Written Answers Nos. 210-241
210. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding available to local authorities to support the community response forum in each area to coordinate local measures welcoming Ukrainians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 31 March 2022, my colleague, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, and I wrote to the chief executives of the local authorities welcoming the establishment of Community Response Forums in every local authority area to coordinate the community-led response in the provision of assistance and support to those arriving into our communities having fled the conflict in Ukraine.
My Department has supported and continues to support the co-ordination of the local response by requesting that each Local Authority identifies a lead Director of Service or equivalent level who could be dedicated to coordinating the local response on a full-time basis supported by a temporary support team. These dedicated resources, which differ across the country depending on the local authority need, are funded by my Department and work as part of the Community Response Forum and also lead the co-ordination of the provision of supports and services to Ukrainians locally.
211. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of part V lease agreements that have been agreed to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments, including Part V leasing.
Section 96(3)(b)(iva) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that a Part V agreement may be satisfied by the lease of housing units either on the site subject to the application or in any other area within the functional area of the planning authority.
In reaching an agreement on how the Part V contribution will be achieved, a planning authority is required to have regard to —
(i) the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the application relates,
(ii) the housing strategy and the specific objectives of the development plan which relate to the implementation of the strategy,
(iii) the need to ensure the overall coherence of the development to which the application relates, and
(iv) the views of the applicant in relation to the impact of the agreement on the development.
As such, the detail of Part V agreements is a matter for the relevant local authority.
The number of Part V leased properties delivered up to the end of Q2 2022, is published on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision#leasing
In the context of the phasing out of long term leasing by 2025 year end, the future of the Part V leasing option is currently under review.
212. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the caravan loan scheme for Traveller families was extended nationwide; if this is based on the objective need to provide replacement caravans and new caravans for Travellers who either live in mobile homes or caravans already or due to family formation need a caravan loan now; if not, if there was a cap put on the number of caravan loan applications that could be approved by each local authority despite the fact that assessments have identified a much greater need than this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60031/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
The original pilot programme for the Caravan Loan Scheme in 2021 had insufficient applications to provide evidence for an enduring scheme. A circular issued from my Department to all local authorities on 18 July 2022 informing them of the commencement of the extended pilot Caravan Loan Scheme. The Scheme is to support the provision of Traveller-specific accommodation through local authorities providing preferential loans to Travellers to purchase their own caravan or mobile home for use as their primary residence. Loans may be advanced to an applicant assessed by the local authority as being in need of accommodation (either on the social housing waiting list or in need of an upgraded caravan or mobile as their principal residence) and not in a position to provide for same partially or fully from their own resources.
The extended pilot scheme is limited to the provision of up to 75 caravans or €3 million expenditure, whichever is the lessor, nationwide until the end of 2022. On completion of the pilot, my Department will review the operation of the pilot scheme with input from the local authorities and other stakeholders. A report will be prepared for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and options for an enduring scheme will be considered at the conclusion of this process.
213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cases raised by the Ombudsman with his Department in relation to Travellers living in very poor mobile homes or caravans in the past five years; the response by his Department to these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60032/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
The Office of the Ombudsman deals with complaints about how local authorities carry out their executive functions. The condition of the accommodation provided for Travellers is a responsibility of each local authority under its Traveller Accommodation Programme. The Office of the Ombudsman raises cases with the local authority concerned. No cases have been raised with my Department. The Ombudsman's casebook provides summaries of complaints, both upheld and not upheld, which are available on the website of the Office of the Ombudsman.
214. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Galway City Council was instructed by his Department that it could only grant three caravan loans in 2022 despite a long-standing objective assessment that there is an immediate need for more than 20 such loans; if he intends rescinding this restriction to meet all proven demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60033/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
The pilot Caravan Loan Scheme was introduced to support the provision of Traveller-specific accommodation through local authorities to provide preferential loans to Travellers to purchase their own caravan or mobile home for use as their primary residence. A circular issued from my Department to all local authorities on 18 July 2022 informing them of the extended nationwide pilot Caravan Loan Scheme.The pilot scheme is limited to the provision of up to 75 caravans or €3 million, whichever is the lessor, across all local authorities, until the end of 2022.
My Department has supported proposals from Galway City Council for all applications submitted to date by the Local Authority and will continue to engage with the local authority for the duration of the pilot.
