBay observatory and-or for any other structure or device, as advertised and presented by the Marine Institute and a company (details supplied) on 21 May at Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal, gContae na Gaillimhe; the action that he proposes to take to ensure that no structure is erected by the Marine Institute or related contracted entities without lawful authorisation at the foreshore location the subject of High Court order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29321/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA foreshore licence was granted to the Marine Institute for a term of 35 years commencing on 16th March 2015 under reference number FS005751 for the purposes of installing three fibre optic cables connecting the Smart Bay Test Site with the mainland at Spiddal, Co. Galway.
Separately, a remitted application by the Marine Institute for a foreshore lease for the testing of scaled prototype offshore renewable energy devices at the same test site is currently being considered following the High Court Order on 05 December 2019 [IEHC 824], under reference number FS006566.
Details of current applications for a foreshore consent made under the Foreshore Act 1933 and of determined applications are available to view on my Department's website at www.housing.gov.ie.
495. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a scheme (details supplied) is still accepting applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation and was extended in 2014 to include raised bog natural heritage areas. This scheme is applicable to turf cutters who have been affected by the designation of raised bogs as special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas and who fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. It is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with payment of €500 on the signing of a legal agreement under the scheme.
Applications for this scheme are still being accepted by my Department.
There are 53 raised bog SACs and 36 raised bog NHAs encompassed by the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme; if the individual’s bog plot referred to in the question is located within one of these designated areas and the other qualifying criteria of the scheme are met, they may qualify for compensation under the scheme.
Officials from my Department are available to provide detailed information of the compensation scheme and the relevant application form.
496. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for the use of public private partnerships to develop social housing; if it is his intention to continue using this programme to deliver social housing into the future following social housing PPP bundle 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29467/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme represents an additional strand of delivery in order to increase the supply of social housing. The current PPP Programme will deliver 1,500 social housing units, spread across three bundles of sites.
The Social Housing PPP Programme is being delivered through the ‘availability’-based PPP model. Under this type of contract, the PPP project company, as the private partner, designs, builds, finances, maintains and operates (DBFMO) social housing developments for a period of 25 years in return for a monthly payment (unitary charge) from the State. Payment is made by the State only once construction of the buildings is complete and the homes are ready for tenanting. This funding mechanism means that PPPs typically require no upfront capital from the State, so the private partner takes on the full construction and funding risks. PPP's also provide cost certainty for the State, with unitary charge commitments known before the contract is executed. In addition, projects are subject to comprehensive value for money testing in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Land provided by the local authority is made available by way of a licence, but remains in State ownership throughout. In addition, handback provisions are a key feature of PPPs, with the private partner required to hand back the assets to the State at the end of the 25 year operating period, in a specified condition with a pre-defined residual life. This ensures the assets are handed back in good quality for future use.
In terms of progress to date, in 2021 construction was completed on Bundles 1 and 2 of the Social Housing PPP Programme and the new homes are now fully tenanted. Bundle 1 delivered 534 houses and apartments across six sites in Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Wicklow in 2020 and 2021. Bundle 2 delivered 465 homes in 2021 across eight sites in Cork, Clare, Galway, Kildare, Roscommon and Waterford. Bundle 3 will deliver in the region of 486 new homes across six sites in Dublin, Kildare, Sligo and Wicklow and a number of the sites have commenced the statutory planning process.
In accordance with the commitment under Housing for All, and given the successful delivery of almost 1,000 homes to date under the Programme, my Department will increase the use of PPP's to deliver social housing. My Department is actively working with relevant stakeholders including the National Development Finance Agency, the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office, and relevant local authorities on the development of further bundles. On foot of a call in January this year, asking local authorities to submit proposals for suitable sites to include in the new PPP programme, selection of sites for the new bundles is progressing well.
497. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the terms and conditions for Fresh Start applicants under the local authority home loan scheme to include circumstances in which one of the former partners who remains in the home, and takes over full responsibility for the mortgage, can qualify for the scheme to prevent a sale of the family home and homelessness during a national housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29495/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage scheme for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies for applications to the Local Authority Home Loan. The following categories of persons are eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan under the Fresh Start principle:
Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but is divorced/separated or otherwise and has left the property and divested themselves of their interest in the property are eligible;
Applicant(s) that previously purchased a residential property, but have been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, are eligible to apply. The applicant must be discharged from bankruptcy proceedings. It should be noted that a return to solvency should not be interpreted as a return to creditworthiness, which is a separate assessment;
In recognition of such instances, an exemption to the First Time Buyer eligibility criteria can be applied under the Fresh Start Principle. However, this is for a fresh start applicant who has divested themselves of the family home to enable them to purchase a new home only. It is not available to applicants who wish to take sole ownership of an existing property following a divorce or separation;
The final decision regarding the Local Authority Home Loan application is made by the relevant Local Authority Credit Committee on a case by case basis.
