Written Answers Nos. 403-425
403. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider waiving development fees for large extensions on homes similar to the waiving of fees for new builds, where it can be demonstrated that the extension allows the family remain in their existing home and not warrant a new or larger home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25077/24]
View answerOn 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 commenced 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.
My Department issued Circular Letter PL 08/2023 on 21 July 2023 and the associated supplementary Guidance Note on the detailed operational arrangements in relation to the development contribution waiver scheme and the Uisce Éireann connection charge refund scheme. The Circular Letter and Guidance Note are available at the following link -www.gov.ie/en/circular/9b113-circular-pl-082023-temporary-time-limited-waiver-in-respect-of-development-contributions-operational-guidance-for-local-authorities/ .
In particular the guidance notes that “Residential extensions or the refurbishment of existing vacant/derelict properties are not included in the waiver scheme as the measure is intended to help boost the delivery of new housing supply, address cost and viability issues faced by the construction sector, and incentivise the activation of new housing commencements.”
It is not proposed to extend the scheme to include home extensions.
404. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of WTE quantity surveyors grade 1 employed by his Department in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [25104/24]
View answerMy Department does not generally keep a record of qualifications held by staff members, and accordingly there may be staff working in various roles in the Department who have a qualification in quantity surveying but applied for different positions.
There were seven WTE Quantity Surveyors Grade 1 employed in the Department at the end of April in roles where this is a requirement. There were seven WTE Quantity Surveyors Grade 1 employed in such roles at the end of December 2023, and six at the end of December 2022.
405. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the income threshold for HAP or introducing additional supports for people who are struggling to pay rent but whose income is above the threshold for HAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25126/24]
View answerHousing for All includes a commitment to review income eligibility for social housing.
From this review, completed in November 2021, it was recommended moving five local authorities from Band 3 to Band 2, ensuring the income eligibility thresholds better reflect housing costs in those counties. Government also agreed to increase the baseline income thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
The review further recommended the commissioning of research to develop options for a revised or new social housing income eligibility model. My Department recently received this detailed research, commissioned by the Housing Agency. The scope of the research included examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and population conditions and the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced.
My Department will now undertake a detailed examination of the report, in order to develop a new social housing income eligibility model by Q4 2024 in line with the Housing for All Action Plan update. This detailed examination will include consultation with stakeholders and will look at, inter alia, how the social housing income limits system interacts with other housing supports and ensure that they continue to target households correctly.
In relation to supports outside the social housing system, launched as part of the Affordable Housing Act in 2021, Cost Rental housing is designed to assist middle-income households who do not qualify for social housing but who are facing affordability pressures in the private rental market. Cost Rental is a major step forward in providing much-needed affordable rental options to households with incomes above the limits set for social housing. The current eligibility limits for Cost Rental, checked at the point of applying for a tenancy, are net household incomes of no more than €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere.
The Housing for All strategy targets the delivery of 18,000 new Cost Rental homes by 2030. A strong pipeline is in place and under continuous development by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, and the Land Development Agency.
406. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can clarify if or when a rent pressure zone will be introduced in County Donegal to reflect the huge increases in rent over recent years. [25219/24]
View answerThe Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, taking account of the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords, introduced a targeted Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. Rent controls are applied on the basis of the objective evidence available via the RTB Rent Index quarterly report. Approximately, 80% of tenancies across the country are subject to rent controls.
Section 24A of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (the Acts) provides that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to me, as Minister, that an area should be designated as a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ). Following receipt of such a proposal, I, as Minister, request the Director of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to me on whether the area should be designated as a RPZ.
The criteria to be satisfied by an area under section 24A(4) of the Acts for designation as an RPZ are as follows:
• the information relating to the area, as determined by reference to the information used to compile each RTB Rent Index quarterly report, shows that the annual rate of increase in the average amount of rent for that area is more than 7% in each of at least 4 of the 6 quarters preceding the period immediately prior to the date of the Housing Agency's proposal, and
• the average rent for the area in the last quarter, as determined by reference to the information used to compile each RTB Rent Index quarterly report, is –
• in the case of counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow or a local electoral area (LEA) in any one of those counties, above the average rent in the State, excluding rents in the 4 Dublin Local Authority areas, or
• in the case of any LEA outside of the Greater Dublin Area (i.e. Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow), above the average rent in the State excluding rents in the Greater Dublin Area.
Each RTB Rent Index quarterly report includes a table of the data used to establish whether each LEA fulfils the criteria for designation as a RPZ.
