Niall Collins
Question:268. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any assistance can be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38811/24]
View answerSeptic Tanks
Questions (268)
Written answers
There are currently three Septic Tank grant schemes available from my Department providing financial assistance to households.
Each local authority has responsibility for the administration of the grants in their own areas. In each local authority there is a Rural Water Liaison Officer who is responsible for the day to day management of these grants.
The officer is best placed to provide information on the assistance that may be available to the person named in the details supplied and can be contacted at the Rural Water Section of Limerick City and County Council.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 259.
Fire Service
Questions (270)
Thomas Pringle
Question:270. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to report on the progress of the Fire Service Capital Programme 2021-2025, with direct reference to delivery to date of the expenditure outlined in tables 2-4 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38820/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 Act 1981. 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 priority infrastructural projects.
In December 2020, I announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project (suitable site acquired, etc.);
• value for money offered by the proposal; and
• the totality of requests from all authorities.
The 2021 - 2025 Programme was projected to see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire appliances.
Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority that is why, in October 2023, I announced the allocation of an additional 40 new fire appliances at a cost of €20.8m.
Following an annual review of the Fire Services Capital Programme additional fire station projects at Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Stradbally Co. Laois and Clara Co. Offaly were subsequently added.
To date, the Fire Services Programme 2021 – 2025 has supported fire services with €64.6 million in funding and is profiling an additional €15.6 million in funding to year end 2024, providing additional levels of funding to maximise support for Fire Services.
The details below outline the requested updates per table,
Table 2 Proposed New Build Fire Stations
|
County |
Location |
Type |
Update |
|
Cavan |
Ballyjamesduff |
New |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Cork |
Kanturk |
Replacement |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Cork |
Macroom |
Replacement |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Mayo |
Crossmolina |
New |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Wexford |
New Ross |
New |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Cork |
Clonakilty |
Replacement |
Station under construction, expected completion 2024 |
|
Galway |
Athenry |
New |
Station under construction, expected completion 2024 |
|
Galway |
Loughrea |
New |
Station in planning/design phase |
|
Kilkenny |
Urlingford |
New |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
New |
Station to tender for construction Q4 2024 |
|
Louth |
Dunleer |
New |
Council finalising site acquisition |
|
Meath |
Nobber |
Refurb/Upgrade |
Station completed and is operational |
|
Waterford |
Kilmacthomas |
New |
Project in preliminary design phase |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
New |
Project in preliminary design phase |
|
Kildare |
Maynooth |
Replacement |
Station under construction |
|
Wicklow |
Baltinglass |
New |
Council seeking Part VIII planning approval |
|
Wicklow |
Dunlavin |
New |
Council seeking Part VIII planning approval |
|
Monaghan |
Ballybay |
New |
Station under construction, expected completion 2024 |
Table 3 Fire Stations to be Upgraded/Refurbished
|
County |
Location |
Update |
|
Kerry |
Killarney |
Station works in design phase |
|
Roscommon |
Boyle |
Station works completed 2022 |
|
Westmeath |
Athlone |
Council approved to tender for construction, build phase projected to commence Q4 2024 |
|
Westmeath |
Kilbeggan |
Station works in planning/design phase |
|
Tipperary |
Roscrea |
Station works in planning/design phase |
|
Carlow |
Muine Bheag |
Council approved to tender for design consultants |
|
Limerick |
Cappamore |
Station works in planning/design phase |
|
Meath |
Oldcastle |
Council approved to seek Part VIII planning approval |
|
Wexford |
Gorey |
Station works completed 2024 |
Table 4 Fire Appliance Applications (Class B Appliances)
|
Allocations 2021 – 2023 OGP Class B Fire Appliance Framework |
||
|
Fire Authority |
No. of appliances |
Comment |
|
Carlow County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Cavan County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Clare County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Cork City Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Cork County Council |
3 |
Delivered |
|
Donegal County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Dublin City Council |
4 |
Delivered |
|
Galway County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Kerry County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Kildare County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Laois County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Leitrim County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
2 |
Delivered |
|
Longford County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Louth County Council |
1 |
Council allocation held over on request. Council have been allocated two appliances in 2023 - 2025 framework |
|
Mayo County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Meath County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Offaly County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Sligo County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2 |
Delivered |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
2 |
Delivered |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Wexford County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1 |
Delivered |
|
35 |
|
Allocations 2023 – 2025 OGP Class B Fire Appliance Framework |
||
|
Fire Authority |
No. of appliances |
Comment |
|
Carlow County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Cavan County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Clare County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Cork City Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Cork County Council |
3 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Donegal County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Dublin City Council |
4 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Galway County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Kerry County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Kildare County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Laois County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Leitrim County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Longford County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Louth County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Mayo County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Meath County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Offaly County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Sligo County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Wexford County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1 |
Contract to build appliance awarded |
|
40 |
Fire Service
Questions (271)
Thomas Pringle
Question:271. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline all proposals received from Donegal County Council requesting support from the Fire Services capital programme in each year from 2014 to date; the date the proposal was made; the description of the proposal; the date the proposal was considered and the decision arrived at, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38821/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 Act 1981. 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 priority infrastructural projects.