Further details can be found on localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
498. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that unlike tenants of local authorities or approved housing bodies, most housing assistance payment tenants also pay an additional top-up payment directly to their landlord to cover the gap between the maximum rent that the local authority will pay and the actual market rent which it has, given that even rent protection zones have seen a legal increase of over 20% since 2016, which is the last time housing assistance payment levels were increased; if his attention has been further drawn to the five proposals that an organisation (details supplied) has suggested to prevent households in receipt of HAP from poverty and risk of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29496/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra505. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider the five proposals made by an organisation (details supplied) to protect households that are in receipt of housing assistance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a campaign by an organisation (details supplied) to protect housing assistance payment households from poverty and homelessness; his plans to address the five proposals outlined in the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 498, 505 and 508 together.
Under 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.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it. It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis. Additional discretion of up to 50% above rent limits is available to assist in housing homeless households in the Dublin Region only.
My Department is aware that some HAP recipients are making payments directly to their landlords, beyond the amount of HAP being paid on their behalf. While there is no legislative provision precluding HAP supported households contributing towards the monthly rent required by the landlord, local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and that households in HAP are in a position to meet the rental costs involved.
HAP tenants are required to sign a rent contribution agreement to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme.
The HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages the collection of all HAP tenants’ differential rents, on behalf of the relevant local authority, and the payment of all HAP rents to landlords on behalf of tenants supported by the HAP scheme. The HAP SSC follows a clear communication policy if rental arrears issues arise. This policy includes regular and early written communication with tenants, landlords and the relevant local authority.
The approach taken by the HAP SSC has been very effective with minimal levels of rent arrears arising for HAP tenants. In 2019, the scheme had a 96% differential rent collection rate, with minimal arrears arising for tenants or local authorities. At Q4 2021, the scheme had a 99% differential rent collection rate. Therefore, only a very small number of tenants have fallen into difficulty with their differential rent.
Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of the 20% discretion available to local authorities under HAP is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support.
I am working with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide for an increase in the HAP discretion rate to 35% and, for new tenancies, to expand the couple’s rate to single persons. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness. We do need to decrease our reliance on subsidies but we will only do that through significantly scaling up our social housing supply. Housing for all sets us on a pathway to delivering 90,000 social homes between now and the end of 2030.
499. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the allocation that his Department made for outdoor dining in 2022. [29515/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic and health related restrictions imposed on businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, €3.62 million, was provided from the Local Government Fund to assist local authorities in supporting an outdoor summer for locals and visitors alike. A proportional allocation, linked to population size was provided for most local authorities, along with a flat allocation for Dublin, Cork and Galway City Councils given their position as congregation centres for the surrounding areas.
The scheme was specifically designed not to be prescriptive but included, for example, the provision and cleaning of portaloos and litter bins in public places, the pedestrianisation of streets and the provision of outdoor dining facilities, or any other measures which facilitated people in outdoor sites around the country. These sites included parks, beaches, greenways, pedestrianised streets or other popular visitor sites in a local authority area.
With the improved conditions and the relaxation of restrictions, it is not proposed to provide an allocation for an outdoor summer in 2022.
500. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will remove the population cap on the affordable homes' aspect of the Housing for All - Rebuilding Ireland Plan to allow towns such as Edgeworthstown, Ballymahon and Granard, County Longford to be included in the scheme given the lack of availability, and the current and further needs of these areas. [29537/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of Housing for All, I asked local authorities to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans. In preparing these plans local authorities were asked to assess the level of housing demand with affordability constraint projected for their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) tool and plan their provision accordingly. Local authorities with a strong and identified affordable housing need were asked to prepare Affordable Delivery Action Plans and were set five-year Affordable Delivery Targets.
An identified high level of affordable housing need arises where the HNDA indicates that, of the total projected need for housing in the county, over 5% of new households will not qualify for social housing but will also be constrained in accessing housing by their ability to afford to buy or rent. The level of affordably constrained need across the county of Longford is assessed at below 5%, although some localised affordability issues may arise in certain towns within the county.
It will be 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 to meet this need. It is possible for local authorities, including Longford County Council, to undertake HNDA analysis at sub county level to determine whether a need for Government funded affordable housing schemes is evident in specific towns/areas. Affordable Housing Fund subsidy is only available to support affordable housing purchase in schemes located in large or key towns to uphold National Planning Framework objectives and to ensure that provision is aligned with where need is concentrated. This Department and the Housing Agency are available to assist in this regard.
Where particular challenges arise for facilitating owner-occupation in towns, and where viable sites available for building of new homes are in short supply, there is significant potential for local authorities to support homeownership in these areas by making available serviced sites at a reduced cost or providing support towards the refurbishment of vacant properties where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high. A pathfinder programme will be initiated as part of a Croí Cónaithe (Towns) fund, to facilitate the making available of some 2,000 sites for homes by 2025.
