Michael Ring
Ceist:219. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend his proposals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3761/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (219)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of addressing building defects. These include a commitment to examine defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report Safe as Houses? Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates these commitments.
In this regard, in advance of the establishment of the working group to examine defects in housing, my Department actively engaged with key stakeholders on the proposed remit of the group. In this regard, submissions from homeowner representative groups focused on multi-unit developments.
The working group to examine defects in housing held its first meeting in March 2021. The group’s terms of reference, which were agreed and adopted in May 2021, focused on fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The report of the working group Defects in Apartments was published at the end of July 2022.
I received Government approval on 18 January 2023 to draft legislation to support the remediation of such apartments and duplexes. This legislation will provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a remediation scheme aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of those living in apartments or duplexes with such defects that occurred during construction.
Separately, in response to the difficulties that homeowners are facing due to the presence of deleterious material in their houses, my Department has put a number of measures in place to support homeowners including providing considerable financial assistance to remediate their homes. These include the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme, both of which are underpinned by legislation.
Question No. 220 answered orally.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (221)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:221. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the research by or on behalf of his Department into premature deaths of persons experiencing homelessness. [3810/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not directly conducted or commissioned research into premature deaths of persons experiencing homelessness.
However, a review of homeless deaths was undertaken on behalf of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) by Dr Austin O’Carroll. The review analysed the available data concerning deaths in homeless services for 2020 to identify learnings for homeless and health services that could help tailor the provision of care to homeless people. This ‘Interim Report on Mortality in Single Homeless Population 2020’ was completed in June 2021. In the report, Dr O’Carroll notes that the most important step in reducing mortality amongst the homeless population is the reduction of long-term homelessness. The report notes that the Housing First model is “the optimum approach to achieve this objective”. Housing First enables homeless individuals with high levels of complex needs to obtain permanent secure accommodation with the provision of intensive housing and health supports to help them maintain their tenancies. Housing for All commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, with more than 1,300 additional Housing First tenancies planned over the next five years. This will ensure that Housing First continues to operate and expand in every county of Ireland. It will involve an average of 264 new tenancies per annum, with the specific annual targets for each region now set out in the plan. This comes on the heels of the first Housing First National Implementation, which completed in December 2021, exceeding its four-year target by over 90 additional tenancies.The report makes recommendations in the areas of data collection and analysis, and a pilot study on data collection of homeless deaths nationally is being undertaken by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department of Health. The study is currently being finalised for publication in February. The research applied the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, involved the review of approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts. My Department continues to engage with the Department of Health and the Health Research Board on this study.My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities to continue to deliver the appropriate measures to support all individuals experiencing homelessness including those with complex needs.
Fire Service
Ceisteanna (222)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:222. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the person who ultimately made the decision to exclude certain members of all ranks of Dublin Fire Brigade from the pandemic payment; the information they are working off in relation to same; and the person or body that supplied them with the information. [3811/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 19 January 2022, the Government announced their decision to make a Covid-19 recognition payment for frontline healthcare workers to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. This once-off payment is ring fenced to staff who were ordinarily onsite in Covid-19-exposed healthcare environments within the period from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021. It applies to eligible staff in the public health service and six other specific cohorts, one of which is staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver paramedic services on behalf of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, the recognition payment is payable only to those employees of Dublin Fire Brigade who delivered such services in the period in question. I understand that all staff of Dublin Fire Brigade who they confirmed met this criteria have now received payment.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (223)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:223. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proof that is required under the Croí Cónaithe towns fund to show that a property is the applicant's principle primary residence. [3817/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.In July 2022, the 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, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November 2022.On 21 September 2022, the Ready to Build Scheme was launched, also funded under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under this 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.Proof of ownership is required to support the grant application as part of assessing eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. A local authority may give approval in principle to a grant application where the applicant is able to provide evidence of active negotiations to purchase a property. Examples of proof that may be submitted to prove ownership include:
- a title deed or similar legal instrument proving ownership of the property,
- evidence of current paid buildings insurance policy,
- evidence of payment of Local Property Tax or;
- a mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months.
As part of the conditions associated with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, there is a requirement that the applicant(s) will live in the qualifying property as their principal private residence for a period of at least five years from the date of payment of the Grant. If at any time they sell the property or it ceases to be their principal private residence within ten years, they must reimburse the local authority an element of the full value of the Grant, as follows:
- Up to 5 Years – 100% of the monetary amount of the Grant
- Over 5 Years and less than or equal to 10 years – 75% of the monetary amount of the Grant
- Over 10 Years – No Clawback
An agreement must be concluded between the local authority and the applicant which contains the clawback agreement, including a charge on the property, which shall be binding on the applicant upon drawdown of the grant.
