Written Answers Nos. 388-400
388. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the decision by some mortgage lenders not to grant mortgages on properties which would qualify for the vacant homes grant, on the grounds that the local authority will take a charge in the property, should the property be sold within ten years; the action that he is taking to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 or rent it for a period of at least five years from the date of payment of the Grant. If at any time they sell the property, it ceases to be their principal private residence or if the property is no longer available to rent 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
On completion of works and prior to the issuing of the Grant, an agreement must be concluded between the local authority and the applicant. This contains the clawback agreement, including a charge on the property, which shall be binding on the applicant upon drawdown of the grant. The charge secures the local authority’s interest in the property.
In cases where an applicant has a mortgage on the property for which the Grant has been applied for, this will be a second charge on the property. Where the applicant has a mortgage, it will always be the first or priority charge on the property.
My Department has engaged with Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and agreement has been reached with the main lending banks regarding the imposition of a second charge on properties in respect of the Grant.
389. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the proposals from Uisce Éireann to upgrade Ringsend water treatment plant, including a detailed timeline for this and how it will impact on the protection of the bathing waters in Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31101/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of public water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects are a matter for Uisce Éireann, and are approved through its own internal governance structures.
Uisce Éireann is investing over €500 million in the upgrading of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, which treats over 40% of Ireland’s wastewater. This major upgrade of a “live” operational plant has been progressing on a phased basis and will reduce the total pollutant load being emitted into Dublin Bay. The project will provide new capacity to treat the wastewater for a population equivalent of 2.1 million while achieving the standards of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive by the end of 2023, and up to a population equivalent of 2.4 million by end 2025. Uisce Éireann has also upgraded the sewer network within key catchments and is continuing to plan and execute improvements right across the system.
On bathing water, the quality of Ireland's designated bathing waters continues to improve nationally, with 97% of the 148 identified bathing waters meeting or exceeding the minimum required standard. The primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of bathing water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 79/2008), as amended. Section 15 of these regulations sets out the requirement for local authorities to implement timely and adequate management measures to prevent pollution when they are aware of an adverse impact on bathing water quality.
In respect of the protection of water quality in Dublin Bay, protecting bathing water is a multifaceted issue of which wastewater discharges from Ringsend are one part. The latest information suggests that potential sources of pollution also includes combined sewer overflows; unauthorised misconnection to surface water drainage sewers; faeces from dogs and birds; and contaminated surface water. The Dublin Bay Task Force, chaired by Dublin City Council, is carrying out work aimed at improving bathing water quality in the Dublin Bay area and my Department is currently working directly with local authorities to examine the most suitable options to provide for safe bathing year-round and to improve the provision of information on bathing water quality.
390. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the six vacant houses (details supplied) in County Clare will be retained by Clare County Council; if the said properties will be refurbished for habitation by persons on the housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31104/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe actions to be taken with regard to 6 properties at the location referred to, are a matter for Clare County Council and exact information on this matter will be available directly from the Council. My Department has received no proposals or funding applications to date in respect of these properties.
From contacts between the Council and my Department, I understand that the Council is now working with a design team to possibly advance a housing proposal at the location. As to whether this will involve the retention of the 6 existing properties will, again, be a matter for Clare County Council.
391. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the income threshold for people applying for the local authority home loan to take into account the increase in wages and to include people who are second-chance applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31106/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
Supporting home ownership is a key objective for this Government and as part of achieving this I recently announced significant changes to the house price and income limits, with effect from 1 March 2023, which apply in the Local Authority Home Loan, which will result in more people being eligible to apply.
Increased income limits for all applicants in each local authority area are:
• €70,000 annual gross income for all single applicants nationwide
• €85,000 annual combined gross income for all joint applicants nationwide.
A 'Fresh Start' principle applies to the Local Authority Home Loans scheme for certain categories of persons who previously owned a home. In recognition of such circumstances, people who are divorced, legally separated/separated or the relationship has ended and have no financial interest in the previous family home are eligible to apply under this scheme. It also applies to people who have been divested of a home through personal insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings and who may also be eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loans Scheme. The same income limits apply for Fresh Start applicants.