The data from the Rent Index quarterly report for Q4 2023 relating to the local electoral areas (LEA) of County Donegal is detailed in the table below:
|
Local Electoral Area (LEA) |
Quarters >7% |
Standardised Average Rent in New Tenancies |
Standardised Average Rent in Existing Tenancies |
|
Glenties |
* |
* |
€560 |
|
Milford |
* |
* |
€710 |
|
Carndonagh |
* |
* |
€540 |
|
Buncrana |
* |
* |
€692 |
|
Donegal |
* |
* |
€674 |
|
Letterkenny |
6 |
€1,073 |
€812 |
|
Lifford-Stanorlar |
5 |
€873 |
€607 |
*Note: indicates that rents in areas with fewer than 30 observations are not published for statistical reasons.
While Letterkenny LEA has had 6 quarters and Lifford-Stanorlar LEA has had 5 quarters of rent increases above 7%, the Standardised Average Rents for these LEAs have not risen above the Non-GDA Standardised Average Rent in New Tenancies of €1,225, thereby not satisfying the criteria for designation as an RPZ at this time.
The Housing Agency and the RTB continue to monitor national rents and if any LEA in County Donegal meets the designation criteria, it will be designated as a RPZ through the process outlined above. Equally, if the entire County of Donegal meets the designation criteria, it will be designated as a RPZ.
407. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of section 179A planning exemptions that have received stage 1 approval from his Department, broken down by local authority, including the location and number of units in each scheme, in tabular form; the number of such schemes which have commenced construction to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/24]
View answer408. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of section 179A social housing planning exemptions that have received stage 1 approval from his Department, broken down by local authority, including the location and number of units in each scheme, in tabular form; the number of such schemes which have commenced construction to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25230/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
Legislation enacted in December 2022 amended the Planning and Development Act. The provisions under sections 3, 13 and 14 of the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022 which insert section 179A into the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, have commenced. These provisions provide that housing development by, on behalf of, or in partnership with a local authority which commences construction before the end of 2024 will be exempt from the Local Authority ’Part 8’ process, subject to a number of specific conditions. Where a development does not satisfy the conditions set out in section 179A, the normal Local Authority own development arrangements under the ‘Part 8’ process will apply.
Reporting is required under article 39A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, and data provided by LAs set out in the table below, indicates the number of units where site notices have been issued by each local authority as of the end of Q4 2023. Data for Q1 2024 has been requested from local authorities and will be available in due course.
|
Local Authorities |
No. Proposed Housing Developments [site notice issued] |
No. of Residential Units Proposed [site notice issued] |
|
Carlow |
2 |
4 |
|
Clare |
1 |
26 |
|
Cork CoCo |
2 |
36 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
21 |
|
Fingal |
2 |
176 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
19 |
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
49 |
|
Laois |
5 |
39 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
18 |
|
Louth |
1 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
21 |
|
Meath |
2 |
10 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
14 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
23 |
|
South Dublin |
3 |
131 |
|
Waterford City & Co |
6 |
70 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
16 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
152 |
|
Dublin City |
2 |
238 |
409. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 14 May 2024, the target for heat pumps in new builds to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/24]
View answerFossil fuel boilers have been effectively phased out in new dwellings. Electricity heating systems, the majority of which are heat pumps, were installed in 97% of new dwellings in 2023. By comparison, fossil fuel boilers were installed in less than 3% of new dwellings in 2023 – down from 79% for the period from 2010 to 2014. It is expected that this upward trajectory will continue with heat pumps installed in practically all new dwellings to 2030.
The rapid transition to low-carbon heating systems is a result of Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) regulations introduced by my Department in 2019. These regulations have effectively phased out fossil fuel boilers in new homes. The change will significantly improve air quality in the areas where these new homes are built relative to traditional developments, providing more comfortable and energy-efficient homes, while also helping to achieve carbon reduction targets committed to in the Climate Action Plan.
The data shows Ireland is well placed ahead of new EU plans to set more ambitious energy performance requirements for both new and renovated buildings throughout the European Union with member states required to develop plans to renovate their building stock.
The ESRI began updating its research based on Census 2022 data in September 2023 to support the National Planning Framework (NPF) revision, Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA) Tool update, and housing targets refresh. This updated research will inform revisions to NPF strategy and housing targets, potentially adjusting population and housing projections to 2040 and beyond. The final ESRI research will be presented to the joint ESRI/DHLGH Steering Committee in June 2024 and published soon after.
410. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if people who are eligible for the defective concrete block scheme can simultaneously avail of the housing adaption grants for older and disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25238/24]
View answerMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by the Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities.
Where an applicant decides to apply for these grants in conjunction with other grants it is a matter for local authorities to satisfy themselves that any proposed works are not already captured within the scope of the other grant scheme including the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme.
