Written Answers Nos. 341-361
342. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the percentage of Tourism Ireland's marketing fund that has been spent in the first nine months of 2024 and for the same period in 2023, in tabular form. [41466/24]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy and the tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, deal with the implementation of this policy. Tourism Ireland is the agency responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling tourism destination.
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
343. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the international events and engagements she has attended at which members of the media were also in attendance as part of the Government delegation, since the formation of the Government; the media organisations they represented; the cost involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41611/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that, since my appointment as Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in September 2020, I have not attended any international events or engagements, where members of the media were also in attendance as part of the Government delegation.
344. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps she is taking to assist landlords whose tenants are subletting without their permission; her views on the escalating crisis of unscrupulous illegal landlords from a damage, insurance and antisocial behaviour point of view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41360/24]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2024 (the RTA) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the private residential rented sector, and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as quasi-judicial, independent statutory body to operate a national tenancy registration system and to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
Section 16 of the RTA sets out the obligations of tenants under a tenancy, which includes, inter alia, that tenants shall:
• not assign or sub-let the tenancy without the written consent of the landlord, which consent the landlord may withhold,
• not cause a deterioration in the condition of the property beyond normal wear and tear and must reimburse the landlord if this occurs,
• not do anything that would invalidate the landlord’s insurance (or allow others to do this),
• pay any increase in the insurance premium resulting from the tenant’s conduct, and
• not behave in a way that is anti-social or allow others to act in this way.
Further information in relation to tenancy obligations is available at the following link: www.rtb.ie/images/uploads/forms/RTB_Prescribed_Form_Jun_2022_%283%29.pdf.
In general, after six months, a landlord may not serve a Notice of Termination (NoT) except in very clearly defined circumstances. Paragraph 1 of the Table to section 34 of the RTA provides for the termination of a tenancy where the tenant has failed to comply with any of his or her obligations (other than the obligation to pay rent) in relation to the tenancy and, unless the failure provides an excepted basis for termination:
• the tenant has been notified in writing of the failure by the landlord and that notification states that the landlord is entitled to terminate the tenancy if the failure is not remedied within a reasonable time specified in that notification, and
• the tenant does not remedy the failure within that specified time.
A landlord who has registered their tenancy with the RTB may refer a dispute to the RTB for resolution under Part 6 of the RTA.
345. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of windfarm guidelines will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41411/24]
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 noise, setback distance, 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.
In addition to work on the noise aspects of the Guidelines, the evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Bill 2023, which was approved by the Oireachtas on 9th October last, and the revision of the National Planning Framework reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose.
As part of the review process, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines. As part of the SEA process, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines. Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.
With regard to the finalisation of the review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, the Climate Action Plan 2024 - Annex of Actions sets out a timeline of Q1 2025 for publication of the final updated Guidelines. My Department is working towards meeting this commitment, having regard to the intended public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews including the revision of the National Planning Framework. 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.
346. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the national planning policy and guidelines in relation to battery storage sites; the last time a review of this framework took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41459/24]
View answerThe planning system plays an important role in the delivery of renewable energy development and related development, from both a legislative and a policy perspective.
The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) provides the basis for plan-making and decision-making within the planning system in respect of renewable energy development and battery storage. This legislative framework will be enhanced by the proposals set out within the Planning and Development Bill 2023, which has recently been approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas and will enhance the plan-led approach and give greater certainty for stakeholders through streamlined and statutory decision making timelines.
From a planning policy perspective, the National Planning Framework (NPF) 2018 is the long-term strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to 2040. The current NPF provides support for renewable energy development. The NPF informs a spatial hierarchy of plans that cascade to regional and local levels, through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs) for the 3 regional assembly areas and the city and county development plans for each of the 31 local authorities. The majority of city and county development plans have now been reviewed and adopted by local authorities, providing for alignment with national and regional policy.
The draft First Revision to the NPF was published by Government for public consultation on 10 July 2024. The draft Revised NPF includes enhanced policy support for renewable energy development, including in particular the introduction of regional renewable electricity capacity allocations in order to facilitate the accelerated roll-out and implementation of renewable electricity infrastructure for onshore wind and solar generation development and to achieve the national targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024. The Draft Revised NPF also promotes related objectives, including policy support for electricity grid development.