I will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a relevant support for people who want to own their own home.
392. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31239/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role his Department has in setting the tenancy rates for voluntary houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31242/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31248/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31249/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 392 to 395, inclusive, together.
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) (also called housing associations or voluntary housing associations) are independent, not-for-profit organisations. They provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes; or for particular groups, such as older people or homeless people.
Since the establishment of AHBRA on 1 February 2001 all 450 AHBs are deemed registered and fall under the remit of AHBRA. The vast bulk of AHBs are also registered charities and, as such, cannot divest themselves of charitable assets under the provisions of the Charities Acts.
While subsequent to the completion of the terms and agreement of any state funding, the AHB is the sole owner of a property. However, any disposal of property would have to comply with its own Articles of Association, and any obligations as a charity. It would be advisable for an AHB to consult with the Charities Regulator if it is a registered charity.
However, it is a matter of general policy that AHB homes developed for social housing purposes are retained as such.
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. As Minister I have no role in this regard.
The allocation of scheme is made by the elected members under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and in compliance with Social Housing Allocation Regulations made thereunder, and specifies, among other things, the manner of, and the order of priority for, the allocation of dwellings to households on the housing and transfer lists. Under section 22, an allocation scheme shall apply to dwellings owned or under the control of a local authority, as well as dwellings provided by an AHB with Exchequer funding.
My Department provides a range of funding streams, through local authorities, to assist AHBs with the delivery of social housing, examples of which include the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) with a Payment and Availability Agreement, or the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). The Capital Loan Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) was closed to new applications in 2011.
The terms and conditions, including nomination rights and rent setting, of these funding schemes are set out in my Department's Memorandum on Capital Funding Schemes for the Provision of Rental Accommodation by Approved Housing Bodies (Voluntary and Co - Operative Rental Housing): VHU: 2/02 of May 2002 and related circulars, and the relevant mortgage, loan agreements and Payment and Availability Agreements in force between the relevant local authority and AHB.
Once these units have reached the end of their mortgage/charge period, the properties are considered unencumbered and the terms of the funding agreements no longer apply; including rent setting, monitoring and reporting responsibilities and nominations from the local authority. In addition, some AHBs have acquired units without the assistance of State funding including from fundraising, donations and bequests and utilise these units for the provision of accommodation to those qualified for social housing support.
My Department is looking further at this issue, and indeed wider issues facing the AHB sector as it expands its delivery on behalf of the state. An internal working group, the AHB Unencumbered Units Working Group, has been established to look at options on how to ensure the continued use of these units for social housing support use. Its membership comprises the relevant policy areas within my Department.
396. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage of funding given towards the building of voluntary houses; if a breakdown can be provided for each voluntary housing group for the Kerry area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31250/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of 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/
There are a broad range of funding and delivery mechanisms available to local authorities to deliver social housing and related supports in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). My Department does not fund AHBs directly, but rather provides the funding primarily to the local authorities, who, in turn, channel the funds to the AHBs as appropriate.
Details on the funding provided to each individual AHB is not readily available within my Department. However, the capital funding provided to the local authorities in 2022, under the two main AHB social housing delivery programmes, i.e. the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) and the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), amounted to over €400 million. Funding provided to Kerry County Council under these two schemes in 2022 amounted to €12 million.
397. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the implementation of the programme for Government commitments in relation to local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31257/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future in respect of the local government sector that are a matter for my Department to drive implementation of. An update on these is set out below.
In relation to the Directly Elected Mayor of Limerick, my Department is engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) Bill, which is well advanced. Finalisation of this complex Bill has been identified as a priority and my Department is working towards the publication of the Bill shortly. It is hoped that the Bill will progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter. The timing of the Limerick Mayoral Election will be a matter for Government. In advance of the election, a public information campaign about this significant change in the way in which Limerick will be governed will be very important and my Department will be working with Limerick City and County Council to ensure that information is provided to the public in Limerick.
