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Tuesday, 24 Oct 2023

Written Answers Nos. 319-336

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (319)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

319. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans, if any, to direct all local authorities to accept childcare expenses as a budget line when engaging third-party contractors for works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46168/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have no function in this matter.

My Department does not have direct involvement in the executive functions such as procurement, carried out by a local authority. Under Section 149 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Chief Executive of a local authority is responsible for the executive functions of the local authority, and for that purpose to manage and control generally, the administration and business of the authority, subject to law.

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), an office within the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform, was established for the purpose of centralising procurement arrangements for common goods and services right across the public sector, including Local Authorities. The OGP has established a number of Framework Agreements and Contracts for goods and general services.

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC), based in Kerry County Council, has responsibility for the operation of certain procurement categories. The LGOPC operates the SupplyGov frameworks website, acting as a central procurement authority for those categories.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (320)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

320. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of general Government capital expenditure on social and affordable housing, by local authorities, approved housing bodies and the Land Development Agency to date in 2023, by funding via voted Government capital expenditure, approved housing body borrowing for capital developments and LDA capital expenditure in each of those years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46169/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I refer to the reply to Question No. 328 of 17 October 2023.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (321, 322, 342)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

321. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when funding will be available for interim and emergency fire safety works for homeowners with Celtic Tiger era building defects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46197/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

322. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the draft legislation for the Celtic Tiger era building defects redress scheme be published. [46198/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

342. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether in situations where apartment or duplex complexes affected by defects receive offers from developers to address redress, he will outline how they will be affected in terms of eligibility for the future redress scheme, in circumstances where the developers’ payments do not cover all of the necessary work and other work needs to be paid for by the OMC; and if this extra money will be recoverable under the coming redress scheme. [46630/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 322 and 342 together.

Since 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. 

The Housing Agency will play a central role in the remediation scheme when it becomes operational. It has established a web portal to serve as a knowledge base and OMCs may indicate their potential interest in the future remediation scheme by inputting information on their developments on the portal which is available on the Housing Agency's website.  It should be noted that this portal, which is subject to conditions of use, is not a formal registration mechanism for the future remediation scheme.

Work is also underway to draft the required legislation, which will include the scope, eligibility and conditions of the remediation scheme.  The Government has agreed that remediation costs already incurred or levied prior to the introduction of the scheme will be covered under the scheme once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the scheme. The details and mechanics of this are being worked out as the legislation is drafted. 

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.  I expect the draft legislation to be published in the first half of 2024 and, subject to the legislative process, it is intended that the statutory scheme will be in place later in 2024.

Question No. 322 answered with Question No. 321.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (323)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

323. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of social housing leases currently being funded by his Department with a breakdown of the number of units in each leasing category that is, long-term leasing, enhanced leasing, mortgage to rent, lease to own, and so on; and the total cost per year of each of these categories, in tabular form. [46199/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments. Dwellings under the scheme come from a number of different sources including private owners, Part V and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).

Details of the number of units and funding of the Social Housing Leasing Programme can be found on my Department's website at the following links:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/

Number of units - assets.gov.ie/253731/385ff381-c907-4698-aeff-097f6ca0b319.xlsx

Funding - assets.gov.ie/99984/d10e5f7c-a0f5-40ab-9ccf-0559e22f3afa.xlsx

The social housing leasing scheme includes properties leased by AHBs directly, leased by local authorities from private owners under long term and short term agreements, Enhanced leasing, Mortgage to Rent, NARPS, Part V Leasing, the Repair and Leasing Scheme and Unsold Affordables.

Data for Q2 2023 is currently being compiled and will be available in the coming weeks.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (324)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

324. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the legislation underpinning the first right of refusal for private renters to purchase their rental homes when the landlord is selling will be published [46200/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government's Legislation Programme for Autumn 2023, published in September, includes the Residential Tenancies (Right to Purchase) Bill for priority publication this session.