In the period 2014 to date, in excess of €4 million in grant assistance funding from the Fire Service Capital programme has been approved for the proposed extension to Letterkenny Fire station, appliances and equipment for Donegal County Council. The specific details requested are outlined in the table below.
In July 2022, representatives of Donegal County Council and the Donegal Municipal district met with officials of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) from my Department regarding plans for Ballyshannon and Bundoran Fire stations. At that meeting the NDFEM officials outlined the application process including the provision of a business case, in order that an assessment might be made under the Public Spending Code rules set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for the provision of funding allocation.Once a business case is received by my Department, it can be evaluated and further considered in the context of the funding available under the existing Capital Programme.
Infrastructure
|
Date Proposal Made |
Date Considered /Approved |
Description |
Decision |
|
Jan-23 |
Dec-23 |
Extension to Letterkenny Fire Station |
Council approved to tender for design |
Equipment & Appliances
|
Date Proposal Made |
Date Considered/ Approved |
Description |
Decision |
|
Sep-24 |
Sep-24 |
Fire Service AWD vans x2 |
Approved |
|
Aug-24 |
Sep-24 |
Breathing Apparatus Entry Control boards |
Approved |
|
July-24 |
Sep-24 |
PPE for New Firefighters (WRC Agrmt) |
Approved |
|
Oct-23 |
Oct-23 |
2023-2025 JPF Class B Fire Appliance x 2 |
Approved |
|
Apr-23 |
Dec-23 |
Water Tanker appliance |
Approved |
|
Apr-23 |
Apr-23 |
Wildland/Multi role kits |
Not Approved - Outside the remit of the Capital Programme |
|
Oct-23 |
Oct-23 |
Rostered Senior Fire Officer vehicle |
Approved |
|
Oct-23 |
Oct-23 |
Electric Vehicle Blankets x 22 |
Approved |
|
Oct-23 |
Oct-23 |
Fire Service van |
Approved |
|
Sep-22 |
May-23 |
Double cab van purchase and fit out |
Approved |
|
Dec-22 |
Dec-22 |
Reimbursement of Major Emergency expenditure - Creeslough |
Approved |
|
Oct-21 |
Oct-21 |
Battery powered RTC extrication tools |
Approved |
|
Oct-21 |
Nov-21 |
Tablet PC's x 20 |
Approved |
|
Dec-20 |
Dec-20 |
2021-2023 Class B Fire Appliance x 1 |
Approved |
|
Nov-20 |
Dec-20 |
Water Tanker appliance |
Approved |
|
Mar-21 |
Mar-21 |
Fire Service Incident Command Vehicle |
Approved |
|
2019 |
Nov-19 |
Community Smoke Alarm Scheme |
Approved |
|
2018 |
Feb-18 |
Pre-owned Class B Fire Appliance x2 |
Approved |
|
Sep-18 |
Oct-18 |
BA Compressor and related civil works Letterkenny Fire Station |
Approved |
|
Nov-17 |
Nov-17 |
Refurbished Emergency Tender |
Approved |
|
Sep-17 |
Oct-17 |
Pre-owned Class B Fire Appliance x2 |
Approved |
|
Jan-16 |
Feb-16 |
Pre-owned Class B Fire Appliance x2 |
Approved |
|
Feb-16 |
May-16 |
Breathing Apparatus Sets |
Approved |
|
2016 |
Dec-16 |
Community Smoke Alarm Scheme |
Approved |
|
2015 |
Jan-16 |
Community Smoke Alarm Scheme |
Approved |
|
Oct-15 |
Oct-15 |
4x4 jeeps x3 |
Approved |
|
Dec-14 |
Dec-14 |
ATP Incident Support Vehicle |
Approved |
|
Dec-14 |
Dec-14 |
Cylinders |
Approved |
|
2014 |
Aug-14 |
Community Smoke Alarm Scheme |
Approved |
Fire Service
Questions (272)
Thomas Pringle
Question:272. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of retained firefighters in each station in the Donegal fire area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38822/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. Details of staffing numbers are available from each local authority and are not available from my Department at the granular level requested.