Individuals with interest in schemes under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund can contact the dedicated Vacant Homes Officer in their local authority who will be able to provide information and advice concerning the application process.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (224)
Niall Collins
Ceist:224. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assistance that may be available for a family (details supplied) via the current schemes to assist with house purchase and rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3830/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Pathway 4 of Housing for All a blueprint is set out 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 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 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.
Under the Housing for All strategy, the Government has introduced a multi-faceted approach to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system. This includes a number of affordability measures which have been introduced for First Time Buyers and targeted to increase new build stock. This includes the First Home Scheme, the local authority affordable purchase scheme and the Local Authority Home Loan.
Separately, a new form of long-term sustainable home rental has been introduced in the form of Cost Rental tenancies. It is targeted at households with incomes above the social housing limits, but who cannot afford to purchase or rent their own home on the open market. Cost Rental provides tenants with secure tenancies in sustainable, long-term homes. Under the Cost Rental model, rents for homes are set to cover only the cost of financing, building, managing and maintaining the homes. Importantly, one of the conditions of this scheme is that households must have net income (i.e. the level of income after tax) of less than €53,000. Under the Housing for All targets, the delivery of Cost Rental homes will be scaled up and implemented in areas with a high affordability constraint as soon as practicable.
Lastly, it is important to note that amendments in respect of eligibility for social housing supports were made in December 2022 which increased baseline income thresholds. This saw the threshold in Limerick increase by €5,000 to €35,000 per annum net. These baseline figures would be adjusted to reflect the number of children in each household. Under the social housing ‘Household Means Policy’, certain incomes are not assessable including a number of social welfare payments such as Disablement Benefit/Pension. Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support, the most appropriate form of any such support, and the allocation of that support should be progressed through the local authority concerned.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (225)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:225. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of Part V social housing units by local authority for 2020, 2021 and 2022. [3832/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The tables below, sets out an indicative average cost of Part V delivered units for each local authority for the years 2020/2021/2022. This information is based on recoupment claims submitted by local authorities to my Department. It should be noted that average costs vary depending on design and type of units (e.g. bedroom numbers, apartment/house). Average costs are also determined by the number of units delivered in individual local authorities.
The information is based on the financial information available to my Department of funding sought by and provided to the local authorities. It is possible that some Part V properties, while recorded as delivered, may not as yet have had the full costs claimed or recouped. Delivery does not necessarily occur in the year of approval or spend.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (226)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:226. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average annual cost of Part V leasing social housing units by local authority for 2020, 2021 and 2022. [3833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments, including Part V leasing.
The average lease cost is calculated based on claims for operational new units submitted by local authorities and recorded on my Department’s SHCEP financial management system and does not necessarily represent the amount delivered in that period.
A breakdown by local authority of the average annual unit cost of Part V leasing for 2020, 2021 and to the end of Q3 2022 can be found in Table 1 below:
Table 1: Average annual cost of Part V Leasing for 2020, 2021 and to end of Q3 2022 by Local Authority
|
Local Authority |
2020 |
2021 |
Q3 2022 |
|
Cork City |
€0 |
€0 |
€19,176 |
|
DLR |
€14,210 |
€14,210 |
€14,210 |
|
Dublin City |
€17,028 |
€18,156 |
€18,852 |
|
Kerry |
€0 |
€7,728 |
€7,728 |
|
Kildare |
€0 |
€20,751 |
€18,176 |
|
Kilkenny |
€11,520 |
€11,520 |
€11,520 |
|
Meath |
€0 |
€0 |
€15,045 |
|
South Dublin |
€14,310 |
€14,310 |
€14,310 |
|
Tipperary |
€8,400 |
€8,400 |
€8,400 |
|
Westmeath |
€5,270 |
€5,270 |
€5,270 |
|
Total |
€14,201 |
€14,716 |
€14,850 |
In the context of the phasing out of long term leasing by end 2025, the future of the Part V leasing option is currently under review.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (227)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:227. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of turnkey social housing units by local authority for 2020, 2021 and 2022. [3834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The tables below set out an indicative average cost of social housing delivered through Turnkey projects for each local authority for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. This information is based on recoupment claims submitted by local authorities to my Department. It should be noted that average costs vary depending on design and type of units (e.g. bedroom numbers, apartment/house). Average costs are also determined by the number of units delivered in individual local authorities. The information is based on the financial information available to my Department of funding sought by and provided to the local authorities. It is possible that some Turnkey properties, while recorded as delivered, may not as yet have had the full costs claimed or recouped. Delivery does not necessarily occur in the year of approval or spend.
The Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) funding is capital support provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction, acquisition or refurbishment of new social housing homes. This loan facility can support up to 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the housing units provided to local authorities for social housing use under long-term lease arrangements known as Payment and Availability Agreements.
The local authority issues the CALF monies to the AHB and the local authority, in turn, recoups same from the Department. The remainder of the capital cost is sourced by the AHB through other borrowings, to which the local authorities are not party.
Constituency Commission
Ceisteanna (228)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Dáil Éireann constituency review following the most recent census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3841/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electoral Reform Act 2022 ('the Act') provides for, among other matters, the establishment of the Electoral Commission - which will be titled An Coimisiún Toghcháin. In addition, the Act provides for the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies to be undertaken by the new Coimisiún following its establishment.
Under the provisions of the Act, the Report of an Coimisiún Toghcháin on the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies will be published within three months of the publication of final Census results. This mirrors previous arrangements whereby a Constituency Commission was required to complete its work within three months of the publication of final Census results. While the publication of final Census results is a matter for the Central Statistics Office, final results are anticipated for publication in Spring 2023.This would indicate that a final report from the Electoral Commission on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies would be expected in Summer 2023. The final determination of the constituencies for Dáil Éireann will be a matter for the Oireachtas to prescribe in legislation.
The establishment of An Coimisiún is anticipated shortly and it will carry out its Dáil and European Parliament constituency review work once it has been established.
Departmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (229)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when local authorities can expect guidelines from the working group on live streaming council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3844/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 45(5) of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) provides that a local authority may, by standing orders, regulate the right of members of the public and members of the media to be present at meetings of the local authority. This provision includes the making, by standing orders, of rules in relation to the recording or relaying of the proceedings as they take place or at a later stage.
On the 30 October 2020, my Department issued Circular LG 07/2020, “Guidelines for supplementary standing orders regulating the proceedings in relation to remote meetings of the Council”, which references public attendance at such meetings.
It is ultimately a matter for the elected members of each local authority to decide in the first instance if they wish to webcast local authority meetings and then to provide for the necessary budgetary resources to enable the provision of the necessary facilities to allow for meetings to be webcast or live streamed.
Following the publication in 2020 of the Independent Review of the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected Members, led by Ms Sara Moorhead SC, a working group of local government stakeholders was established to examine the non-pay related recommendations of the Review and to draw up an Action Plan in that regard. This included actions examining the possibility of using video conferencing facilities to allow remote attendance at, as well as the live streaming of, local authority meetings. This work is ongoing.
A number of local authorities have invested in the necessary technology and are live streaming or webcasting Council meetings. Important good practice learnings can be taken from their experiences, which can be shared across the local authority network.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (230)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the funding of €2.72 million to bring 74 vacant local authority houses back into use will be provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3849/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to supplement the local authority funding available for the preparation of vacant properties for re-letting. The funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
From 2014 to 2021, expenditure of some €261 million was recouped to local authorities under the Voids Programme which funded the return to productive use of 18,527 properties nationwide. Local authorities also provide significant funding from their own resources to address the level of vacancy within the social housing stock.
Under the 2022 Voids Programme, funding of €25 million was made available across the local authorities for the remediation of 2,273 properties. Details in relation to 2022 outturn will be available on the link below presently.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area. Funding allocations under the 2023 Programme will be announced early in 2023.
My Department and local authorities are also working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance, to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (231)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:231. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what sections of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 have yet to be commenced; if there is a timeline for the commencement of these sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3863/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electoral Reform Act 2022 ('the Act') was enacted on 25 July 2022 and section 1(5) provides that the provisions of the Act are subject to commencement orders being made. The Electoral Reform Act 2022 (Commencement) Order 2022 and the Electoral Reform Act 2022 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2022 provided for the commencement of a number of the provisions of the Act. Both statutory instruments are available online at www.irishstatutebook.ie at the following links www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/si/512/made/en/print and www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/si/720/made/en/print.
I intend making the establishment day order establishing An Coimisiún Toghcháin very shortly and once An Coimisiún has been established the remaining elements of section 4, Parts 2 and 3 of the Act along with Part 9 of the Act will be commenced.