On completion of the pilot, my Department will review the operation of the pilot scheme with input from the local authorities and other stakeholders. A report will be prepared for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and options for an enduring scheme will be considered at the conclusion of this process.
215. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding that is available from his Department to help local authorities deal with outstanding issues of mould and damp in council flats; if retrofitting funding related to climate action can be provided in such circumstances, for example to help with costs of new windows in blocks; if not, if other sources of funding are available to local authorities to deal with these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60041/22]
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. Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019.
Notwithstanding the legal obligation on local authorities to manage and maintain their own stock, my Department does provide annual funding support to local authorities for management and maintenance under a number of funding programmes.
Under the Voids Programme, my Department has supported local authorities in refurbishing vacant social homes and returning them to productive use. This funding programme was introduced in 2014 and has to the end of 2021 returned 18,527 properties to use with Exchequer funding of €261m from my Department.
Statistics in relation to this scheme are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme.
Under the Energy Efficiency Programme, my Department funds the carrying out of retrofitting works to local authority dwellings. From 2013-2020 the Programme was implemented in 2 Phases: Phase 1 Attic Insulation/Cavity Wall Insulation and Phase 2 focuses on the fabric upgrades to dwellings. Over the period 2013 to 2020 over 73,500 units of social housing stock have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of €161 million under the scheme (most of which were completed under Phase 1).
In response to the Programme for Government commitment, my Department launched a newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Programme in 2021 for local authority owned housing. This new programme set a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for insulation, windows and doors and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a Heat Pump and associated works. The installation of gas/oil boilers are no longer supported under the energy efficiency programme funded by my Department.
Statistics in relation to this scheme are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/.
My Department also introduced a pilot Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme in 2020, the details of which are available on the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/.
Under the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme, my Department funds local authorities in carrying out necessary adaptation works to local authority properties to cater for the needs of elderly and disabled tenants and families living in overcrowded conditions in local authority properties. From 2017-2021 my Department has provided exchequer funding of over €83m to support this programme, the details of which can be found on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/544a0-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-units-funded-by-the-department/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0d9e5-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-units-funded-by-the-department-2017-2020/.
The detailed assessment, categorisation and selection of a property for inclusion on one of the above schemes is a matter for each individual local authority in their administration of the programme.
My Department will continue to support local authorities for stock improvement works and details in relation to 2022 outturn will be available on the above links early in 2023. However it is also important that local authorities increasingly seek to move to a planned management and maintenance approach of their housing stock. In this regard, €5 million in funding has been ring-fenced for Planned Maintenance under this years Planned Maintenance/Voids Programme to support the implementation of an ICT asset management system for the local authority sector and to provide a funding contribution for the commencement of stock condition surveys.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to improve opportunities for qualification for home loans for those currently on local authority housing waiting lists but who cannot qualify due to the low-income threshold which prevents them from being housed by the local authorities but does not allow them buy on the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60055/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider waiving the deposit for home loan applicants who have been meeting and paying rental payments for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60057/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 218 together.
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL).
To support prudential lending, applicants must have a deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the market value of the property. Of this deposit, cash savings should provide no less than 3% of the market value of the property and applicants must provide bank or similar statements for a 12-month period immediately prior to making an application clearly showing a credible and consistent track record of savings. Gifts can comprise the remaining 7% of the market value of the property where their source is verified. The 10% deposit applies irrespective of previous housing tenure, and I have no plans to change this requirement.
The availability of the Help to Buy scheme for first-time buyers offers additional assistance to purchasers using the Local Authority Home Loan to buy newly built properties. This should alleviate some of the challenges faced by some first-time buyers in accessing the 10% deposit of the market value of the property. The initiative has been designed to provide immediate and targeted support for first-time buyers in meeting their deposit requirements and encouraging the construction of new housing units.
Single applicants for properties in counties Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath or Wicklow must not be earning greater than €65,000 annual gross income or €50,000 annual gross income for properties in all other counties. Joint applicants must not be earning greater than €75,000 annual gross income in all counties. There are no set minimum income limits for the Local Authority Home Loan, but applicants must have sufficient repayment capacity to repay a mortgage.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to meet future housing demand at all levels notwithstanding the existence of many challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the various housing schemes put forward by his Department in the Housing For All package can be improved to meet the increasing challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to be in a position to improve or augment the various schemes encompassing the Housing For All programme with a view to identifying the best way that these might be improved to meet the challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the various categories of housing applicant continue to be met or are likely to be met throughout the Housing For All programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the various categories of housing applicant including those hoping to house themselves continue to be met or are likely to be met throughout the Housing For All programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage The measures that he will take to address the most serious housing shortages within the shortest possible period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60071/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 217, 220, 221, 224, 225 and 231 together.
