Written Answers Nos. 234-244
234. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the retrofit budget on a local authority basis to date in 2022, in tabular form; the quantum of money drawn down on a local authority basis; the houses retrofitted on a local authority basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61478/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra235. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the retrofit budget allocation and housing retrofit target on a local authority basis for 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; the quantum of money drawn down in 2019, 2020 and 2021 on a local authority basis, the houses retrofitted in 2019, 2020 and 2021 on a local authority basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61479/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.
My Department introduced an Energy Efficiency Programme that commenced in 2013, with the ambition to fund retrofit on all social homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. This programme has seen improved energy efficiency and comfort levels in over 75,000 Local Authority homes over the period 2013 to the end of 2021 at a total cost to the exchequer of some €183 million.
For the period 2013 – 2020 Energy Efficiency Works were carried out in two phases:
Phase 1 aimed to ensure that the entire social housing stock would have, as a minimum, wall insulation and attic insulation (300mm). To this end, funding was initially targeted at the less intrusive cavity wall insulation as well as attic/roof insulation.
Phase 2 focused on the fabric upgrade works to those remaining dwellings with solid/hollow block wall construction and includes the provision of heating upgrades.
This previous programme was withdrawn in 2021 with the introduction of a new holistic Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme that focuses on ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided. The programme will see a significant upscaling on what has been completed by local authorities in previous years.
This new enhanced ten-year energy efficiency programme was launched in response to a commitment made under the Programme for Government, which called for the 'retrofit' of 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent BER standard by 2030. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Housing for All Plan have specified that of those 500,000 homes to be retrofitted by 2030, approximately 36,500 will be local authority owned homes.
A breakdown of the funding provided and the output per local authority since 2013 can be found on the Department website below:
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 found below. A further 146 properties were retrofitted to a BER of B2/ Cost Optimal Equivalent and these figures are in addition to the National Retrofit Programme.
gov.ie - Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme - Expenditure and Units (www.gov.ie)
In 2022, my Department announced a budget of €85 million to retrofit 2,400 local authority homes. Details in relation to the drawdown and output will be available in early 2023.
236. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage of an existing derelict structure that must be retained in order to avail of the vacant house grant; if an entire building can be demolished and rebuilt on the existing footprint and become eligible for the grant if a professional report indicates that the building is unsafe or unfit to be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched 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 and as, of the 15 November, the grant was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas. This ensures that maximum use is made of existing dwellings for residential purposes. Further details are 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 by the applicant to be derelict or if the property is on the Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000. In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property not on the Derelict Sites Register, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict. Those applying for the Grant will be required to indicate on the application form if they are applying for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant alone or the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant including the Derelict Property top-up Grant.
The level of Grant is contingent on the works approved by the local authority and will be paid based on vouched expenditure following a final inspection by the local authority.
The refurbishment of a vacant property for occupation may involve development that requires planning permission. Where appropriate, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit evidence that planning permission has been attained prior to final grant approval. In cases where a question arises in relation to whether a proposed development needs planning permission or is exempted development, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit a declaration of exemption under Section 5, of the Planning Acts.
The objective of the grant scheme is to bring existing properties back into use. While demolition and extension works can form part of an application for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, such works must be part of a wider refurbishment of the existing dwelling in keeping with the objectives of the scheme.
237. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning permissions currently granted in each local authority; the number of those that are commenced in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61543/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not compile data on the number of planning permissions granted on a real time basis per local authority. Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website and are available in tabular form at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has detailed data available on a number of planning related issues, including permissions granted by development type and county, on its website. This is updated on a quarterly basis and can be accessed at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/buildingandconstruction/planningpermissions/
A Commencement Notice is a notification to a Building Control Authority that a person intends to carry out either works or a Material Change of Use to which the Building Regulations apply. The notice must be given to the authority not more than 28 days and not less than 14 days before the commencement of works or the change of use. Once validated by the building control authority, works must commence on site within the 28-day period. The total number of commencement notices for new residential homes that have been received since the formation of the Government on a county-by-county basis in tabular form can be found on my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a5cb1-construction-activity-starts/
238. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 26 October 2022, if he is satisfied that the methodology being used to determine housing supply targets for local development plans is sound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to work commissioned by the Housing and Planning Divisions of my Department, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) published a report into structural housing demand in Ireland to 2040, in December 2020. The ESRI research report “Regional Demographics and Structural Housing Demand at County Level” projected an annual new household demand figure for each county from 2016 to 2040, for a number of different development scenarios, including the National Planning Framework (NPF) scenario which supports balanced regional development and the consolidation of cities, towns and other urban areas.