Defective Building Materials

Ceisteanna (325)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

325. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of the €65 million allocated for defects in budget 2023 that has been spent to date with a breakdown on how much was spent on pyrite remediation, defective block and any other category, in tabular form. [46201/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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. 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. 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.

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 which contains the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme commenced on 22 June 2023 and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023. The enhanced scheme provides very considerable enhancements over the old Scheme for eligible homeowners.

There is a time lag between grant approval and the draw down of funding for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme and not all homeowners will start work immediately after receipt of approval. In addition, depending upon the remediation option being carried out, the works themselves can take anywhere between 2 and 15 months which can affect the value of funding drawn down in any particular year.

The table below sets out the funding drawn down by the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

Scheme

Drawn to date in 2023

Pyrite Remediation Scheme

€17.5 million

Defective Concrete Blocks

€12.3 million

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (326)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

326. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applications for the Croí Cónaithe towns refurbishment grant; the total number of approvals; the total number of drawdowns; and a further breakdown by local authority area with average grant levels per local authority area, in tabular form. [46204/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Pathway 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 under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund 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.

The grant is processed at local authority level with guidance and support provided by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department.

The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that the grant conditions are met and the required documentation has been submitted and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost.

My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/4bbe4-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#:~:text=A%20grant%20of%20up%20to,property%20up%20to%20%E2%82%AC70%2C000. Further data in relation to individual local authorities may be available from the local authorities themselves.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (327)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

327. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what percentage of social and affordable homes delivered in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 were by way of off-site construction methods; and the target for delivery in 2024 of social affordable homes by offsite construction methods. [46259/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.

My 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 Quarter 2 2023, 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/

My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 1 2023. A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis of completions, locations, approvals stage etc. at the link below: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q1-2023

Data for affordable housing delivery is published on a quarterly basis, similar to social housing delivery. This data is available up to Quarter 2 2023 and is published at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery

Under Housing for All, each local authority has prepared a Housing Delivery Action Plan for the period 2022-2026. These Plans set out details of social and affordable housing delivery for the period 2022-2026, in line with targets issued by my Department.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction. The Housing for All Action Plan Update and Quarter 3 2022 Progress Report, which was published on 2 November, included a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of MMC in public housing. This Roadmap was published on 11 July 2023 and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/414cd-roadmap-for-increased-adoption-of-mmc-in-public-housing-delivery/

Modern Methods of Construction is used to describe a range of offsite manufacturing and innovative onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional house building. Modern Methods of Construction can be completed dwelling units manufactured in a factory setting and transported to site, or panelised components manufactured in a factory and assembled on site. All Modern Methods of Construction systems must be of a high quality, comply with all requirements of the Building Regulations and have a 60-year durability. My Department does not maintain records of the construction methods used for social and affordable housing developments.

Last December funding of €94m was provided to local authorities to address legacy land debts. The provision of this funding was linked to the immediate development of a housing proposal, a commitment to use Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and for construction to start no later than 2024. A total of 26 sites received funding as part of an accelerated delivery programme, and with some additional sites since added, my Department is overseeing a project to progress delivery of MMC projects on 35 sites which will deliver approximately 1,800 new social homes.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (328)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

328. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a couple can be considered for the fresh start principle if they have sold properties a number of years prior to a meeting and they are now married and have a family unit with three children but reside with parents as they cannot afford to purchase on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46266/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A 'Fresh Start' principle applies to state affordable housing or lending schemes for certain categories of persons who previously owned a home.

The following categories of persons are eligible to apply under the Fresh Start principle:

Applicant(s) who previously purchased or built a dwelling, together with a spouse, a civil partner or a person with whom he or she was in an intimate and committed relationship are eligible under the Fresh Start principle where this relationship has ended, and they have divested themselves of their interest in the previous property; and

Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but has been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, are eligible to apply.

Second time buyers who do not meet the conditions set out above are not eligible under the Fresh Start principle. The policy in relation to the Fresh Start principle is kept under continuous review and I will consider whether any changes may be required.

