Thomas Gould
Ceist:394. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an updated timeline for completion of the NWQR in Cork. [18916/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (394)
Freagraí scríofa
The detailed advancement of housing and other works under the Cork City North West Quarter Regeneration (CNWQR) programme is a matter, in the first instance, for Cork City Council.
The CNWQR Masterplan & Implementation Report was published in 2011. The strategy outlined a departure from previous policy, with a proposal to carry out wholesale demolition of the housing stock in Knocknaheeny that has not been the subject of previous refurbishment works.
To date 121 units have been completed in Phases 1A (24 units), 1B (29 units), 1D (West) (21 units), and 2A (47 units) of this programme.
A further 103 units are scheduled for completion in Q4 2024, namely; Phase 1C (41 homes), Phase 2B (38 homes).
Phase 2C (24 units) is the subject of complex contractual negotiations which will likely delay the intended completion date for this project.
Phases 4A (43 units) and 3B (62 units) received Part 8 Planning approval and are expected to commence on site in 2025. Planning approval is also in place for Phase 1D (East) (17 units).
My Department awaits funding submissions and programme dates for the remaining phases.
The CNWQR programme runs until 2027, and it is envisaged that projects will be on-going until this date.
Regeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (395)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:395. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is aware that construction work at Phase 2C of the NWQR remains stalled; whether he has received any request for additional funding to resolve this from Cork City Council; and if so, the timeline for resolution of same. [18917/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The construction site on Kilmore Road, Knocknheeny forms part of the City Northwest Quarter Regeneration Programme, and part of Cork City Council’s wider social housing delivery programme.
I have been advised by Cork City Council that Phase 2C is the subject of a complex contractual dispute. Cork City Council have advised that works have ceased on site pending the outcome of these discussions.
My Department has been in continuous contact with Cork City Council and they have assured my Department that they are treating this with the utmost priority and are seeking to progress a prompt solution to this matter to ensure targeted delivery of homes at this location.
My Department have not recieved any request for additional funding.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (396)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:396. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on legislation committed to on the renaming of streets. [18918/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In early 2019, legislative amendments to provisions relating to placename changes in Part 18 of the amended Local Government Act 2001 were commenced. At the same time, previous provisions under local government legislation for the changing of placenames were repealed, and replaced by provisions in the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, amending Part 18 of the 2001 Act, which were also commenced.
The commenced provisions under the amended Part 18 of the 2001 Act require updated Regulations to be made for the holding of plebiscites to change placenames. However, issues were identified in respect of the interaction of the amended Part 18 of the Local Government Act 2001 and provisions contained in Official Languages legislation, under the aegis of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. In advance of making the necessary Regulations, my Department is therefore engaging with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Proposed amendments to address the identified issues in the interaction between the two legislative codes are under consideration.
Septic Tanks
Ceisteanna (397)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:397. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the grant scheme including additional designated areas to assist more householders to upgrade and-or replace septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The policy of providing grant funding to households for work on Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, arises from the need to address damage being done to water quality in sensitive areas in particular.
The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority and are available only in circumstances relating to risks to water quality and/or human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
I can confirm that following extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the Rural Water Sector, my Department completed a review of the terms and conditions of the three grants. As a result of the review and the recommendations made, in November 2023 I announced significant improvements to the grants available which came into effect from 1 January 2024.
However, the grants continue to be available only in circumstances relating to risks to water quality and/or human health and the environment. I have no plans to make further changes.
Water Supply
Ceisteanna (398)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:398. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has consulted with Uisce Éireann, An Bord Pleanála and local authorities with regard to sufficient water capacity throughout the national water supply system to meet both current demand and new connections for future housing development construction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18976/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As set out in Housing for All, Uisce Éireann is committed to supporting the delivery of housing through a number of actions including the timely delivery of new connections, publishing capacity registers, Self-Lay accreditation scheme and developing a first mover disadvantage scheme.
Uisce Éireann publishes annual water supply and waste water treatment capacity registers, details of which are available on the Uisce Éireann website at www.water.ie/connections/developer-services/capacity-registers/. These registers indicate if there is enough water supply and wastewater treatment at Uisce Éireann treatment plants to support property development.
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.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (399, 400)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:399. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding provided to advertise the lead mains replacement scheme in each of the past five years respectively, in tabular form. [19034/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Gould
Ceist:400. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether consideration has been given to a targeted advertising campaign for the lead mains replacement scheme. [19035/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 400 together.
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 schemes and 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.