The 2022 Dublin Citizens’ Assembly was asked to consider the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin”. Its final report was presented to the Taoiseach in January 2023, and contains 18 recommendations. This report is being referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for consideration of its recommendations. It is also being asked to provide advice on the requirement for the holding of a plebiscite to determine if Dublin should have a directly elected Mayor and local government structures, and to propose draft wording for such a plebiscite if appropriate. The Committee is being asked to report by the end of 2023. The Report is also under consideration by officials in my Department with a view to bringing forward a comprehensive response to the Report for Government’s consideration in early 2024. The outcome of the Joint Oireachtas Committee process will inform Government’s final deliberations.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant and unprecedented support was provided to ratepayers by local government, underwritten by Exchequer funding. The commercial rates waiver schemes provided support to businesses and financial certainty to local authorities. Commercial rates waivers, in various guises, applied from April 2020 to March 2022. In total the Exchequer underwrote commercial rates waivers amounting to €1.27bn in the period.
The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 was passed by the Oireachtas and enacted on 11 July 2019. Amendments are required to address key technical issues in the Act before commencing the remaining provisions. Commencement of the provisions of the 2019 Act is an important element in a commitment in the Programme for Government to examine ways to further streamline the commercial rates system post Covid-19. Plans to address the required amendments and commence the legislation were delayed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Work is underway to address the required amendments.
Until 2022, 80% of the estimated LPT liability in each local authority area for a given year was retained in that area to fund public services, notwithstanding any local variation decisions. The remaining 20% of LPT was re-distributed to provide equalisation funding to those local authorities that have lower property tax bases. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the LPT allocation mechanism for 2023 is changed to allow for 100% of the estimated yield to be retained locally within the local authority area where it is collected.
To support the operation of municipal districts in strengthening local democracy, communities, villages and towns in a sustainable manner, my Department undertook a process of consultation with the local government sector on how this could best be achieved. The results of these findings, together with the Institute of Public Administration’s review of municipal districts were used to inform Best Practice Recommendations for Local Authorities on the operation of Municipal Districts, which was issued to the Chief Executives of the 31 local authorities in November 2022.
My Department worked with the Department of Community and Rural Development on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the development of the economic elements of Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These guidelines were launched in November 2021. Under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, local authorities themselves are charged with responsibility for promoting and supporting economic development of their local areas.
My Department has recently engaged the Institute of Public Administration to carry out a review of local authority Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs). The review is being carried out in the context of the commitment to ‘mandate the establishment of climate action SPCs in each local authority’ and is expected to take approximately six months. It will examine how the SPC system is operating on the ground in terms of its objectives and to propose any changes for consideration to enhance its operation, role and impact. A Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) has been established to oversee, advise on and steer this review of SPCs, further information about which may be found on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f96ec-a-stakeholder-working-group-swg-for-the-review-of-local-authority-strategic-policy-committees/
The pay related recommendations of the “Independent Review of the Role and Remuneration of Elected Members”, overseen by Sara Moorhead SC, have been implemented and a significant reform of the remuneration package available to councillors introduced with effect from 1 July 2021.
Acting on recommendations arising from the Moorhead Review, a Training and Professional Development stakeholder working group, chaired by the Department and including representatives of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA), was established in 2021 to review training delivered to elected members. It is intended that this review will identify gaps in training provision and explore how a structured programme of training can be developed to ensure a comprehensive and consistent approach, particularly for newly elected members. It is also intended that the working group’s review will identify training that could be delivered by local authorities, including the participation of elected members in local authority staff training and workshops on topical matters, e.g. the county development plan process. The group is currently examining the delivery of both induction and refresher induction, as well as localised customised training.
The Local Government (Maternity Protection and Other Measures for Members of Local Authorities) Act 2022 was enacted in December 2022. Under this legislation, councillors are now subject to many of the same protections as afforded to employees under the Maternity Protection Act 1994 (as amended). This legislation also allows the option for a councillor to appoint an individual as a temporary substitute in their place if absent on maternity leave or due to illness.
