Written Answers Nos. 41-60
42. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the defective concrete blocks scheme to open to affected households in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022.
The purpose of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the grant scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
The Act has currently designated 4 local authorities for inclusion in the Enhanced DCB Scheme, namely Clare, Donegal, Limerick City and County and Mayo County Councils.
Work on drafting the necessary Regulations to facilitate the commencement of the Act is ongoing and the Regulations will provide for all matters within the Act which are to be prescribed including but not limited to the grant rates, damage threshold, and the form and content of various reports, certificates, forms, and declarations. Guidelines to facilitate, promote and support a consistent approach to the operation and administration of the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme by designated local authorities will also be drafted by my Department as the Regulations are completed. Ensuring that the Regulations and Guidance are comprehensive and that all relevant stakeholders have been consulted and that the enhanced scheme will work for everyone, is the main priority.
The aim and intention is to have the regulations and guidelines finalised before the end of the year with the scheme opening for applications as soon as possible thereafter.
My Department recently published a comprehensive and updated “Your Questions Answered” document on the Department’s website to ensure homeowners have the most up to date information available to them. It can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/775c0-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme-your-questions-answered/.
43. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline progress to deliver affordable housing schemes for County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59842/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Affordable Housing Fund application was recently submitted by Mayo County Council to my Department to support a development of 13 affordable purchase homes in Springfield, Westport. I granted approval in principle to this application and Mayo County Council were advised of this last week. Scheduled delivery of these affordable homes will be in 2024.
Furthermore, I recently announced the ‘Ready to Build’ Scheme. The scheme will be funded from the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under the scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites available in towns and villages to potential purchasers for the building by the purchaser of a principal private residence. The sites will be sold at a discounted rate of up to €30,000 from the market value. The discount will be determined by the cost of servicing the site. This will facilitate the making available of some 2,000 sites for homes by 2025 and can be availed of by Mayo County Council to help meet affordable housing need.
Finally, the First Home Scheme, launched in July this year, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The Scheme aims to support in the region of 8,000 households in acquiring new homes in the private market in the years 2022 to 2026 with an overall budget of €400 million. The scheme is available nationwide.
45. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the recently published EU nature restoration laws; the measures that the Government is putting in place to facilitate engagement on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed EU Nature Restoration Regulation was published by the Commission in June 2022. Formal negotiations on the Regulation are now taking place between the Commission, Presidency (Czech) and Member States.
A Memorandum for Government on the proposed Regulation was brought to Cabinet on 22 November. Cabinet noted the ongoing negotiations in relation to the proposed Regulation, and agreed the formal position that the Regulation is an essential element of the EU Green Deal and EU Biodiversity Strategy, while recognising that its timing and implementation in Ireland will have significant impacts and raise challenges that will require a whole of Government approach.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department will have a national coordination responsibility in respect of the negotiations on the proposed Regulation and the development of the National Restoration Plan. In this work, it will be assisted by experts from key Government Departments and resourced internally to deliver this function.
My Department will continue to work across Government with our partners, other Member States and the Commission, endeavouring to ensure that Ireland’s particular land use context is fully recognised and accommodated in the text of the Regulation as it evolves over the coming months.
46. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department can financially support Clare County Council in its efforts to take over the running of Shannon Heritage sites in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59501/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No 341 of 11 October 2022 which sets out the position in this matter and the process, which is still on going.
The Department of Transport, as the parent Department of the Shannon Group, have the lead role in the transfer of heritage sites from Shannon Group to relevant local authorities. Officials from my Department continue to engage with the inter-departmental working group and Clare County Council to support progress in the transfer of the remaining Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council.
47. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details in relation to the announcement that €100 million is being allocated to fund land legacy debt and €125 million is being allocated to establish a land acquisition fund under the Housing Agency; the way that this will assist in the case of Louth County Council and its applicable sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59670/22]
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.
Action 4.5 of Housing for All commits to “support local authorities to acquire suitable land to deliver a housing programme, based on existing land banks, the level of social housing to be delivered under Housing for All and Local Authority Housing Delivery Action Plans”.
In order to unlock the potential of some sites where local authorities have outstanding loan balances with the Housing Finance Agency so that they can be made immediately available for social housing development and to support additional local authority borrowing for other key delivery priorities, including Affordable and Cost Rental housing, the Government has agreed to the allocation of €100m to pay down loans which can deliver social housing projects linked to accelerated delivery. The Government has agreed to the allocation of this funding subject to sites meeting a number of criteria:
- The immediate development of a proposal for social housing delivery;
- Commence construction in 2023 if possible and no later than 2024;
- Use of accelerated delivery models, principally off-site / Modern Methods of Construction.
