Written Answers Nos. 645-680
645. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce time extensions to existing planning permissions given the difficulties currently being encountered by persons in securing finance, and contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43692/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended ('the Act') specifies that the appropriate period for the completion of a planning permission shall generally be 5 years, unless otherwise specified by the planning authority pursuant to Section 41.
Section 42 of the Act enables the holder of a planning permission to apply to a planning authority for up to two extensions to the initial appropriate period of the permission, provided the combined duration of both extensions does not exceed 5 years.
The granting of such an extension is subject to the Planning Authority being satisfied that the development has been commenced, substantial works have been carried out, the development will be completed in a reasonable time and that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) are not required for the proposed extension.
There is a circumstance where the holder of a permission may apply for a further extension to the appropriate period of a planning permission, beyond the initial appropriate period and the extension of duration period or periods under Section 42, and this is explained as follows:
Section 7 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 ('the 2021 Act'), which was commenced on the 9 September 2021 provides a temporary provision allowing for applications for further extensions of planning permissions which have already availed of an extension under section 42, or otherwise under section 42(1A). This provision seeks to ensure the timely delivery of housing and the completion of construction projects, in the context of delays and disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides for the further extension of the appropriate period of a planning permission by an additional period of up to 2 years or until 31 December 2023 whichever first occurs, subject to the planning authority being satisfied of a number of matters set out in section 42(1B). These matters include that the relevant planning authority shall be satisfied that: the development has commenced; that substantial works have been carried out; that the extension is required to enable the development to be completed; and that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and appropriate assessment (AA) are not required for the proposed extension. The 2021 Act provision applies to extant permissions due to expire and as well as to permissions which expired between 8 January 2021 and 8 September 2021.
This further extension period takes into account the restrictions on construction and disruptions in logistics, supply chains as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, I have no plans to provide for further legislation for extensions to planning permissions.
646. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 627 of 26 July 2022, if he will elaborate on the specifics of the ongoing engagement with the Banking and Payments Federation relating to issues raised by the Defective Concrete Blocks homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43726/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOversight of the financial institutions is outside the scope and remit of my Department but I did write to the Minister for Finance on these matters.
The Minister for Finance advised that neither he nor his Department have any role in relation to the commercial decisions of individual regulated entities, such as decisions they may make on applications for credit, or in respect of individual actions they may take to assist households with a mortgage which is secured on a residence affected by mica or pyrite.
Notwithstanding this I can confirm that engagement is on-going with the Banking and Payments Federation on specific issues raised by Defective Concrete Block homeowners to see what can be done to address their concerns.I can confirm engagement with the Banking and Payments Federation is ongoing.
647. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the recommendations of an organisation (details supplied) concerning the derogation process under Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive, particularly regarding seagulls, will be implemented; if the consultative committee established by him to review these recommendations has made any decisions on these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43734/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the process of the use of Article 9(1)(a) of the EU Birds Directive in Ireland, was completed by ANIAR Consultancy on behalf of the then Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in September 2018.
Subsequent to this report, a Consultative Committee on Urban Gulls was convened by the Minister at the time to consider the impact of gulls in urban areas and appropriate actions to deal with such impacts.
A copy of the Committee's First Interim Report is available at the link below:
www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/review-use-article-9-1-a-birds-directive-ireland
A number of the recommendations of the First Interim Report have been progressed and my Department is engaging with other stakeholders on moving forward other recommendations.
649. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent of the investigations into irregularities at An Bord Pleanála; the areas that the investigations will cover; if all planning decisions in which persons found to have been in breach of planning legislation will be covered by this investigation as a matter of urgency and due diligence; his views on whether the validity of these planning decisions has been brought into question; and his further views on whether public confidence in An Bord Pleanála can be restored. [43834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received the Report into the management of conflicts of interest and relevant disclosures by the Deputy Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála in relation to certain Decisions of that Board from Mr. Remy Farrell on the 27th of July 2022. On the 15 August 2022, on the advice of the Attorney General, I referred the report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), An Garda Síochana (AGS) and the Standards in Public Office (SIPO). It is now a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions as to whether a criminal prosecution should be undertaken arising from the findings of the report.
I am awaiting the conclusion of a separate internal report from a Senior Management Team within An Bord Pleanála which was requested by Mr. Dave Walsh, Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála. I understand the Chairperson has assigned an internal team of senior management personnel to examine a number of decided cases where public commentary has raised issues and concerns around the procedures and processes applied in those cases.
On 24th of August 2022 the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) initiated a review of certain systems and procedures used by An Bord Pleanála in the delivery of its statutory planning functions. This review will be carried out by independent planning experts from other jurisdictions and Conleth Bradley S.C. This review will help inform other internal changes as required and will also assist in identifying legislative amendments which may be required.
An Bord Pleanála have confirmed that the status of decisions which have already been made by the Board remains unchanged. Sections 50, 50A and 50B of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, codify the statutory right of judicial review of any decision of An Bord Pleanála.
