Tuesday, 5 Mar 2024

Written Answers Nos. 392-412

Wildlife Protection

Ceisteanna (392, 393)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

392. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can explain why a veterinary report form documenting the presence of two pregnant hares at Freshford Coursing Club has been modified on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website to now show that "nil" hares were identified as pregnant at the meeting; who authorised this modification; if he condones it; and if an investigation will be launched to establish if pregnant hares were present and if so, if this breached licence conditions. [10039/24]

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

393. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will investigate if a pregnant hare who gave birth was among the hares in a coursing compound in Glin, given the number of hares at the end of coursing was one more than the number captured from the wild, if this breached the licence conditions and if so, what action he is taking against the club in question. [10040/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.

An administrative error was made when the veterinary report for the Freshford Coursing Club meeting was being completed.  A figure of 2 was entered into the incorrect line - 'number of hares identified as pregnant' - rather than on the correct line - "number of hares examined for injuries", directly below. The 2 hares in question were examined for injuries. On receipt of the amended veterinary report from the Irish Coursing Club it was uploaded on the NPWS website. There was no breach of the licence conditions.

Separately during the Glin Coursing Club meeting, an additional hare was detected on Day 1 of the meeting. The Club staff were unable to determine how the hare got into the hare park. The hare was a juvenile, not new born, was not tagged and was not coursed. It was boxed and released with the other hares at the conclusion of the meeting. There was no breach of the licence conditions.

Question No. 393 answered with Question No. 392.

Special Areas of Conservation

Ceisteanna (394)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

394. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Loughanleagh mountain, County Cavan is designated a special protection area, a special area of conservation or a natural heritage area; and if there are any restrictions on the use of heavy machinery on this site. [10059/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Based on the information provided in the question and the understanding that Loughanleagh mountain referred to is located in Kingscourt Co. Cavan, I can confirm that Loughanleagh mountain is not designated as a special area of conservation, special protection area or a natural heritage area.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (395)

David Stanton

Ceist:

395. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports made available by his Department for thatched properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10101/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department’s grant scheme for the renewal or repair of a thatched roof provides funding of up to €6,350 or up to 80% of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of private houses situated on the mainland where the private owner holds a medical card. A higher level of assistance of up to €8,252 is available for houses on specified offshore islands, where the owner holds a medical card. In the case of private owners without a medical card, funding of up to €3,810 or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of private houses situated on the mainland, rising to €5,714 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island. Details in relation to this grant scheme is available at the following link: gov - Thatching Grant (www.gov.ie)

My Department also oversees a number of schemes to assist in the conservation of protected structures, which may include repairs to historic roofing. These schemes are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund, under which a combined total of €9 million is available for 2024. This year, as in 2023, a dedicated €500,000 has been ring-fenced under the BHIS for conservation repairs to historic thatched structures. This aims to maximise the availability of financial assistance to owners of such properties, helping them offset other costs. These schemes are administered through the local authorities and details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/32ae3-financial-assistance-for-architectural-heritage/

My Department recently issued guidelines for safeguarding thatched houses against fire which is available at the following link: Fire-Safety-in-Thatched-Properties.pdf (buildingsofireland.ie)

To assist with the implementation of this fire safety guidance, my Department is running a pilot scheme where thatch owners and occupiers can request a visit to their property by a Housing Inspector from my Department. The inspector will assess the fire risks in each individual property and will make building-specific recommendations to improve fire safety based on the published guidance.

My Department has also been engaging closely with the Department of Finance and the insurance sector to identify potential providers and improve the situation for owners of thatch properties.

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (396)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

396. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a dedicated website for "Housing for All" which clearly outlines all of the various measures which are currently available through this programme. [10155/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Housing for All was published 2 September 2021. There is a commitment in the Plan to update the actions on an annual basis, including timelines and responsibilities to sustain momentum on delivery. Government has published two annual updates, the first on 2 November 2022 and the second on 14 November 2023.

The copy of Housing for All and the Updated Housing for All Action Plans, which outline all of the various measures can be accessed at the following respective website 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/

www.gov.ie/en/publication/97015-housing-for-all-action-plan-update-and-q3-2023-progress-report/

Progress reports are published quarterly. These reports can be accessed at:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/

In addition, the ‘Doors Open’ campaign page which is available here: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/ provides information on the measures available to help people to own their own home such as the First Home Scheme, Help-to-Buy etc.

And affordablehomes.ie/ provides information on the various affordable purchase and affordable cost rental developments across the country.

Wastewater Treatment

Ceisteanna (397)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

397. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to work alongside an organisation (details supplied) in order to devise a mechanism whereby a local council can be supported to bring wastewater treatment systems that have not been taken in charge by Irish Water up to a certain standard to enable Irish Water to take them under their responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10174/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I understand the Question refers to housing estates relying on Developer Provided Infrastructure (DPI) for their water services.