Subsequently, a Ministerial Circular, and Ministerial Guidelines - ‘Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ under Section 28 of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 (as amended), were issued to all local authorities. The Guidelines introduced a standardised national approach, based on the ESRI data, to be applied by each planning authority in projecting Housing Supply Targets for each specific six-year period, when reviewing city or county development plans, that are consistent with adopted national and regional growth targets in the National Planning Framework and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
The Housing Supply Target is quantified as an overall number of housing units to be planned for in the development plan process of each local authority. The guidelines issued provide a clear and consistent approach for local authorities when preparing county and city development plans in relation to future housing development.
The preliminary Census 2022 results indicate that the population of Ireland and consequent overall level of housing demand is broadly in line with that projected by the ESRI for the same period. There is some variation with regard to regional distribution, which means that the outcome is closer to the 'business as usual' as opposed to the NPF projection scenario, but this is unsurprising after only 4 years of a long-term strategy.
Notwithstanding population growth and distribution, the Housing Supply Target (HST) methodology remains valid for development plan purposes. The HST methodology as issued, allows for a transition from the projected 'business as usual' scenario to the NPF scenario in the years to 2027. These targets also take into account annual housing demand that hasn't been met between 2016 and the start of each development plan period, which is carried forward and together with new demand arising, averaged over the six year plan period in each case. There are therefore housing targets that need to be worked towards and achieved in each local authority area, in the years ahead.
In addition to the HST guidance, Section 28 ministerial guidelines for Development Plan preparation were issued in June 2022. These guidelines provide clear mechanisms that planning authorities may use appropriately in providing zoned housing land in excess of that required to meet their identified six-year targeted housing need. They also clarify that land which is zoned and serviced should not generally be dezoned in order to ensure that there is an adequate supply of zoned housing land to meet housing demand.
More detailed Census 2022 results will be released in 2023 and this population information will be further analysed in light of the wider planning policy and housing development framework. The outcome of this review process will include an updating the 2020 housing projections work undertaken by the ESRI.
239. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the work of his Department’s working group on compact and sustainable growth; if that group still intends to produce section 28 guidelines by the end of quarter 4 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe compact growth of cities and towns of all sizes, in order to create more attractive places in which people can live and work, is a key objective of the National Planning Framework (NPF). My Department is in the process of developing Section 28 guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidance (SCSG). When finalised, the SCSG’s will supersede current Section 28 ministerial guidelines for planning authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (the ‘Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines’) last issued in 2009. The SCSG will also supplement other relevant Guidelines such as the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities and the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
A preliminary draft of the Guidelines has been prepared. However, recent legal judgements in relation to Strategic Housing Development decisions have had implications for the preliminary draft and the draft is being further reviewed as a result. A working group was also convened with representation from the construction industry, private built environment practitioners, professional bodies and the public sector. The group, via a series of three workshops in June, August and September 2022 discussed key issues in relation to density and viability, land use and transportation and place-making and quality design. This also included discussions related to the design and application of compact ‘own door’ housing typologies both internationally and within Ireland.
Following completion, the Draft Guidelines will be placed on display for a focused period of public consultation. This is targeted for Q1 2023. All interested parties will have an opportunity to make submissions on the guidelines at that stage. Submissions made during the public consultation period will be reviewed and where appropriate and necessary, amendments will be made to the published Draft. The guidelines will then be finalised and published. Once issued, Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála will be required to have regard to the Guidelines in carrying out their functions.
240. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on any instances in 2021 or 2022 where the Office of the Planning Regulator identified an issue with a local authority or regional assembly statutory plan, including county and city development plans, local area plans and RSESs; if he will identify the grounds of the appeals and if they were resolved in tabular form. [61546/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the establishment of the Office of the Planning Regulator (the Office) in April 2019, the Office has had responsibility for the evaluation of the making or varying of county and city development plans, local area plans and RSESs. The evaluation process is an independent function of the Office. As such, my Department would not hold comprehensive records of all issues referred to or to comprehensive records regarding the Office’s appeals process.