The public must have trust in the impartiality and integrity of our planning system if it is to function effectively. In addition to the aforementioned reports, a number of measures are being examined including ensuring adequate staff resources for the Board and the introduction of a new appointments process for Board members underpinned by new legislation. These measures are on top of steps already taken or underway as a matter of urgency namely:
- a comprehensive review of the code of conduct of ABP being undertaken by the Board;
- the complete cessation of two person decision making panels;
- an internal review to determine whether any revision of processes pertaining to the allocation of files, decision procedures and amendments to inspector’s reports is appropriate (which will be further supplemented by the OPR Review);
- the overhaul of internal compliance procedures on ethical requirements;
- the appointment of a senior legal advisor to the board subject to approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and
- a requirement for monthly reports from the Board to the Minister on corporate governance implementation under Section 109 of the Planning Act,
Maintaining trust and confidence in our planning system is of the utmost importance and the series of measures which I have outlined, and which will evolve, will ensure fundamental change for the benefit of our entire planning system while maintaining its full on-going operation.
652. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is allowable under law and regulation issued by his Department, for a person to transfer an application from one local authority with retention of the time spent on the original list. [43856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGenerally, is not possible for a household previously on one social housing waiting list to carry the time spent on that list when applying to another local authority. This ensures any unfairness that might arise for households already on a waiting list in a 'receiving local authority' is avoided.
The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended) provide that households may apply for support to one local authority only. Usually, this will be the local authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which the household has a local connection. Local authorities may also, at their discretion, assess households with no link to the area for support.
Households are reassessed against the eligibility and need criteria set down in the relevant legislation when transferring to another local authority area. If deemed eligible, they qualify for the suite of social housing supports, including the Housing Assistance Payment, and are placed on the housing list to be considered for suitable tenancies in accordance with the relevant local authority’s allocation scheme. Notwithstanding, local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need at any moment in time.
653. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person who is transferring from one local authority to another can do so in a manner that ensures no disruption to their HAP payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43857/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended, set down a standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing support. Under this procedure, a household may apply for support to one housing authority only, which may be the authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which it has a local connection, or the authority that agrees, at its discretion, to assess the household for support. A household, meeting either the residence or local connection condition, may specify up to three areas of choice for receipt of support in the areas of all housing authorities in the county and city concerned and, if qualified, will be entered on the housing waiting list of each of those housing authorities.
Consistent with the provisions in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is considered to be a social housing support and consequently households in receipt of a payment under the HAP scheme are not eligible to remain on the main housing waiting list. However, acknowledging that some households on the waiting list, who avail of HAP, have expectations that they would receive a more traditional form of social housing support, Ministerial directions have issued to ensure that, should they so choose, HAP recipients can avail of a move to other forms of social housing support through a transfer list.
Furthermore, local authorities are also directed that HAP recipients who apply to go on the transfer list should get full credit for the time they spent on the waiting list and be placed on the transfer list with no less favourable terms than if they had remained on the waiting list.
Guidelines on inter-authority movement were issued to local authorities to facilitate the movement of HAP households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant wishes to access rented accommodation, with HAP support, in another local authority area. Inter authority movement is, however, subject to certain conditions, such as the relevant Social Housing Income Eligibility Bands and confirmation that the applicant's income is below the threshold in the new local authority.
In order to maintain equity between all tenants in receipt of social housing support, inter-authority movement for HAP will be facilitated without reference to Social Housing Eligibility Income Bands in areas that offer shared areas of choice in their allocation schemes, as no change to existing treatment is involved in such areas. For example, in Dublin, the four local authority areas currently offer shared areas of choice in their allocation schemes.
However, HAP tenants who avail of inter-authority movement, can only be offered access to the transfer list of the originating local authority.
The practical operation of transfer lists is a matter for each local authority to manage, on the basis of their own scheme of letting priorities. The making of such schemes is a reserved function of the local authority and as such is a matter for the elected members.
655. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 686 of 26 July 2022, if he will review the stipulation that any assessment or review of a previous social housing support assessment is based on the applicant’s net average income for the twelve months prior to the application or the review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43870/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations. The Regulations 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 the Household Means Policy.
Applications for housing support can be submitted to a local authority for assessment at any time. Similarly, a person previously deemed not to qualify for support may reapply at any time. A local authority may also review an assessment, at its discretion, if it becomes aware of a change in the applicant’s household circumstances.
Any assessment, or review of a previous assessment, is based on the applicant's net average income for the 12 months prior to application or the review. An applicant whose household income is below the relevant income threshold may qualify for support. The underpinning legislation affords local authorities no discretion to exceed the thresholds for their areas.
The income eligibility requirements reflect the long-term nature of social housing support. Reviewing income over 12 months provides a truer picture of long-term need. It is an objectively fairer approach than assessing such need against more recent changes in circumstances. It also helps ensure limited resources can be provided to those who need them most.
While an applicant, previously deemed not to qualify for support, may reapply at any stage, dramatically changed circumstances in the short-term does not guarantee they will qualify when reassessed. Such changes may be too recent to bring their income below the income threshold. That said, an applicant may be able to show long-term need if the dramatically changed circumstances persist, and qualify for support should their net average income for the previous 12 months fall below the relevant income eligibility threshold.
Rent Supplement may be available for persons in the private rented sector who have experienced recent changes in household circumstances and require shorter-term rent support.
The Household Means Policy is designed to be consistent with the key principle of social housing as a support to meet identified long-term accommodation needs.
656. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of formal complaints made to the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Body to date; the broad nature, subject matter of the complaints; the actions taken by the Body in relation to each complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43884/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs provided for in the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 (the Act), the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) was formally established on 1 February 2021. AHBRA is an independent body tasked with the regulation of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the purposes of protecting housing assets provided or managed by such bodies.
The register of AHBs previously managed by my Department was officially transferred to AHBRA on 1 January 2022.
All AHBs are required to adopt the standards for AHBs that are provided for in the 2019 Act and were developed in conjunction with the sector. I approved the standards earlier this year and they are available on AHBRA’s website (www.ahbregulator.ie). The standards cover matters relating to corporate governance; financial management and reporting; property and asset management; and tenancy management. The Regulator will monitor compliance by AHBs with the approved standards and has the power to carry out a standards assessment to determine if an AHB is complying or failing to comply with the standards.
The remaining sections of the Act were commenced on 1 July 2022. AHBRA may now monitor and assess AHBs against the published standards and can require compliance plans to be established and implemented for AHBs failing these assessments. The Act further provides AHBRA with the power to appoint inspectors to investigate and report on the affairs of an AHB.
While the regulator is independent in the performance of their functions, AHBRA have indicated that to date in 2022, they have received 4 complaints related to AHBs. These were related to governance, tenancy and asset management matters. All complaints are evaluated and reviewed by AHBRA following due process. One matter is closed, with three ongoing. Complaints can be submitted to AHBRA via email to concerns@ahbregulator.ie
657. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if her attention has been drawn to the current condition of Knocklofty House, Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if her Department have any plans to acquire this property to prevent it from further deterioration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43894/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). As Minister, I can make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. These recommendations arise from the surveys of my Department's National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH).
Its inclusion on Tipperary County Council's RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of Knocklofty House and also gives the Council powers to deal with development proposals affecting it and to seek to safeguard its future. Last year, the Council confirmed that an initial site inspection had been undertaken and that more thorough inspections would be required internally and externally to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure that this building is protected. They further advised that they would need to gain access to the building and I understand that the legal ownership of the property has been in question, and is being dealt with through the courts.
On 12 May last year, I met with local people to discuss their concerns about Knocklofty House and I stressed that crucial to the future of this structure is the identification of a viable use or uses with sufficient income to ensure its survival. I outlined the financial supports for heritage structures available from my Department under the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. While I understand that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned may mean that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes would not, on its own, be sufficient, it may provide some support to safeguard it from falling into further disrepair.
Earlier this year, I announced combined funding of €8m to 590 projects under both schemes. I was pleased to note that an application for funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme was approved by Tipperary County Council, and Knocklofty House was awarded €10,000 in funding for works to mitigate issues of damp in the structure. Officials in my Department have been in contact with Tipperary County Council and have been informed that these works are to begin on the structure shortly.
I fully understand and appreciate the value of our built heritage, including at a local level. I intend to make contact with Tipperary County Council in the coming weeks, seeking an update on how they intend proceeding on engagement with all relevant stakeholders to maintain this structure.
659. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a sewerage scheme will be put in place in a town (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43927/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, through Exchequer funding, delivers improvements to water and waste water services in areas of rural Ireland where there are no public water services.
A working group – the Rural Water Working Group - is considering the composition of the measures for inclusion for funding under the upcoming multi-annual programme. Once I have had an opportunity to consider their report, I expect to announce details of the programme priorities and an invitation to local authorities to submit bids will follow later this year.
The organisers of the proposed project referred to in the details supplied should continue to liaise with Kerry County Council on their proposal and can submit it to them as part of the bids process. It is then a matter for Kerry County Council to consider the project and submit it to my Department as part of their bids if they consider it to be technically and economically viable.
Following the receipt of bids, an Expert Panel will evaluate all valid bids and based on the recommendations of the Panel a report will be submitted for my consideration and approval.
My Department is responsible for policy while the day to day management of the multi-annual programme is devolved to the local authorities. Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day to day issues for the programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.
660. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is national guidance on including play facilities in residential developments; if it is mandatory or whether it is at each local planning authority’s discretion to decide policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43944/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra661. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is national guidance on including play environments in new or existing residential developments; if it is mandatory or optional for each local planning authority to decide on this (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 661 together.
The identification and implementation of recreational spaces at a regional and city scale is a matter for regional assemblies and local authorities, through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (including Metropolitan Area Spatial Plans) and City/County Development Plans. Section 7.2 of the Development Plan Guidelines (2022) - Mandatory Objective: Amenities (Development) states that ‘when assessing the local requirements for amenities, planning authorities should provide a clear evidence base for amenities policies’ including existing demand, the anticipated demand generated by programmed new development and any gaps in provision that exist/may occur.
More specifically the requirement for play environments/facilitates is addressed within the following Guidelines:
- The Sustainable Urban Housing - Design Standards for New Apartments (2020): Section 4.13 states that the recreational needs of children must be considered as part of communal amenity space within apartment scheme. The - -
- Apartment Guidelines also provide further details with regard to the forms and location of such facilities.
- Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009): Section 4.16 public open spaces should make provision for recreational facilities (both indoor and outdoor), which are based on an assessment of existing resources and user needs, including local play policies for children. The Guidelines also not that playgrounds should be carefully sited within residential areas so that they are both easily accessible and overlooked by dwellings, while not causing a nuisance to nearby residents. Further detail in this regard is provided within the Urban Design Manual (2009), which supplements the Guidelines.