In relation to commitments for more family friendly councils, my Department has funded a number of resources aimed at providing guidance to local authorities in the area of flexible work practices, including the National Women’s Council of Toolkit for Local Authorities on Supporting Family-Friendly Local Government.
In recognition of the potential for the use of technology to strengthen local democracy, particularly to increase accessibility and transparency of local government in action, the Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, has approved funding for a pilot programme aimed at local authorities where the infrastructure in the main council chamber/s is inadequate for hybrid meetings. This initiative will provide part-funding for the purchase and installation of hardware, such as cameras and audio equipment.
In relation to the commitment to empower local authorities to encourage improved gender and ethnic mix in local elections, my Department:
• in 2021, provided €62,000 in funding to 15 local authorities, and one inter-county group supported by the AILG and See Her Elected, for the establishment of women's councillor caucuses.
• since 2019, issued an annual Call for Funding to local authorities for projects which aim to build general awareness of local government and encourage participation in local decision-making structures, particularly among women, minority and diverse communities, with funding totalling €192,200 awarded to 18 local authorities in 2022.
My Department also operates a funding scheme to incentivise political parties to increase the number of women candidates in local elections. This scheme is open to all registered political parties and in the interests of inclusivity, to official representative groups of independents. In December 2022, €215,594 was allocated across 8 political parties and 1 independent group, for initiatives such as a Party Diversity Officer, a public information meeting targeting new voters in Ireland, national campaigns encouraging and facilitating female participation, and an annual women’s conference.
398. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what powers, if any, the EPA or a local authority have under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008, or any other legislation, in relation to directing Uisce Éireann to take corrective action where systems under its control are causing pollution of designated bathing waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31291/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and protection of bathing waters requires an integrated catchment management approach incorporating the physical, geographical, social and hydrological characteristics of the catchment area of the bathing water and careful management of activities that could be a source of pollution.
The primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of bathing water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. The local authorities are responsible for managing and monitoring identified bathing waters, in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 79/2008). Section 15 of these regulations sets out the requirement for local authorities to implement timely and adequate management measures to prevent pollution when they are aware of an adverse impact on bathing water quality.
Since 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level, including investment in waste water treatment plants and returning waste water safely to the environment in an efficient and sustainable manner.
The Environmental Protection Agency is the key statutory body for investigating complaints of pollution and for the enforcement, both directly and through oversight of Uisce Éireann and local authorities, of environmental legislation in Ireland, including compliance in relation to licensed urban waste water discharges.
399. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the new cost-rental subsidy scheme, including who will be eligible to access the fund; the level of subsidy; the form of subsidy, that is, grant aid, equity and so on; whether there will be a clawback provision; and when the scheme will open to applicants. [31379/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recently approved the development of a new Cost Rental Subvention Scheme with the objective of further improving the viability and increasing the supply of Cost Rental homes at scale, targeting rents which are at least 25% below prevailing market rates.
In this regard, the Government has agreed to commit, subject to further discussion with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, between €500 million and €750 million as part of this initiative to complete 4,000 to 6,000 additional apartments under the Cost Rental system.
My Department is currently working on the design of the Scheme and further details will be available when that work concludes.
400. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a progress report on Housing For All. [30979/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All was published 2 September 2021 and the Government published its first annual update of the plan's actions on 2 November 2022. Progress reports are published quarterly. The eighth of these reports, covering progress in Q2 2023, is due for publication in the coming weeks. These reports can be accessed at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
Under Housing for All, the supply of new homes is increasing. Almost 30,000 homes were delivered in 2022. This is the highest annual total since the CSO series began in 2011, and a more than 45% increase on 2021’s delivery. A further 6,716 new homes were added to the national housing stock in Q1 2023. This an increase of 19% on Q1 2022, when 5,669 new homes were completed, and the highest number of Q1 completions recorded since the series began in 2011.
A copy of Housing for All and the Housing for All Action Plan Update can be accessed at the following respective links:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/
www.gov.ie/en/publication/da0d1-action-plan-update-and-q3-2022-progress-report/
