Written Answers Nos. 134-153
134. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the level of engagement his Department has had with Clare County Council to manage additional heritage sites; the amount of additional expenditure involved for his Department; when he expects this process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3612/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Transport, and his Department, 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. In order to secure the future of the heritage assets and employees, Shannon Group has had extensive engagement with the relevant local authorities since early 2021. Shannon Heritage ended their management contracts with An Post and Fingal County Council for sites in Dublin on 31 December 2021 and the transfer of the business and employees took place without issue. King John’s Castle was successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April 2022.
Shannon Group continues to engage with Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet. As part of its engagement with Shannon Group, Clare County Council identified a funding gap for which it sought Government assistance to enable it to take over the sites. The funding gap identified by Clare County Council is €15m (€5m a year for 3 years).
The Department of Transport established an inter-departmental working group in May 2022 to examine funding options in relation to the proposed transfer to Clare County Council of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet. My Department actively participates in the working group along with the Departments of Transport; Public Expenditure and Reform; Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media; and the Office of Public Works. The working group has met a number of times, most recently on 23 January, and the group identified a number of ways the proposed transfer could be supported.
My Department has met officials from Clare County Council on a number of occasions over the past 15 months in relation to the proposed transfer. At these meetings my Department recognised the current financial environment in which local authorities are operating, and the pressures facing them in respect of general inflation and higher energy costs in particular. These challenges are common across the sector and my Department highlighted its wider responsibility to ensure that all local authorities can continue to deliver services, whilst managing limited resources.
It was also noted that Clare County Council were in receipt of support from the Local Government Fund of almost €3m in 2021 and 2022 to compensate for loss of commercial rates at Money Point Power Plant and that my Department would seek similar support for Clare County Council for 2023. Across all schemes and funding sources my Department provided €65.9m in 2020, €82.9m in 2021 and €24m to end August 2022 to Clare County Council. Included in this is the unprecedented level of support provided by central Government to local authorities in respect of the COVID -19 pandemic.
My Department has liaised with Clare County Council regarding the potential for some support from the Local Government Fund in 2022, however the transfer did not take place in time for this to be paid. Equally, subject to submission of a suitable proposal and costings, funding towards National Monuments Service approved conservation works at Bunratty Castle could be considered by the Heritage Division of my Department. My Department will 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 in 2023.
135. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will give consideration to increasing the rate of HAP in line with market rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3704/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q3 2022, over 106,700 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were more than 59,700 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under HAP was adequate. The Housing Agency carried out this analytical exercise, on behalf of my Department, to better understand what level of discretion should be made available to Local Authorities under HAP to maintain adequate levels of support.
Following receipt and analysis of this review, I, in cooperation with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, approved an increase in the HAP discretion rate from 20% to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single person households. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness. Both these measures came into effect from 11 July 2022.
A separate review of the discretion available to Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin, which is up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits, is currently being undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with The Housing Agency.
136. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on proposed changes to the operation of An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3428/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation. This review, which was led by the Attorney General, contained a number of key proposals in relation to An Bord Pleanála. In this regard, the new Draft Planning and Development Bill was agreed by Government on 13 December 2022 and will be published on my Department's website this week. It will then be sent to the Oireachtas for pre-legislative scrutiny.
The draft Bill outlines the proposed new structure for the Board, which will be renamed as An Coimisiún Pleanála. The new Bill contains a number of provisions reflecting this new organisational structure and will clearly outline the role of -
- Planning Commissioners: who will be responsible for all decision making regarding consents and applications made to it under the new Bill.
- The Governing Body: which will be responsible for the governance and organisation of the body.
The Bill also provides for the introduction of statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes, including appeals and consent applications made to An Bord Pleanála.
While the main legislative provisions relating to An Bord Pleanála are being dealt with as part of the draft Planning and Development Bill, the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022, which was signed into law in December 2022, addressed certain initial matters which required immediate action on foot of the Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála, Phase 1 of the Office of the Planning Regulator Review of An Bord Pleanála, and other matters relating to addressing board vacancies and the board’s case load in light of its new marine functions, including:
- Providing for the position of Interim Chairperson with all the powers of the permanent Chair for up to a year,
- Providing for a suitable, independent, objective and transparent procedure by which recommendations may be made to the Minister in relation to the recruitment and appointment of ordinary members of the Board through an open competitive process, and
- Increasing the limit on the overall number of ordinary members of the Board,
- Expanding the provision to appoint temporary ordinary board members to allow for the appointment of serving or former civil servants, public servants, or employees of the Board for a term of up to a year.