- Local Area Plan Guidelines (2013): Section 5.1 stated that there should be an emphasis be on providing conveniently-located neighbourhood facilities commensurate with the projected population, including playground/play areas.
The Guidelines referred to above (including the Development Plan Guidelines) are issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Planning Act). Planning authorities must ‘have regard’ to the Guidelines when carrying out their strategic planning or development management functions. This means that planning authorities are required to demonstrate how the policies and objectives of the Guidelines have been applied. In the event that a planning authority forms the view that it is not possible to implement certain policies and objectives of the Guidelines, they must set out reasons for this. Oversight of the application of the Guidelines is provided independently by the Office of the Planning Regulator in relation to plans and by An Bord Pleanála (national planning appeals body) in relation to planning decisions.
It should be noted that my Department is currently working towards developing detailed guidelines in relation to sustainable settlement and best practice urban design, which will incorporate the 2009 Guidelines and Manual. It is my intention that the proposed ‘Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidelines’ will be issued under Section 28 of the Act and will seek to address key issues in relation to the design of open space, which provides a range of active and passive spaces to support the development of sustainable and amenable neighbourhoods that promote a high quality of life for its residents.
It should also be noted that Ready, Steady, Play, was published by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on 15 April 2019. The policy referencing playgrounds that recommends that ‘every neighbourhood park, serving a population of up to 10,000, should be capable of accommodating a playground or playlot’.
662. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any local authorities have a dedicated play officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43950/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.
However, granular data, in terms of individual roles in local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information should be available from each local authority.
663. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of central funding received by a county council (details supplied) in each of the years 2011 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities receive central government funding by means of Government grants and subsidies. This information can be seen in Appendix 3 in the audited annual financial statements of each authority. The table below details the current (revenue) payments to Wexford County Council from central government covering the years 2014 to 2016.
|
Local Authority |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Wexford |
€26,033,445 |
€24,753,272 |
€26,201,892 |
A significant change to local government structures took place in 2014 when town and borough councils were amalgamated with their county authorities. Information on central funding allocated between 2011 and 2013 to each of the 88 local authorities that existed before the amalgamation is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
Annual financial statements for Wexford County Council from 2011 to date can be found at the following link:
www.wexfordcoco.ie/council-and-democracy/council-plans-publications-reports-and-minutes/annual-financial-statements
664. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will request additional funding or allow local authorities reallocate existing funding to reopen retrofitting schemes, such as for doors, windows and minor improvements, for local authority housing stock ahead of the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44053/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme (EERP) in 2013 with the aim of funding retrofit of social homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013, over 75,000 local authority social housing dwellings have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of over €183 million.
Up to 2020, the EERP was carried out in two Phases:
- Phase 1 of the programme provided funding targeted at the less intrusive 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 heating upgrades.
The Phase 1 and Phase 2 approach to retrofitting is now withdrawn with the introduction in 2021 of a new 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.
Works eligible under the revised Programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works.
The 2022 EERP budget provided a significant increase in funding support to €85 million allowing approximately 2,400 local authority owned social homes to be upgraded to a B2 or cost optimal equivalent (BER). With regard to the properties which are selected to be retrofitted through funding available from the EERP, this is a matter for each individual local authority. In addition to the funding provided by my Department for energy efficiency upgrades local authorities can and do in many cases carry out upgrades to home within their housing stock using their own resources.
665. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement that he or his Department have had with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the selection of the National Indoor Athletics Training Centre at Abbotstown for use as emergency refugee accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department is supporting the wider, cross-Government response in a number of ways, most notably in respect of the refurbishment of multi-occupancy vacant properties that may be suitable and available for use as accommodation, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is leading on these matters.
My Department has had no involvement in the selection of the National Indoor Athletics Training Centre at Abbotstown.
666. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of commencement notices for new residential homes that have been received since the formation of the Government on a county-by-county basis in tabular form; the number of new housing completions and new planning permissions granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Commencement Notice (CN) is a notification to a Building Control Authority (BCA) that a person intends to carry out either works or a Material Change of Use to which the Building Regulations apply. The notice must be given to the authority not more than 28 days and not less than 14 days before the commencement of works or the change of use. Once validated by the building control authority, works must commence on site within the 28 day period. The total number of commencement notices for new residential homes that have been received since the formation of the Government on a county-by-county basis in tabular form can be found on my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a5cb1-construction-activity-starts/
My Department does not compile data on the number of new housing completions and on new planning permissions granted on a monthly basis. Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/
However, the data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority but are not broken down by development type, including the number of planning permissions for residential homes. Such information may be sought directly from the relevant planning authority.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following link on the CSO website: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/.
The number of new housing completions granted can be found on the CSO website, at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ndc/newdwellingcompletionsq22022/
667. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of new local authority homes that have been added to the social housing stock since the formation of the Government on a local authority basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing. This includes data on all areas of new social housing delivery including build, acquisition and leasing 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/. Data for Q2 2022 will be available in due course.
668. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of local authority homes that have been brought back into use under the voids programme since the formation of the Government on a local authority basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44098/22]
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.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. 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.
In 2020, the first year of this Government, record funding was provided to local authorities by my Department under the Voids Programme where almost €56.5 million in funding was recouped to local authorities for the remediation of 3,607 properties. There was another significant Voids Programme in 2021 with funding of over €32 million for the remediation of 2,425 properties.