Further details on these schemes is available on my Department’s website at the following link:www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
411. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify when work on the new sewage scheme for Broadford will commence; and if the scheme will be extended as far as a specific home (details supplied). [25271/24]
View answerIn December 2023, I announced the successful applications that are approved funding under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme for the Waste Water Collection and Treatment needs for villages without access to Public Waste Water Services.
Following the announcement, my Department wrote to Clare County Council confirming approval of funding for projects in the villages of Broadford and Cooraclare and outlining the next steps required to commence and deliver these projects to completion as quickly as possible. My Department looks forward to working with the local authority and other key stakeholders to successfully deliver these projects.
Each local authority has a Rural Water Liaison Officer who is responsible for the day to day administration of the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme in their area, and they are best placed to answer the specific question on the location in the details supplied. The Rural Water Liaison Officer can be contacted at the Rural Water Section of the relevant local authority, in this case Clare County Council.
412. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will expedite the publication of the Mulcahy Report, in view of the fact that to not do so gives rise to a perception that the integrity of the planning process is compromised further; if he has received any external advice on the contents of the report; and the number of requests that his Department has received to date to publish the report. [25317/24]
View answerI 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. No other body has been consulted on the contents of the Report.
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.
A number of requests have been made for the release of the Mulcahy report. These include 52 Parliamentary Questions related to the report, 6 requests by correspondence, 13 Freedom of Information requests and 2 Access to Information on the Environment requests.
413. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to a previous Parliamentary Question (details supplied), if he will confirm when payment will issue to a person in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/24]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department recognises and highly appreciates the beneficial working relationships it has with individuals who provide valuable services to the NPWS. While I am not in a position to comment on individual cases, I can confirm that my Department is continuing to work on progressing this matter with a view to resolving the issues involved as soon as possible.
414. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the revised wind energy guidelines signed off by his predecessor in 2017 will become operational; the reason for the inordinate delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25360/24]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including setback distance, noise, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature.
The two Departments have been 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.
Further to this engagement, DECC appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is substantially complete. My Department, in conjunction with DECC in respect of its environmental noise remit, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance and setback distance.
With regard to the finalisation of the review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, the Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a timeline of Q4 2024 for publication of the final updated Guidelines and my Department is working towards meeting 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. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force pending the finalisation of the review.
415. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will outline the issue relating to interest rates as addressed in relation to the local authority loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25366/24]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a government backed fixed rate mortgage for creditworthy First Time Buyers and Fresh Start applicants to purchase a home. The Local Authority Home Loan is only available to applicants who have been refused credit from at least two commercial lenders for the equivalent finance.
The Housing Finance Agency provides financing to local authorities for the mortgages that the local authorities lend to borrowers. The Housing Finance Agency sets the lending rate they charge Local Authorities for this financing, which are based on the wholesale interest rate in the market. Local Authorities are obliged to reflect this interest rate in the interest rate charged to the borrower. Changes in interest rates, increases as well as decreases, are be passed on to new borrowers.
The current fixed interest rates applicable to new borrowing under the Local Authority Home Loan are as follows:
• For mortgages up to 25 years the interest rate to be applied is 4%
• For mortgages over 25 years and up to 30 years the interest rate to be applied is 4.05%
The interest rate applicable to borrowers is the rate at the date on which the loan is drawn down.
The interest rates continue to be monitored and any changes to interest rates by the Housing Finance Agency will be reflected in the interest rate charged to new borrowers. Any changes to interest rates will be updated on the following website localauthorityhomeloan.ie/interest-rates/
416. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if access to pre-planning meetings with local government is provided as standard; if not, which local authorities provide it as part of their planning process; if he will ensure that all residents will have equal access to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25399/24]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or the associated Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the Regulations), requires planning permission.
Section 247 of the Act sets out the process for pre-planning meetings (also referred to as pre-application consultations).
Section 247(1) provides that a person who has an interest in land and who intends to make a planning application may, with the agreement of the planning authority concerned (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), enter into consultations with the planning authority in order to discuss any proposed development in relation to the land and the planning authority may give advice to that person regarding the proposed application.
The purpose of pre-planning meetings is to identify any potential issues arising from the proposal at an early stage so as to avoid unnecessary delays or costs following the submission of the application. In order to expedite the process, pre-application consultations may be conducted via phone or email. Face-to-face meetings are also available, but may be reserved for larger or more complex proposals. These will generally be arranged by the local authority Development Management Planning team.
