Tuesday, 21 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 477-506

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (477)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

477. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any staff situated at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13452/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

At present there are no staff directly situated at the station in Claremorris in County Mayo.

However, staff based in Met Éireann's Dublin offices attend the Claremorris station on a regular basis to maintain the equipment and a caretaker maintains the grounds at that location.

Question No. 478 answered with Question No. 419.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (479)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

479. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how An Bord Pleanála is resourced to process applications for off-shore wind farms. [13485/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (480)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

480. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the proposed staffing levels for An Bord Pleanála for its new marine and climate unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (481)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

481. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what measures are proposed to ensure that An Bord Pleanála’s new marine and climate unit is effectively resourced to robustly process the number of planning applications expected from offshore-wind projects in future years. [13487/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Fire Stations

Ceisteanna (482)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

482. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a timeline for the delivery of a Fire Station in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13490/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy and progressing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

In December 2020, I announced a new Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:

- Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station;

- established Health and Safety needs;

- state of development of the project; and

- value for money offered by the proposal.

This new Programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire engines. In order to maximise the available Capital Programme funding, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and that offer best value-for-money, taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally.

Project consideration stages in my Department include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of a design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; a planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.

Following the receipt of the Strategic Assessment Report on ‘Fire & Emergency Cover in West Dublin‘ commissioned by Dublin City Council, my Department wrote to the Chief Fire Officer outlining its support for this project's progression to the next step of the public spending code. That next step is the production of a Preliminary Business Case analysis, examining the final option recommendations detailed within the Strategic Assessment Report. My Department will consider Dublin City Council's business case once it has been received.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (483)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

483. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether it is acceptable the inordinate amount of time it is taking An Bord Pleanála to make decisions on planning applications which have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála; if he will acknowledge the detrimental effect that these delays are having on people and in particular people who want to expand their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13504/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Kieran O'Donnell)

An Bord Pleanála (the Board) 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 (the Act), as amended, and certain other Acts.

Section 126 of the Act 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.

Section 126 also provides that it shall be an objective of the Board to ensure that every appeal is determined within 18 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of an appeal. Where it is not possible or appropriate, because of the particular circumstances of an appeal, to determine an appeal within the 18 week period the Board is required to notify the participants in the appeal before the expiration of that period giving the reason for not meeting the objective target and specifying a date before which the Board intends to determine the appeal. Where any case has exceeded the statutory objective period then the Board will have written to the parties involved as per these statutory requirements. In circumstances where any new date is not met it is the practice of the Board to also notify the parties of that and the reason for the further delay.

It is important to acknowledge that a certain percentage of cases, due to particular circumstances, such as complexity, requests for further information from applicants for permission or further submissions from other participants including third parties, will not meet the 18 week target.

“Housing 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 was published on the Departments website on the 26 January 2023. The draft Bill has recently undergone pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing.

The draft Bill provides for the introduction of statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes, including appeals and consent applications made to An Bord Pleanála. It is intended that the timelines for the Board will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with those for Strategic Infrastructure Developments (including energy projects).

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 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,

- Increasing the limit on the overall number of ordinary members of the Board, so as to ensure that the increasing caseload can be managed, and the appropriate quorums and suitable allocation of casefiles can be assured, and

- 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.

Arrangements are being put in place for the new Board member appointment process, and in the interim temporary board members are being assigned. Since early January I have appointed five temporary ordinary board members to the Board of An Bord Pleanála, bringing its current membership to 9 (as at 20th March 2023), and further temporary appointments are expected in the near future. In addition, a full term Board appointment will be made shortly following a recent competition managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to recruit an ordinary board member with marine and environment experience.

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 Boards 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. My Department provided sanction for these additional 34 posts in December 2022 and An Bord Pleanála is in the process of filling these positions.

The Board have received an exchequer allocation of €26.9 million for 2023, which is an increase of €4.7million on the 2022 allocation.

Question No. 484 answered with Question No. 429.

Waterways Ireland

Ceisteanna (485)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

485. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of Waterways Ireland's ownership of a site (details supplied); if Waterways Ireland has any intended use for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13555/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Waterways Ireland is a navigation authority, responsible for the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1000 km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. It is the freehold owner of the Graving Dock site known as City Block 19, located at Ringsend, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin.

