Written Answers Nos. 246-264
246. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total spend on consulting services and on business-as-usual outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016, for each commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for 2022. [30262/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the state bodies under its aegis. These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail, by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the attached table.
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State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
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An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
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An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
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Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
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Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
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Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
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Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
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Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
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Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
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Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
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Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
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Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
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National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
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National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
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Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
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Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
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Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
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Tailte Éireann |
reps@tailte.ie |
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Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
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Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
247. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the 20 local authority housing units approved for construction in a location (details supplied) in May 2015 have finished construction; if so, their completion date; the final number of units delivered; the total cost of the project; if the development was officially opened by a Minister; if so, when that happened; if not, the reasons for the project not proceeding; the current status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30270/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of design and tender processes. The most recent CSR (Quarter 4 2022) and previous reports are available at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/14f82-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q4-2022/
www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
My Department has no record of the project referred to. However, my Department provided Stage 4 approval to a project at Boice Court in January 2023 for the delivery of 72 units.
248. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the AHB housing unit approved for construction in a location (details supplied) in January 2016 has finished construction; if so, its completion date; the total cost of the project; if the development was officially opened by a Minister; if so, when that happened; if not, the reasons for the project not proceeding; the current status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30271/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of design and tender processes. The most recent CSR (Quarter 4 2022) and previous reports are available at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/14f82-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q4-2022/
www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
The project referred to was completed in October 2018 with one new home delivered. A budget of €336k was approved for this project. I understand that the development was not officially opened by a Minister.
249. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the ten AHB housing units approved for construction in a location (details supplied) in January 2016 have finished construction; if so, their completion date; the final number of units delivered; the total cost of the project; if the development was officially opened by a Minister; if so, when that happened; if not, the reasons for the project not proceeding; the current status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30272/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of design and tender processes. The most recent CSR (Quarter 4 2022) and previous reports are available at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/14f82-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q4-2022/
www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
The project referred to was withdrawn by the Council. A revised Stage 2 submission was received by my Department in August 2022. This was subsequent to a comprehensive redesign of the scheme increasing the unit numbers to be delivered from 10 to 30. Louth County Council has advised my Department that the project was submitted for planning permission in June 2023.
250. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the seven AHB housing units approved for construction in a location (details supplied) in January 2016 have finished construction; if so, their completion date; the final number of units delivered; the total cost of the project; if the development was officially opened by a Minister; if so, when that happened; if not, the reasons for the project not proceeding; the current status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30273/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of design and tender processes. The most recent CSR (Quarter 4 2022) and previous reports are available at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/14f82-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q4-2022/
www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
The project referred to was withdrawn by North & East Housing Association due to issues regarding costs and site issues.
251. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the 24 local authority housing units approved for construction in a location (details supplied) in January 2016 have finished construction; if so, their completion date; the final number of units delivered; the total cost of the project; if the development was officially opened by a Minister; if so, when that happened; if not, the reasons for the project not proceeding; the current status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30274/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes quarterly Social Housing Construction Status Reports (CSR), which provide details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of design and tender processes.
The full set of published CSRs, can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
The project referred to was completed in Q3 2020 and a total of 24 units were delivered. A final budget allocation of €3.2m was approved for this project.
The project was not officially opened by a Minister.
252. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the 12 local authority housing units approved for construction in a location (details supplied) in January 2016 have finished construction; if so, their completion date; the final number of units delivered; the total cost of the project; if the development was officially opened by a Minister; if so, when that happened; if not, the reasons for the project not proceeding; the current status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30275/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes quarterly Social Housing Construction Status Reports (CSR), which provide details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of design and tender processes.
The full set of published CSRs, can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
The projects referred to were for 12 houses. One unit has been withdrawn and another one has been put on hold. The remaining ten units were completed in Q3 2020. A final budget allocation of €1.5m was approved for this project.
I understand that the project was not officially opened by a Minister.
253. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Government will publish its comprehensive response to the Citizens' Assembly on biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30288/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the declaration by the Dáil of a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019 and in recognition of the vital role that biodiversity plays in the continued health of our society, economy, species and planet, the Programme for Government included a commitment to hold a Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.
Efforts to date to halt the loss of nature and biodiversity in Ireland have had limited success and we need to take action to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. Biodiversity is a core element of our natural heritage, and the Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss recognised that the response to conserving and restoring biodiversity should take into account the integral heritage and cultural values of our natural world. A whole of Government, whole of society approach is required to address the crisis.
The Assembly agreed 159 recommendations, including 73 high level and 86 sectoral specific recommendations, reflecting the depth and breadth of the topics discussed. The recommendations of the Assembly will now be deliberated by the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. The Committee will, in turn, bring its conclusions to the Houses of the Oireachtas for debate. The Government will provide in the Houses a response to each recommendation of the Assembly and, if accepting some or all of the recommendations, will indicate the timeframe it envisages for implementing those recommendations.
254. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given by his Department to engaging with Uisce Éireann with a view to reducing the cost of connection charges for first-time purchasers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30291/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recently approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, which should benefit first-time and other purchasers. The measures include the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and wastewater standard connection charges.
My Department is currently working on the detailed arrangements in relation to the operation and administration of the development contribution waiver scheme and the Uisce Éireann connection charge refund scheme.
255. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a person living in voluntary housing, having been on the local authority housing list and been nominated by the local authority for voluntary housing originally, cannot apply to and get on the council transfer list if their circumstances change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30308/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters in relation to the allocation of social dwellings, including the transfer of sitting tenants to other dwellings, are the responsibility of the respective local authorities. My Department has no role in this regard.
There is no legislative or policy provision preventing a tenant in an Approved Housing Body's social dwelling, who was drawn from the local authority's social housing waiting list, from applying to be placed on a local authority transfer list. Such transfers are facilitated by local authorities in accordance with their respective allocation schemes.
256. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how a vacant property is defined under the vacant property refurbishment scheme; if a stand-alone chalet at the rear of another dwelling house qualifies under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30321/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
In July 2022 the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore, subject to appropriate planning permission being in place.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
A maximum of two grants are available to any applicant, of which one must be in respect of a home they intend to occupy as their principal private residence and the other may be in respect of a property which will be made available for rent.
The property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant approval. Proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications. Confirmation of vacancy can be validated and verified by the use of, for example, utility bills, which can help determine vacancy periods (e.g. continuous and consistent low or zero electricity usage or disconnection for a period of two years) or such other proofs as are available. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval.
The refurbishment of a vacant property for occupation may involve development that requires planning permission. Where appropriate, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit evidence that planning permission has been attained prior to final grant approval. In cases where a question arises in relation to whether a proposed development needs planning permission or is an exempted development, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit a declaration of exemption under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
The administration of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, including the application, assessment, approval and payment to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant 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. A comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
257. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the enhanced defective concrete block redress scheme. [30323/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022.
The purpose of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ('the 2022 Act'), as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021, is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the current grant scheme.
The 2022 Act which contains the enhanced grant scheme will be commenced as soon as related Regulations are completed. The Regulations will provide details for the enhanced scheme not included in the 2022 Act such as application forms and templates, per square metre grant rates and the definition of damage. Draft Regulations have been prepared, which are the subject of ongoing consultation with key stakeholders, including with homeowners’ action groups. The consultation must be concluded before the Regulations will be finalised and adopted.
I aim to commence the 2022 Act and adopt the Regulations in the coming weeks. Comprehensive information of all aspects of the Scheme will be made available online for all existing and potential applicants once commenced.
258. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline what supports, financial or otherwise, are available for a person with a disability elected to a local authority, either by his Department or the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30383/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure appropriate supports are in place for elected members with disabilities, alongside a statutory responsibility to ensure practical and appropriate access to its buildings and services under the Disability Act of 2005.
Obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with the Public Sector Duty placed on all public bodies, contribute to the development of a framework within which local authorities can ensure equitable access to policies, services and facilities for everyone, including elected members.
As part of the package of remuneration available to local authority elected members, members are entitled to avail of the Local Representation Allowance (LRA). Under the terms of this allowance of €5,160 p.a., a member may claim on a vouched basis a broad range of eligible expenses, including should they wish to engage secretarial or administrative supports to assist them in their work.
Furthermore, my Department also issues annual calls for funding to local authorities to encourage more diversity in local government decision making and structures. Local authorities would, for example, be able to submit proposals that deliver necessary accessibility or infrastructural changes to facilitate and encourage the participation of elected members with disabilities.
259. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for delivery of the URDF project in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30394/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, following a second call for proposals under the URDF, I provisionally allocated €15,611,051 in URDF support for Carlow County Council’s Public Realm and Pedestrian Linkage Project in Carlow Town. This followed Carlow County Council’s successful application under the URDF’s first call for proposals in 2018, when €580,000 in URDF support was provided towards developing a master plan for Carlow Town.
On 29 June 2022, as part of the Preliminary Business Case approval process (Decision Gate 1 under the Public Spending Code), the allocation of URDF support was increased to €17,085,027 for the Public Realm and Pedestrian Linkage Project for Carlow Town.
In December 2022, following a request from Carlow County Council, my Department issued approval to deliver this project as two separate subprojects - the Railway Link through Carlow College project and the Town Centre Regeneration Project, which includes works to Tullow Street, Potato Market, Barrack Street and Kennedy Avenue. Both elements are currently undergoing detailed design works, with a view to informing comprehensive submissions to the Department for pre-tender approval (Decision Gate 2).
Further to the above, I have also recently announced details of the third round of funding support for local authorities under the URDF. Supporting key objectives of Housing for All, Town Centre First, and the Vacant Homes Action Plan, this round of URDF support has been specifically designed to address long term vacancy and dereliction across URDF eligible cities and towns.
This will be achieved through the provision of a €150m revolving fund for local authorities to acquire long term vacant or derelict properties (residential and/or commercial) and to carry out any associated works needed to de-risk or improve the site to make it more attractive for re-use or sale. The fund would then be replenished from the proceeds received from the end use/user thereby, allowing the local authority to put in place a rolling programme of acquisitions in order to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction without recourse to borrowing and the associated financial risk.
Following engagement with the local authority sector, including Carlow County Council, I am currently considering the final eligibility criteria and parameters for this round of funding, and will notify local authorities of their approved programme and financial allocations in the coming weeks.
Finally, it should be noted that while my Department works closely and communicates regularly with Carlow County Council in respect of their URDF Programme of works, responsibility for the advancement of their supported projects through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for Carlow County Council. Accordingly, detailed queries regarding the projects should be directed to the Council.
260. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all board members have been appointed to MARA; if so, the full list of members; the name of the new CEO; how many board meetings have been held; the dates and locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30401/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs agreed by Government, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) will be formally established on 17 July 2023. Details of the board members, Chair and the CEO are available on MARA's website at the following link:
maritimeregulator.ie/board-members/
The members will be formally appointed as the board of MARA on establishment day (17 July 2023). The board members have met on six occasions, in an informal capacity, to assist with preparations ahead of MARA's formal establishment. Details of the meetings are as follows:
23 February 2023 - Custom House, Dublin
14 March 2023 - Buswells Hotel, Dublin
31 March 2023 - Government Buildings, Wexford
25 April 2023 - Custom House, Dublin
23 May 2023 - Custom House, Dublin
20 June 2023 - Custom House, Dublin.
261. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the enhanced grant scheme for the remediation of dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in County Clare to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30402/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide additional resources to a local authority (details supplied) to assist the public in completing applications under a scheme; if so, what those resources will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30403/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
The question refers to the grant scheme being established by the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022. The administrative areas of the following counties have been designated by the 2022 Act for the purposes of the enhanced grant scheme: Clare County Council; Donegal County Council; Limerick City and County Council; Mayo County Council.