Vacant Properties

Ceisteanna (329)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

329. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage , further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 27 June, his views on the decision by some mortgage lenders (details supplied) to still not grant mortgages on properties that would qualify for the vacant homes grant; the action that he is taking to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46271/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

As part of the conditions associated with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, there is a requirement that the applicant(s) will live in the qualifying property 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; or

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, that mortgage will always be the first or priority charge on the property.

My Department has been engaging with Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) on behalf of its members since February of this year. This engagement has resulted in an agreement being reached with the main lending banks (AIB and subsidiaries EBS and Haven, Bank of Ireland, PTSB, Finance Ireland and Avant) to providing consent to a second charge on properties with mortgages, in respect of the grant. This agreement was communicated by the banks across their branch networks and by my Department across local authorities.

My Department will continue to engage regularly with BPFI to ensure that the main lending banks are compliant with the terms of the agreement.

Departmental Reviews

Ceisteanna (330)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

330. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the results of the focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines relating to minimum setback distance for wind turbines from homes and residential areas will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46395/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. In line with the “preferred draft approach”, the review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

Guidance on the noise aspect, which is highly technical in nature, is currently being advanced by my Department in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Both Departments are engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.

In this connection, DECC has appointed noise consultants to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. My Department is engaging with DECC and the noise consultants with a view to moving this aspect of the review forward. 

My Department, in conjunction with DECC, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work, with a view to bringing the review of the Guidelines to a conclusion.

It should be noted that Action EL/23/4 of the Climate Action Plan 2023 Annex of Actions contains a commitment to having new draft Guidelines prepared by the end of Q4 2023, with revised Guidelines to be published in 2024. My Department is working on the finalisation and publication of the revised Guidelines in line with this commitment. 

When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.

Budget 2024

Ceisteanna (331)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

331. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a scenario analysis post-budget 2024 for a person who is a first-time buyer, single and earning €35,000 per year and how budget 2024 affects them in housing terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46400/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Finance provides certain scenario analysis in the context of the annual Budget in the context of tax changes. That Department can consider any particular questions in regard to tax impacts which the Deputy may wish to refer to it.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (332, 333, 334)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

332. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage , further to Parliamentary Question No. 477 of 17 October to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, if his Department has enough sites to help complete the Government's modular homes programme; which sites were offered by each local authority and public body; the local authority and public body that did not engage; if he will identify sites; the local authority and public body that offered sites that were already designated under the Housing For All programme; if so, which sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46460/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

333. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what rationale was used to exclude Housing for All lands when the 700 rapid build homes for Ukrainian refugees project was first decided by the Government; if the Department recognises these homes as houses by definition, and if so, the reason lands designated Housing for All were excluded from the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46486/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

334. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of sites advanced by them and-or the local authorities for the 700 rapid build homes project that were deemed unsuitable for the purposes of accommodating these homes; if he will identify the sites deemed unsuitable; if any local authority offered no site; if so, which local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46488/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 334, inclusive, together.

The OPW is the Sponsoring Agency of the rapid build programme referred to, on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), which is the lead Government Department for the emergency humanitarian response.

As part of the whole of Government response, information on publicly owned sites that could be considered for inclusion in the rapid build programme was invited from local authorities and other public authorities. My Department then prepared an inventory of sites for consideration, including sites already in the ownership of the OPW.

The request was for sites which had not already been earmarked for social and affordable housing under Housing for All. The aim of this approach was to add to the overall available stock of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, without compromising delivery of homes via other schemes, including specific delivery targets under Housing for All, and without diverting sites earmarked for other housing to this rapid build programme. Government supports the wider use of modern methods of construction as part of housing delivery and the OPW rapid build programme is a good example of such methods.

The ultimate decision on whether sites progressed for the purposes of rapid build accommodation is a matter for OPW and DCEDIY and my Department had no role in decisions on individual sites. However, I am aware that some of the sites identified were deemed unsuitable for various reasons, including size, the availability of utilities and other services, location, technical issues and other issues which would render use of sites unviable as part of the programme. I do not propose to publish an inventory of sites as they are not within my Department’s ownership. My Department has to date, received no further requests for additional inventory from the OPW or the DCEDIY.