The First Home Scheme will be delivered via a strategic partnership between the State and participating mortgage lenders and I can confirm that all parties are working with a view to deploying the scheme in the coming weeks. It will improve access to newly-built homes, below the median price point, by using a shared equity model to bridge the gap between mortgage finance and the cost of new homes. This measure, targeted at first time or fresh start buyers, will allow purchasers to exit the rental market, help to build developer confidence in realisable consumer demand, and contribute to the recovery of our construction sector following the Covid-19 emergency. This Scheme will be available nationwide.
501. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities have the remit to make derogations or exemptions with regards to commercial rates in certain circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are required by legislation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes, in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015.
The annual rate on valuation (ARV) is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function. The ARV is then applied to each property’s valuation to obtain the amount payable in rates.
Local authorities work closely with ratepayers experiencing difficulties with the payment of commercial rates. In this regard, local authorities may facilitate the payment of commercial rates by instalments, and work with businesses to put in place flexible payment options.
Under the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970 a rating authority may make and carry out a scheme, providing for the waiver by the authority of all or a portion of commercial rates due by ratepayers in respect of a specified class or classes of property. The making of such a scheme is subject to the consent of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. No rate waiver schemes have been consented to in respect of commercial property.
Some local authorities have introduced locally designed business incentive schemes which promote the use of vacant commercial property. Such schemes rely upon Part 9 of the Local Government Act 2001 which provides that the functions of local authorities include providing grants, loans guarantees or other financial aid to promote the interests of the local community, including economic interests. Unlike rates waiver schemes, no Ministerial sanction is required for the setting up of these schemes.
Section 15 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matter Act 2019 allows a local authority to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support the implementation of policy objectives, including: local economic and community plans; objectives contained in Development Plans and Local Area Plans; and national planning policies. Section 15 is currently not commenced.
Only a portion of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 has been commenced. Preparations have been delayed due to the impact of the COVID crisis and consequent work on the government funded rates waivers, which required to be prioritised. It is intended to further advance this work this year.
502. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidelines for planning and development of solar farms; if there are restrictions on the size of solar panel farms in rural areas and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29550/22]
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.
503. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that he is taking to ensure that local authorities have adequate flexibility in the recruitment of the multidisciplinary competencies necessary for active travel teams and town teams, as outlined in Government policy and funding initiatives. [29553/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that the local government sector remains vibrant and sustainable and is well equipped and properly resourced to deliver the key functions within its remit. The local government sector is embarking on a significant expansion of activities across a range of areas including Active Travel and Town Centre First, both of which are Programme for Government commitments and depend on a level of local authority input to deliver.
Where a new programme initiative is proposed that requires implementation at local authority level, the initiative will be brought by the relevant Department to the County and City Managers Association (CCMA) for discussion and agreement particularly with regard to the number, grade and funding of staff required to deliver the programme.
In the case of Active Travel which was brought before the CCMA, the National Transport Authority developed a categorisation system with indicative staffing resource requirements across all local authorities as well as increases in dedicated active travel resources within the Regional Design Offices. The NTA identified the appropriate analogous grades to deliver the significantly increased programme of active travel infrastructure and the local authorities are resourcing the programme as required.
The Town Centre First policy which was launched in February provides a co-ordinated, whole-of-government policy framework to proactively address the decline in the health of towns across Ireland and support measures to regenerate and revitalise them. Under the policy it is proposed to appoint a Town Regeneration Officer (TROs) in local authorities to support the implementation of Town Centre First and work with local Town Teams drawn from the local community. The Department of Rural and Community Development who is funding these posts is currently finalising the job specification and requirements with the CCMA with a view to enabling recruitment of TROs in the coming months.
504. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average times for registering new tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29571/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
This matter is an operational one for the RTB and my Department does not collect the data sought. However, the Clerk of the Dáil requested that arrangements be put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies to members of the Oireachtas. Following the issue of Circular LG (P) 05/16 on 20 September 2016 from my Department, the RTB set up a dedicated email address for this purpose. The RTB may be contacted at OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie to establish the extent to which it may hold the information sought.
506. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new terms and conditions for Rebuilding Ireland mortgages will be issued to Donegal County Council so applications that are held up at the moment can be processed by the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29595/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
Local authorities were advised of the terms and conditions of the Local Authority Home Loan Scheme in December 2021. Further information on the scheme is available on the dedicated website https://localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
The final decision on Local Authority Home Loan applications is a matter for the relevant local authority. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authority.
509. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that receipt of long-term carer's allowance is not considered as income when applying for a local authority home loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Local Authority Home Loan scheme social welfare payments are not generally considered as part of repayment capacity. However, certain long-term State benefit payments may be considered as repayment income only where the main income source is of an earned nature (i.e., more than 50% of the income that forms the full Home Loan application is from a source other than State benefits payments).