The site is designated within the North Lotts and Grand Canal Strategic Development Zone(SDZ) for residential, commercial and community development. Waterways Ireland is continuing to examine options including a potential disposal of the site. Should a disposal be progressed a minimum reserve price would be placed on the site reflecting a fair market value.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (486)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

486. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the full membership of the Planning Advisory Forum. [13566/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Vacant Properties

Ceisteanna (487)

David Stanton

Ceist:

487. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 9 March 2023, if he will outline the local authorities that have applied to his Department for funding to appoint extra vacant property officers; the local authorities that have been approved such funding to date; the amount each has received; the number of resulting vacant property officers that have been appointed to each of these local authorities as a result; the local authorities that have had their applications refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13628/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a a key priority for Government, as set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All. In January 2022, my Department communicated with local authorities outlining that funding, made available since 2018 to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a Vacant Homes Officer (VHO), would be increased from €50,000 to €60,000 per annum, from mid-2022.

This supports the commitment in Housing for All to ensure that VHOs are full-time. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities, including through the important role of VHOs, to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction with a view to increasing the opportunities for residential development. 30 out of 31 local authorities now have a full time VHO in place.

The role of the VHO in each local authority is:

- To actively promote and lead the uptake within the local authority of various initiatives, schemes and funding programmes to address vacancy and bring vacant properties into residential use;

- To actively engage with owners of vacant properties and other relevant stakeholders and promote use of relevant schemes and supports to bring vacant properties into use;

- To collect, monitor and assess vacancy data locally and use that data to actively engage with property owners and promote schemes to encourage activation of properties; and

- Play a communication, promotion and advisory role both internally within the local authority and externally as a contact point for members of the public and key interested parties on vacant homes/properties.

VHOs across local authorities are supported in their work by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, working with the Housing Agency, with information and advice provided and dissemination of information and best practice. Quarterly meetings of all VHOs support this sharing of knowledge.

To date, no local authorities have contacted my Department to request funding for additional VHOs. The VHO role and funding position for VHOs will be kept under review by my Department.

Wind Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (488)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

488. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he hopes to designate designated marine areas so that the planning and development of wind farms can proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13659/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 provides that I, as Minister, may designate public bodies as competent authorities for the purpose of preparing Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs). DMAPs are forward looking sub-national marine spatial plans that form part of the planning framework for the maritime area.

DMAPs provide an opportunity to align sectoral marine strategies with spatial planning while maintaining focus on the sustainable development of marine activities. In order to prepare a DMAP, a public body must first be designated as a Competent Authority by me as Minister, in accordance with Section 20 of the MAP Act 2021. It is my intention to seek to designate a number of public bodies over time, but given the Government’s September decision to prioritise Offshore Energy Development, it is anticipated that the first DMAPs will be for offshore wind.

Following designation, a proposal will be submitted to me for approval and a number of further steps (including the production of public participation statement, consultation, environmental assessment and appropriate revision) will be required before a Draft DMAP can be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The use of DMAPs will ensure that development in the maritime area  is managed in a planned, strategic and sustainable way, and provides greater certainty for all maritime users as to where development will be situated. My Department is currently working with the Department of Energy, Climate and Communications to finalise the delivery timeline for the first ORE DMAP, and I will provide that information to the House as soon as it is available.

 

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (489)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

489. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide his response to the recommendation in the UCC report Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands to develop a planning process that is more responsive to the needs of island residents, ensure greater clarity in planning policy, and proactive communication of this policy, to island residents or their representative housing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13711/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Kieran O'Donnell)

The planning process is open and transparent and allows for the public to participate regarding any planning applications lodged to a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála (the Board) in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) and it supporting Regulations.

When a planning authority makes its decision on a planning application including those located on islands, under section 34(3) of the Act the planning authority shall have regard to any written submissions or observations concerning the proposed development made to it in accordance with the permission regulations. The decision of a planning authority on a planning application may be appealed to the Board under section 37 of the Act.

When the Board makes its decision on an appeal, in accordance with article 74(2)(j) of the regulations the Board shall specify that in making a decision on an appeal the Board, in accordance with section 34(3) of the Act, has regard to submissions or observations received in accordance with the Regulations.

It should be noted that my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development and her Department are currently developing an Islands Policy and a robust action plan to accompany it.

When the Islands Policy is approved by Government and published, planning authorities and the Board when considering planning applications or appeals shall, where relevant, have regard to the policy of the Government, the Minister or any other Minister of the Government in accordance with section 34(2) and 143(1) of the Act respectively.

Therefore, any specific policies in relation to the islands and the views of local residents through submissions on planning applications shall inform the decision making process of planning authorities and the Board when considering planning applications or appeals, as appropriate.

Island Communities

Ceisteanna (490)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

490. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide his response to the recommendation in the UCC report Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands to 'Extend the Croí Cónaíthe Fund/Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme to the islands and increase the funding available'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13712/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

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 as well as on our islands 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.

