Written Answers Nos. 230-250
230. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the context of the recent publication of the Central Statistics Office preliminary census data, the date on which he will move to evaluate and amend the electoral boundaries for local, national and European elections. [35728/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future - includes a number of commitments on electoral reform including the establishment of an independent, statutory Electoral Commission. These commitments are currently being prioritised by way of the Electoral Reform Bill 2022.
The Electoral Reform Bill 2022, which is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas, provides for, among other matters, the establishment of an Electoral Commission. In addition, the Bill provides for the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies to be undertaken by the new Electoral Commission following its establishment.
Under the provisions of the Bill, the Report of the Electoral Commission on the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies will be published within three months of the publication of final Census results. While the publication of final Census results is a matter for the Central Statistics Office, results are anticipated for publication in Spring 2023.
This would indicate that a final report from the Electoral Commission on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies would be expected in Summer 2023. It will be a matter for the Oireachtas to legislate for revised constituency boundaries following its consideration of the final report of the Commission.
Unlike the position for Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, there is no constitutional or legislative requirement for the revision of local electoral areas.
Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to divide a local authority area into local electoral areas and to amend those areas. However, the Electoral Reform Bill requires that the Minister, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the Act, requests the Electoral Commission to make a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
I have no plans to make an order under section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 amending local electoral areas in advance of the next local elections.
It is intended that the Electoral Commission will be established shortly following enactment of the Electoral Reform Bill 2022. Committee Stage of the Bill commenced in Seanad Éireann on 30 June 2022 and is scheduled to resume on 7 July 2022 together with Report and Final Stages of the Bill. In tandem with the Bill's progression through the Oireachtas, a transitional team has been put in place in my Department to progress the administrative elements of the Commission's establishment.
232. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the progress of the local government (directly elected mayor with executive functions in limerick city and county) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting of 20 April 2021, the Government approved the General Scheme of a Bill providing for a directly elected mayor for Limerick. Government also approved the publication of the General Scheme, as well as its referral both to the Oireachtas for pre-legislative scrutiny and to the Office of the Attorney General for priority drafting of a Bill.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage published its Report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme in November 2021. Officials in my Department have been engaging with the Parliamentary Drafter on the Bill, including with regard to the incorporation of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee in such a way that they will build on the work of the Implementation Advisory Group for the Limerick mayor project.
Drafting of this complex Bill is at an advanced stage and publication of the Bill has been identified as a priority for my Department as soon as practicable in 2022. The time frame for its passage through the legislative process will then be a matter for the Oireachtas, having regard to the overall Government legislative programme.
The timing of an election for mayor of Limerick will then be a matter for Government once the legislation is enacted.
233. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of the 515 social houses to be built by Cork City Council in 2022 that will be built directly by the local authority. [35800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Individual targets for the delivery of social housing have been provided to each local authority.
Budget 2022 provided just over €4 billion for the delivery of housing. A major focus of this investment is the delivery of new build, with an overall target of 9,000 new homes in 2022.
My Department publishes a comprehensive set of statistics on Social Housing delivery including the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) which outlines the ongoing delivery of social housing across the country detailing all social housing delivery mechanisms used by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. This report includes the status of projects on-site and in the pre-construction programme. The most recent CSR, Quarter 1 2022, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6912a-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q1-2022/
Under Action 4.12 of Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland each local authority will prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAP) to include social and affordable housing delivery. HDAPs will include a breakdown of delivery mechanisms to be used to reach yearly target set.
Local Authorities will publish these plans on their websites.
234. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the upcoming changes that will allow the provision whereby single housing assistance payment tenants can access the couples rate will also apply for single persons in receipt of homeless HAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am working with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide for an increase in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) discretion rate to 35% and for new tenancies to expand the couple’s rate to single persons where required. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness.
The planned expansion of the couple’s rate to single persons for new HAP tenancies will also be available in new HAP tenancies for homeless households getting the additional Homeless HAP supports outside the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).
Further details will be available shortly.
A separate review of the discretion available to Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin, which is up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits, is currently being undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency.
235. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to whom chief executives of local authorities are answerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe chief executive of a local authority is accountable first and foremost to the elected council of that local authority. The chief executive performs the executive functions of the city council, county council or city and county council, being responsible for the efficient and effective operation of a local authority and for ensuring that decisions made by elected members are implemented having regard to the relevant statutory provisions.