Housing for All (September 2021) is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes.It is important to state that supply, which is key to improving our housing system, is increasing. The most recent CSO figures on planning permissions show a strong pipeline, with 44,715 dwellings granted planning permission in the twelve months to the end of June 2022. There were 26,608 units commenced in the year to October 2022. 27,773 new homes were completed in the twelve months to end September 2022. We are on track to exceed the Housing for All target of 24,600 new build homes in 2022.Housing for All is delivering for the various categories of housing applicants.
For first-time buyers, we have extended the Help to Buy Scheme, enhanced the Local Authority Home Loan, and introduced the First Home Shared Equity Scheme in July. In the 5 month period to the beginning of November, over 600 First Home applications have been approved.
In the year to September 2022, first-time buyers represent a 33% share of all purchases, having reached their highest levels since 2007 with over 16,241 homes purchased. To put this in to context, this figure is up from a low of 6,381 in 2011.
For those people starting again, A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies to all State affordable housing and loan schemes. People who are divorced and have no interest in the family home or who have undergone insolvency proceedings will be eligible to apply to those schemes.
For renters, we have introduced new protections such as a cap on allowable rent increases and tenancies of unlimited duration. Hundreds of Cost Rental homes with State-backed rents targeted at least 25% below what they would be on the private market have been already tenanted.
For low and middle income households, a record €4.5 billion in State housing investment will be made available in 2023. This funding provision will support an additional 27,000 households in 2023, including the delivery of 11,830 social homes, the majority of which, 9,100, will be new build homes, and 5,550 new affordable homes to be delivered through a range of affordable housing measures. The funding for 2023 also provides for supports for disabled people, older people and Travellers.
For those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, I have introduced a ban on evictions during the winter months. I have also written to local authority Chief Executives, informing them of my decision to continue the delegated sanction, to purchase homes where the tenant is at risk of homelessness, for the duration of the emergency winter eviction ban and up to the end of the transition period in June 2023.
The new Housing First National Implementation Plan 2022-26 will provide 1,319 new supported tenancies for people who are long-term homeless and who have complex additional needs. 764 individuals were in Housing First tenancies by the end of Q3 2022. Ultimately, increasing social housing and residential housing supply is key to eradicating homelessness and guaranteed State investment of over €4 billion a year in housing will support increased supply.
We have also introduced other significant initiatives since Housing for All was published including:
The introduction of a Ready to Build scheme, funded through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund;
To tackle vacancy, a new Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant – available right around the country; a new Town Centre First policy that includes initiatives to revitalise towns; and changes to the Fair Deal Scheme, to remove disincentives to renting or selling vacant property;
The establishment of a new Construction Technology Centre and other policies to promote the widespread adoption of Modern Methods of Construction;
Construction sector recruitment initiatives including the new ‘Future Building’ initiative to spearhead activation and recruitment and additional investment to increase the availability of apprenticeships and training; and
More resources provided to local authorities to deliver social and affordable housing.
The Government recognises there are challenges. Price inflation, rising interest rates and other inter-related factors arising from the war in Ukraine are increasing the cost of construction and leading to a very uncertain and unstable environment. Ireland’s obligation to provide accommodation for Ukrainians displaced by the war further highlights the importance of increased housing supply. The first annual review of Housing for All , published on 2 November, sets out how the Government is responding to these changed circumstances and ensuring focus remains on accelerating delivery. The stability provided by a clear and comprehensive plan is now more important than ever. The updated plan focuses on priority measures that will improve viability and accelerate supply. Acting now, with measures like the extension of the LDA’s Project Tosaigh; the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) initiative; increasing the subvention to local authorities under the Affordable Housing Fund; and the recent increase in the Cost Rental Equity Loan for AHBs, will further improve viability, and get sites activated that might not otherwise be developed.