In September 2023, a WRC proposal was agreed between the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), on behalf of the local government sector, and SIPTU setting out improved remuneration measures and a more flexible model of service provision for retained firefighters. Local authorities are increasing the crew complement to 12 in all retained fire stations, supporting the implementation of the revised model of fire service provision, thereby reducing the commitment to be available by 50% while maintaining the required standards of fire service coverage.
We understand that a firefighting skills course for new retained recruits will commence at Letterkenny fire station on 7th October. It is expected that the recruits, on completion of their recruit training, will be appointed to positions at Donegal fire stations. All local authorities are in the process of recruiting new personnel to fully meet the WRC crew complements.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Questions (273)
Mattie McGrath
Question:273. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the delayed process of establishing the National Parks and Wildlife Service stakeholder forum; if he will provide a detailed and concrete timeline for its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38828/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have committed, in line with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Strategic Action Plan 2022-2024, to establishing a Stakeholder Forum which will meet in the coming months and which will include stakeholders with an interest in the policy areas under the remit of the NPWS. The Forum will adhere to the consultation principles set out in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Consultation Principles and Guidelines (2016) which aim to ensure that consultation is genuine, meaningful, timely, balanced and with the objective of leading to better outcomes. It is envisaged that the Forum will meet twice yearly.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (274)
Thomas Pringle
Question:274. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the limits for the ancillary grant under Section 22 (1) of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 related to alternative accommodation, in light of the continued upward trend of rental costs in County Donegal and the emerging evidence that remediation completions are averaging 16-18 months (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38855/24]
View answerWritten answers
I commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ('the 2022 Act') on 22 June 2023, which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
A review mechanism is provided within the 2022 Act, which provides for an increase or decrease the overall grant scheme cap (currently €420,000) a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act.
My Department received updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) that have been considered by the Expert Group I established. The Expert Group has recommended changes to the current scheme cap for remediation options, ancillary grants and the grant. I will bring a Memo to Government shortly on the matter.
Housing Schemes
Questions (275)
Cathal Crowe
Question:275. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider broadening the eligibility terms and conditions for the first home scheme in order that individuals who, in their youth, prior to entering a relationship and starting a family, bought an apartment with a sibling (a partnership arrangement) can qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38948/24]
View answerWritten answers
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country).
The eligibility criteria for the First Home Scheme, including in relation to the Fresh Start Principle, is in line with housing policy as set out under Housing for All and aligned with the eligibility criteria for other affordability measures.
The 'Fresh Start' principle is applied across a number of affordable and mortgage schemes run by my Department such as the Local Authority Home Loan and the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Currently only those who have experienced separation, divorce or bankruptcy/insolvency are eligible under the Fresh Start principle.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB. Full details are available on the First Home Scheme website, www.firsthomescheme.ie .
Defective Building Materials
Questions (276)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:276. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will urgently engage with the Housing Agency on the need to pause all of its decisions to overturn the recommendations of engineers acting for homeowners, under the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme, following confirmation from the National Standards Authority of Ireland that it intends to amend the standard I.S. 465 to make provision for internal sulphate attack (ISA) and testing to identify ISA, pyrrhotite alteration and other highly reactive forms of iron sulphide. [39022/24]
View answerWritten answers
I commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ('the 2022 Act') on 22 June 2023, which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
The 2022 Act sets out the role of the Housing Agency who act as agents on behalf of the local authorities under the terms of the Scheme. Once a home has met the damage threshold for entry to the scheme, the Housing Agency will engage its Framework Chartered Engineers to undertake the assessment, survey, sampling, testing and categorisation of the dwelling thereafter on a priority basis in accordance with the national standard I.S. 465:2018 and thereafter determine the appropriate remediation option and grant amount.