Question No. 400 answered with Question No. 399.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (401)
Michael Ring
Ceist:401. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant homes a local authority (details supplied) has repaired in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to supplement the local authority funding available for the preparation of vacant properties for re-letting. The funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
An annualised breakdown by local authority of the funding provided and the number of properties remediated under the Voids programme for the years 2014 up to and including 2023 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme
Local authorities have been notified of their targets and funding available for 2024, however, it will be later this year before significant claims have been received.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Ceisteanna (402)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:402. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in ensuring the protection of the old Irish goat, which, according to reports (details supplied), is being hunted for sport and on the verge of extinction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19082/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The hunting of certain wild animals is regulated in part by the Wildlife Act 1976. Where a wild animal is listed as a 'protected wild animal' under that Act, then the species enjoys the protections of the Act and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) plays a role in regulating hunting activity and enforcing legislation as it applies to that species.
In respect of the Old Irish Goat, the position is that this species is not listed as a 'protected wild animal' under the Wildlife Act 1976.
Foreshore Issues
Ceisteanna (403)
Frankie Feighan
Ceist:403. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update in relation to an application for a foreshore licence for the pontoon in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. [19087/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that the application for a Foreshore Licence for a pontoon in Ballyshannon, County Donegal was formally withdrawn from my Department on the 26 April 2024 by Donegal County Council.
I have also been informed that Donegal County Council will now be pursing an application for a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) for this project with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority or MARA.
Traveller Accommodation
Ceisteanna (404)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:404. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the caravan loan scheme will re-open again for applications in view of the fact that many Travellers are still living in poor caravans that have passed their useful life, whether it is intended to revise the conditions of future schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19112/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
My Department is preparing a comprehensive review of the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme upon conclusion of the 2023/2024 nationwide pilot. The review includes engagement with local authorities and other stakeholders to inform the evaluation of the pilot scheme. A comprehensive report will be prepared in Q2 2024 with options for a national scheme to be brought forward this year.
Heritage Projects
Ceisteanna (405, 406)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:405. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to intervene with the OPW and Tailte Éireann in order to obtain clarity on their plans for the preservation of old ordnance survey maps and artefacts of historical importance which are currently stored in the former Ordnance Survey office in the Phoenix Park which is now occupied by Tailte Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19117/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:406. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Tailte Éireann the person or body that occupies the former Ordnance Survey office in the Phoenix Park have considered moving the vast collection of old ordnance survey maps and artefacts of historical importance to the museum at Collins Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
Tailte Éireann was established on 1 March 2023 under the Tailte Éireann Act 2022. All functions previously vested in the Property Registration Authority, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Commissioner of Valuation and Boundary Surveyor were transferred to Tailte Éireann. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
All records held by these bodies were transferred to Tailte Éireann and are regarded as the property of Tailte Éireann, which is a scheduled body for the purposes of the National Archives Act 1986.
Tailte Éireann holds a significant body of records which have ongoing legal and administrative functions and that are of historical importance to the Irish State. The records held in Tailte Éireann’s Phoenix Park office relate specifically to the surveying function which includes maps and artefacts. The Archive Services Unit of Tailte Éireann is responsible for the preservation of the Tailte Éireann archives and also ensuring compliance with the National Archives Act. There are professionally qualified archivists and record managers working within this Unit and it is understood from Tailte Éireann that they are currently undertaking a full review of all Tailte Éireann records and artefacts, of which surveying records is one part.
Further information may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at reps@tailte.ie.
Question No. 406 answered with Question No. 405.
Development Contributions
Ceisteanna (407, 414, 429)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:407. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the local authority development levies waiver does not include group water scheme connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19126/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:414. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to extend the development contribution waiver; how far must building works be progressed by the deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19277/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Robert Troy
Ceist:429. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm that the development levy waiver also covers the cost of ESB connections and Uisce Éireann connection costs. [19500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 407, 414 and 429 together.
On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The schemes originally applied for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and is completed not later than 31 December 2025. On 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions in respect of residential development commenced up to 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced up to 30 September 2024.
The date for the completion of development works on qualifying houses under the schemes has been extended from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
ESB Network connection charges and Group Water Scheme charges do not fall within the scope of the schemes as approved by Government. The water connection charge refund scheme only applies to water and waste water connection charges payable to Uisce Éireann for connection of supply to Uisce Éireann provided infrastructure. Group water schemes are community owned and run organisations and are outside the services provided by Uisce Éireann.