In parallel, we will continue to deliver on the fundamental reforms set out in the Plan, such as addressing the cost of construction; accelerating the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction, particularly in the delivery of public housing; and reforming the planning system to ensure a simpler, more streamlined process for all stakeholders.
Question No. 218 answered with Question No. 216.
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he might provide serviced sites to local authorities at a reasonable cost in an effort to meet the ongoing housing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September, I launched the Ready to Build Scheme as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under this scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available at a discounted rate to individual purchasers who will self-build their own home and live in it as their principal private residence.
It is intended that the local authority will either supply existing sites in their control or purchase sites and make them available for development by providing services and access to the sites concerned. The level of discount to the individual will depend on the level of servicing cost incurred by the local authority before the sale of the site but will not exceed €30,000. The amount of such discount will be reflected in the sale price of the site to the purchaser.
All available sites will be advertised on the relevant local authority’s website and / or in relevant local publications along with a closing date for receipt of applications.
As the scheme has recently launched, each local authority has been asked to identify suitable sites for the scheme. My Department will engage with each local authority on receipt of this information.
Applications for the Ready to Build Scheme are to be made to the Vacant Homes Officer in each local authority. They can provide further advice and information in respect of the fund and the application process.
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that the various housing bodies including approved housing bodies and local authorities can improve to focus specifically on various target groups who are currently not able to access the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if each local authority might be required to provide a specified number of local authority houses on publicly owned lands in the shortest time possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority houses built on contract in each local authority area for rent or sale purposes to qualified applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of exclusively publicly owned sites in the various local authority areas throughout the country in which houses are being built or will be built in the near future for persons seeking local authority housing, affordable housing or serviced sites; the extent to which these might make positive impact on the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 228, 229 and 230 together.
Housing 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.
A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities developed and submitted Housing Delivery Action Plans. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022 - 2026, including details of the delivery programme to be utilised. The Plans also contain details on the provision of age-friendly housing, housing to meet the needs of disabled people and one-bedroom units to address homelessness. My Department has worked closely with the local authorities to review and finalise the Plans, having regard to the targets and policy objectives set out in Housing for All. The Plans have been published by each local authority on their own website.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in all local authorities. This data is available until the end of Quarter 2 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/.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments, including details of SHIP construction delivery, which have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and pre-tender process. The most recent publication was for Q2 2022. The report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5a259-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q2-2022/.
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis at the link below: https://data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q2-2022?package_type=dataset
This year represents the first year of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing and significant funding has been secured and is being made available to support delivery of affordable housing for purchase or for cost rental through the various delivery streams.
Local authorities have begun collating information on the delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently undertaken for social housing. It is intended that information on delivery across all delivery streams will be coordinated by my Department and I expect that my Department will be in a position to commence reporting on affordable delivery figures in national quarterly delivery statistics before year-end.
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his proposals to address the issue of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60062/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe continuing increase in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation is a serious concern for me and for the Government. We are doing everything in our power to tackle this problem, both by increasing housing supply and investing in homelessness prevention.
The Government is investing significantly in social and affordable housing, with record funding allocated for current and capital investment in housing this year alone.
The Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was signed into law on 29 October 2022. The Act makes emergency provision to defer the termination dates of certain residential tenancies that fall, or would fall, during the period beginning on 30 October 2022 and ending on 31 March 2023 in order to mitigate the risk that persons whose tenancies would otherwise be terminated during that period would be unable to obtain alternative accommodation.
I have introduced further measures to increase supply, including the voids programme with an emphasis on quick turnaround and re-letting, the pilot expansion of the Repair and Leasing scheme and the reinstatement of the delegated sanction to local authorities for social housing acquisitions. I also want to make it abundantly clear that there are no impediments, from my Department’s point of view, to the acquisition of homes with HAP or RAS tenants in situ and I have strongly advised the Local Authorities to be proactive in this regard.
Local authorities are funded to provide tenancy sustainment and prevention services and I have tasked the National Homelessness Action Committee to make recommendations on new prevention measures. I have also increased the HAP discretion rate from the previous 20%, to a maximum of 35% for all local authority areas. Furthermore, I published the Youth Homeless Strategy 9 November that sets out 27 distinct actions to tackle youth homelessness.