My Department is currently engaging with local authorities to identify suitable sites.
In addition, to support local authorities continued development of the social housing pipeline, a dedicated Land Fund has been established, which will be funded by my Department and managed by the Housing Agency. The Government has now agreed to the establishment of a Fund, with the provision of €125m to be paid to the Agency before the end of 2022 to establish the fund.
The Housing Agency will work closely with local authorities on their land requirements based on an agreed robust approval procedure, agreed set of criteria and a service level agreement to underpin this.
48. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status on the croí cónaithe scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59576/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the uptake of the croí cónaithe vacant property refurbishment grant; if further funding will be available; if there is additional demand for the croí cónaithe vacant property refurbishment grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homeowners who have applied for the vacant property refurbishment grant, in each county; the number of applications which have been refused; and the number which have been successful in tabular form. [58971/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra78. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date from which croí cónaithe will apply to rural one-off derelict buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 52, 76 and 78 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All.Schemes under the Fund, which are delivered by local authorities, provide new choices for people to live in towns and villages in Ireland, through the provision of a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties and by providing serviced sites in towns and villages to people in order to build their own homes.In July, I launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages but I am pleased to say that as of the 15 November, the expanded grant also includes eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas (in addition to those in towns and villages, which have been eligible since July). Further information is available on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/969fb-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-expanded-to-cities-and-remote-rural-areas/.A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not previously been used as residential. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.In September, I launched the Ready to Build Scheme, also funded by the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under the Ready to Build Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the building of a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser.When the Fund was launched, I committed to ongoing reviews of the schemes under it. Feedback on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme has been very positive, with 419 applications reported to start November. Details of these applications by local authority are set out in the table below. In order for applications to be assessed and a decision made, specified supporting documentation must be submitted with the application and a site visit carried out by the local authority to asses the works being applied for. In some cases this may involve the local authority reverting to the applicant for additional information. It is intended that in future data on the scheme will be published on the Department's website on a quarterly basis.
|
Local Authority |
Applications Received for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant |
Approved |
Rejected |
|
Carlow |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
18 |
1 |
4 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork county |
50 |
10 |
17 |
|
Donegal |
25 |
0 |
10 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
27 |
7 |
18 |
|
Kerry |
36 |
0 |
16 |
|
Kildare |
11 |
4 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
7 |
2 |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
7 |
1 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
23 |
9 |
5 |
|
Longford |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
27 |
8 |
3 |
|
Meath |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
15 |
2 |
8 |
|
Offaly |
17 |
2 |
15 |
|
Roscommon |
19 |
0 |
7 |
|
Sligo |
13 |
8 |
1 |
|
South Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
30 |
2 |
7 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
11 |
2 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
14 |
3 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
3 |
1 |
|
Totals |
419 |
66 |
122 |
Local authorities have been instructed by my Department to engage with applicant's who made an application prior to 15 November and whose application was rejected due to not meeting location requirements. They are to advise applicants that where refurbishment work has not yet commenced they may reapply for the grant using the updated documentation.
The operation of schemes under the fund is delegated to and managed by local authorities. In 2022, it is not anticipated that there will be a constraint on allocations. Expenditure and associated allocations will be kept under review for 2023.
50. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the possibility of an adapted first-homes scheme for areas such as Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56906/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July this year, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Full information on the First Home Scheme is available at the following link: www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The First Home Scheme’s applies regional price ceilings designed to temper inflationary pressures and to target support at the lower part of the price distribution, as well as encouraging the development of additional housing supply at this price level.
The First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (DAC) now holds responsibility for maintaining the First Home Scheme, including any review and updating of price ceilings where appropriate. In line with a commitment made at scheme launch, I understand that the First Home DAC is currently in the process of reviewing the price ceilings for all areas with a view to completing same by year end.
51. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, in the light of the new policy approach which recommends that Councils seek to buy homes with tenants in situ when there are social housing support tenants with notices to quit, he has reviewed the capital funding that will be available to local authorities for these purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a full report on any submissions or discussions that he has had with the Department Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to expanding its capital programme for the acquisition of homes for social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56465/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that he decided the capital allocation for housing given that Housing for All targets are being missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 70 and 84 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 by 2030. 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 investment through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €5bn lending through the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).
Budget 2022 underpinned the annual €4 billion capital investment through the provision of €2.6 billion Exchequer funding and €1.5 billion LDA investment and HFA lending. In addition, Budget 2022 also provided for Current housing funding of €1.4 billion.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) and, with this, to reduce the numbers of social homes delivered through acquisition programmes. However, acquisitions of second hand properties for social housing fall under a number of local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) acquisitions programmes. A circular, issued to local authorities in April this year, reinstated delegated sanction to local authorities in respect of social housing acquisitions that could be completed in 2022. The reinstatement of delegated sanction has allowed local authorities to respond more flexibility to secure acquisitions which support a household to exit or to prevent homelessness. The cost of these acquisitions in 2022 will be met from within the existing capital resources assigned to my Department.