The applicant may be required to submit certain documentation in order to ensure that the consultation will be productive. In the Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities of 2007 (Chapter 2.5), which were issued under section 28 of the Act, planning authorities are advised that requests for such consultations should be facilitated as quickly as possible so that where a meeting with the area planner is requested, such a meeting should ideally be arranged within 2-3 weeks. Where the area planner is unavailable, arrangements should be made to provide a properly briefed substitute.
417. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when air to water home heating/hot water systems will be installed in (details supplied) under his Department’s Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25421/24]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) aims to retrofit a local authority home to a BER of B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent. It is expected that 36,500 local authority owned homes will be retrofitted under this Programme out to 2030.
Works eligible under my Department's revised EERP include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works. The funded measures achieve the B2 or cost optimal equivalent (BER).
The selection of properties for inclusion in my Department’s Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme, assessment of eligible works required and prioritisation of works is a matter for each individual local authority in their administration of the programme.
Waterford City and County Council has selected dwellings located in the Ballybeg area as part of their programme of work this year. More specific details in relation to the timeframe for the installation of air to water home heating/hot water systems should be available upon request from the local authority.
418. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if planning guidance relating to short-term rentals will be published and circulated in advance of the enactment of the planned legislation to crack down on short-term rentals. [25441/24]
View answerOn 7 December 2022, the Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill (STTL Bill) and the priority drafting of the Bill providing for the establishment of a new registration system for short-term lettings to be operated by Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment in this regard under Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland. The work on the Bill is being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM).
The proposed STTL Bill remains the subject of ongoing engagement with the EU Commission in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 2015/1535 on the Technical Regulation of Information Society services (the TRIS Directive)
My Department is currently developing Planning Guidelines for the Short-Term Letting sector to supplement the introduction of the STTL Bill. This guidance will provide policy clarity in respect of planning permission requirements regarding short-term letting properties. It is intended that a draft of the guidelines will be published simultaneously with the publication of the STTL Bill by DTCAGSM in order that property owners can have a greater understanding of the planning requirements well in advance of the final enactment of the STTL Bill.
419. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of all contracts they have and/or had with a company in the past 25 years to date (details supplied); the agreed contract cost; the ultimate contract cost including extras, design changes, conciliation, claims etc; project name/title; and the name of the body responsible for the delivery of projects where responsibility has been devolved. [25478/24]
View answerMy Department's current financial management system became operational in 2004. As agreed with the Deputy, a review of this system's records shows that my Department had one contract with BAM Civil in 2009. Details of that contract are in the attached table.
|
Company |
Purpose |
Agreed Cost (incl. VAT) |
Actual Cost (incl. VAT) |
Project Name |
Devolved Responsibility |
|
BAM Civil |
Supply of Green Heart Timber |
€1,998 |
€1,998 |
Supply of Green Heart Timber |
N/A |
420. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on and those of his Department to claims made (details supplied) that credit servicers are falsely registering as owners of properties through the Land Registry, given they are not the loan originators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25488/24]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
Registration of all applications on the Land Register is effected in accordance with the relevant legislation including the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, the Registration of Title Act 1964, the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, and also in accordance with Land Registration Rules 2012-2021.
I understand from Tailte Éireann that, if an application is lodged for registration, and the application is in order, Tailte Éireann is statutorily obliged to register the legal effect of the documents lodged.
It is important to note that the matters raised may be appropriate to the Department of Justice or the Law Reform Commission, or in the case where the applicable legislation refers to the Central Bank Act, it may be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Tailte Éireann directly at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
421. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to amend building regulations to incentivise the construction of modular homes; the enhanced use of wood in construction including glulam and cross-laminated timber in medium to high-rise apartments and offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25499/24]
View answerThe Building Regulations set out minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings and works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment, and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation. The Building Regulations are expressed in broad performance terms and do not set limitations on the use of materials.
A suite of Technical Guidance Documents provides guidance on how to achieve that performance in practice for common non-complex building types. Where works are carried out in accordance with the technical guidance, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with the relevant part of the Building Regulations.
For non-standardised, new or innovative products or systems, including modular, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by third party certification by an independent approval body, such as National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément. Agrément certification is a means of demonstrating compliance with each of the 12 parts of the Building Regulations, and is generally accepted by Building Control Authorities.
In March of this year, my Department published an Information Note on Alternative Approaches to Demonstrate Compliance with the Building Regulations. This Information Note provides guidance on alternative approaches (to the Technical Guidance Documents) to demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations. It contains a specific appendix in regard to alternative approaches to demonstrating compliance with Part B (Fire Safety).
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All. MMC is the term used to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction, including modular construction. MMC has the potential to boost productivity, increase efficiency and improve sustainability in the construction sector.