Housing Supply is increasing under Housing for All. There is a strong pipeline, with 44,715 dwellings granted planning permission in the 12 months to the end of June 2022. 27,773 new homes were completed in the twelve months to end September 2022 - greater than the total for 2021 or any full year since the CSO completions series began. There were 26,608 units commenced in the year to October 2022 and we are on track to exceed the Housing for All target of 24,600 new build homes in 2022.
Record State investment of €4.5bn will be made available in 2023 to support the largest State home building programme ever, with 9,100 direct build social homes and 5,500 affordable homes.
This supply activity, as well as targeted measures specifically to prevent homelessness, will allow us to meet the challenge of reducing the unacceptable numbers currently in emergency accommodation and ultimately to eradicate homelessness.
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that can be taken by the local authorities to facilitate the granting of planning permission for rural applicants who have a need of rehousing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which he expects to be in a position to meet rural housing requirements in all counties where there is an obvious need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
Since 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) is the national planning policy document providing overall strategic policy for the future development of Ireland through specific National Policy Objectives (NPOs) that support the overall rural and small town pattern of development in Ireland.
In policy terms, NPO 19 of the NPF aims to ensure that a distinction is made between areas experiencing significant overspill development pressure from urban areas, particularly within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment, on the one hand, and other remoter and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low and or declining, on the other. NPO 19 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need may be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, which were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing. The Guidelines are available on the Government’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/23809-sustainable-rural-housing-development-guidelines/.
I would also like to update the Deputy on the review of the Rural Housing Guidelines, which is relevant to this topic. Draft Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being finalised by my Department and are intended to set out national planning policy and guidance in relation to the sustainable management of rural housing. The guidelines will build on the strategic policy framework set by the National Planning Framework (NPF) and support a more consistent approach in the management of rural housing demand across local authority areas.
The guidelines are at an advanced stage of drafting and environmental assessments are ongoing. It is intended to publish the draft guidelines for a period of public consultation when the environmental assessments are competed. It is anticipated that these assessments will be completed in December 2022.
Following the consultation period and with any subsequent changes made, the guidelines will be submitted to me as Minister for approval to publish. Once issued, Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála will be required to have regard to the guidelines in carrying out their functions.
Finally, in relation to the granting of permissions by local authorities, in making a decision in respect of an application for planning permission, planning authorities (and An Bord Pleanála in relation to planning appeals) are required to consider such applications in the context of the relevant Development Plan, or Local Area Plan where one exists for the area, as well as any relevant Ministerial Guidelines.
It is noteworthy that there has been strong delivery of single new homes in rural areas nationally in recent years, comprising around one in three of all houses (i.e. excluding apartments), completed in the 5 years between Q4 2017 and Q3 2022. Approximately 30,000 rural house planning permissions were granted in this period. Rural housing construction has generally been one-quarter of overall delivery nationally for the last 30 years. Therefore, it continues to be a very strong housing sector.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 222.
Question No. 229 answered with Question No. 222.
Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 222.
232. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable and social houses that are due to be completed within the next two years, by local authority; the number of affordable and social houses completed in the past two years, by each local authority area; the number of affordable and social houses for which planning permission is currently sought; the projected dates of completion, by each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60102/22]
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.
The below table sets out the targets under Housing for All for the next two years by local authority.