The Ministerial Guidelines for the scheme state the "The Housing Agency will, in their analysis and deliberations, take into consideration the presence of pyrrhotite" and the Housing Agency have confirmed this is the case.
Following the publication of any revised standard published by the NSAI, the DCB grant scheme will be reviewed at that point, in the event that such amendments are required.
Official Engagements
Questions (277)
Matt Carthy
Question:277. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the contact he or any Minister in his Department have had with any minister or official in the government of Israel since January 2014; the nature of these contacts, the purpose of these contacts; if a record was kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39074/24]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I can confirm that neither I, nor Minister of State Noonan or Minister of State Dillon have met with any Minister or officials in the Israeli Government. Having also examined the diaries of previous Ministers and Ministers of State in line with the question, I am informed that in January 2019 a meeting was requested by the then Ambassador of Israel to Ireland, Mr. Ophir Kariv with the then Minister of State at my Department with responsibility for Local Government and Electoral Reform, Minister John Paul Phelan. There is no record of a meeting.
No further meetings, in the timelines specified, have been identified.
Departmental Consultations
Questions (278, 279)
Catherine Murphy
Question:278. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he, his special advisory teams, or senior officials have consulted with, received briefings or sought advice from an external communications expert or communications consultancy company, or a public relations or public affairs company, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the costs associated with those interactions; the names of those that have been engaged with; the subject matter or topics the engagements related to, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39136/24]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
Met Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service and the leading provider of weather information and related services in the State, sits within my Department. The service has consulted with one communications consultancy firm in the timeframe specified. The details of this consultancy are set out in the table below:
|
Company name |
Timeframe |
Cost |
Subject Matter/Topics |
|
MKC Communications |
February 2023 to date |
€119,044.52 |
1. 1. Supporting the development of a communications strategy. 1. 2. Supporting the planning and drafting of press releases and other corporate news, ranging from weather, climate, flood forecasting, research and other (e.g. new Shannon radar, Translate project, Storm Naming, AI Professorship). 1. 3. Spokesperson’s training for interviews preparation and interactions with media, development of key lines. 1. 4. Supporting content creation and advice in that field. 1. 5. Drafting statements and answers to FOIs and customer queries. 1. 6. Support in workshops’ preparation. 1. 7. Other eventual external communication needs. |
Aside from Met Éireann, my Department holds no records of engagement in relation to any external communications expert, communications consultancy company, public relations or public affairs company. It is also noted that there has been no Departmental expenditure on same relating to me or my advisers for the period specified.
In the interest of full transparency, I, as a Minister, may avail such services through the Oireachtas Temporary Vouched Expense (TVE) allowance. Further information in this regard may be sought directly from the Oireachtas.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:279. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of ongoing issues in relation to the State regarding boundary disputes arising from the digitisation of land maps; and if he plans to implement the recommendations of the 2014 report of the Inter-Professional Task Force on Property Boundaries. [39147/24]
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.It is understood from Tailte Éireann that under the Land Registry Digital Mapping Project (2005-2010), Land Registry plans and boundaries were transferred from original paper maps to a digital map. This digitisation was carried out in accordance with the guidelines as set out in the Digitisation Protocol Document. All matters relevant to the transfer of mapping data during the Digital Mapping Project are adequately dealt with within the body of Tailte Éireann’s Digitisation Protocol Document. Tailte Éireann, on occasion, receives enquiries about registration mapping issues and each query is investigated fully. There is an established, dedicated and robust process for the ongoing evaluation of such mapping queries. Such enquiries together with supporting documents, should be forwarded by post to Register and Mapping Review Unit, Tailte Éireann, Chancery Street, Dublin 7 or by email to ramruqueries@tailte.ie
Tailte Éireann maintains a title register and the Land Registry map is not, except as provided by legislation, conclusive as to boundaries or extent. This has been the position since the inception of the title registration system in 1891, as provided by section 55 of the Land Registration of Title (Ireland) Act 1891.