The appointment of a Chief Executive is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority following the consideration of a recommendation of the Public Appointment Services (PAS), as is the decision to suspend or remove the chief executive from employment for stated misbehaviour or if his or her suspension or removal appears to them to be necessary for the effective performance by the local authority of its functions.
There is a range of measures in place in respect of the elected council’s role in the oversight of the chief executive in the performance of his or her role, including monthly management reports, the supply of reports by the chief executive on request, and the power to direct the chief executive to do a thing or not proceed with works, subject to the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended. Where there is an alleged breach by the chief executive of the provisions of the ethics framework under Part 15 of the 2001 Act, the Cathaoirleach receives the report of the ethics registrar and considers what further action to take.
It is also the case that each local authority chief executive is subject to the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
236. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 10 May 2022, the number of the eight staff sanctioned by his Department for An Bord Pleanála’s new marine climate unit who have been recruited and are in place; to name the posts that have been recruited and are in place; the number of these roles that have been advertised but not yet filled, and to name those posts; the number of these roles that have not yet been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35819/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
In order to assist the Deputy, my Department requested and received the information sought from An Bord Pleanála, who have provided an update on the posts for the Marine / Climate Unit.
An Bord Pleanála’s Workforce Plan for 2021-2022 was approved by my Department in October 2021 and provided for 24 additional posts. This included an initial 8 staff for a new Marine/Climate Unit. Sanction was subsequently sought by An Bord Pleanála to fill 5 of these 8 Marine/Climate Unit positions, which my department provided. The status of these 5 positions is detailed in the table below.
|
Administrative Assistant x1 |
1 Appointed |
|
Senior Planning Inspector (or equivalent) x 2 |
2 Appointed |
|
Executive Officer x1 |
Competition ongoing - 1 Appointment expected in August 2022. |
|
Assistant Director of Planning x1 |
Vacant |
237. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the allocation provided in budget 2022 to each division and unit within his Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Total Gross allocation for my Department in 2022 as set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2022 published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) is €5,933m. This is made up of €2,530m Current and €3,403m Capital. This will be supplemented by €276m Capital Carryover from 2021. In addition, my Department's housing programmes will benefit this year from non-exchequer funding of some €91.5m that is being made available from the proceeds of Local Property Tax (LPT). Taken together some €6.3 billion in funds will be managed across Vote 34 this year.
The breakdown of the Gross allocation by Programme is set out below.
|
PROGRAMME |
CURRENT €m |
CAPITAL €m |
TOTAL €m |
|
Housing |
1,388 |
2,256 |
3,644 |
|
Water |
700 |
876 |
1,576 |
|
Local Government |
244 |
24 |
269 |
|
Planning |
70 |
155 |
225 |
|
Met Éireann |
29 |
14 |
43 |
|
Heritage |
98 |
78 |
176 |
|
TOTAL |
2,530 |
3,403 |
5,933 |
|
Capital Carryover from 2021 |
|
275.8 |
275.8 |
|
LPT Funding |
13.5 |
78.5 |
91.5 |
|
TOTAL ALLOCATION |
2,543 |
3,757 |
6,301 |
*rounding affects totals
A full breakdown of my Department's funding by subhead under each Programme is set out in the published Revised Estimate for the Public Service 2022 which is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/speech/996d4-minister-mcgraths-speech-at-the-irish-tax-institute-annual-dinner-2-june-2022/
238. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the bodies under his aegis in which persons will receive a pay rise from 1 July 2022; the role of each, where appropriate, or the anonymised salaries bands otherwise, the current remuneration and the proposed increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35855/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs each State body under the aegis of my Department is responsible for ensuring the application of centrally authorised remuneration increases for its employees, without recourse to my Department, the requested information is not available within my Department.
However, it would be available from the State bodies themselves, and the dedicated e-mail addresses for members of the Oireachtas in respect of each such body are as set out in tabular form below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
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 |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
239. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a deer stalking course was introduced as a prerequisite for deer hunting licences; the basis upon which the course is required; the frequency with which one must be completed; if those formerly in possession of a licence must complete the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of mandatory certification training for first time deer hunters came as a recommendation from the original Irish Deer Management Forum in 2018 for reasons of health & safety. Since then, a standard training course syllabus was published by my Department and three course providers were subsequently approved by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), following an independent review - www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/hunting/deer-hunting-licences-2022-2023/mandatory-certification-deer-hunters.