During 2022, the construction sector has been impacted by construction product inflation, constrained supply chains and high energy costs. This resulted in delays to a number of housing projects. However, there has been a strong improvement in the delivery environment, supported by measures introduced by this Government to address material inflation and energy costs, through the introduction of the Inflation/ Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework.
We are looking at very strong delivery for the final quarter of the year and my Department continues to work closely with the local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to ensure that social and affordable delivery is maximised.
Budget 2023 again provides record levels of investment by this Government to support housing delivery. There will be €4 billion in Exchequer funding available to deliver capital and current housing programmes.
53. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on Housing for All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All was published 2 September 2021 and the Government published its first annual update of the plan's actions on 2 November 2022.
Progress reports are published quarterly. The sixth of these reports, covering progress in Q4 2022 is due for publication early next year. These reports can be accessed on https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
Under Housing for All, the supply of new homes is increasing:
- 27,773 new homes completed in the twelve months to end September 2022;
- 26,608 homes commenced in the twelve months to end October 2022;
- 44,715 homes granted planning permission in the twelve months to end June 2022.
The Government and I are confident the target of 24,600 new build homes in 2022 will be met. The plan is delivering through increased housing supply; a range of affordable purchase and rental measures; new initiatives to tackle homelessness; and ongoing, long-term reforms of the housing and planning systems but 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 The first annual update of the plan sets out how the Government is responding to these changed circumstances and ensuring focus remains on delivery. The stability provided by a clear and comprehensive plan is now more important than ever. The Housing for All Action Plan Update prioritises measures to activate and accelerate the delivery of housing supply, whilst also continuing to deliver on the fundamental reforms set out in the plan.
A record €4.5 billion in State housing investment will be made available in 2023. This will underpin the ambitious Housing for All plan and deliver the largest state home building programme ever with 9,100 direct build social homes, and 5,500 affordable homes. €1.3 billion will be spent on affordability measures, supporting homeownership in 2023.
A copy of the Housing for All Action Plan Update can be accessed at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/da0d1-action-plan-update-and-q3-2022-progress-report/.
54. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider under force majeure that grant aid would be payable for the better of all and the environment for persons who were out of the country or who did not have their septic tanks registered and who have been inspected by the authorities who have found that the septic tank does not reach the required standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59851/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Water Services Act 2007, as amended, required all owners of premises served by an individual domestic waste water treatment system to have the system entered into a register maintained by local authorities. The prescribed date of 1 February 2013 was appointed by the Water Services Act 2007 and 2012 Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Registration) Regulations 2012, as amended. New houses with domestic treatment systems continue to be required to register.
The strict cut-off date, together with sanctions for non-compliance, was successful in ensuring that an estimated 95% of systems were registered. Amending this provision to allow for retrospective registration would require amendments to primary legislation. It was not possible to do so as part of the introduction of the revised grant schemes which were effected by regulations.
When publishing the Domestic Waste Water Treatment grants in 2020, my Department committed to undertake a review of these grant schemes, to ensure their continued alignment with policy objectives, including consideration of issues such as the prescribed date. This review is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
56. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on his efforts to assist the delivery of affordable homes in the Poolbeg SDZ. [59800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regeneration of Poolbeg West is an important step in the transformation of the Dublin Docklands area, with the potential to provide for 3,500 homes. In June 2021 following a comprehensive international open market campaign, a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate, Oaktree Capital Management, and Lioncor Developments (“the Consortium”) acquired a controlling 80% shareholding in the company which owns the glass bottle site. NAMA maintains a 20% minority interest. The development of the site will be undertaken by the Consortium.
A condition of the planning scheme, as modified by An Bord Pleanála on 9 April 2019 is the provision of 15% social and affordable homes on this site in addition to the 10% statutory social housing requirement under Part V arrangements.
On the 24th of March 2022, Dublin City Council approved an application for the first 570 residential homes at the former glass bottle site.
My Department remains committed to working with Dublin City Council, and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to progress this site, subject to agreement on this and all the normal and relevant terms, including value for money aspects. Engagement and work is ongoing in this respect.
57. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to advance a sewage scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that the Deputy is referring to support that is provided through the Multi-Annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme.
On 21 September 2020, I announced project approvals and funding allocations across 10 local authorities for a first tranche of funding under the Programme. These projects are underway. The announcement also included a request to local authorities to submit further projects that could be resolved by connection to Irish Water.