The Ready to Build Scheme as part of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched in September 2022. 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.

Both schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund are available in respect of eligible properties and sites located on the islands.

The Department provides funding to of €60,000 to each local authority to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office, including a full-time Vacant Homes Officer (VHO). The role of the VHO includes identifying vacant properties in each local authority, engaging with owners, and promoting schemes available to address vacancy. This includes includes properties and owners residing on islands in where the island falls under the administrative area of that local authority.

When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review and it is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.

Inshore Fisheries

Ceisteanna (491)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

491. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with inshore fishers, their representative organisations, and their producer organisations concerning the development of offshore renewable projects and their potential impact on their livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13714/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department has made significant advances in the development of marine policy over the last number of years, including the launch of the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) and the enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act in 2021, elements of which have already been commenced. The NMPF creates an overarching framework for decision-making that is consistent, evidence-based and secures a sustainable future for all activities in the maritime area. It contains the objectives, policies and supporting actions which the Government considers necessary to support the effective management of marine activities and more sustainable use of our marine resources.

Public consultation, including consultation with fishermen and fishing organisations, was a key element throughout the development of the NMPF. Strong protections for the rights of the fishing community are enshrined in the legally binding NMPF Fisheries policies. These polices reflect the public consultation responses received from the fishing community during the development of the NMPF. Consequently, the NMPF includes a detailed section on fisheries (section 16) and a series of policies on fisheries, which will inform the assessment of all planning applications in the maritime area.

Furthermore, in response to some specific issues raised during these consultations, and in agreement with my colleagues the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a Seafood/ORE Working Group was established in May 2022 to assist the managed introduction of the offshore renewables industry into the maritime area. Captain Robert McCabe was appointed as the independent Chairperson to the Working Group for a 2 year period in May 2022.

The initial aim of the group is to agree on a binding communications protocol between the Seafood and ORE sectors by April 2023. The relevant Government Departments have also outlined some longer term objectives for the group to consider once this initial aim has been met. These include;

(1) Identification of opportunities for mutually beneficial co-existence between the two sectors;

(2) Agreement on best practice measures to ensure harmonious and safe operations at sea; and

(3) Potential input to the development of Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP2) and statutory Marine Planning Guidelines

The way in which Fisheries Policy 2 within the NMPF will be implemented will also be a subject for consideration at the Seafood/ORE Working Group, with the aim being that the group will provide expert guidance and support on the development of Fisheries Management and Mitigation Strategies as set out in the NMPF.

The inception meeting of the group took place on 20 July 2022, and was attended by 17 separate fisheries and aquaculture representative bodies, including inshore fisheries representatives and representatives of producer groups. The Working Group has continued to meet once a month since September, and all of those representative bodies continue to attend on a regular basis, which indicate a commendable commitment from the fisheries and aquaculture representatives. I understand that the group is currently negotiating on the communications and engagement aspects, and I remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached in this regard. The Chair will make recommendations on appropriate future arrangements for the working group, including the prioritisation of next issues to be discussed and resolved, consideration of the most relevant / suitable participants in each case, and the format and frequency of those engagements.

Foreshore Issues

Ceisteanna (492)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

492. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 644 of 8 September 2022, when a long running foreshore licence application will be finalised and issued to a sports club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13724/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Kieran O'Donnell)

Following extensive engagement by my Department in this longstanding matter, the case is no longer a matter to be dealt with under the Foreshore Act 1933. Instead, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has approved the granting of a State Property Lease, pursuant to the State Property Act 1954 (as amended), to the sports club in question. My Department is assisting that Department to liaise with the Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) with regard to the complex conveyancing matters that have arisen in the completion of the necessary legal instruments to underpin the transaction. I am hopeful that working with the Club's law agents these matters can be resolved quickly and the case brought to a close.

Commemorative Events

Ceisteanna (493)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

493. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department have any plans to mark the 60th anniversary of the passing of a person (details supplied) in October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13725/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department has, in past years, commemorated this individual with a grove of trees within Killarney National Park. There is also a sculpture, marking the 50th anniversary of his passing, at the entrance to Killarney House and Gardens. I am not aware of any proposals in relation to the 60th anniversary of his passing.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (494)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

494. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the reason there is no appeal mechanism for a parent to query a decision by their local authority to refuse an application for medical priority for housing as a result of a medical condition of their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13731/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Decisions on eligibility for social housing support are a matter solely for local authorities with reference to eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations.

That said, I understand local authorities have internal complaints and appeals systems which may be used to appeal cases. Such arrangements are a matter for the local authorities concerned.

Question No. 495 answered with Question No. 419.