My Department received a request from the local authority referred to for additional staff to support the work for the roll out of the enhanced scheme which is being considered by my Department.
The 2022 Act which contains the enhanced grant scheme will be commenced as soon as related Regulations are completed. The Regulations will provide details for the enhanced scheme not included in the 2022 Act such as application forms and templates, per square metre grant rates and the definition of damage.
I aim to commence the 2022 Act and adopt the Regulations in the coming weeks. Comprehensive information of all aspects of the Scheme will be made available online for all existing and potential applicants once commenced.
263. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on when the remediation scheme will be introduced for homeowners impacted by defective properties; if he will be introducing an interim scheme to allow homeowners to cover costs of remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30408/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the receipt of Government approval in January of this year, I have been working to progress the various programmes of work that are required to place the scheme to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013 on a statutory footing.
A key aspect of this work is developing a Code of Practice in the context of the Fire Services Acts, to provide guidance to relevant professionals, including guidance on interim safety measures. The development of this Code of Practice was a key recommendation of the Working Group I established to examine defects in Housing and I expect to be in a position to publish this Code of Practice for public consultation in the coming weeks.
This Code of Practice will be a key feature on which the operation of the statutory scheme will be based. It will support the development of a reasonable and practicable approach to resolving fire safety defects, and to ensure a consistent approach nationwide to remediation. While the Code of Practice will apply to the remediation of fire-safety defects, it could be built upon in regard to the remediation of structural and water-ingress defects in due course.
The scheme will incorporate a means or methodology, based on the Code of Practice, for prioritising the allocation and nature of support and funding, including the funding of interim measures, to ensure that the highest risk buildings will be the first to be supported.
In order to ensure that important life-safety works are not paused, remediation works related to fire safety defects, entered into or commenced from 18 January 2023, will form part of the remediation scheme, subject to terms and conditions. The details of this process are being worked out as a priority in parallel with the Code of Practice.
The scheme will be administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis and interaction and interdependency with local authority fire services and others is being considered, with the remediation of fire safety defects carried out to the satisfaction of the local authority fire services. An advice and information service and portal within the Housing Agency is in the process of being established.
In addition, work is also underway to draft the required legislation, which will include the scope, eligibility and conditions of the remediation scheme. While I am working on the development of the scheme as a matter of priority, sufficient time is required to draft the legislation to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payer’s money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures.
264. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to change the requirement for those seeking a postal vote on medical or disability grounds to have their application form certified by a medical practitioner, as this is costing €60 to €70 (details supplied). [30479/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities, in their capacity as registration authorities, are responsible for the management and maintenance of the electoral register.
Under the provisions introduced under Part III of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, rolling or continuous electoral registration (in contrast to the former annual registration process) means that people can register or update their details, including by submitting postal vote applications at any time of year up to the usual deadlines in advance of an electoral event.
Applications for a postal vote due to illness or disability must be certified by a registered medical practitioner to enable the registration authority consider and be satisfied that the applicant is unable to attend their polling station to vote on polling day due to their illness or disability as provided for under Section 14(d) of the Electoral Act 1992 as amended. The certifying medical practitioner no longer needs to provide the nature of the illness or disability, but can indicate an expected duration, which the registration authority will have regard to when assigning a postal voting arrangement. This means that for those people with longer term or ongoing issues, annual renewal will not necessarily be required.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future contains a commitment to mandate the Electoral Commission, known as An Coimisiún Toghcháin, to examine the use of postal voting, with a view to expanding its provision. An Coimisiún Toghcháin, which was established on 9 February 2023, will be requested to carry out research in respect of this matter in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9 of Part 2 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. Any reform of electoral law concerning postal voting generally will have regard to the outcome of this work.