An annualised breakdown by local authority 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:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme
Under the 2022 Voids Programme, funding of €25 million has been made available across the local authorities for the remediation of 2,273 properties.
Given the very significant investment into the Voids Programme over recent years, particularly in 2020 and in 2021, local authorities should now be in a strong position to begin the transition to a strategic and informed planned maintenance approach to stock management and maintenance.
To that end, my Department and local authorities are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance, to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response. My Department will support these work programmes by ensuring that the funding available under the various stock improvement programmes is aligned with this approach.
669. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of funding allocated to local authorities for the urban regeneration fund; the towns in each county that have been allocated funding and the project title since the formation of the Government on a county-by-county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEstablished under the National Development Plan and a key element of Project Ireland 2040, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was launched in 2018 to support more compact and sustainable development within the existing built-up footprints of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns.
In line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework, the URDF is making a significant contribution to the regeneration and rejuvenation of these areas with a view to ensuring that more parts of our urban areas become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.
Following calls for proposals in 2018 and 2020, the URDF is currently providing assistance for 132 projects. To date, €313m has been allocated in respect of the 87 projects approved under Call 1. A further €1.324 billion of URDF funding support has been provisionally allocated to an additional 45 proposals approved under Call 2.
Table 1 below lists the 87 projects approved under Call 1 together with the up-to-date provisional URDF funding allocations. Table 2 below lists the 45 projects approved in March 2021 under Call 2 together with provisional URDF funding allocations.
TABLE 1 - Projects Approved under URDF Call 1
|
County |
Applicant |
Project |
Provisional Allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carlow |
Carlow County Council |
Carlow Town Master Plan |
580,000 |
|
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
Abbeylands Redevelopment -Cavan Town Centre |
262,500 |
|
Clare |
Clare County Council |
Shannon Strategic Masterplan |
250,000 |
|
Clare |
Clare County Council |
Parnell Street and the Lanes and Bow-Ways, Ennis |
3,665,339 |
|
Clare |
Clare County Council |
Barrack Square and Old Barrack Street and O’Connell Square and High Street, Ennis |
189,000 |
|
Cork City |
Cork City Council |
Beamish and Crawford / Grand Parade Quarter |
916,000 |
|
Cork City |
Cork City Council |
Cork City Docklands |
450,000 |
|
Cork City |
Port of Cork |
Tivoli Docks |
1,312,500 |
|
Cork City |
Irish Rail |
Kent Station Yard (Site enabling) |
750,000 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Carrigaline Western Relief Road |
6,400,208 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Midleton Main Street Public Improvements |
1,921,985 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Midleton Permeability Package of Proposals |
187,500 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Cobh UEA - Public Realm - Diaspora Centre |
277,500 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Carrigaline Public Realm |
112,500 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Carrigtwohill – Design and Planning works |
562,500 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Mallow Town Regeneration |
1,480,500 |
|
Donegal |
Donegal County Council |
Letterkenny 2040 (Public Realm and Site Acquisition) |
2,119,583 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
Santry River Restoration Project |
750,000 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
Artists' Workspaces |
200,000 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
Inchicore - St Michael's Estate & Environs Regeneration |
140,321 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
Rutland Street NEIC |
16,387,007 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
Park West/Cherry Orchard Industrial Lands Analysis |
140,625 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
Naas Road LAP lands |
187,500 |
|
Dublin City |
Trinity College Dublin |
Campus at Grand Canal Quay (Public Realm Re-use) |
1,500,000 |
|
Dublin City |
Dept of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
Redevelopment and repurposing of the historically significant No. 11 Parnell Square |
3,862,500 |
|
Dublin County |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Stillorgan (Public Realm works) |
7,658,379 |
|
Dublin County |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Dundrum Community, Cultural and Civic Action Plan |
65,679 |
|
Dublin County |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Spatial and Economic Action Plan for Dun Laoghaire |
67,480 |
|
Dublin County |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Cherrywood Public Parks, Greenways & Attenuation |
13,673,560 |
|
Dublin County |
Fingal County Council |
Balbriggan Planning and Design Works |
2,125,000 |
|
Dublin County |
Fingal County Council |
Sustainable Swords |
375,000 |
|
Dublin County |
South Dublin County Council |
Tallaght Town Centre (Civic Plaza/Link Road) |
31,894,325 |
|
Dublin County |
South Dublin County Council |
Naas Road/Ballymount |
569,953 |
|
Galway City |
Galway City Council |
Ardaun Upgrade of Martin Roundabout |
2,703,000 |
|
Galway City |
Galway City Council |
Sandy Road Liosbán – Funding is to support the preparation of a Development Feasibility Study |
187,500 |
|
Galway City |
Galway City Council |
Cycling and Walking – Initial funding for new/upgrade cycleways |
2,900,000 |
|
Galway City |
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) |
Nuns Island Master Planning |
236,000 |
|
Galway City |
Galway Harbour Company |
Regeneration of Galway City Inner Harbour |
285,000 |
|
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
Phase I Tralee Town Centre - Rock Street, Russell Street and Bridge Street |
2,606,511 |
|
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
Smarter Travel Killarney (Link & Public Realm) |
1,000,000 |
|
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
Áras Phádraig Masterplan, Killarney |
112,500 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Naas Library (including Public Realm works) |