While it is my role as Minister to form an opinion as to whether to issue a direction further to a recommendation of the Office, the majority of issues raised by the Office in respect of local authority development plans, local area plans or Regional Assembly RSESs are addressed and resolved as part of the process, prior to the final direction stage.
It is also noted that arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Office of the Planning Regulator is oireachtas@opr.ie.
241. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has sought a report from Irish Water regarding a matter (details supplied) in County Dublin as per his powers under the Water Services Acts; if not, if he intends to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61548/22]
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. The day-to-day operation of the public water system, including the arrangements for dealing with unforeseen outages, and communicating with customers and public representatives in relation to interruptions to service delivery, is therefore a matter for Irish Water.
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
A key aspect of the CRU’s regulatory role is to ensure that Irish Water’s revenue is spent appropriately to improve services for customers. To facilitate this, the CRU has put a Performance Assessment Framework in place against which it monitors Irish Water’s performance and progress over time. This Framework currently includes 28 metrics covering customer service, security of supply, quality of supply, sewer incidents, environmental performance, and energy and emissions. This arrangement is in place to ensure that Irish Water performs to a high standard, keeps the public and other key stakeholders informed of its performance, and supports the CRU in making evidence-based decisions in the interests of customers.
In addition to the above, section 8 of the Water Services Act 2014 makes provision for the CRU to provide a dispute resolution service for any unresolved complaints of customers of Irish Water. Further information on pursuing complaints with Irish Water or with the CRU is available on the website of the CRU and can be accessed from the following weblink - www.cru.ie/home/complaint-form/water/.
As will be clear from the above, neither I nor my Department has a role in relation to the matter raised in the question which is an operational matter for Irish Water in the first instance, or, where a satisfactory outcome is not forthcoming, for the CRU in its capacity as independent economic regulator.
It may be of assistance to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1818 578 578.
242. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legislation which regulates car parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61555/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission including car parks. An application for planning permission should be made to the relevant planning authority under section 34 of the Act. When making a decision on the application, the planning authority may under Schedule 5 of the Act, if granting permission, attach a condition regulating and controlling the extent of parking places required in, on or under structures of a particular class or size or services or facilities for the parking, loading, unloading or fuelling of vehicles.
Where planning permission is granted and conditions are attached, the applicant may, if they so choose, appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála under section 37 of the Act within four weeks of the decision of the planning authority.
It should be noted that, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
243. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of ministerial consents that have been issued by his Department under ARC 02, activities requiring consent – stocking or re-stocking with fish, for the stocking of salmon parr, salmon smolts and brown trout fry in the Lough Corrib special area of conservation, SAC, the Maumturk mountains SAC and the Connemara bog complex SAC since 2010. [61557/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were no consents issued for the SACs in this time period relating to this matter, as there were no such applications.
244. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding that was provided to Limerick from his Department in 2022, broken down by project in tabular form. [61581/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding system that applies to local authorities in Ireland is a complex one, as those authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government including my Department but also other government departments and state agencies. Most of the funding from Central Government to local authorities must be used for specified services. These can be grouped into 5 broad programme categories: housing, transport, recreational, education and environment.
My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, covering a broad range of functions, including local authority housing, voluntary housing, homeless services, estate regeneration, energy efficiency retrofitting, housing grants, rural water schemes, urban renewal/regeneration, and fire services. In order to achieve its business objectives, my Department allocates significant resources to an extensive range of organisations, including local authorities, dedicated agencies, and other bodies; some allocations, depending on the programmes concerned, are made on a national or other non-county basis in the form of grant funding.
Grant funding is provided primarily on the basis of vouched expenditure, as opposed to specific up front annual allocations, once all necessary requirements as detailed in grant assistance schemes are met by the bodies/organisations concerned and that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to ensure the exercise of proper financial controls.
The funding provided by my department to Limerick City and County Council to date in 2022 is set out in the attached tables.