In addition to this, the announcement included a number of more complex demonstration projects which includes the location in the details supplied, that required further information and examination to enable them to be considered for a funding allocation.
An Expert Panel, which includes Departmental, stakeholder and independent representation in the Chair, has been appointed to review applications for funding under the Programme. Once I have received a submission from the Expert Panel, I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on approvals and allocations for a further tranche of funding in Q1 2023.
58. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is planned to adjust the local authority boundaries on foot of the recent Census results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59830/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnlike the position for Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, there is no constitutional or legislative requirement for the revision of local electoral areas, further to the carrying out of a census and the publication of census results.
Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to divide a local authority area into local electoral areas and to amend those areas. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the Act, the Minister must, in accordance Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 (as amended), request a boundary committee to make a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
The Electoral Reform Act 2022, which provides for, among other matters, the establishment of a statutory, independent Electoral Commission - An Coimisiún Toghcháin, amends Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 in respect of the review of local electoral areas.
Under Chapter 8 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, the future review of local electoral areas shall be a function of An Coimisiún Toghcháin once established. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report when deciding to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries.
Notwithstanding the above, I have no plans to make an order under section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 amending local electoral areas in advance of the next local elections.
59. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage The measures that are being taken to increase the number of rental properties on the market in the Cork south west area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59621/22]
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. 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. Increasing our social and affordable housing stock will help tackle affordability and demand issues in the rental market.The plan is working and supply is increasing. The Government is confident the 2022 target of 24,600 new build homes in 2022 will be met. 20,807 new homes completed in the first three quarters of the year, more than the whole of 2021 (20,560) or any other year since the CSO series began in 2011. A record €4.5 billion in State housing investment will be made available in 2023. This will underpin the ambitious Housing for All plan and deliver the largest state home building programme ever with 9,100 direct build social homes and 5,500 affordable homes. €1.3 billion will be spent on affordability measures in 2023.
The Government will deliver 18,000 cost rental homes by 2030. These homes are now beginning to come into the market, some of which were advertised at rates that are 40% to 50% lower than market rent. Hundreds of cost rental homes have already been tenanted since the passing of the Affordable Housing Act in July 2021. We are further supporting Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in the delivery of cost rental homes by increasing the Cost Rental Equity Loan from a maximum of 30% to a max of 45% per project.Along with local authorities and AHBs, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is an important delivery partner. The LDA have launched Project Tosaigh, an initiative designed to unlock land in private ownership that has planning permission but where delivery has stalled due to financing and other constraints. The LDA now has a pipeline of projects anticipated to deliver affordable for sale and cost rental homes. The first of these homes have been advertised for sale by the local authorities in Cork and Waterford and the first cost rental homes in Dublin have been recently advertised.
My Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 2 2022 and 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.
Separately, Cork County Council has received approval for 3 separate Affordable Housing Fund applications that will deliver close to 180 Affordable Purchase homes in Clonakilty and Kinsale.
Increasing the supply of housing as set out in Housing for All is the top priority for me and the Government and we have made a good start on our path towards this goal. I am confident that the delivery of Housing for All will create a sustainable housing system into the future and relieve the pent up pressure on the rental market.
60. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the CREL review. [59799/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing for All strategy commits to delivering a total of 18,000 Cost Rental homes over the period to 2030 and significant funding is made available to support provision by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), Local Authorities and by the Land Development Agency (LDA).
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. AHBs will be supported by Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding and Local Authorities will be able to avail of funding 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.
To date, AHBs have utilised CREL funding to deliver the majority of the Cost Rental homes tenanted since the legislation was passed last year. Since the initial two CREL Calls for Proposals were issued and the establishment of a pipeline of l homes, increasing costs have directly impacted on the viability of schemes and the ultimate cost rent paid by tenants. It is within this environment and to improve delivery viability for AHBs that the Government has recently improved the original terms and conditions for CREL funding. The funding ceilings have increased, with the 30% flat rate being replaced and applications being assessed on a sliding scale basis, up to a ceiling of 45% of the total capital costs of delivering the homes. This includes a facility to access funding on an advance basis to enable site purchase or upfront deposits, will facilitate further direct delivery of Cost Rental homes by AHBs, and thereby support the development of a long-term AHB delivery pipeline. Budget 2023 also saw the funding allocation for CREL increase from €70m in 2022 to €75m for next year.
Furthermore, Local Authorities have been encouraged to deliver Cost Rental homes directly, by taking advantage of recent increase to the level of grant funding available under the AHF to fund the delivery of homes in key urban areas to €150,000 per unit. Funding for the AHF also rose in Budget 2023 from €60m in 2022 to €90m for next year. This will help further support the delivery of Cost Rental homes on State lands by Local Authorities.
