Written Answers Nos. 702-721
702. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many approvals have issued under the First Home Scheme to date; how many of those approvals have been drawn down; if he will provide a breakdown of how many of those approvals were for self-build; how many have been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, or building their own home, through the use of an equity share model. Full details of the First Home Scheme are available at: www.firsthomescheme.ieThe Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (First Home DAC), on behalf of scheme founders (the State and participating mortgage lenders). This body is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the scheme. The First Home DAC has published its Q4 2023 Public Update covering the period from 7 July 2022 to 31 December 2023, which can be found on its website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-company/quarterly-updates/.
703. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many approvals have issued under the First Homes Tenant Purchase Scheme to date; how many of those approvals have been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15177/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, or building their own home, through the use of an equity share model. Full details of the First Home Scheme are available at: https://www.firsthomescheme.ieThe Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (First Home DAC), on behalf of scheme founders (the State and participating mortgage lenders). This body is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the scheme. The First Home DAC has published its Q4 2023 Public Update covering the period from 7 July 2022 to 31 December 2023, which can be found on its website at: https://www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-company/quarterly-updates/.
704. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many cost rental tenant-in-situ proposals have been completed to date; how many have been acquired by the Housing Agency; if he will provide a breakdown by local authority of the number of referrals to the Housing Agency; the number completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15178/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has developed the Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) scheme for tenants in private rental homes who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord intends to sell the property but who are not in receipt of social housing supports.
The scheme was established on a temporary administrative basis from 1 April 2023 and is managed by the Housing Agency, pending further policy development over the longer term, with the intention of transitioning these homes to the standard Cost Rental model.
I am informed that the Housing Agency are engaging with more than 130 landlords across all Local Authority areas, with a view to the purchase of those homes.
Data for affordable housing delivery is published on a quarterly basis, similar to social housing delivery. This data is published up to Quarter 4 2023, including CRTiS figures, and is available on my Department's website: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/ .
706. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications that were made to a Land Development Agency cost rental scheme in an apartment complex (details supplied); the number of eligible applications; where the process currently stands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15199/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy intent of developing a Cost Rental sector in Ireland is to support the housing needs of those on moderate incomes for whom high open market rents are unaffordable and who do not qualify for social housing supports.
All Cost Rental providers are legally obliged to make Cost Rental homes available in line with the provisions of Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021. The process of allocating a tenancy under Cost Rental is set out both within Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, along with the associated Regulations, and the process was followed for allocation of Cost Rental tenancies at the development in question.
The homes in question are managed and maintained by the Land Development Agency (LDA), which is responsible for receiving applications and entering into tenancy agreements. As with all State bodies under the aegis of my Department, arrangements have been put in place by the LDA through which Oireachtas members can request information directly from the Agency in relation to operational matters - in this regard, the LDA may be contacted directly at oireachtas@lda.ie.
707. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on how he and his Department will simplify and enhance the application process and application timelines on the croí cónaithe scheme considering the worrying figures reported in a newspaper (details supplied) on the number of applicants who have successfully drawn down funding on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15200/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. 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.
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 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available to properties which have been vacant for 2 years.
The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the works being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Once approved, a letter of approval, including the grant amount approved, issues to the applicant.
When the works applied for are completed the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Where the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant. Currently payment of grants is taking place some 13 months from date of approval, as works are completed. It is anticipated that the payment of grants by local authorities will increase significantly during 2024 as more works are completed.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under it, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, would be undertaken by mid 2024. That review is currently underway and is due to be completed in May 2024.
708. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if grant assistance is available for a club (details supplied) to provide worker accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15202/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no grant assistance available of the type referenced. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which was introduced in 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, supports the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. The Grant is available to individuals or households for which the property will be their principal private residence or who will make the property available to rent. The Grant is currently not available to clubs, such as that specified in the Question.
The Grant provides up to a maximum of €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a 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, that have been vacant for 2 years or more prior to the grant application.
709. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total social housing output as advised to his Department by a local authority (details supplied) in the years 2018 to 2023 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15259/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing 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 end of Q4 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)
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 4 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 of completions, locations, approvals stage etc. at this link: Social Housing Construction Status Report Q4 2023 - Dataset - data.gov.ie
710. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a progress report on the €8 million project of 30 new social houses at Deerpark, Ennistymon, County Clare (as announced in late 2020); if he can clarify the reasons for delays encountered to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15268/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social housing project at Deerpark, Ennistymon received Stage 2/Pre-Planning funding approval from my Department in October 2022. We now understand from Clare County Council that this project is currently on hold as they are looking to advance the provision of a new waste water treatment plant.
Further information on the advancement of this project is available from Clare County Council.
712. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15346/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.
My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Louth County Council has indicated that Dunleer remains their top priority project, and a new fire station at Dunleer is provided for in the Fire Services Capital Programme 2021 - 2025.
The Council submitted a preliminary appraisal to my Department in January 2021. Following examination of the proposal, approval in principle for this project issued on 25 June 2021, along with approval for the Council to appoint a design team and to progress this project to full design and cost plan stage.
Louth County Council are working to finalise the acquisition of their preferred site. Upon final confirmation of the site acquisition, Louth County Council will move quickly through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Dunleer. My Department will continue to support Louth County Council to progress the new Dunleer fire station project.
713. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a situation (details supplied); what measures he plans to introduce to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15355/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter and my Department cannot interfere in regulatory processes. Since 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels and my Department has no function in relation to this matter, under section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013. The EPA is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, and is entirely independent of my Department in the exercise of its functions. In addition the Environmental Protection Agency, as the Environmental Regulator, 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.
My Department's 2024 budget (Vote 34) includes €1.66 billion of funding for Uisce Éireann for the provision of domestic water services. This includes a current expenditure provision of €680 million and capital funding of €983 million.
Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures. Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
715. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on the total subsidy due to a water scheme (details supplied); the reason for withholding this payment; when they can expect to receive it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15377/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Rural Water Programme provides capital and operational funding to group water schemes. The day-to-day administration of the Programme is devolved to local authorities.
An annual subsidy is payable by local authorities to group water schemes towards their operational and management costs of supplying water for domestic use. This is provided that the scheme meets the terms and conditions of the subsidy scheme, a copy of which are available here .
The administration of applications for subsidies is a matter for the relevant local authority which is best placed to provide the requested information.
Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day to day issues for the Programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.
716. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of all ASGs and POs in his Department with their current responsibilities. [15378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has 11 divisions, each led by an Assistant Secretary. Each division consists of several business units with each business unit overseeing a functional area under the wide and varied brief of this Department. The attached list represents a moment in time, as the functions, structure and personnel in any department are subject to change. An upcoming transfer of functions process will see some functions moving to another department.
717. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Planning and Development Act 2000 incorporates the principles of Universal Design; and if the Planning and Development Act 2000 places an obligation on local authorities to incorporate the principles of Universal Design in the delivery of public infrastructure and the built environment. [15442/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 34(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), provides that when making its decision on a planning application, the planning authority shall be restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to the provisions of the local development plan as well as a number of other factors including any guidelines issued by the Minister under section 28 of the Act as well as the policy of the Government, the Minister or any other Minister of the Government.
In addition, section 143 of the Act provides that when making a decision on an appeal or planning application, An Bord Pleanála (the Board) shall have regard to the policies and objectives of the Government, a State authority, the Minister, planning authorities and any other body which is a public authority whose functions have, or may have, a bearing on the proper planning and sustainable development of cities, towns or other areas, whether urban or rural.
The Board shall also have regard to the national interest and any effect the performance of the Board’s functions may have on issues of strategic economic or social importance to the State, the National Planning Framework and any regional spatial and economic strategy for the time being in force.
The issue of Universal Design is addressed in the Local Area Plan Guidelines and the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines (SRDCSGs), issued by my Department in June 2013 and January 2024 respectively. These guidelines were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. As previously outlined, section 28 of the Act provides that planning authorities and the Board shall have regard to Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions. Where the guidelines contain specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs), planning authorities and the Board are required to apply these requirements in the performance of their functions.