- clarifying and streamlining the investigative powers of the Chairperson under Section 110 , and
- removing the option for a two member Board quorum so that the minimum quorum will be at least three.
137. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding given to local authorities to remedy mould and damp in 2022. [3600/23]
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. These Regulations specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, dampness, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies.
My Department does provide annual funding support to local authorities under a number of focused funding programmes, namely, Voids, Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme and the Disabled Person Grants. The selection of properties for inclusion in these programmes and nature of works to be completed in line with the criteria of the schemes is a matter for each individual local authority. The implementation of these focused programmes is separate to the local authorities' legal responsibilities to ensure rental standards are met in all their lettable housing stock in compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019.
139. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the recently announced Croí Cónaithe scheme for the refurbishing of derelict properties, why, if a person demolishes the property and builds a better structure, they cannot avail of the grant as the local councils are refusing on the direction received from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/23]
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 2022, 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.
140. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the regeneration of Pearse House flat complex in the south inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2152/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 534 of 18 January 2023 which sets out the position in this matter.
141. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the targets for 2023 for the construction of public housing on land owned by Louth County Council; the 2023 targets for the construction of housing on otherwise publicly owned lands in County Louth; his plans for progressing these targets in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3592/23]
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. The delivery of the affordable purchase and cost rental homes will be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
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. In September 2021, I issued social housing targets to each local authority for the period 2022-2026. Louth County Council has a target to deliver 156 new build social homes in 2023.
In March 2022, Louth County Council were assigned a target to deliver 226 Affordable Housing Fund supported homes by 2026. It should be noted that this excludes affordable purchase and cost rental delivery via the Land Development Agency and Approved Housing Bodies. Targets issued to local authorities are based on the result of individual local authorities Housing Needs and Demand Assessments (HNDA).
A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities developed and submitted Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans also include details of the locations and delivery streams for social housing schemes. Louth County Council’s plan is available on their website at this link: www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/housing/housing-delivery-action-plan/
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 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/.
Local authorities have been begun collating information on the delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently done for social housing. It is intended that information across all delivery streams will be gathered by my Department and I expect that my Department will be in a position to begin reporting on affordable delivery in national quarterly delivery statistics in Quarter 1 2023.
142. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has plans to provide additional funding to An Bord Pleanála to assist in alleviating the backlog in their caseload that is affecting current housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3642/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Pleanála is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
Section 126 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that it shall be the duty and objective of the Board to decide appeals as expeditiously as may be and, for that purpose, to take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that, insofar as is practicable, there are no avoidable delays at any stage in the determination of appeals.
In November 2022, following an updated assessment by the Board of resourcing issues likely to emerge as a result of planning applications for the National Development Plan and other infrastructure projects, the Board's new marine functions, as well as a number of senior positions approved under the Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála, and in accordance with the 2022-2023 Workforce Plan, the Board sought sanction for 34 additional posts. The Department provided sanction for these additional 34 posts in December 2022 and An Bord Pleanála is in the process of filling these positions.
I appointed three temporary ordinary members to the Board of An Bord Pleanála in early January 2023 and intend to make further temporary appointments in the near future. In addition, there is an ongoing competition in the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to recruit an ordinary board member with a marine planning background and an appointment is due to be made in February following interviews.
The Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022, includes provisions to increase the overall number of ordinary Board members on the Board of An Bord Pleanála. The provision to increase the overall number of Board members is necessary so as to ensure that the significant caseload can be effectively processed, and the appropriate quorums and suitable allocation of casefiles can be assured.
Finally, An Bord Pleanála have received an exchequer allocation of €26.9 million for 2023, which is an increase of €4.7million on the 2022 allocation.
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which extra methods and means can be employed to provide extra housing in sufficient volume to meet requirements to address homelessness, child homelessness and family homelessness; if he continues to identify extra measures likely to positively impact in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide all details of the way he will address the huge shortfall in the delivery of social housing under Housing for All; his plans to address, particularly, the lack of three and four bedroomed family homes in the pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3652/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 173 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. In September 2021, I issued social housing targets to each local authority for the period 2022-2026.
A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities developed and submitted Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans include details of the locations and delivery streams for social housing schemes. The Plans also include information on housing typology, including sufficient numbers of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units. It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that it delivers the right mix of housing to meet the housing needs in its area. Housing Delivery Action Plans are available on the websites of the relevant local authorities.