National Policy Objective 74 of the draft First Revision of the NPF supports the co-location of renewable technologies with other supporting technologies and complementary land uses, including agriculture, amenity, forestry and opportunities to enhance biodiversity and promote heritage assets, at appropriate locations which are determined based upon the best available scientific evidence in line with EU and national legislative frameworks.
In addition, the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2023/2413) – also referred to as ‘RED III’, introduces ambitious targets and measures seeking to boost renewable energy development, including the central target to increase the share of renewable energy in the EU's overall energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030, supplemented by an additional indicative target of 2.5%.
The transposition of provisions in RED III is underway, with an initial transposition date of 1 July 2024, with other provisions having a transposition date of 18 months after entry into force of the Directive. This will involve, in part, the need to introduce legislation to facilitate the designation of Renewable Acceleration Areas.
It should be noted that the Planning and Development Bill 2023 recognises the development of renewable energy and related infrastructure as a particular area of priority and also includes provisions to replace Section 28 Ministerial Planning Guidelines with ‘National Planning Statements’. Following enactment of the legislation, it is proposed to undertake a programme of review of existing Section 28 guidelines with the intention of replacing them with National Planning Statements, noting that this programme of work will be sequenced over time. It is envisaged that public consultation will be undertaken as part of the process of preparing National Planning Statements.
347. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if LDA capital expenditure and LDA commercial borrowing is on the Government balance sheet; and his views on any balance sheet implications of shifting the State's equity from ISIF to the LDA by way of Government approved capitalisation. [41641/24]
View answerFor the purposes of National Accounts, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is considered part of the General Government Sector. As such, investments and borrowings made by the LDA will impact the General Government Balance Sheet. However, the transfer of funds from ISIF to the LDA is balance sheet neutral as the funds held by the National Treasury Management Agency are exchanged for shares of equivalent value in the Land Development Agency.
These funds are being invested by the LDA to further the development of affordable, cost rental communities all over Ireland, with a focus on compact urban growth to support the implementation of the National Planning Framework.
348. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report on deposit protection systems will be published and the recommendations enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40920/24]
View answerI refer to my reply to Question No. 379 of 18 September 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
349. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that local councils are continuing to include child maintenance as part of the income calculation when people apply for social housing and in the calculation of the rent due (details supplied). [40947/24]
View answerI refer to my reply to Question No. 185 of 10 October 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
350. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1195 of 23 July 2024, if funding will be put in place to be drawn down by local authorities where a bond is not paid by the developers of a housing estate in order that the estate can be finished and taken in charge by said local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40963/24]
View answerThe legislative process for the taking in charge of housing estates by local authorities is set out in section 180 of the Act. The prescribed process in this regard applies to residential developments consisting of two or more dwellings that have been granted planning permission under section 34 of the Act.
There is no automatic requirement for local authorities to take over unfinished housing estates after a certain period of time. Under section 180 (1) of the Act, the planning authority is obliged to initiate the taking in charge process where requested by either the developer of, or by the majority of owners of the dwellings in, the estate in question. However, this is subject to the development being completed to the satisfaction of the authority and in accordance with the permission and any conditions attached thereto.
Where developments have not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority, and where enforcement proceedings in this connection have not been commenced by the planning authority within 4 years of the expiry of the planning permission relating to a development, section 180 (2)(a) of the Act provides that the planning authority shall, where requested by the majority of owners of the houses involved, initiate the taking in charge procedures under section 11 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended (the Roads Act).
Where this particular approach is being progressed, the authority may apply the security or development bond provided as part of the planning application for the purposes of ensuring the satisfactory completion of the development.
With regard to estates that have not been completed satisfactorily, local authorities have been advised to draw up a priority list of requests from residents for the taking in charge of estates within their functional areas, taking into account such factors as the date of the request, the condition of the estate, the length of time that it has been left in an unfinished state and the funding resources available to complete such estates.
Furthermore, where the calling in of the development bond is not possible, section 180(2A) of the Act provides that the initiation of the taking in charge procedures under section 11 of the Roads Act shall not preclude the planning authority concerned from pursuing a developer for any costs incurred by the authority in respect of necessary works undertaken on a development to enable it to be taken in charge by that authority.