Using funding provided under the National Development Plan, my Departments’ Multi-annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme (DPI Programme) provides funding to assist in progressively resolving issues with DPI across the country.

Under the DPI Programme I have approved funding of over €18m to benefit 1,800 houses across the country that will allow the estates concerned to be taken in charge by the local authority, with Uisce Éireann taking responsibility for the water services.

I can confirm that from 1 January 2024 Uisce Éireann, as the national water authority, have responsibility for the remediation of DPI infrastructure.

It is now a matter for the organisation referred to to engage with Uisce Éireann on this matter.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (398)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

398. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to increase the income thresholds for social housing in any or all of the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10176/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

In the local government sector, acting up arrangements may only be considered where all options around re-organisation and re-allocation of work have been fully exhausted.  Each local authority must also ensure that an acting up arrangement is used only where absolutely necessary.

The matters raised have already been the subject of a Labour Court hearing which recommended that the parties engage at national level to seek to resolve the issue arising.  These discussions are ongoing between the relevant unions and the Local Government Management Agency and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment on same at this point in time.

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (399)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

399. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that local authority employees are treated in the same manner as civil servants in relation to situations where staff who are in an acting position do not get the benefit on the point on the pay scale if promoted to a higher role, only benefiting if they are promoted into the acting role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10186/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In the local government sector, acting up arrangements may only be considered where all options around re-organisation and re-allocation of work have been fully exhausted.  Each local authority must also ensure that an acting up arrangement is used only where absolutely necessary.

The matters raised have already been the subject of a Labour Court hearing which recommended that the parties engage at national level to seek to resolve the issue arising.  These discussions are ongoing between the relevant unions and the Local Government Management Agency and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment on same at this point in time.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (400, 401, 402)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

400. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the local authority home loan scheme; the number of successful and unsuccessful applicants to date, by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10195/24]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

401. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 28 March 2023, if his Department is collecting data on the number of applications, both successful and unsuccessful within the age category of 45 to 70 years for the local authority home loan scheme from commencement of the scheme to date; the number of successful and unsuccessful applications for the scheme to each local authority for each year to date, by age of applicants between age 45 and 55 years and between the ages of 55 and 70, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10196/24]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

402. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of successful and unsuccessful non-EU/non-EEA applications for the local authority home loan scheme for each year to date, in tabular form. [10197/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 400, 401 and 402 together.

The Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) is a Government-backed mortgage for creditworthy applicants 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.

The Housing Agency provides a central support service that assesses applications for the Local Authority Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications.

The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the Credit Policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lenders, the local authorities.

The most recent figures provided by the Agency on the number of valid Local Authority Home Loan applications that it has assessed for each local authority from 4 January 2022 up to the end of January 2024 are set out in the below table:

Local Authority	Applications Assessed	Recommended to Approve
Carlow County Council	62	22
Cavan County Council	49	20
Clare County Council	81	37
Cork City Council	190	68
Cork County Council	401	148
Donegal County Council	43	20
Dublin City Council	374	229
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council	78	38
Fingal County Council	300	165
Galway City Council	105	65
Galway County Council	146	59
Kerry County Council	112	34
Kildare County Council	188	81
Kilkenny County Council	83	47
Laois County Council	75	36
Leitrim County Council	33	8
Limerick City & County Council	92	45
Longford County Council	59	33
Louth County Council	184	66
Mayo County Council	52	24
Meath County Council	222	154
Monaghan County Council	67	14
Offaly County Council	43	19
Roscommon County Council	74	22
Sligo County Council	50	15
South Dublin County Council	195	88
Tipperary County Council	95	41
Waterford City & County Council	177	37
Westmeath County Council	63	29
Wexford County Council	142	53
Wicklow County Council	156	52

My Department publishes information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount). Information on drawdowns, approvals, average drawdowns, and average approvals for the Local Authority Home Loan is available on my Department’s website at the following link, which is updated as soon as figures are available: www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid

Statistics in relation to specific age profile or the citizenship status of applicants for the Local Authority Home Loan are not collected by my Department.

Question No. 401 answered with Question No. 400.

Question No. 402 answered with Question No. 400.

Environmental Policy

Ceisteanna (403)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

403. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage recalling the 2019 Dáil declaration of a biodiversity crisis, and acknowledging specifically the negative impact of light pollution on biodiversity, his plans to mitigate this increasingly pervasive problem, including, but not limited to, whether is intended to amend the Building Regulations to this end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10209/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Building Regulations 1997-2022 set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. Their aim is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each part of the Building Regulations indicating how the requirements of that part can be achieved in practice. TGD M (Access and Use), provides guidance on illuminance levels for access routes to provide for independently accessible means of approach to the accessible entrance(s) of a building and means of circulation around a building. The are no plans to amend the provisions in TGD M with respect to lighting. 

Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2023 2030 was published in January and sets out Ireland’s vision for biodiversity, namely that by 2050 “Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people”. The Plan strives for a “whole of government, whole of society” approach to the governance and conservation of biodiversity. The aim is to ensure that every citizen, community, business, local authority, semi-state and state agency has an awareness of biodiversity and its importance, and of the implications of its loss, while also understanding how they can act to address the biodiversity emergency as part of a renewed national effort to “act for nature”.

The 4th NBAP recognises the opportunities to deliver for biodiversity in the assessment of new planning applications and in the adoption of best-practice principles for urban design. The Plan outlines a number of actions aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in new developments, including that all public and private sector bodies move towards no net loss of biodiversity through planning, strategies and mitigation measures. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 places the NBAP on a statutory footing, requiring listed public bodies to integrate biodiversity into their plans, policies and programmes, and to report on progress.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (404)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

404. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will make a statement on the need for additional social and affordable housing in Rathmines and surrounds, including by way of Part V housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10215/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes; 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing and 28,500 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2026. 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.

In line with Housing for All, each local authority was required to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans to address social and, where appropriate, affordable housing needs in their areas over the period 2022-2026. In preparing the Plans, local authorities were required to set out details of the locations and delivery streams, including Part V delivery, for social housing schemes. The Plans have been published on the local authority’s own websites. Dublin City Council’s Plan can be accessed at this link: www.dublincity.ie/residential/housing/strategies-policies-and-initiatives/dublin-city-councils-housing-delivery-action-plan-2022-2026

My Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2023. All Construction Status Reports are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/

A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis completions, locations, approvals stage etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q3-2023

My Department further publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of Q3 2023 and is published on the statistics' page of my Department’s website at the following link: gov.ie - Overall social and affordable housing provision (www.gov.ie)

Data for Q4 2023 is currently being collated and verified and will be published shortly. 

It is worth noting that the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is open and available on an ongoing basis to support all local authorities to address any affordability needs identified in their area. 

In addition, the First Home Scheme is available to support first-time buyers in purchasing new homes in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Full information on the scheme, which is available nationwide, may be found on the dedicated website, www.firsthomescheme.ie.

Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (405)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

405. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to seek updates from both Louth and Meath county councils on projected affordable housing units that are schedule or in the pipeline for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10238/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Housing for All sets out the range of actions necessary to increase the supply of housing out to 2030 comprising of 54,000 affordable homes to be delivered by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through First Home, which is a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.

Local authorities have published 5 year Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAP) setting out affordable housing delivery targets up to 2026. Both Louth and Meath County Councils have set out plans to deliver 226 and 151 affordable homes respectively over this period in their HDAPs. This does not include additional affordable homes that will be delivered by the LDA, AHBs, First Home and via the higher Part V requirements introduced in the Affordable Housing Act 2021. The Delivery action plans for both Louth and Meath’s can be found on their respective websites.

The Department continues to liaise with all local authorities, including Louth and Meath, and other delivery partners in relation to the further development of an affordable housing delivery programme that will respond effectively to all affordable housing requirements identified at a local level.

In addition, the First Home Scheme, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The scheme is available nationwide and more information can be found at www.firsthomescheme.ie/

Water Services

Ceisteanna (406)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

406. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has had any engagement with, or received any reports or briefings from Uisce Éireann, regarding the inclusion of projects (details supplied) in County Dublin in the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department has not had engagement with, or received reports or briefings from Uisce Éireann regarding the inclusion of the project, for the location mentioned in the details supplied, in the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme.

Water Quality

Ceisteanna (407)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

407. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the recent report commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency in which evidence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms was found in Irish swimming waters; how his Department plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10303/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Question does not make reference to a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. I am assuming that the report referred to is Antimicrobial Resistance and the Environment – Sources, Persistence, Transmission and Risk Management (AREST). If this is the case, the report was published in February 2024. The findings and recommendations of the research study will be examined more closely. In particular, the implications of the research for Ireland’s National Action Plan for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be considered for the purpose of identifying follow up actions.

More broadly, it should be noted that primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. 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.

Defective Building Materials

Ceisteanna (408)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

408. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage why there are delays in having houses in County Clare with defective concrete blocks being approved for the remediation scheme; is it the case that his Department along with the housing agency are delaying the processing of applications so that they get a large batch of them together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10306/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023

The Enhanced Grant Scheme provided for the extension of the scheme to include dwellings damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction, in the administrative areas of Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council.

The 2022 Act sets out the roles of both local authorities and the Housing Agency.