European Union
Ceisteanna (408)
John Paul Phelan
Ceist:408. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list all Acts and Statutory Instruments sponsored by his Department which became law from 20 February 2020 to date in 2024 and which were necessitated, either in whole or in part, to transpose or give effect to regulations, directives or other measures passed at European Union level. [19169/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
Question No. 409 answered with Question No. 391.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (410)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:410. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the inclusion of County Sligo in the defective concrete blocks scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19207/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 new scheme is now open to applications in four counties: Clare, Donegal, Limerick and Mayo with comprehensive information of all aspects of the Scheme available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/8002e-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
Section 5 of the Act contains details on the process for the inclusion of additional local authority areas into the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme. This statutory designation process can commence upon a request by a local authority or by myself, as Minister, and whereby the Housing Agency thereafter carries out technical testing of dwellings in a given local authority administrative area.
The Housing Agency wrote to me on 29 February 2024 and recommended that an order under Section 5(9) of the Act designating Sligo County Council in respect of the whole of its administrative area be made and I accepted this recommendation.
As set out in the Act, an order for the inclusion of a local authority in the Enhanced DCB Grant Scheme may only be made by Government. I will shortly seek Government approval (by means of a Memorandum for Government) to the designation of Sligo County Council, to arrange for the moving of a motion for a Resolution in each House of the Oireachtas and subject to the passing of such a Resolution then request the Government to make the Order.
Septic Tanks
Ceisteanna (411)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:411. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of septic tanks that have been inspected in Carlow annually since 2000 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19239/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to my reply to Question No. 628 of 9 April 2024 which set out the position on this matter.
Pensions Reform
Ceisteanna (412)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:412. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration he has given to extending the retirement age for retained firefighters; if those already approaching retirement will be issued with a stay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19240/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the Government’s recent approval of an increase in the mandatory retirement age for certain members of the uniformed services, I committed to examining a similar extension to the mandatory retirement age for all fire fighters with a view to providing consistency across the uniformed services.
On 12 April, I was pleased to announce that I have now secured approval for this change for both full-time and retained firefighters up to the age of 62, details of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/eea5a-mandatory-retirement-age-for-full-time-and-retained-firefighters-to-rise-to-62/.
This change will require legislative amendments to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and consideration of any transitional arrangements as appropriate within the existing legislative framework.
It is expected that the necessary legislative provisions can be enacted before the Dáil summer recess and the issue of transitional arrangements is currently under consideration.
The extension of the mandatory retirement age for firefighters is the latest in a number of initiatives aimed at improving retention and recruitment within the retained fire services. Local authorities are implementing WRC recommendations that will see an increase in retained firefighter numbers, structured time off, flexibility to attend calls and guaranteed fixed minimum earnings.
Election Management System
Ceisteanna (413)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:413. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement that is had by officials in his Department with local authorities tasked with maintaining the electoral register in cases where someone passes away. [19272/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local authorities, in their capacity as registration authorities, are responsible for the management and maintenance of the electoral register. It is the duty of each authority to ensure, as far as possible, and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and completeness of the register.
An tÁrd Chláraitheoir, the General Register Office (GRO) provides a Death Events Publication Service to public service bodies. This information contains details on all deaths notified to the General Register Office.
While the service has been in place for many years, it was further specifically provided for under Section 13E(6) of the Electoral Act 1992 Act as amended by the Electoral Reform Act 2022, which provides that a registration authority may require an tArd-Chláraitheoir to furnish it with information in connection with deaths of persons in their registration area. In October 2021, as part of preparations to commence the legislation, the General Register Office gave a presentation to local authorities setting out the details of the service. It is a matter for the individual local authority to engage with the GRO and the system.
Members of the public can also notify a local authority about a person who has died using a Third Party Claim Form to amend the Register (TPC1 Form). This form allows a member of the public to submit a request to the local authority for an amendment to an entry on the register other than their own including notifying the authority that a person they know has died. All such requests must be considered by the Registration Authority and the authority will take action if necessary.
Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 407.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (415)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:415. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the Mulcahy report into planning irregularities in Donegal. [19284/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am considering the report, entitled 'A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council', by Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C., and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.
The review is a scoping report and as such it does not make findings as to the truth or otherwise of allegations that have been made by an individual against named persons. The Attorney General's office has been consulted on both the content of the report and also on the issue of its potential publication and dissemination.
Further, regarding the publication of the Mulcahy Report, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (OCE-103174-W9G4J2 (Legacy Reference CEI-18-0019)) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to requests to publish this report will also be taken into account. Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.
It should be noted that in each of these cases, both the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Information Commissioner decided not to grant access to the report. The Office of the Information Commissioner decision stated "placing the details concerned in the public domain would significantly breach the rights to privacy of identifiable individuals." Therefore, this is a matter that requires careful consideration given that the report details unproven allegations against named persons.