Parts 4 and 5 of the Act have also not yet been commenced. The provisions in Parts 4 and 5 were formally notified in draft form to the European Commission in accordance with the requirements of the notification procedure as set out in Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services (codification). Under the notification procedure, the Commission delivered a detailed opinion to Ireland in respect of Part 4 and provided observations in respect of Part 5. My Department is continuing to engage with the European Commission with a view to resolving outstanding issues prior to the commencement of Parts 4 and 5 of the Act.
Finally, sections 182, 183, 187, 189, 192, 193 and 199 (except insofar as it relates to the insertion of section 91 into the Electoral Act 1997) of Part 7 have not been commenced. These provisions will be commenced at the appropriate time following the preparation and publication by the Standards in Public Office Commission of updated guidelines that are required under sections 4 and 89 of the Electoral Act 1997 (as amended).
Building Regulations
Ceisteanna (232)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:232. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the proposed amendments to building regulations regarding fire safety and proposals in relation to smoke toxicity and building materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3864/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 20 January 2023, I launched a three-month public consultation on proposed amendments to Building Regulations relating to fire safety. The proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in new buildings and support the re-use of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements. The review is also a key action of the government’s Housing for All plan, which commits to an ongoing review of Building Regulations to drive compliance and standards through regulatory reform. Fire safety regulations for dwelling houses were updated in 2017. The regulations currently out for public consultation relate to fire safety requirements in all other buildings.
Changes in the design and construction of buildings, with taller and larger, more complex layouts; the use of new and innovative building systems and materials; changes in the provision of heating, ventilation, and access for the health and safety of occupants; and improvements in energy performance, have necessitated a review of Part B – Fire Safety and the associated Technical Guidance Document B (TGD B). The review has also taken into account common and emerging building trends; developments and events from a global perspective; matters relating to external fire spread; external fire resistance; internal fire resistance; cladding systems, sprinklers; and the review into the Grenfell fire.
The proposed TGD B, across the entirety of its guidance, provides a means of limiting fire growth and spread via elements of construction - in relation to building materials there is specific guidance in respect of the classification of internal and external linings that restricts fire propagation, and in some cases, limits smoke and flaming droplet production in a manner that is adequate to ensure the health and safety of people in and about buildings.
In carrying out the review, specific regard was given to the holistic requirements of the Building Regulations in Ireland; the framework of administration set out under the Building Control Regulations; fire safety; planning, and Irish health and safety laws; and Irish policy documents outlining national strategy and objectives, such as Housing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland; and Fire Safety in Ireland – The Report of the Fire Safety Task Force 2018.
The proposed amendments to the Building Regulations in respect of fire safety include updates to means of alert in case of fire, an inhibition to the spread of fire over the face of the building, and the provision of information to building owners in respect of fire safety systems installed in the building.
Details of the public consultation page can be found at www.gov.ie/en/consultation/1ed7c-public-consultation-on-the-review-of-part-b-fire-safety-of-the-building-regulations/ . I encourage all interested parties to make a submission to partbconsultation@housing.gov.ie by 5pm on 21 April 2023.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (233)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which housing policy can and is being modified to deliver the end product at an accelerated pace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3897/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Housing for All commits to increasing the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 new homes per year. It has secured and sustained levels of State investment of over €4bn a year, giving the construction sector the certainty it needs to help ensure the ambition of the Plan is realised and 300,000 new homes are built by 2030.
Supply is increasing. The 2022 target of 24,600 homes will be exceeded. Recent indicators show that the Plan is working:
- 7,544 homes were completed in Q3 2022, a rise of 62.5% from the same quarter in 2021.
- The number of new home completions for the first three quarters of 2022 was 20,807, which is more than was seen for the whole of 2021 (20,560) or any other year since the series began in 2011.
- In 2022, building commenced on almost 27,000 new homes.
- Planning permission was granted for 40,030 homes in the year ending Q3 2022. This is a 2.4% increase when compared to the same time period to Q3 2021 (39,077).
The ERSI forecast that 54,000 homes will be completed in the two years 2022 and 2023 (28,000 and 26,000, respectively), which is in line with Housing for All projections for the period.
Housing for All has in-built flexibility to review actions and targets, as needed. The first annual update of the Plan was published on 2 November 2022 and sets out how the Government is responding to the current challenges in the housing sector. The update identifies 33 high-priority actions to activate and accelerate the delivery of housing supply, whilst also continuing to deliver on the fundamental reforms set out in the Plan.
Acting now, with measures like the extension of the LDA’s Project Tosaigh; the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) initiative; increasing the subvention to local authorities under the Affordable Housing Fund; and the recent increase in the Cost Rental Equity Loan for AHBs, will further improve viability, and get sites activated that might not otherwise be developed.