The Timber in Construction Steering Group was established by my colleague Minister Hackett in November 2023. Five thematic groups have been formed to support actions as identified under the Climate Action Plan and Ireland’s Forest Strategy. I understand that the group has met regularly since its inception and has been provided with progress updates across all Thematic Groups.
Thematic Group 2 - Regulation, Standards and Compliance, to which my Department provides the secretariat, is reviewing technical guidance/standards, research, reports and codes that have been developed in Ireland and other countries in relation to the design and use of mass-engineered timber and other relevant engineered timber products and are considering their relevance in the Irish context.
In this regard, a tender has recently been issued for a study to support the development of recommendations for a national technical specification for the use of mass engineered timber based on a review of existing international guidance and research needs.
422. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to enhance the rate of grant available for housing aid for older people and people with a disability; when these grant rates were last enhanced; when the terms of the scheme were last expanded and under what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25501/24]
View answer425. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the ongoing discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, when the review of the housing adaptation grants, housing aid for older people grants and mobility aids grants will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25519/24]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 422 and 425 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding provision of €74.5 million for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme has been increased by €8 million for 2024. Local authorities were recently informed of their 2024 allocations with each local authority receiving an increase on the 2023 allocation, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
The grants were reviewed in 2013 by a review group which considered how the benefits of the grants could be spread as widely as possible and achieve fairness and value for money in the grants process. Arising from the recommendations of the review group, the income requirements, eligibility and maximum grant were revised in 2014 to focus the grants towards those with the greatest need.
My Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity and the Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year. My Department encourages all local authorities to ensure all applications on hand are processed to the degree possible for final payment to ensure optimal spend on their annual allocation. Whilst additional Exchequer funding may become available, the Council must provide the 20% match funding from their own resources therefore the Council is also managing the scheme within the resources allocated at the local level.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds that apply and the grant limits. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the report with a view to bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes as soon as possible with a view to also publishing the final report.
423. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the publication of the report by Government on "Housing Options for our Ageing Population", if he will outline the steps taken to date to address the issue; the measures being taken to provide clustered bungalow housing for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25502/24]
View answerUnder Housing for All, there is a policy objective to increase and improve housing options for older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. Housing for All builds on and takes forward the ongoing actions in 'Housing Options for Our Ageing Population' policy statement from 2019, published jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, which provides policy options in support of a range of housing and accommodation alternatives for older people. The actions include the development of a catalogue of housing options that provide a range of choices that meet the diverse needs of an ageing population, spanning owner occupier, private rental and social housing, whilst providing accessible care and the associated support needs.
An implementation group, led by an independent Chair and representative of the two Departments and their agencies as well as older persons was established to oversee and manage the implementation of Housing Options of Our Ageing Population Policy Statement. The Implementation Group published three reports detailing the progress achieved on each of the Actions and these are available at gov - Housing Options for Our Ageing Population – Policy Statement (www.gov.ie).
My Department continues to collaborate with the Department of Health on the implementation of relevant ongoing actions, together with engagement on advancing the most appropriate framework, under the strategic framework of Housing for All, to ensure the effective integration of health and housing policies at national and local level.
A further key action of Housing for All required local authorities to develop Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans also include details of proposed delivery of housing for older people. Housing Delivery Action Plans are published on the websites of the respective local authorities.
424. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the residential zone tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25507/24]
View answerLocal authorities published annual draft Residential Zoned Land Tax maps on 1 February 2024 that identify lands that fall within the scope of the tax, as well as lands which they propose to exclude from the previous year’s annual final maps for 2025. Landowners and other interested parties had until 1 April 2024 to make a submission to the relevant local authority about whether or not land on this annual draft map meets the criteria for being subject to the tax. A total of 382 submissions were received by local authorities by 1 April 2024.
The legislation allows landowners to highlight if they consider that the land included on the map did not meet the criteria; to propose a correction to the date on which land first met the criteria, or support the exclusion of land where it is identified on the map that the local authority proposes to exclude such land. These submissions may also propose the inclusion of land, not identified on the map, if they feel such land meets the criteria. Determinations on submissions must be issued by the relevant local authority by 1 July 2024, and the landowner may appeal the local authority decision to An Bord Pleanála by 1 August 2024.
Landowners could also request a change of zoning of their land by 31 May 2024, where such land is identified on the annual draft map. Local authorities have until 10 June 2024 to publish these submissions on their websites. Local authorities are required to communicate with landowners seeking rezoning by 31 July 2024 setting out whether they intend to progress an amendment to the zoning of the land in question or not.
The submissions, appeal decisions and rezoning requests will be considered by the local authority prior to the publication of an annual final map on 31 January 2025 identifying the land which will be liable to the tax from 1 February 2025.