Modern methods of construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. All homes delivered using MMC must comply with the Building Regulations, the aim of which is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings, and in addition achieve a 60-year durability for all key elements.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of MMC in public housing. My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing. A copy of Housing for All Action Plan Update can be access on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/da0d1-action-plan-update-and-q3-2022-progress-report/
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 2022, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/. Data for Quarter 4 is currently being collated and will be published in due course.
My Department also 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 pre-tender process. The most recent publication was for Q3 2022 and shows that 9,115 social homes were onsite with an additional 13,708 homes at design and tender stage. The report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/2b4cd-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2022/.
144. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can detail the reason that social housing targets were missed in 2022; the actions he intends to take to ensure targets are met for the coming period; the estimated time it will take to provide social housing units to meet current and predicted demand in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3716/23]
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. In September 2021, I issued social housing targets to each local authority for the period 2022-2026.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 2022, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/. Data for Quarter 4 is currently being collated and will be published in due course. As such, my Department does not have final details of delivery for 2022.
My Department also 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 pre-tender process. The most recent publication was for Q3 2022. The report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/2b4cd-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2022/
A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities developed and submitted Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans also include details of the locations and delivery streams for social housing schemes. The Plans are available on local authorities own websites.
145. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action his Department intends taking in respect of approximately 500 standalone sewage treatment plants, which were erected to facilitate the development of housing estates over fifteen years ago and which currently do not meet current environmental standards, and as a result have not been taken in charge by Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3673/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the Question refers to housing estates that are dependent on developer provided water services infrastructure for the provision of their water services.
I can confirm that funding of €68.5 million has been allocated, under the National Development Plan, for the period 2021-2025, to address legacy water services issues including the Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme (DPI) which is run by my Department.
The DPI programme is focused on housing estates which do not have their water services connected to the public (Uisce Éireann) network and are not in the charge of local authorities but rely instead on infrastructure provided by developers. The DPI programme provides funding for the progressive resolution of the issues involved.
The focus of the first tranches of funding is on estates where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks. Additionally, a study completed by Uisce Éireann in 2022, will inform and assist in developing further solutions for estates that, due to distance, it is not viable to connect them to the public network.
Although it will take a number of funding programmes, my Department and I are committed to fully resolving all DPI issues.
146. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the recently published Eurostat data showing that rents in Ireland rents are rising at one of the fastest rates in the EU; the actions he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3574/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges rents are very high in many areas as a result of pent-up pressures and supply constraints.The Rent Predictability Measure was introduced in December 2016 under the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. In an attempt to limit the rate of rent inflation, rent controls were provided under sections 33 to 36 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016. The annual rate of increase in rents was limited to 4% p.a. in areas designated as Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) that have experienced sustained and high rental inflation.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 enacted in July 2021 restricted any rent increase in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) from exceeding general inflation, as recorded by the Harmonised Index of the Consumer Price (HICP). To address the rent affordability challenges building on foot of the unexpectedly fast rising inflation rate, as recorded by HICP, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 provides, from 11 December 2021, a cap of 2% per annum pro rata on rent increases in RPZs, where the inflation rate is higher. In effect, this will mean that rents in RPZs may only increase by a maximum of 2% per annum pro rata during times of higher inflation.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to extend the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) until the end of 2024. The designation of all existing RPZs has also been extended until 31 December 2024. The Act provides that rent reviews outside of RPZs can, until 2025, occur no more frequently than bi-annually. This provides rent certainty for tenants outside of RPZs for a minimum 2 year period at a time. 75% of renters live in areas designated as RPZ's.In all cases, section 19(1) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 prohibits the setting of a rent that exceeds market rent.
The market rent for a tenancy of a dwelling, means the rent which a willing tenant not already in occupation would give and a willing landlord would take for the dwelling, in each case on the basis of vacant possession being given, and having regard to—
(a) the other terms of the tenancy, and
(b) the letting values of dwellings of a similar size, type and character to the dwelling and situated in a comparable area to that in which it is situated.
Under section 76 of the Residential Tenancies Acts, a tenant can refer a dispute with regard to the amount of a rent set to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for resolution.
The operation of the rental market and the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 are kept under constant review.
147. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the recent record levels of people accessing emergency accommodation; the action he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3575/23]
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. To assist in managing demands on housing services after the winter emergency period and ensure that there is no cliff edge impact on 1 April, the Act provides for deferred Notices of Termination to take effect on a phased basis over the period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.