From the 2022-23 deer hunting season (September 1 2022) onwards, it is a requirement for first time applicants seeking a deer hunting licence under Section 29 of the Wildlife Acts to complete an approved certified deer hunting training course, and to provide evidence of same with their application.
At present, previous licence holders do not need to complete this training in order to apply for a Deer Hunting Licence.
240. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if community crèches are exempt from the payment of rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35887/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and the making of valuations for ratings purposes is his sole responsibility. As Minister, I have no role or function in decisions in this regard.
The Valuation Acts maintain the long-standing position that properties - including private schools and private childcare facilities such as play schools, pre-schools, crèches and Montessori schools – that are established for the purpose of making a profit are liable for rates.
The Act sets out that all buildings used or developed for any purpose, including constructions affixed thereto, are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. Such exempt buildings would principally include those used for public worship, education and health care provided on a not-for-profit basis, and charitable purposes.
Childcare facilities that only provide the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) for children of pre-school age are deemed to be exempt from rates. However, where a childcare facility provides both ECCE and for profit childcare then the whole premises is liable for rates.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts, 2001-2020. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address the issue of dezoning land (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36004/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe zoning of land for particular uses, including housing, is an exercise undertaken as part of the overall statutory development plan function under sections 9-13 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Under this legislation, the decision to zone land for development is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority. This includes the zoning of lands for residential development in order to meet the housing supply target identified in the administrative area of the local authority.
The statutory Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities published under section 28 of the Planning Act by my Department on 1st July 2022, set out national policies and objectives in relation to the zoning of land. The guidelines state that land already zoned for residential purposes may be regarded as providing a baseline, or starting point to meet projected population and housing targets, especially in cases where planning permission has already been granted, based on the presumption that land subject to planning permission is already serviced or serviceable. Where there is a surplus of well-located zoned and fully serviced land already zoned for development, it is recommended best practice that a phased approach be taken to prioritise the preferred sequence of development of such sites.
It is only in cases where land is zoned and has remained undeveloped and unserviced through one or more development plan cycles, with no prospect of being serviced within the six-year life of the development plan, alternative approaches, including discontinuing the zoning objective, must be considered as it is important that zoned land can be developed as intended, during the life of the plan to ensure that there is sufficient residential land available to meet identified housing needs. This is supported by the provision in section 10 of the Act that there shall be no presumption that any land zoned for development in a development plan shall remain so zoned in any subsequent plan.
The new Development Plan guidelines also provide that in certain instances a planning authority may provide zoned residential sites in addition to those required to meet the housing supply target for a settlement in order to ensure that sufficient choice for development potential is safeguarded.
The Residential Zoned Land tax (RZLT) introduced by the Finance Act 2021 seeks to encourage the activation of development on lands which are suitably zoned and appropriately serviced and will impose a tax on landowners who fail to bring such lands forward for development. My Department published section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Residential Zoned Land Tax on 29th June 2022. This tax measure is aligned to the sequential and phased approach to the development of zoned land outlined in the Development Plan Guidelines, with a clear incentive to bring forward land which has had the benefit of investment in the key infrastructure required to support housing. It will also allow other infrastructure providers such as those providing social and community infrastructure to have greater clarity on the likely locations for housing development to take place.
One of the key priorities of the National Planning Framework (NPF) is the compact growth of cities and towns of all sizes. This objective seeks to support the sustainable development of our cities and towns as attractive and vibrant places. The NPF targets 40 percent of future growth to take place in the existing built up area of cities and towns. This target will be met by a combination of development on zoned housing land, and by increasing the proportion of development that takes place on infill and brownfield development sites within existing urban areas. The NPF recognises that this change will not be achieved from the outset and allows for transition over time.
Following the adoption of the NPF and the subsequent Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies,, a process of reviewing city and county development plans by individual planning authorities is now underway. When complete, this will be the first time that there has been an integrated hierarchy of statutory spatial plans, shaping the future pattern and form of development in Ireland.
243. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any research carried out by his Department into the repeal of specific planning policy requirements under section 28 (1)(c) of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any research carried out by his Department into the revoking of build-to-rent planning standards for apartments and instead introducing a single build-to-sell standard across all apartment developments; the impact this would have on investment levels and the delivery of homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36076/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 248 together.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2015 inserted the new section 28(1C) into the 2000 Act, and this provision was substituted by section 20(a) of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018.