As previously mentioned every effort has been made to ensure that the rapid build programme has remained a separate stream from delivery under Housing for All, which commits to an average of 33,000 homes being built each year to 2030. These targets were informed by the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) tool and framework which forecasts future housing need based on a number of assumptions and conditions.

Every local authority continues to actively support the whole of Government response to the humanitarian situation, as are many other public bodies. However, many such organisations do not have a significant property portfolio and therefore could not offer a site for consideration. Notwithstanding that, I understand that the construction of rapid build homes under the programme is complete at a site in Cork and is very advanced at other sites, including in Mayo, Tipperary, Laois, Cavan and Offaly.

Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 332.
Question No. 334 answered with Question No. 332.

Valuation Office

Ceisteanna (335)

Ciarán Cannon

Ceist:

335. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify if, on the basis that the Valuation Act 2015 sets out two conditions for the exemption to apply to charities, namely, that the organisation must be a charitable organisation and the property on which exemption is being claimed must be occupied for charitable purposes and not for private profit; and if an organisation (details supplied) is exempt from commercial rates, if it is affiliated with an association that is a registered charity. [46490/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tailte Éireann is the State agency formed on 1 March 2023 following the merger of Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Property Registration Authority and the Valuation Office. All the functions previously carried out by the Property Registration Authority, the Valuation Office, and Ordnance Survey Ireland are now being performed by Tailte Éireann. The Valuation Division of Tailte Éireann carries out the valuation activities formerly assigned to the Valuation Office. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act).

The Act provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable, unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. Section 16 of Schedule 4 provides for an exemption as follows:

16. Any land, building or part of a building which is occupied by a body, being either —

(a) A charitable organisation that uses the land, building or part exclusively for charitable purposes and otherwise than for private profit, or

(b) A body which is not established and the affairs of which are not conducted for the purpose of making a private profit and

(i) The principal activity of which is the conservation of the natural and built endowments in the State, and

(ii) The land, building or part is used exclusively by it for the purpose of that activity and otherwise than for private profit.

The question of the rateability, or otherwise, of property related to the organisation in the details supplied would need to be considered on the basis of the particular circumstances of the case(s) and how the provisions of the Act apply in their specific case.

In determining the valuation of a property, Tailte Éireann engages with the property occupier. There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of a rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Act. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. There is also a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.

Finally, Oireachtas Members may obtain information in relation to specific cases by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at reps@tailte.ie. The organisation itself may contact Tailte Éireann in respect of specific cases at valuationadmin@tailte.ie.

State Bodies

Ceisteanna (336)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

336. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of all agencies and bodies under the aegis of his Department; if a dedicated Oireachtas email address is available for each; if not, if he will direct that such a dedicated email address be established to facilitate more efficient communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46547/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with the ‘Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies under the aegis of Government Departments/Offices’, my Department ensures that all State bodies are made aware of the requirement to put arrangements in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas.

A full list of the State bodies under the aegis of my Department, including the required dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, is set out in the table below.

An Bord Pleanála

oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie

An Fóram Uisce

info@nationalwaterforum.ie

Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority

oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie

Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum

infodocklands@dublincity.ie

Ervia

oireachtas@ervia.ie

Gas Networks Ireland

oireachtas@ervia.ie

Heritage Council

oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie

Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency

publicreps@housingagency.ie

Housing Finance Agency

oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie

Land Development Agency

oireachtas@lda.ie

Local Government Management Agency

corporate@lgma.ie

Maritime Area Regulatory Authority

oireachtas@mara.gov.ie

National Oversight and Audit Commission

info@noac.ie

National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee

ntacc@housing.gov.ie

Office of the Planning Regulator

oireachtas@opr.ie

Pyrite Resolution Board

oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie

Residential Tenancies Board

OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie

Tailte Éireann

reps@tailte.ie

Uisce Éireann

oireachtasmembers@water.ie

Valuation Tribunal

info@valuationtribunal.ie

Waterways Ireland

ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org

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