|
- |
Target 2023 Build & Lease |
Target 2023 Lease |
Target 2023 Build |
Target 2024 Build & Lease |
Target 2024 Lease |
Target 2024 Build |
|
Carlow |
90 |
90 |
92 |
92 |
||
|
Cavan |
80 |
80 |
82 |
82 |
||
|
Clare |
149 |
149 |
153 |
153 |
||
|
Cork County |
622 |
622 |
636 |
636 |
||
|
Cork City |
607 |
71 |
536 |
598 |
50 |
548 |
|
Donegal |
155 |
155 |
159 |
159 |
||
|
Dublin City |
2406 |
475 |
1931 |
2384 |
410 |
1974 |
|
DLR |
403 |
39 |
364 |
472 |
100 |
372 |
|
Fingal |
850 |
160 |
690 |
825 |
120 |
705 |
|
Galway County |
351 |
351 |
358 |
358 |
||
|
Galway City |
219 |
219 |
224 |
224 |
||
|
Kerry |
261 |
261 |
267 |
267 |
||
|
Kildare |
486 |
86 |
400 |
409 |
409 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
149 |
149 |
153 |
153 |
||
|
Laois |
79 |
79 |
80 |
80 |
||
|
Leitrim |
26 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
||
|
Limerick |
502 |
502 |
513 |
513 |
||
|
Longford |
74 |
74 |
76 |
76 |
||
|
Louth |
156 |
156 |
160 |
160 |
||
|
Mayo |
151 |
151 |
154 |
154 |
||
|
Meath |
323 |
80 |
243 |
249 |
249 |
|
|
Monaghan |
56 |
56 |
57 |
57 |
||
|
Offaly |
67 |
67 |
68 |
68 |
||
|
Roscommon |
47 |
47 |
48 |
48 |
||
|
Sligo |
111 |
111 |
114 |
114 |
||
|
South Dublin |
793 |
90 |
703 |
838 |
120 |
718 |
|
Tipperary |
155 |
155 |
158 |
158 |
||
|
Waterford |
255 |
46 |
209 |
214 |
214 |
|
|
Westmeath |
124 |
124 |
126 |
126 |
||
|
Wexford |
172 |
172 |
176 |
176 |
||
|
Wicklow |
379 |
153 |
226 |
231 |
231 |
|
|
Total |
10,300 |
1,200 |
9,100 |
10,100 |
800 |
9,300 |
A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities developed and submitted Housing Delivery Action Plans. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022 - 2026. All local authorities submitted their Housing Delivery Action Plans to me in December and my Department has worked closely with the local authorities to review and finalise the Plans, having regard to the targets and policy objectives set out in Housing for All. The Plans have been published by each local authority on their own website.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in all local authorities. This data is available until the end of Quarter 2 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/.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments which have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and pre-tender process. The most recent publication was for Q2 2022. The report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5a259-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q2-2022/.
This year represents the first year of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing and significant funding has been secured and is being made available to support delivery of affordable housing for purchase or for cost rental through the various delivery streams.
Local authorities have begun collating information on the delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently undertaken for social housing. It is intended that information on delivery across all delivery streams will be coordinated by my Department and I expect that my Department will be in a position to commence reporting on affordable delivery figures in national quarterly delivery statistics before year-end.
My Department does not collate information on the number of planning permissions being sought in relation to social and affordable housing developments. This information may be available from individual local authorities.
233. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses in new developments purchased by local councils and housing agencies in each of the past three years, broken down by local authority area; the number of houses purchased by local councils and housing agencies in new developments, where such purchases represented 50% or more of the total development, by council area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments, including details of turnkey delivery, which have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and pre-tender process. The most recent publication was for Q2 2022. The report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5a259-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q2-2022/.
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis at the link below: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q2-2022?package_type=dataset.
For some projects, a local authority or Approved Housing Body will enter into a development agreement, prior to the commencement of construction, for the purchase of homes for social or affordable housing. My Department does not hold the details requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of projects where such arrangements involve over 50% of the overall development.
234. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the investigations or steps he is taking to consider the pricing differences between the cost of building materials in Europe and in the United Kingdom as opposed to those pertaining in Ireland at present (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing construction costs is a key part of supporting the delivery of Housing for All, and is critical to increasing supply.
Under Action 23.2 of Housing for All, my Department, in conjunction with the Construction Sector Group, is conducting Residential Construction Cost Study for new build housing and apartment schemes and student accommodation. This is an analysis and value engineering exercise for each component cost of construction (including cost of compliance) of house and apartment development, informed by cost comparisons with comparable EU countries. This includes the cost of construction materials.
The study is also identifying opportunities for cost reduction for consideration by relevant Government departments and industry. A Steering Group comprised of stakeholders from across Government and industry provides oversight. The study is expected to be completed in Q1 2023.
235. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that he is taking to address the significant delay issues in terms of house building companies securing engagement and agreement from Irish Water in domestic water supply and wastewater connection agreements which is delaying approved planning developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels in accordance with Section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013. This includes the connection of new houses to the water services network.
Irish Water is committed to supporting the delivery of housing including the Government’s housing plan to 2030 ‘Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland’. To demonstrate Irish Water’s role in supporting housing and Housing for All, they provide a quarterly update to my Department containing key information on how Irish Water is supporting the housing plan by providing water services to new homes, key public services and businesses.