4,445,243 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Celbridge Southern Relief Road & Second Liffey Crossing |
400,000 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Newbridge Cultural and Civic Quarter |
492,000 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Canal Quarter Naas |
195,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny County Council |
Abbey Quarter (Public Realm enabling) |
6,154,000 |
|
Laois |
Laois County Council |
Portlaoise - A Cultural Quarter |
7,028,640 |
|
Laois |
Laois County Council |
Portlaoise - A Low Carbon Town |
2,026,372 |
|
Leitrim |
Leitrim County Council |
Public Realm Improvement Scheme for the town of Carrick on Shannon |
7,685,777 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City & County Council |
O’Connell Street Urban Centre Revitalisation Project |
4,500,000 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City & County Council |
Digital Collaboration and Virtual Reality Centre |
937,500 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City & County Council |
Worldclass Waterfront |
350,000 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City & County Council |
Social and Economic Model |
103,668 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City & County Council |
Living Georgian City Programme |
1,200,000 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City & County Council |
Opera Project (Site enabling) |
1,839,000 |
|
Limerick |
University of Limerick |
Digital District (Inner City Digital Hub) |
750,000 |
|
Longford |
Longford County Council |
Longford Connected (Public Realm Marketsquare) |
2,990,355 |
|
Louth |
Louth County Council |
Long Walk Quarter Dundalk |
533,000 |
|
Louth |
Louth County Council |
Westgate Vision Drogheda |
476,000 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
Ballina Innovation Quarter |
6,232,172 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
Castlebar Urban Greenway Link |
1,875,000 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
Castlebar Military Barracks |
141,391 |
|
Meath |
Meath County Council |
Ashbourne Road and Public Realm Improvement |
6,376,050 |
|
Meath |
Meath County Council |
Flowerhill Regeneration Project, Navan |
75,000 |
|
Meath |
Meath County Council |
Navan Active Land Management Project |
3,683,000 |
|
Meath |
Meath County Council |
Railway Street Regeneration and County Archive |
187,500 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
Dublin Street Regeneration Monaghan |
1,285,108 |
|
Offaly |
Offaly County Council |
Tullamore Urban Area (Public Realm) |
4,521,950 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon County Council |
Public Realm Plan - Market Square & Main Street |
4,775,075 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon County Council |
Roscommon Town Centre |
350,000 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
Eastern Garavogue Bridge & Approach Roads Scheme |
6,000,000 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
O'Connell Street Enhancement |
2,134,332 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
Sligo Cultural Plaza |
750,000 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
Sligo Public Realm |
560,000 |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary County Council |
Liberty Square |
5,390,291 |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary County Council |
Clonmel 2030 Transformational Regeneration |
10,594,961 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford City & County Council |
Waterford City and Environs - North Quays (Infrastructure enabling) |
80,618,212 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford City & County Council |
Tramore Town Centre |
2,710,752 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
Loughanaskin Masterplanning, Athlone |
750,000 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
Canal Avenue & Environs Regeneration Project, Mullingar |
1,706,250 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
Athlone Tourism Cultural Quarter |
750,000 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
Blackhall, Mullingar |
2,452,500 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
Athlone Town Centre Regeneration and Enhancement |
750,000 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
Trinity Wharf Project |
2,028,000 |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow County Council |
Bray Public Transport Bridge |
6,450,000 |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow County Council |
Arklow Historic Town Core |
2,351,013 |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow County Council |
Wicklow Town - Relocation and upgrading of the library and Fitzwilliam square upgrade and street improvement. |
4,627,409 |
|
Total |
|
|
313,297,977 |
TABLE 2 - Projects approved under URDF Call 2
|
County |
Applicant |
Project |
Provisional Allocation |
|
Carlow |
Carlow County Council |
Public Realm and Pedestrian Linkage Project in Carlow Town |
17,085,027 |
|
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
Abbeylands Regeneration Project, Cavan Town |
14,483,750 |
|
Clare |
Clare County Council |
Ennis Town Centre Public Realm Regeneration |
4,042,770 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Mallow Town Centre Regeneration. |
4,706,700 |
|
Cork County |
Cork County Council |
Passage West - Ringaskiddy - Carrigaline Harbour Cluster |
817,500 |
|
Cork City |
Cork City Council |
Cork City Docklands |
353,407,500 |
|
Cork City |
Cork City Council |
Grand Parade Quarter |
46,050,000 |
|
Donegal |
Donegal County Council |
Letterkenny 2040 Phase 1: Re-Energise and Connect the Historic Town Centre |
14,508,000 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
North Inner City |
121,285,388 |
|
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
South Inner City |
53,015,166 |
|
Dublin County |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Cherrywood Public Access, Permeability and Amenity |
40,361,115 |
|
Dublin County |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Dundrum Community, Cultural and Civic Hub |
4,000,000 |
|
Dublin County |
Fingal County Council |
Balbriggan Rejuvenation |
25,438,875 |
|
Dublin County |
Fingal County Council |
Dunsink Feasibility Study - Transportation and Surface Water Assessments |
41,250 |
|
Dublin County |
South Dublin County Council |
Adamstown SDZ |
9,997,465 |
|
Dublin County |
South Dublin County Council |
Clonburris |
186,300,000 |
|
Galway County |
Galway County Council |
Oranmore Railway Station |
9,281,250 |
|
Galway City |
Galway City Council |
Galway City Council Transport Connectivity Project |
40,304,000 |
|
Galway City |
Galway City Council |
Galway Public Spaces and Streets project |
8,635,000 |
|
Galway City |
Galway City Council |
Galway – Innovation and Creativity District |
4,300,000 |
|
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
Destination Killarney |
16,068,429 |
|
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