I have introduced further measures to increase supply, including the new 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 on 9 November 2022 that sets out 27 distinct actions to prevent young people entering homelessness.
We are providing more social homes, we are completing more homes in general and we have a strong pipeline of homes commenced. 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.
149. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to develop a mechanism for evaluating embodied carbon in our existing building stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3653/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the recent legislation in the Netherlands which regulates embodied carbon in the built environment; if he will consider introducing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3227/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 170 together.
Embodied Carbon of Construction materials is being considered under emissions from the Industry Sector in Climate Action Plan 2023. Through Climate Action Plan 2023, Government will actively deliver a series of measures to reduce embodied carbon in construction materials, and emissions from cement production including:
- Specifying low carbon construction methods and low carbon cement material as far as practicable for directly procured or supported construction projects from 2023.
- Publish new Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan, identifying an appropriate monitoring and reporting protocol that includes the monitoring of the implementation of low carbon construction in public tenders and grant schemes.
- SEAI to commence developing an embodied carbon building rating calculation methodology taking account of CPR (where available) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive from 2025.
The review of Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (known as the Constructions Products Regulations or “the CPR”) was confirmed by the European Green Deal in December 2019 and the Circular Economy Action Plan in March 2020. In parallel, the European Commission initiated discussion on an implementation plan for a future environmental life cycle assessment framework for construction products, looking at the impacts on the wider environment that occur during the whole life cycle of a construction product.
My Department participates in the European Council Working Party meetings on a revised CPR. The intention of the revised CPR is to strengthen and modernise the rules for placing construction products on the market, reduce market barriers, address the sustainability performances of construction products and embrace the digital transformation.
While I am aware of legislation in the Netherlands referred to, all Member States will be obliged to follow this harmonised procedure via harmonised technical specifications for construction products, when a consensus of approach emerges. In that regard, it would be counter to harmonisation to develop national rules for matters covered by the Internal Market regulation.
In parallel, my Department, in partnership with the National Standards Authority of Ireland and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is also working closely with the European Commission and other Member States to plan for and organise future work to adapt the harmonised technical specifications. This process (known as the CPR Acquis process) will also develop criteria to facilitate a uniform approach to the declaration of the environmental sustainability of construction products.
From a national policy perspective, the National Planning Framework (NPF) provides an established means to implement and integrate climate change objectives, including adaptation, at local level and the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society.
National Policy Objective 35 seeks to increase residential density in settlements, through a range of measures including reductions in vacancy, re-use of existing buildings and infill development schemes, all of which underpin the role that existing building stock plays in the reduction of carbon emissions.
150. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a full updated brief on the Narrow Water Bridge project, including expected commencement dates, expected funding requirements and expected funding schemes which will be utilised to progress the long-awaited project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3239/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Narrow Water Bridge is a cross-border project led by Louth County Council and supported by the Shared Island Fund, which is designed to fund strategic north-south projects that implement the commitments and objectives on Shared Island set out in the Programme for Government. The bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, Co Louth with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, Co. Down.
Following a Government decision in June 2021, then Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the approval of an initial €3m from the Shared Island Fund to take the project forward to tender stage. This work was led by Louth County Council and overseen by my Department in this jurisdiction, and the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
On 18 November 2022, Government further approved the seeking of tenders for the Main Works Contract, marking a major milestone in terms of progress on the project. Final funding requirements for the project will not be determined until the tender process is complete, with funding for future years to be determined once firm costings are available.
To date there have been 10 meetings of the Narrow Water Bridge Sub Group to progress this project the most recent on 29 September 2022.
The most recent meeting of the North South (NS) Senior Officials Group (SOG) on New Decade New Approach (NDNA) for Infrastructure and Investment was on the 23 November 2022.
151. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the schemes available in County Mayo for the delivery of affordable housing; the affordable housing targets for 2023, and progress in the delivery of affordable housing schemes in Castlebar and Ballina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3630/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) application was submitted by Mayo County Council to my Department last year to support a development of 13 affordable purchase homes in Springfield, Westport. I granted approval in principle to this application in November 2022 and scheduled delivery of these affordable homes will be in 2024. To date, my Department has not received any AHF applications in respect of affordable housing schemes in either Castlebar or Ballina. My Department and The Housing Agency are available to assist Mayo County Council in this regard and will consider any evidence presented by the Council in respect of a demonstrated need for affordable housing and any requirement for funding in either location through the Affordable Housing Fund.