Rental Sector

Ceisteanna (496)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

496. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the average wait-time for a response from the Residential Tenancies Board to landlords seeking to register a tenancy in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. [13749/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 419.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (498, 507)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

498. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applications for the Croí Cónaithe towns grant; the number approved and the number drawn down with totals for each question; the breakdown by local authority area and the average grant amount approved and drawn down in each local authority area. [13783/23]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

507. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons who availed of the vacant properties refurbishment grant in each month since it was announced; and the amount of money drawn down from the scheme in each month since it was announced, in tabular form. [13936/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 507 together.

Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All.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 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.

My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis. This data includes numbers of applications received by local authority, applications approved and rejected and application type. Up to 31 December 2022, the average grant amount approved was €34,787. Data on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Statistics (www.gov.ie)

Question No. 499 answered with Question No. 419.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (500)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

500. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide in tabular form the total number of homes delivered under each the following affordable homes schemes in 2022 -CREL, AHF, LDA- with a breakdown by local authority area, housing scheme name and average price. [13785/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Housing for All sets out the range of actions necessary to increase the supply of housing to the required 33,000 homes, on average, per year over the next decade. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to 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.

In implementing the key objectives under Housing for All, each local authority has prepared and published a Housing Delivery Action Plan in respect of local authority supported or overseen delivery from 2022 to 2026. 18 local authorities with a strong and identified affordable housing need were set affordable housing delivery targets and asked to include their planned affordable housing delivery in their Housing Delivery Action Plans. These plans were published on the local authorities’ respective websites in July 2022.

2022 represented the first year of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. This momentum will continue with delivery stepping up this year. A pipeline of housing delivery is in place and under continuous development by local authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and by the LDA.

Local Authorities are in the process of systematically collating information on delivery of affordable purchase and Cost Rental homes in their administrative areas (including returns for AHBs and the LDA), in the same manner as is currently undertaken for social housing. 2022 year end returns have now been submitted by Local Authorities to my Department and are currently being verified against Departmental information. Informed by this data, I expect that my Department will be in a position to report confirmed Local Authority wide 2022 social, affordable purchase and cost rental housing delivery shortly.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (501)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

501. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will explain the ongoing delay in closing the purchase of affordable homes in Kilcarberry, Dunemer and Cork; and if he will confirm when these purchases will be closed and the affordable purchasers in a position to move into their homes. [13786/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

2022 represented the commencement of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. This momentum will continue with delivery increasing significantly this year. A pipeline of affordable housing delivery is in place and under continuous development by local authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies using the Cost Rental Equity Loan and by the Land Development Agency.

Local authorities were requested to submit their data returns and information on delivery of affordable homes in their area in 2022 to my Department, in the same manner as is done for social housing. This process is now complete and statistical data on delivery across all delivery streams is currently being validated. I expect that my Department will be in a position to begin reporting on affordable delivery in national quarterly delivery statistics very shortly.

With regard to closing of the sale of each affordable home after it has been completed and delivered, conveyancing timelines are very much dependent on individual purchasers' arrangements with their mortgage provider, legal adviser and the local authority in question.

To support this new process, pro forma legal and conveyancing material were issued by my Department to all local authorities, having been agreed across stakeholders including the Law Society, all participating banks, local authorities, the Property Registration Authority and others. The sale of an affordable home is, therefore, expected to be completed shortly after the home is allocated and available for transfer to the prospective purchaser.

I can advise that sales for a number of affordable homes have now closed and the keys have been handed over to affordable purchasers in Kilcarbery in South Dublin, Dun Emer in Fingal and in schemes in Cork.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (502)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

502. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing units brought to market in 2022 in Swords, County Dublin; the forthcoming projects that are being planned to deliver housing in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13801/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Housing for All strategy sets out the range of actions necessary to increase the supply of housing to the required 33,000 homes, on average, per year over the next decade. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to 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.

In implementing the key objectives under Housing for All, each local authority has prepared and published a Housing Delivery Action Plan in respect of local authority supported or overseen delivery from 2022 to 2026. 18 local authorities with a strong and identified affordable housing need, including Fingal County Council, were asked to include assessed affordable housing need and planned affordable housing delivery in their Action Plans. I have set individual five-year Affordable Housing delivery targets for those local authorities. The Fingal plan is available to view at the following link: www.fingal.ie/sites/default/files/2022-07/Fingal%20County%20Council%20Housing%20Delivery%20Action%20Plan.pdf

2022 represented the commencement of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. This momentum will continue with delivery increasing significantly this year. A pipeline of affordable housing delivery is in place and under continuous development by local authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies using the Cost Rental Equity Loan and by the Land Development Agency.