The Local Area Plan Guidelines set out policy and guidance in relation to the development of local area plans. The Guidelines state that when preparing a local area plan, planning authorities should have regard to the National Disability Authority’s Building for Everyone Booklet 9 – Planning in relation to universal design for local area plans. Furthermore, such plans should establish a regulatory, policy, and urban design framework which incorporates universal design features within all new development proposals (including retro-fitting within existing areas).
The SRDCSGs set out policy and guidance in relation to the planning and development of urban and rural settlements, with a focus on sustainable residential development and the creation of compact and accessible settlements. The SRDCSGs state that planning authorities should plan for the development of well-connected neighbourhoods and a distribution of activities to ensure that day-to-day services and amenities are accessible within walking distance of homes and workplaces, noting that when applied alongside the principles of Universal Design, will allow vulnerable users to move about and access services with ease. Appendix C of the SRDCSGs recommends that a Universal Design Statement for development of 10 or more residential units or mixed use development over 1,000 sq. metres be submitted to assist in the consideration of planning applications. Policy Objective 4.1 of the SRDCSGs further states:"It is a policy and objective of these Guidelines that planning authorities implement the principles, approaches and standards set out in the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) in carrying out their functions under the Act and as part of an integrated approach to quality urban design and placemaking.".
The DMURS was jointly issued by my Department and the Department of Transport in 2013, and revised in 2019. The development of the DMURS was overseen by a Steering Committee that included representatives of the National Disability Association having regard to the principles of Universal Design. DMURS is a technical document that consists of a range of objectives, design approaches and design standards that prioritise the movement, comfort and safety of vulnerable users in the delivery of public infrastructure and the built environment.
718. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next sub-group meeting regarding defective blocks will happen; if he will consider up-front payments to homeowners who are currently struggling with finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15476/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established an Implementation Steering Group for the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme and the sub-group the Question refers to was established within this existing group structure, to examine an emerging issue relating to financial aspects of the scheme.
I expect the next meeting of this sub-group will take place in the coming weeks. In the meantime, my Department is working proactively on seeking to arrive at workable solutions within the legislative framework that will assist homeowners approved under the scheme to access funding as early as possible.
719. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many people in Clare have died while homeless in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15499/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra720. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many people in Clare have died while in emergency accommodation in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.
My Department does not collate information relating to deaths of homeless individuals.
On 16 January 2024, the Health Research Board published its report on deaths among people who were homeless based on 2020 data. The research applied the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The study was commissioned by the Department of Health in order to improve understanding of premature mortality among people who are homeless and to inform healthcare policy and services for this vulnerable cohort. The study is the second time this data has been published, the first report was published last year based on 2019 data.
The report published in January 2024 found that a total of 121 deaths, that were sudden and unexpected, occurred nationally in 2020 in people who were homeless at the time of their death. This is an increase on the (revised) figure of 92 deaths reported in 2019. Of the 121 deaths, 48% died in emergency accommodation and 36% in a public space, public building or derelict building. Of those who died, 91% had a history of substance use or dependency. I extend my sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and also acknowledge the important work carried out by those on the frontline.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities to continue to deliver the appropriate measures to support all individuals experiencing homelessness including those with complex needs.
721. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the homeless HAP for single parents who have received a notice to quit in the Mid-West region, as the current rate of homeless HAP for rural counties is not sufficient to meet rental costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q4 2023, there were more than 56,800 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
Under HAP, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. However, additional supports are available under HAP for homeless households or households at risk of homelessness. While eligible households or individuals may source accommodation for themselves under the Homeless HAP scheme, a dedicated resource, the Place Finder Service, has been established nationwide to provide assistance.
The Place Finder service assists households in or at immediate risk of homelessness primarily by providing access to deposits and advance rental payments. These elements are the core financial supports and are available to prospective tenants in all local authority areas. The operation of local homeless services, including the Place Finder Service, is a matter for each local authority.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single persons’ households. Discretion can be increased up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits for Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin, recognising the difficulty this cohort of households face in sourcing and securing properties in a highly competitive rental market. It should be noted that it is a matter for the local authority to determine whether the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case-by-case basis and also the level of discretion applied in each case.
My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review and closely monitors the level of discretion being used by local authorities, taking into account other sources of data, including Residential Tenancies Board rent data published on a quarterly basis.