Positioning Tralee as a Regional Economic Driver and Destination Town |
15,936,717 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Maynooth Town Centre Renewal |
1,908,750 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Naas Town Renewal Masterplan |
3,496,374 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road |
10,237,500 |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny County Council |
Abbey Quarter Phase 2 Advancement Project |
11,460,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny County Council |
Kilkenny City Enhanced Liveability Project |
6,641,000 |
|
Laois |
Laois County Council |
Portlaoise - Placemaking for a Low Carbon Town |
9,000,000 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City and County Council |
Living Limerick City Centre Initiative |
42,616,690 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City and County Council |
Worldclass Waterfront |
73,400,000 |
|
Longford |
Longford County Council |
Camlin Quarter Regeneration, Longford Town |
10,440,941 |
|
Louth |
Louth County Council |
St. Nicholas Quarter and Backlands Regeneration, Dundalk |
7,487,771 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
Castlebar Historic Core Reactivation Initiative |
8,527,500 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
Castlebar Military Barracks |
2,500,000 |
|
Meath |
Meath County Council |
Flowerhill, Navan |
7,661,250 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
Dublin Street Regeneration Project |
13,113,557 |
|
Offaly |
Offaly County Council |
Tullamore Urban Regeneration and Development 2020 |
2,245,407 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon County Council |
Roscommon Town |
9,198,484 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
Implementation of Sligo City Public Realm Plan |
19,157,330 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
City Campus - Sligo Cultural and Learn Hub |
28,683,673 |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary County Council |
A Pathway to a Low-Carbon Society: A Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Energy driving the transformational urban regeneration of Nenagh Town Centre |
9,525,000 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford City and County Council |
Waterford City Centre Regeneration |
27,661,564 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
Athlone Town Centre Regeneration and Enhancement |
4,125,000 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
Trinity Wharf |
18,485,000 |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow County Council |
Bray Harbour Area Integrated Regeneration |
7,140,000 |
|
|
Total |
|
1,324,516,229 |
671. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the recommendations in a report by an organisation (details supplied); his views on same; the steps that he is taking to support the growth of community gardens and allotments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra672. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to introduce a national policy on allotments and community gardens and update existing legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 671 and 672 together.
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
673. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing units that have been delivered under the long-term social housing leasing scheme by local authority and approved housing body in each of the years since 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44188/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments.
Long term lease arrangements can be entered into by either local authorities or approved housing bodies (AHBs) for periods of between 10 and 25 years.
The total number of social homes delivered under long term leasing schemes from 2018 to the end of Q1 2022 was 3,814. A breakdown by local authority leasing and approved housing body (AHB) leasing by year can be found in Table 1 below:
Table 1: Total Long-term Leasing Delivery* by Local Authority & AHB - 2018 to Q1 2022
|
Total Dwellings Delivered |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Q1 2022 |
|
LA Leasing |
249 |
495 |
605 |
1453 |
176 |
|
AHB Leasing |
157 |
129 |
163 |
345 |
42 |
|
Total Long Term Leasing |
406 |
624 |
768 |
1,798 |
218 |
*This data includes LA direct leasing, enhanced leasing, and AHB private leasing.
Delivery data for Q2 2022 is being collated at present and will be published as soon as that process is finalised.
674. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the affordable homes developed by the Land Development Agency either on delayed sites contracted the private sector or on its own sites, will be sold with the option to participate in the local authority affordable purchase scheme or the first homes scheme; and if so, the proportion of those offered for sale that will be under these options. [44207/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The LDA has an immediate focus on managing the State's own lands to develop new homes, and regenerate under-utilised sites. In the longer-term, it will assemble strategic land-banks from a mix of public and private lands, making these available for housing in a controlled manner, which brings essential long-term stability to the Irish housing market.
All affordable purchase homes made available under the Housing for All targeted delivery streams will be sold under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and its associated regulations. The LDA has advised my department that for those Project Tosaigh contracted schemes where homes will be sold rather than cost rented, it is their intention to partner with Local Authorities in the sale of homes under the local authority affordable purchase scheme. The local authority affordable purchase scheme is an equity based model.
For delivery of housing from state lands, the LDA’s intention is that the homes delivered will be primarily owned and managed by the LDA for the provision of affordable rental accommodation. Consideration of the modalities of affordable sale of any units within the terms of the Affordable Housing Act is still underway.
675. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that the quota of 10% affordable homes in new private developments will be made available to eligible applicants; the way that prices for this quota shall be set; and if buyers can use the first homes scheme to assist purchase. [44208/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 6 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 contains the amendments to Planning and Development Act 2000 Part V arrangements in private developments.
The amended Part V arrangements provide for 20% of developments be made available for social and affordable homes and a minimum of 10% minimum must be for social housing purposes. I can confirm that detailed guidance on the new Part V provisions is nearing completion.