At the end of Q3 2022, Irish Water responded to 91% of pre-connection enquiries and issued 81% of connection offers within 16 weeks
In the first nine months of 2022, Irish Water issued positive responses to 2,383 enquiries associated with 92,298 housing units and issued 3,621 connection offers associated with 27,534 housing units. Customers have accepted 2,759 offers associated with 21,469 housing units. Irish Water completed 2,744 connections to water infrastructure associated with 15,595 housing units.
In addition, Irish Water launched a Self-Lay Accreditation Scheme in June 2022 whereby developers can deliver water and wastewater infrastructure in the public roads to service new housing developments. The scheme facilitates the delivery of water service infrastructure to support housing delivery. It does this by recognising best practice standards for the Self-Lay in the public road of water services infrastructure by Developers and Contractors.
The Scheme will assist Developers and Contractors in their delivery of housing while protecting water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure a safe and reliable water services is provided to customers into the future.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted directly via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
236. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status that should apply to a castle structure (details supplied) which forms part of a private landholding; the State funding that is available without requiring private contributions to provide refurbishment works to protect the existing structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Monuments Fund was established in 2020 to provide investment in Ireland’s archaeological heritage. I recently announced details of the scheme for 2023 and look forward to receiving applications through the Local Authorities in February 2023. I would advise anyone who has an interest to contact their Local Authority.
This funding is prioritised for Local Authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.
Total funding available nationally for projects under Community Monuments Fund 2023 is €6 million.
The Community Monuments Fund provides funding for projects in relation to archaeological monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) and archaeological monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record which is compiled by the National Monuments Service of my Department.
Grants of up to €120,000 are available under the fund for 2023.
Further details on the scheme can be found at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd7d6-community-monuments-fund-2023-call-for-projects/.
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position in regard to the proposal to alleviate traffic congestion in Naas, County Kildare by way of inner or outer relief roads (details supplied); if the funding involved continues to be made available in line with the request of the majority of local authority representatives; the stage the plans are at in relation to the urgently required provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60125/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the reply to Question No 298 of 15 November 2022, the Naas Inner Relief Road project was cancelled by Kildare County Council following the rejection of the Part 8 planning application for the road by the elected members of the council in mid-2019. As the infrastructure was not proceeding, the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) funding agreement was cancelled at that time.
My Department currently has no other funding allocated or project agreement in place with Kildare County Council to facilitate any housing-related road infrastructure in Naas. Overall responsibility for roads policy and funding is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.
238. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be expedited given that the issue date is three days after the applicant (details supplied) is due to travel to a European football tournament with their team. [59909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure two passports will be processed on time for date of travel for siblings (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 241 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, these applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by dates. The Passport Service has contacted the applicants' parents to advise of the option to avail of the Urgent Appointment Service.
239. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who it is alleged has been imprisoned in Pakistan for the crime of blasphemy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59977/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Embassy in Ankara, which is accredited to Pakistan, is aware of the individual in question, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on blasphemy-related charges in February 2022.
Ireland has consistently condemned all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which has been ratified by Pakistan.
In the context of our bilateral relationship, Ireland’s Ambassador to Pakistan visited Pakistan last month and discussed human rights issues with a number of Pakistani governmental officials. Earlier in February 2021, she met with Pakistan’s then Federal Minister for Human Rights, Ms. Shireen Mazari.
Matters relating to freedom of religion or belief were also discussed recently at the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission, in October 2022. Ireland actively contributed to the development of the EU's position for this meeting, as well as the development of EU policies in relation to Pakistan, more broadly.
At an EU level, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr. Eamon Gilmore met with Minister Mazari in February 2022, as part of a visit to reaffirm the centrality of human rights in the EU-Pakistani relationship.
240. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contracts that have been granted without having to go to public tender; the companies that were granted these contracts and nature of the work involved; the qualifying criteria that was applied to any company awarded such a contract in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs seeks to ensure that there is a strong focus on good practice in procurement at all times and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement guidelines.
Procurement takes place in compliance with Directive 2014/24/EU and supported by Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (“OGP”). The Department participates fully in on-going initiatives of the OGP focusing especially on achieving procurement savings, including through the use of shared framework agreements for the provision of different categories of supplies and services.
These rules require the Department to award contracts under procedures designed to achieve value for public money in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory competitive process.