Local authorities have responsibility for the administration of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. This includes the initial validation of applications, notifying homeowners of the Housing Agency's determinations on damage threshold, the appropriate remediation option and grant amount, determination of the grant payable for alternative accommodation and storage costs and immediate repair works and the subsequent payment of grants to successful applicants.

The Housing Agency act as agents on behalf of the local authorities under the Enhanced Grant Scheme. Applications received by a local authority are referred to the Housing Agency to review the 'Building Condition Assessment Report' and determine if the home has met the 'damage threshold' for entry to the scheme. Once a home has met the damage threshold for entry to the scheme, the Housing Agency engage its Framework Chartered Engineers to undertake the assessment, survey, sampling, testing and categorisation of the dwelling thereafter on a priority basis in accordance with the national standard I.S. 465:2018 and thereafter determine the appropriate remediation option and grant amount. In undertaking this work of assessing dwellings, a practical approach is taken where the Housing Agency prioritise dwellings on relative severity and impact of damage and proximity of dwellings to other affected properties in the form of a project group.

The Housing Agency have confirmed to my Department that twenty five applications submitted to Clare County Council across Q3 and Q4 of 2023 were inspected by the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency determined to Clare County Council all twenty five applications met the damage threshold and therefore approved for entry into the scheme. A Housing Agency project group consisting of the same twenty five applications has since completed the assessment, survey, and sampling stages with testing on twenty-two dwellings well advanced.  The Housing Agency estimate appropriate remediation option and grant amount determinations will issue to Clare County Council on all twenty five applications across Q1 and Q2 of 2024.

There are no delays on the part of my Department or the Housing Agency in having houses in County Clare being approved for the remediation scheme.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (409)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

409. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to reopen the Protected Structures Conservation Advice Grant Scheme in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10312/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In 2023 my Department operated a pilot Conservation Advice Scheme for Vacant Traditional Farmhouses. This scheme supported the provision of expert advice to private owners of vernacular farmhouses who were availing of or considering applying for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

This scheme was designed to help owners of traditionally constructed buildings to understand the heritage value of these structures and the special requirements of historic building fabric. The ultimate intent was to prompt owners to make more effective and appropriate investments in their buildings, whether these investments are self-financed or funded through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant or other government schemes.

My Department is currently engaging with  the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on proposals to extend the scheme into 2024 and include a wider range of historic buildings in its scope.

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (410)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

410. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new technical and administrative staff hired in the local authority planning system since February 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10317/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is currently working on a number of measures to increase staffing levels in the local government planning sector. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in 2022 identified a shortfall of over 500 staff in local authority planning services. My Department is working in conjunction with the LGMA on a programme of support to provide planning authorities, on a phased basis, with the requisite level of staffing resources and expertise to efficiently and effectively perform their planning functions. In this regard, my Department wrote to planning authorities in October 2023 conveying approval to the filling of an initial 100 posts in the local authority planning service under the first tranche of the programme. Engagement is ongoing with the local government sector on the scope of further tranches.

Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible including progressing appointments that have been sanctioned by my Department as appropriate.  My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.  However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the numbers and grades of staff allocated to specific work areas within local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department.   This information would be available from each local authority.

Emergency Accommodation

Ceisteanna (411)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

411. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage where an offer of a building for accommodation has been referred to his Department by the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for assessment under the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme, and the property is subject to an open enforcement case by the local authority, if it is incontrovertibly deemed unsuitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10340/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is the lead Department for the provision of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. The role of my Department in this area is a supporting role which forms part of the whole of Government response.

My Department was tasked with supporting the refurbishment programme. The Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme comprises two delivery strands, one of which is focused on buildings in public ownership and the other which supports owners of private buildings to refurbish them to the appropriate standard as per guidelines from my Department. These guidelines are available on my Department's website at this link. All properties offered are subject to inspection and ongoing project oversight by the relevant Local Authority, to ensure compliance as per the guidelines linked, should they progress through the programme.

Decisions on which properties are suitable for progression through the programme are made by a Technical Working Group (TWG) working under the auspices of the Accommodation Working Group. Membership of the TWG includes my Department, the DCEDIY, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Local Government Management Agency and the City and County Management Association. Decisions are based on criteria which include location, access to transport links and local amenities, value for money, future potential use, timeframe for delivery and capacity.

Any concerns regarding planning issues, fire certification or building control should be addressed to the relevant local authority.

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (412)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

412. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the ground rents payable by his Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10418/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.  

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

It is the role of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to provide office accommodation to all Government Departments. The OPW owns or leases the buildings which my Department occupies. The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas.

The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:

An Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce	[e-mail]
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Ervia	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Tailte Éireann	[e-mail]
Uisce Éireann	[e-mail]
Valuation Tribunal	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]