Affordable homes delivered under Part V provisions will be allocated in accordance with the provisions of the Affordable Housing Act in relation to affordable purchase (Part 2 of the Act) and cost rental schemes (Part 3).
676. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy rationale for the percentage of household income that can be payable in rent as provided for in the Housing Circular 29/2022; the way that this compares to the differential rent scheme for local authority tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44248/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra677. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy and legal basis for assessing HAP tenants and local authority tenants differently in terms of their capacity to pay rent as a percentage of their household income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44249/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 676 and 677 together.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. In order for a household to qualify for HAP, they must first be assessed as eligible for social housing support by their local authority. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP and those households must source their own accommodation in the private rental sector. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
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.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring that HAP levels are adequate to support vulnerable households, while the supply of social housing increases.
Under Housing for All, the Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under HAP is required. The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of the Department to better understand what level of discretion should be made available to Local Authorities under HAP to maintain adequate levels of support.
Following receipt and analysis of this review, I, in cooperation with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, have now approved an increase in the HAP discretion rate from 20% to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single person households. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness. Both these measures came into effect from 11 July 2022.
All households in receipt of HAP as well as local authority tenants pay a differential rent based on the rent scheme set by the relevant local authority. The right of local authorities to set and collect rents on their dwellings is set out in section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such schemes is an executive function and is subject to broad principles laid down by my Department including that; the rent payable should be related to income and a smaller proportion of income should be required from low income households; and that provision should be included for the acceptance of a lower rent than that required under the terms of the scheme in exceptional cases where payment of the normal rent would give rise to hardship.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved function of administering rent schemes. Decisions regarding the increase or decrease in the rent charged to tenants of local authorities are matters for individual local authorities in accordance with its differential rent scheme.
Housing affordability is measured by examining the proportion of household income that is spent on meeting their housing need whether renting or purchasing a home. As a general guide, for households on a moderate income, housing would be considered affordable where housing cost is below 35% of the household income. The Housing Agency website has an affordability calculator for use by local authorities. www.housingagency.ie/housing-information/affordability-calculator Most local authorities have adopted a 30% figure for how much a person’s income goes towards rental payments, which has some flexibility if the person is in employment.
I am committed to decreasing our reliance on the HAP scheme and 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 including 9,000 this year.
678. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the number of new cost rental units delivered in quarter 1 and 2 of 2022; the number of cost rental units currently in delivery; the projected total delivery of cost rental units in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44250/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra679. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the new cost rental units delivered in quarter 1 and 2 of 2022; the location of delivery, number of cost rental units provided at each location; the average monthly rent; and delivery provider, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra680. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the details of the new cost rental units provided in quarter 1 and 2 of 2022; the number of new builds, acquisitions, turnkeys and other delivery mechanisms in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra681. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the number of the new cost rental units delivered in the four Dublin council areas in quarter 1 and 2 of 2022, in tabular form. [44253/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra682. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the amount of the cost rental equity loan mechanism which has been drawn down by approved housing bodies in quarter 1 and 2 of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44254/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 678, 679, 680, 681 and 682 together.
Over the period to 2030, the Government's Housing for All strategy commits to delivering a total of 18,000 Cost Rental homes. Delivery will increase incrementally, to an average of 2,000 Cost Rental homes per year. 10,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered from 2021 to 2026 by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), Local Authorities and the Land Development Agency (LDA). AHBs will be supported by Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding and Local Authorities will be able to avail of funding for Cost Rental delivery through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF). The LDA will also deliver Cost Rental on its own portfolio of sites or through acquisitions under Project Tosaigh.
Local authorities have been asked to begin collating information on delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently done for social housing. It is intended that information on delivery across all delivery streams, including AHB delivery and LDA delivery, will be gathered by my Department and I expect that my Department will be in a position to begin reporting on affordable delivery in national quarterly delivery statistics later this year. A pipeline of affordable housing delivery is also being developed by local authorities.
Approval has been confirmed for approximately 900 Cost Rental homes to be delivered by AHBs under the CREL scheme in the period to 2023. The necessary financial and commercial arrangements in relation to a number of these projects are being completed by the AHBs concerned and full details will be made public as arrangements are concluded.
Opportunities for the development of Cost Rental homes are managed as they arise by the individual providers. The amount of CREL loan funding drawn down by AHBs in Quarter 1 and 2 of 2022 came to a total of €10,186,729.00. In addition the project in Enniskerry Road delivering 50 homes and outlined above received c €4.5m in support from the Department's Serviced Sites Fund.
In addition to homes funded through the CREL, additional Cost Rental properties are in development by Local Authorities through the AHF. The central Exchequer funding through the AHF will help to facilitate a Local Authority-led financing structure for Cost Rental, which will provide important opportunities for Local Authorities to directly delivery Cost Rental homes on their own lands, such as at Emmet Road in Dublin City.
In respect of the LDA, details of the work that the LDA is progressing on public lands that will deliver affordable purchase and cost rental can be found here: lda.ie/projects-schemes/
IThe LDA will also deliver Cost Rental under Project Tosaigh a market engagement initiative to unlock land with full planning permission that is not being developed by private sector owners. Full details of the initiative can be found here: lda.ie/home-building-partnership/