Funding under the various streams is made available on a programme basis in support of approved affordable housing schemes, rather than by allocations to counties or areas. To date, my Department has not received an Affordable Housing Fund application from Fingal County Council for an affordable housing scheme in the Swords area.

It should be noted that Fingal County Council has recently delivered one of the first affordable purchase housing schemes in the State which is located at Dun Emer, Lusk. These homes are now completed and being made available to the allocated purchasers at sales prices well below market levels. Fingal County Council have also advised that construction of 52 affordable purchase homes at Hayestown in Rush has now commenced on site, with all 52 homes expected to be available for purchase this year. Details of this scheme and how to apply, will be announced on the Council's website in due course.

Finally, the First Home Scheme, launched in July 2022, 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 and more information can be found at www.firsthomescheme.ie/ .

Farm Inspections

Ceisteanna (503)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

503. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 24 March 2022, if he will report on the progress made implementing a State-wide local authority agricultural inspection programme in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13825/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Fifth Nitrates Action Programme for 2022 – 2025, published in March 2022, has strengthened the local authority agricultural inspection and enforcement programme to ensure that there is a significant increase in the number of inspections, follow-up actions such as enforcement notices issued, prosecutions taken and penalties applied on non-compliant farms.

In 2022 the EPA established and chair the National Agricultural Inspection Programme (NAIP) Working Group under the umbrella of the Network for Ireland's Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (NIECE). This working group provides steering on development and implementation of the NAIP. Members include representatives from local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Inland Fisheries Ireland. The NAIP commenced in 2022 and has been further enhanced in 2023.

The programme includes development and delivery of:

- A risked based inspection plan to assist local authorities in targeting inspections in waterbodies most at risk from impact from agriculture

- Templates and guidance for carrying out and recording farm inspections.

- Methodology for follow-up and closure on issues detected including promotional, monitoring and enforcement actions.

- Templates and protocols for recording inspections and the outcomes of inspections to support local authorities complying with the GAP Regulation (S.I. 113 of 2022).

- A training programme for all local authorities for implementation of these guidance and protocols (in conjunction with LANSTG), and

- Recommendation and requirements for an ICT system and support for the development of a system – the EPA NAIP Working Group

The development and enhancement of the NAIP is iterative. The EPA hosted a webinar for all local authority working on the NAIP on 24 January 2023 to discuss the 2023 programme. The EPA are currently collating local authority data on the NAIP for 2022 and the outcomes will further inform development of the programme.

In 2022, my Department offered additional funding to ten local authorities specifically for agricultural inspections under the NAIP and I intend to make further funding available in 2023.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (504)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

504. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options that are available to pyrite homeowners who have a second property available but which needs repairs; if they can avail of the croí cónaithe grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13850/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from The Housing Agency.

The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance.

The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress and is limited in its application and scope.

Scheme eligibility includes that the applicant must be the owner or joint owner of a dwelling, an application can only be made in respect of one dwelling and the dwelling must have been purchased before 12 December, 2013.

The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme which is available on the Board’s website, www.pyriteboard.ie.

Separately, 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. The Grant is exclusively available to individuals or households for which the property will be their principal private residence. Further information on the grant can also be found on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (505)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

505. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason recipients of the widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension, set at the same rate as the State pension (contributory) is not allowable as income to qualify for the tenant purchase scheme when this is a long-term payment where the State pension (non-contributory) pension, which can fluctuate, is a qualifying payment; if he will consider adding the widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension as a qualifying payment, similar to the State pension (contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme.

To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including a minimum annual reckonable income of €12,500. The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme is sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period.

For these reasons, certain income is not considered when determining an applicant's reckonable income. This includes the Widow's, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension which is currently below the minimum income threshold.

The Tenant Purchase Scheme was reviewed in 2021, with a number of amendments implemented from 1 February 2022. These included reducing the minimum reckonable income required from €15,000 to €12,500, facilitating older tenants, whose only income might be the contributory or non-contributory State pension, to buy their homes if they have the financial means to do so.

Further changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (506)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

506. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of money provided to local authorities for the payment of HAP and RAS in each of the past ten years, per local authority, in tabular form. [13935/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on social housing delivery activity in all local authority areas on the statistics page of its website. The data requested in the Question in relation to funding provided by the State for RAS tenancies from 2011 ? 2021 broken down by local authority area, and funding provided by the State for HAP tenancies in 2019?2021, broken down by local authority area, can be found on my Department’s website at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/

End of year figures for 2022 will be published shortly.