The objective of this amendment was to ensure that specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) included in guidelines issued by the Minister under section 28 would have to be complied with and applied consistently by planning authorities, regional assemblies (since 2018) and the Board. This had become necessary as some local authorities were introducing requirements and standards that diverged significantly from national policy guidance and legislation (e.g. apartment sizes and building performance standards) in their plans, resulting in a highly variable and inconsistent planning policy framework, in some cases within different parts of the same urban area.
The objective of guidelines issued under section 28 of the 2000 Act, and SPPRs in particular, is to achieve consistency of approach on critical matters throughout the hierarchy of plans at national, regional and local levels, in support of national policy objectives. Their use is limited and specific to clearly articulating Government policy and ensuring a consistency of application across the planning system.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out the vision and strategic objectives to support Ireland’s national, regional and local spatial development in economic, environmental and social terms to 2040. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, regional plans and plans developed by planning authorities must have regard to and be consistent with the objectives of the NPF.
In 2018, my Department published the updated Sustainable Urban Housing Development Guidelines to respond to changing housing need, in light of emerging dynamics in the urban employment market and ongoing demographic trends. The 2018 Guidelines addressed in particular, the relatively new build-to-rent sector and sets out a number of key distinct characteristics of such development. Further, related guidance has been subsequently issued in the form of updates to the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, most recently in 2020, which while introducing a presumption against 'co-living' accommodation in most circumstances, has retained 'build-to-rent' (BTR) development as a distinct planning category.
In the context of the Apartment Guidelines specifically, the specific planning policy requirements included seek to enable reinforce the national policy objective of providing more compact forms of urban development as outlined in the NPF through increasing the density, scale and heights of buildings, including apartments, in appropriate locations. Those regarding BTR facilitate an element of tenure choice at particular types of location.
It should be noted that by the end of 2022, the vast majority of city and county development plans will have been reviewed and a greater consistency of approach will be provided in those development plans to achieve more dense patterns of development in appropriate locations, given the need for planning authorities to have regard to these Guidelines and to comply with relevant SPPRs contained within them. This will also coincide with the significant advancement of the Attorney General-led review of the Planning Act.
It is not currently proposed to repeal the provisions, which are considered to provide an important role in the integration of national policy within the planning hierarchy of plans from national to regional and local levels. The Planning and Development Act 2000 is currently being reviewed by the Attorney General, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and any necessary amendments to current legislative arrangements will, where appropriate, be considered in this context.
244. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a response will issue to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the shared equity scheme and the significant price cap difference between counties Louth and Meath, which adversely affects applications in Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe imminent launch of the First Home Scheme will see first-time buyers helped to purchase new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. It has been previously confirmed that the provision of support under the scheme will be subject to regional price ceilings set with reference to the median prices for new homes purchased by first-time buyers in each area. The price ceilings for the Scheme will be confirmed upon the Scheme’s launch.
The setting of the initial First Home Scheme price ceilings has been informed primarily by an analysis of published current CSO data, specifically the Residential Property Price Index (RPPI), together with a review on live market data and sales prices for new homes by first-time buyers. Price ceilings will be set to temper inflationary pressures and to target support at the lower part of the price distribution in each area.
Any system of geographically-based price ceilings will require defined borders. Inevitably, this will result in examples of homes on either side of given borders with differing price ceilings. However, when considered in the overall, I am confident the system will broadly reflect price trends, and represent a clear, easily understandable method for utilising appropriate price ceilings.
The First Home Scheme will keep any ceilings under review to ensure they allow the scheme to deliver on its underlying objectives.
245. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of units purchased by, and sold to, investment funds over the past three years, by each local authority in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collate data of the type referred to in the Question.
246. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social houses constructed by local authorities under part V and by housing associations in the past three years, by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes; 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing and 28,500 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2026.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data is available to Q1 2022, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Further details on Part V delivery by each local authority is also published on my Department's website. This provides details on Part V delivery by each local authority and approved housing body delivery in each local authority area. This is available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/fd048-affordable-housing-and-part-v-statistics/
247. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number on the social housing list in the Dublin region, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The SSHA captures the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need has not yet been met and helps better inform policy and plan for the delivery of the right types of social housing support. The most recent summary for all counties, conducted in November 2021, is available at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/f6119-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2021-key-findings/
249. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review parts of metal detecting restrictions placed on private lands when full permission is given by the landowner, public and State-owned lands, urban green belt areas and public beaches proposed under the monuments and archaeological heritage Bill 2021; if he will consult with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of detection devices under the proposed Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill will largely mirror the system currently in place under the National Monument Acts whereby the use of a detection device to search for or collect archaeological objects is permitted under and in accordance with a licence.