Long-term State benefit payments considered will be:
State Pension (Contributory and Non-contributory);
Widow’s/Widower’s Pension;
Blind Pension;
Invalidity Pension; and
Disability Allowance.
The long-term nature of the payment must be confirmed by the Department of Social Protection or other relevant Government Department.
Carer's Allowance is not taken into account as income for repayment capacity for local authority lending. As noted above, social welfare payments may only be considered where the main source of income is earned, therefore where Carer's Allowance is the main source of income it cannot be counted.
The final decision regarding Local Authority Home Loan applications are made by the relevant Local Authority Credit Committee on a case by case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authority. My Department is not involved in individual loan decisions.
Further details can be found on https://localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
510. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to re-examine the means testing criteria for social housing. [29628/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy was revised in March 2021.
Net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The determination of whether an applicant household meets the income criteria is based on a calculation of their preceding 12 months’ net average income prior to the date of receipt of application. This ensures that the most comprehensive picture of a household’s current and previous income is available at the point of carrying out the assessment.
Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing.
The review, which examined, inter alia, the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, has been completed. I am currently considering its findings and expect to decide on proposed changes and recommendations shortly.
511. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the course of action that is available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29643/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department cannot give advise on the specific situation outlined in the details supplied. However I can advise that my Department’s Rural Water Programme, through Exchequer funding, delivers improvements to water services in areas of rural Ireland where there are no public (Irish Water) services.
Grant assistance is available, through local authorities, under the Programme for capital works including for Individual Domestic Water Supplies (private wells) to a house. The grant, subject to certain conditions, assists households dependent on these supplies with the costs incurred in providing such a supply of water for domestic purposes or rectifying serious deficiencies with an existing supply.
Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer who deals with the day to day implementation issues for the Programme. The officer can be contacted at the Rural Water Section of the relevant local authority. In addition, further information on the grant scheme is available from my Department's website at the link below.
www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/rural-water-programme/private-wells.
512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that are being put in place to assist thatched public houses in dealing with ever increasing insurance bills and the limited availability of insurance providers. [29654/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the challenges facing owners of thatched buildings in respect of securing insurance. Both Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, and A Living Tradition, the new vernacular architectural heritage strategy, contain actions to address the issue of insurance of protected structures, including thatched buildings.
Action 6 of A Living Tradition is to ‘enhance the protection and conservation of historic thatched roofs’ and is engaging with this matter and work is currently underway to establish the facts of the situation: which companies are prepared to provide insurance; the affordability of such premiums; and, the terms and conditions of such policies for owners. Through dialogue with the insurance sector, it will seek to understand what providers perceive as the issues in insuring such buildings. The study will also gather statistical evidence on the perceived risks associated with thatched buildings, as well examining models in other jurisdictions, so as to engage constructively with the sector in an informed way. The views of owners will also be sought, as well as those of the Central Bank, which is responsible for the prudential supervision of such undertakings authorised in Ireland, and other relevant bodies.
Officials in my Department are currently establishing a thatch steering group to oversee this study. The steering group being established will be called the Built Vernacular Heritage (Thatch) Steering Group. The remit of the steering group is to assist with implementation of the strategy. Its first priority is to work to resolve the urgent issue of affordability and availability of insurance for thatched buildings. It will also examine other relevant issues, including thatching standards, fire prevention guidance, and the availability of suitable thatching materials. The steering group will work to accelerate the recording and protection of thatched buildings, and establish a central database of such structures. It will also progress relevant parts of other actions of the strategy as they relate to thatch and thatching.
The range of stakeholders comprising the steering group includes a thatch owner (Edward Frampton), a thatcher/owner (Jimmy Lenehan), a representative of the local authority architectural conservation officers (Rose Ryall, Waterford City and County Council), a representative of the local authority heritage officers (Joe Gallagher, Donegal County Council), a representative of the Department’s thatching grants section (Patricia Rogers), a representative of the Heritage Council (Colm Murray), and a representative of the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) (Caroline Maguire). The group will be chaired by Jimmy Lenehan.
513. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on the First Home affordable purchase shared equity scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29935/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 4 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for the establishment of the ‘First Home’ affordable purchase shared equity scheme to support purchases in the private market. The Scheme aims to support c. 8,000 households in acquiring new homes in the private market in the years 2022 to 2026.
First Home will help applicants to afford new homes in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The Scheme will primarily support First Time Buyers in the purchase of new homes within designated regional price ceilings, set with reference to the median prices for new homes purchased by first-time buyers in the area.
Subject to the necessary final approvals process of all founders to the scheme, which will see the State operate the scheme in a strategic partnership with participating banks, it is anticipated that First Home will become operational from July 2022. Full information, including full eligibility criteria, and area price ceilings, will be available on the Scheme’s website upon the Scheme’s launch.