In order to conclude the taking in charge process where the development has been deemed to have been satisfactorily completed, a local authority is required to make a declaration under section 11 of the Roads Act following a proposal by the executive. The making of such a declaration, which effectively confirms that the authority is prepared to take over responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the public works elements of the estate, is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority.
Therefore, the decision to take any particular estate or estates in charge is ultimately one for the elected members of the local authority who, by way of declaration made under the Roads Act, will make such a decision.
In addition, it should be noted that financial decision making and the accountability of local authorities is a matter for the elected members of a local authority who have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, which includes the adoption of the annual budget of the local authority.
In this regard, section 103 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, provides for the local authority budgetary process. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process, having regard to both locally identified needs and the funding resources available to the local authority. This includes the taking in charge of housing estates.
Under Section 30 of the Act, I, in my role as Minister with responsibility for planning, am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is possible to combine all three schemes, that is, the HTB scheme, the first home scheme and council mortgage, when purchasing a home, in relation to the requirement for the HTB mortgage minimum to be 70% of the value of the house; if the council mortgage is not sufficient to meet this minimum, if the first home scheme can be used to bridge the gap, thereby allowing a person to meet the 70% threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40993/24]
View answerThe First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers, and self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country).
The First Home Scheme (DAC) is a partnership between the State, Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB. To be eligible for the First Home Scheme a person must (1) have mortgage approval with a Participating Lender, and (2) avail of the maximum mortgage available from one of the Participating Lenders (within the 4x gross income limit set by the Central Bank's macro-prudential rules). In relation to Help to Buy and First Home, the FHS can fund up to 30% of the property purchase price or build cost (for Self-builds), with this amount reduced to 20% if the applicant is availing of the Help to Buy Scheme (HTB).
The Local Authority Home Loan is targeted at those who cannot get sufficient funding from regulated financial providers to purchase or build a home. A person cannot be eligible for both the First Home Scheme and Local Authority Home Loan.
The Help-to-Buy incentive is a scheme to assist First-time Buyers in meeting the deposit requirements for newly-built houses or apartments, as well as self-build homes. The Help to Buy scheme is administered by the Department of Finance. It can be used in conjunction with either the First Home Scheme or the Local Authority Home Loan.
352. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the tender process for the provision of an update to the 2014 guidance to manage risk to marine mammals from man-made sound sources in Irish waters; the timeframe for completion of this work; if this is being expedited to reflect the increase in noise generating activities associated with offshore renewables; how and when public consultation will take place within this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41009/24]
View answerThere is currently no tender process underway for the provision of an update to the 2014 Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals, nor is one planned.
The Marine Institute funded a project through its Research for Policy Awards 2023 entitled GOMOREUS - Guidance on Managing offshore Renewable Energy Underwater Sound. The project is being delivered by University College Cork (UCC) MaREI Centre. UCC MaREI has been actively involved in research and development projects using active and passive acoustics for the past 20 years. This includes numerous investigative studies undertaken by the Marine Ecology Group using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to assess marine mammal populations and movements. The GOMOREUS project will develop practical, integrated, and harmonised guidance to inform the management of continuous and impulsive underwater noise for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) development in Irish waters, in compliance with EU legislation such as the Habitats Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will use the outputs from the GOMOREUS project to update its 2014 Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals. Stakeholder consultation will be conducted before the publication of the final updated guidance, expected to commence in Q2 2025. Every effort is being made to publish the updated guidance in as timely a manner as possible, while ensuring the quality of the product and consultation needed to ensure its effectiveness.
353. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how applications for derogation licences are assessed; what provision is made for public consultation and participation in the process; how the public is notified on the award of derogation licences; the body of oversight that processes and reviews derogation applications and will do so going forward; the body for any enforcement measures regarding a breach of derogation licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41011/24]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department receive and consider applications for derogations pursuant to and accordance with regulation 54 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. There is currently no provision made for public consultation pertaining to the consideration of applications for a derogation under Regulation 54 of the Regulations.