In parallel, we will continue to deliver on the fundamental reforms set out in the Plan, such as addressing the cost of construction; accelerating the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction, particularly in the delivery of public housing; and reforming the planning system to ensure a simpler, more streamlined process for all stakeholders.
The updated Action Plan can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/da0d1-action-plan-update-and-q3-2022-progress-report/ .
The challenges arising in the housing market are under constant review right across Government and the Government and I continue to explore options to ensure that housing policy can and is being modified to deliver at an accelerated pace.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (234)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants on the various housing lists held by the various local authorities nationwide as of 1 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3898/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area is provided in the annual Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2021, is available at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/f6119-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2021-key-findings/ .
While the average waiting time per local authority list is not captured, details on the length of time spent on the respective lists local authority are included in tables 2.8 and A1.8 in the report.
I expect the 2022 SSHA report to be available towards end-February.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (235, 237, 238, 239, 242)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if plans can be put in place to arrange for modular-or chalet-type wooden housing as a means of addressing the severe housing shortage as well as the shortage of accommodation for asylum seekers, with a view to reducing the dependence on high priced rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which housing availability to the local authority under the part 5 procedure continues to be made available to Kildare County Council or approved housing bodies; the extent to which this is impacting on the numbers on the local authority housing waiting list; the extent to which regulations affecting their allocation to suitable applicants continue to be determined by way of statutory regulations or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3901/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of houses provided by approved housing bodies in County Kildare for suitably qualified applicants in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3902/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of houses provided by approved housing bodies, by county, for suitably qualified applicants in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3903/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which it is expected to address the large numbers of applicants for local authority houses currently on waiting lists over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3906/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 237, 238, 239 and 242 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 also include details of the locations and delivery streams for social housing schemes. The Plans have been published on the local authorities own websites.
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. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update and Quarter 3 2022 Progress Report, 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.
Modern Methods of Construction is used to describe a range of offsite manufacturing and innovative onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional house building. Modern Methods of Construction can be completed dwelling units manufactured in a factory setting and transported to site, or panelised components manufactured in a factory and assembled on site. All Modern Methods of Construction systems must be of a high quality, comply with all requirements of the Building Regulations and have a 60-year durability.
Funding of €94m was provided to local authorities to address legacy land debts in December 2022. The provision of this funding was linked to the immediate development of a housing proposal, a commitment to use MMC and construction to start in 2023 or no later than 2024.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and approved housing bodies in each local authority. 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/
Further details on Part V delivery by each local authority is also published on my Department's website. This provides details on Part V delivery by each local authority and approved housing body delivery in each local authority area. This is available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/fd048-affordable-housing-and-part-v-statistics/
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location 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 3 2022. All Construction Status Reports are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
The oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.
Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households.
It is the local authority which assesses housing applicants, taking into account factors such as the condition and affordability of existing accommodation, medical and compassionate grounds, etc. The authority then prioritises the needs of approved applicants in accordance with its allocation scheme.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (236)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps, if any, he has taken to improve the planning process in terms of more rapid determination of applications and appeals to An Bord Pleanála, having regard to the situation in respect of backlogs and waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In November 2022, following an updated assessment by An Bord Pleanála of resourcing issues likely to emerge as a result of planning applications in respect of proposed developments under the National Development Plan and other infrastructure projects, of the Board’s new marine functions, as well as a number of new senior positions approved under the Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála in accordance with its 2022-2023 Workforce Plan, the Board sought sanction for 34 additional posts. My Department provided sanction for these additional 34 posts in December 2022 and the Board is currently in the process of filling these positions.Furthermore, three temporary ordinary Board members were appointed to the Board in early January 2023 and I intend to make further temporary Board appointments in the near future. In addition, there is an ongoing competition in the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to recruit a further ordinary board member with a specialist marine planning background and an appointment is due to be made for this Board position in February following interviews.An Bord Pleanála has received an exchequer allocation of €26.9 million for 2023, which is an increase of €4.7million on its 2022 allocation.
Under the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022, which was approved by Government on 13 December 2022, it is proposed to introduce statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes under the planning code, including appeals and other decisions by the Board, in order to bring greater certainty to the planning consent process in respect of decision timelines. Where the Board fails to make decisions within the prescribed timelines, it will be subject to fines. My Department is continuing to work with the Board to finalise the exact timelines that will be applied and these will be included in the finalised Bill. It is intended that the timelines will be introduced on a phased basis once the legislation is enacted.
Question No. 237 answered with Question No. 235.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 235.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 235.