Furthermore, I announced the ‘Ready to Build’ Scheme last year. 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 which was launched last 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.
152. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the CALF and CREL reviews; and the number of CALF and CREL homes delivered in 2022. [3596/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All sets out national housing policy and implementation measures for the period to 2030. As part of the objective to increase social housing delivery, the plan recognises the significant role that Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have played as partners in social housing delivery and will continue to play.
Over the past decade, the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) funding model has worked very successfully. Under the Housing for All Action Plan Update, a specific objective, Action 4, is to “review the structure and operation of CALF to assess whether any refinements to the facility are required to support delivery of social housing by the AHB sector across a wider range of Local Authority areas, and to identify resulting actions for implementation.” The review commenced in Q4 2021 and my Department has had the assistance and support of the Housing Agency in this process.
One of the key purposes of this exercise was reviewing the structure of the P&A-CALF funding model to determine if it should be adjusted to support delivery by the AHB sector across a wider range of areas and what options might be available to enable this. This is a recognition that the CALF model historically did not work well in areas of lower rent. The review is also cognisant of the significant rise in construction inflation and increases in interest rates so these aspects are being considered in the context of a revised funding model.
My Department, in conjunction with colleagues in the Housing Agency and relevant stakeholders, has now prepared a number of draft recommendations and a draft report on the CALF Review. I have considered these draft recommendations and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will shortly consider a request for sanction for the changes to the CALF Funding model. It is planned to implement the new methodology for the P&A-CALF funding model as soon as approval has been obtained. The implementation will be assisted by a Circular to guide the sector, along with intensive stakeholder engagement to explain the changes in Q1 2023.
With regards to the second part of your question, the number of CALF homes delivered once finalised are reported quarterly, the latest figures are available through the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/2b4cd-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2022/
Cost Rental is a new form of tenure in Ireland, which was legislated for in the Affordable Housing Act 2021. AHBs have utilised funding from the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) to deliver the majority of the Cost Rental homes tenanted to date. Since the initial CREL projects were approved for funding, international factors have resulted in an increase in the cost of loan co-financing due to the trajectory of interest rates, while high rates of construction cost inflation have also been apparent. Taken together, these have impacted the viability of Cost Rental homes, where the rent charged is a direct function of the cost of provision of the homes.
With this in mind, following a review of CREL funding structures at the end of last year, increases to the CREL funding available were approved by Government. This included increasing the funding ceilings, with the 30% flat rate being replaced and applications being assessed on a sliding scale basis, up to a maximum of 45% of the total capital costs of delivering the homes. It also included a facility to access funding on an advance basis to enable site purchase or upfront deposits to facilitate further direct delivery of Cost Rental homes by AHBs, and thereby support the development of a long-term AHB delivery pipeline. An updated CREL guidance note was submitted to the AHBs in December setting out the revised application process and assessment criteria. Budget 2023 also saw the funding allocation for CREL increase from €70m in 2022 to €75m for this year. These changes will help to address some of the challenges faced by AHBs in the continued delivery of Cost Rental homes.
153. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the principal changes to apartment design standards set out in the Guidelines for Planning Authorities published in December 2022; and if this set of guidelines fully supersedes the two previous sets of guidelines published in 2018 and 2020. [3593/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGreater availability and choice of well-located apartment development, together with enhanced affordability and related supports, will assist in encouraging a move towards apartment living. This forms part of the range of housing solutions being progressed further to Housing for All, and is essential in ensuring that Ireland’s urban areas can develop sustainably in accordance with the National Planning Framework.
On being appointed Minister in 2020, I undertook a review of co-living development as provided for in the 2018 apartment guidelines document, under the ‘shared accommodation’ heading. I concluded that given the scale, location and potential impact of co-living development permitted at that stage, that there were sufficient shared accommodation/co-living units either permitted or subject to consideration within the planning system. Similarly, given the success of measures to generate ‘Build-To-Rent’ (BTR) accommodation and in particular the pipeline of extant permissions, I concluded in 2022 that there is no longer a planning rationale to retain BTR as a distinct development type to which more flexible design standards than other apartment types may be applied.
The principal purpose of the amended Guidelines, which took effect from the 22nd of December 2022, is therefore to remove the separate planning application category whereby BTR may be identified as a separate development type, with specific design standards. Subject to a transitional provision for proposals in the planning system prior to publication of the updated Guidelines, the amended set of guidelines now supersede the previous two versions.