The EU Directive recognises that there are situations and circumstances where the negotiated procedure without prior publication is both necessary and legitimate. Regulation 32 of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations, as set out in S.I. No. 284 of 2016, provides for the awarding of contracts by way of negotiated procedure without prior publication in certain defined circumstances. For example, this procedure may be used for the purchase of goods and services where no tenders or no suitable tenders are submitted; in cases of extreme urgency not attributable to the Department and brought about by unforeseen events; where only a proprietary product will meet the requirement; where a supplier has sole rights to supply a service or product; the creation or acquisition of a unique work of art; where a public contract is concluded between two or more departments; where a change of supplier would oblige the Department to acquire products having different technical characteristics which would result in incompatibility and technical difficulties and increased costs; or where the contract follows an EU design contest.
The contract information requested is listed in tabular form below. The tables contain all contracts undertaken by way of negotiated procedure without prior publication under Regulation 32 of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations for the years 2020 and 2021. Returns for 2022 are not yet available.
Table 1 – 2020 Contracts
|
Company Name |
Nature of Service |
|
Bearing Point (1) |
Managed Support Services for the support and implementation of the Department's Passport Reform Programme |
|
Bearing Point (2) |
Managed Services for the Department's ICT Automated Passport System (APS) |
|
Core Financials |
Support of the Department's ICT Financial Management System |
|
Documents in Irish Foreign Policy (DIFP) |
The DIFP project is a unique voluntary non-commercial collaborative public service partnership between DFA, National Archives and the Royal Irish Academy |
|
Employment Conditions Abroad (ECA) |
Subscription service that supplies the Department with indexation and other statistical information on a country-by-country basis. |
|
Financial Times |
Electronic access to Financial Times publication |
|
Irish Times |
Electronic access to Irish Times publication |
|
IT Group |
Managed Technical Support Services for the Department's ICT Helpdesk |
|
RTE |
Technical Expertise and Support for a Virtual Conference Event held for DFA Heads of Mission |
|
SOAS University |
Specialist Training Services |
|
William Kent Developments |
Engagement of Works contractor to conduct minor works at the Official Residence for Consulate General Los Angeles |
|
Worldreach Software Corporation |
Support and Maintenance for the Cabhair Consular Support ICT system. |
|
Zero Downtime Ltd |
Expert Technical Support Services for the Department's ICT Network infrastructure |
Table 2 – 2021 Contracts
|
Company Name |
Nature of Service |
|
Bearing Point (1) |
Managed Support Services for the support and implementation of the Department's Passport Reform Programme |
|
Bearing Point (2) |
Managed Services for the Department's ICT Automated Passport System (APS) |
|
Colin Davidson |
Artwork: Portrait of Edna O'Brien for display in Embassy |
|
Core Financials |
Support of the Department's ICT Financial Management System |
|
Documents in Irish Foreign Policy (DIFP) |
The DIFP project is a unique voluntary non-commercial collaborative public service partnership between DFA, National Archives and the Royal Irish Academy |
|
Elizabeth O'Kane |
Artwork: 4x bronze busts of John Hume for display in Embassies and public buildings |
|
Employment Conditions Abroad (ECA) |
Subscription service that supplies the Department with indexation and other statistical information on a country-by-country basis. |
|
Factiva |
Electronic News Aggregator |
|
Faithful & Gould (1) |
Emergency property inspection survey to Embassy Building, Washington D.C. |
|
Faithful & Gould (2) |
Emergency Life Safety Property Inspection to Embassy Building, Washington D.C. |
|
Faithful & Gould (3) |
Emergency Life Safety Property Inspection of Official Residence, Washington D.C. |
|
Faithful & Gould (4) |
Project Management of Emergency Remedial Works to Embassy Building Washington D.C. |
|
Financial Times |
Electronic access to Financial Times publication |
|
Institute of Public Administration (IPA) |
Design and delivery of an economics training course for staff in the Department |
|
Irish Times |
Electronic access to Irish Times publication |
|
SKSC Limited |
Extension of contract for Irish Passport Booklets & Cards |
|
Terminal Four (T4) |
Proprietary ICT software used to manage DFA's websites |
|
Worldreach Software Corporation |
Support and Maintenance for the Cabhair Consular Support ICT system. |