The existing provisions are essential for the continued protection of our archaeological heritage. In place of an outright ban or prohibition on metal detecting to search for archaeological objects, such activities are instead subject to a regulatory regime. That regulatory regime was introduced under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987 to address the major damage to archaeological sites and monuments, and substantial loss of important archaeological objects, which had occurred as a result of uncontrolled metal detecting in the 1970's and 1980's. The removal of the existing regulatory structure would be considered a retrograde step that could place our national archaeological heritage in jeopardy.
In addition, under Article 3 of the 1992 European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (which was ratified by Ireland in 1997) parties to the Convention are required to “subject to specific prior authorisation, whenever foreseen by the domestic law of the State, the use of metal detectors and any other detection equipment or process for archaeological investigation”.
The proposed Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill will continue the approach of regulating the use of detection devices for archaeological purposes, in particular searching for archaeological objects. I am satisfied that this represents a necessary, reasonable and proportionate approach to an activity which, unfortunately, could result in the damage to or loss of our national archaeological heritage.
It should be noted that my officials in the National Monuments Service have met with representatives of the Irish Metal Detecting Society (IMDS) on several occasions, and (along with staff of the National Museum of Ireland) have had several detailed discussions with IMDS in 2014 and again in 2019. In these engagements, my officials have indicated that they would endeavour, if requested by IMDS, to facilitate partnership arrangements between interested metal detectorists and professional archaeologists, under which metal detectorists could be involved in appropriately regulated research work under the necessary professional supervision. The National Monuments Service of my Department remains available to engage with IMDS to discuss such proposals in further detail.
250. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of acceptance and refusal rates for a scheme (details supplied) for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36149/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Home Loan has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022.
The Housing Agency provides a central support service that assesses applications for the Local Authority Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee and it is a matter for the committee to make the final decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations, having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
The most recent figures provided by the Agency on the numbers of applications that it has assessed for each local authority, from January up to the end of May are set out in the below table.
|
Local Authority |
Applications Assessed |
Recommended to Approve |
Recommended to Decline |
|
Carlow County Council |
12 |
5 |
7 |
|
Cavan County Council |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Clare County Council |
14 |
7 |
7 |
|
Cork City Council |
19 |
7 |
12 |
|
Cork County Council |
121 |
39 |
82 |
|
Donegal County Council |
6 |
4 |
2 |
|
Dublin City Council |
97 |
62 |
35 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
21 |
11 |
10 |
|
Fingal County Council |
68 |
44 |
24 |
|
Galway City Council |
25 |
17 |
8 |
|
Galway County Council |
44 |
20 |
24 |
|
Kerry County Council |
21 |
5 |
16 |
|
Kildare County Council |
49 |
22 |
27 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
20 |
14 |
6 |
|
Laois County Council |
22 |
8 |
14 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
9 |
4 |
5 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
27 |
13 |
14 |
|
Longford County Council |
13 |
9 |
4 |
|
Louth County Council |
67 |
23 |
44 |
|
Mayo County Council |
13 |
8 |
5 |
|
Meath County Council |
61 |
43 |
18 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
23 |
9 |
14 |
|
Offaly County Council |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
16 |
3 |
13 |
|
Sligo County Council |
18 |
7 |
11 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
74 |
36 |
38 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
17 |
7 |
10 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
54 |
4 |
50 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
9 |
7 |
2 |
|
Wexford County Council |
39 |
18 |
21 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
45 |
23 |
22 |
|
Total |
1,026 |
481 |
545 |
My Department regularly publishes information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount).
My Department does not collect information on figures for applications and refusals under the Fresh Start principle of the scheme.
Information on Local Authority drawdowns, approvals, average drawdowns, and average approvals is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid
As the Local Authority Home Loan is only for applications since 4 January 2022, data on drawdowns is not yet available for this loan type. This link will be updated when information on the Local Authority Home Loan becomes available.