The registration mapping framework maintained Tailte Éireann is underpinned by its link to ordnance survey topographical data. However, all registrations effected on the National Land Register are based on the original legally executed documents and related map lodged for registration. Tailte Éireann is aware of the 2014 Report of the Inter-Professional Task Force titled ‘Towards the Registration of Defined Property Boundaries in Ireland’. The recommendations as set out in in Chapter 7 of the Report advocate a move away from the State's long-standing property registration model and are at variance with current registration of title policy and existing legislative provisions. The changes advocated in the Report could add additional costs to the conveyancing process, have the potential to disturb existing titles to registered property and exacerbate the risk of boundary disputes. Moreover, implementation of such changes could increase the exposure of the State to compensation claims.Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 265.
Derelict Sites
Questions (281)
David Stanton
Question:281. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria to determine if a building should be designated as being derelict; the actions that can be taken because of any such designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39166/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site.
A property can be placed on the derelict site register where it is deemed by a local authority to satisfy the criteria of a derelict site under the terms of section 3 of the Act i.e. (i) it is in a dangerous or ruinous condition; (ii) it is in a neglected or unsightly condition; or (iii) there is a presence of litter, waste or debris on the site. It is not the case that a property can be placed on the derelict site register of a local authority simply by being a vacant property.
It is also worth noting that placing sites on the derelict sites register, and collecting levies in respect of those sites, is not the sole mechanism that local authorities apply under the Act in relation to bringing sites back into use. They often engage collaboratively with property owners with a view to necessary works being undertaken to bring sites back into use while also using their powers under the Act to compulsorily acquire derelict sites.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan Progress Report (April 2024) sets out the significant progress that has been achieved across Government under objectives contained in Pathway 4 of Housing for All in 2023 and the further steps that will be taken in 2024 to bring more vacant and derelict properties into use as homes.
A copy of the Vacant Homes Action Plan and the related Progress Report can be accessed on my Department’s website at following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/
Under the Action Plan, the third round of funding was announced under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a €150 million revolving fund for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties (residential and/or commercial), using their compulsory purchase powers where necessary and to carry out any associated works needed to de-risk or improve the property to make it more attractive for re-use or sale. The fund will be replenished from the proceeds received from the end use/user, thereby allowing the local authority to establish a rolling programme of acquisitions in order to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction without recourse to borrowing and the associated financial risk.
More than 1,200 vacant and derelict properties have now been identified and approved under the scheme and the estimated residential yield from these properties is 5,406 homes.
Departmental Staff
Questions (282)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:282. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of WTE conservation architects directly employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39176/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not generally keep a record of the qualifications held by staff members, and accordingly there may be staff working in various roles in the Department who are qualified Conservation Architects but who have applied for different positions.
However, please see the table below which sets out in FTE terms, the number of staff working as Architects as of the 31st August 2024.
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Architect |
8 |
|
Senior Architect |
4 |
Housing Provision
Questions (283)
Imelda Munster
Question:283. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons on the social housing lists in counties Louth and Meath. [39184/24]
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Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2023, is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
In relation to the number of households on the social housing lists in both Louth and Meath, there were 1,713 and 1,568 households on each list respectively on the specified date in 2023.
Homeless Accommodation
Questions (284)
Imelda Munster
Question:284. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons who are homeless in counties Louth and Meath. [39185/24]
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My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS). The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of August 2024. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's open data portal data.gov.ie/ .
Housing Provision
Questions (285)
Imelda Munster
Question:285. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable houses that have been built in County Louth in 2023 and to date in 2024, with specific details for Drogheda and south Louth if such data are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39186/24]
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Louth County Council has already delivered their first local authority led affordable purchase scheme. My Department, in conjunction with the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association and the Housing Agency, is continuing to advise and support Louth in developing further affordable housing schemes that are well-aligned with the local housing market context and that deliver on Louth's Housing Delivery Action Plan and affordable delivery targets.Affordable purchase is also being supported in Louth through the First Home Scheme, with 180 approvals provided in respect of homes in Louth to Q1 2024. Louth has also seen its first cost rental homes delivered and the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant is also available to enable bringing homes back into use.Affordable Housing delivery reports based on quarterly returns received from local authorities are published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/?#affordable-housing-delivery.