Data in relation to derogation applications and those granted are made available on the Government’s Open Data Portal on a monthly basis, link available here: opendata.housing.gov.ie/user/wildlifelicence-6518.
Both internal and external Guidance documentation is in the process of being prepared by the NPWS in relation to Article 12 and 16 of the Habitats Directive as transposed by way of regulation 51-54 of the Regulations. Such documentation will include guidance on the processes regarding derogations.
NPWS may follow up any suspected offences related to purported breaches of derogations in accordance with its statutory powers under the Regulations.
354. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the Government body in charge of receiving and reviewing marine mammal observer (MMO) reports and ensuring that MMO reports are filed and reviewed in a timely manner and that any issues are acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41012/24]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála is the competent authority for offshore wind developments, while the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) is responsible for the compliance and enforcement of offshore development. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is a statutory consultee on those developments.
My Department has established a system of strict protection for marine mammals and the NPWS is the consenting authority for derogations from that system, pursuant to Regulation 54 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations as amended. A derogation will be subject to such conditions, restrictions, limitations or requirements that I, as Minister, consider appropriate. The NPWS published guidance in 2014 on how the risks to marine mammals from man-made sound sources in Irish Waters are to be managed, and sets out, amongst other things, Operator and Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Reporting and Recording Standards. See www.npws.ie/marine/best-practice-guidelines for details. Per these guidelines, full reporting on MMO operations and mitigation undertaken must be provided to the Regulatory Authority, MARA in this instance. The existing procedures for assessing applications and issuing derogations with conditions under Regulation 54 are currently under review within the NPWS.
355. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department last filed the most recent two-year derogation licence reports to the European Commission under article 54A(6) of the Habitats and Bird Directives, and having been filed, to share if they were fully compliant with the specifications of regulation 54A(7); if not, what non-compliances were present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41013/24]
View answerIn order to fulfil reporting requirements set out by the European Commission, every two years, my Department submits reports outlining derogations issued under Article 16 of the Habitats Directive.
SI 293 of 2021 - European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 inserted Regulation 54A into the Birds and Habitats Regulation 2011. This sets down that “where the Minister is proposing to undertake or adopt an activity, plan or project which requires a derogation licence from complying with the requirements of the provisions of Regulations 51 to 53, he or she may request an opinion from the Ecological Assessment Unit on whether to issue such a licence”. Processes have been updated to include any such derogations in the biannual Article 16 reports.
The most recent Article 16 report, due in September 2023, was submitted by my Department to European Commission on schedule. This report covers the years 2021 and 2022.
The link below gives detailed information on individual derogations/exceptions, as extracted from the national reports that have been submitted to the European Commission, including Ireland: www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/maps-and-charts/derogations-and-exceptions-table-dashboards.
My Department is working to improve the standard of reporting under Article 16 year on year to increase the quality of data submitted.
356. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times he has issued notices or directions to respective local authorities under section 12 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, in each respective year from 2020 to 2023 inclusive, and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41094/24]
View answerThe Derelict Sites Act 1990 requires every owner and occupier of land, including a statutory body and a State authority, to take all reasonable steps to ensure that land does not become or does not continue to be a derelict site. It also requires that local authorities take 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.
Local authority powers include requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites, acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily, and applying a derelict sites levy on derelict sites.
It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.
The utilisation of Ministerial powers under Section 12 of the Derelict Site Act 1990 has not arisen during the period 2020 to date.
357. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide this Deputy with a copy of the most recent social housing unit cost ceilings as provided to local authorities. [41114/24]
View answerBasic Unit Costs (BUCs) relate to social housing build projects developed directly by local authorities or approved housing bodies on their own land, using Public Works forms of contract. While not a record of actual delivery costs, the BUCs are based on an analysis of returned data from tendered social housing schemes and act as a key benchmark for local authorities and approved housing bodies with the development and costing of scheme designs at capital appraisal stage. They are not cost ceilings.
I will arrange to share a copy of the Basic Unit Costs (BUCs) for social housing build projects with the Deputy.
358. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff that worked in his Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member. [41165/24]
View answerThe information requested is set out in the table below and provides the staff numbers at the end of each year, and at the end of September for 2024.
|
Grade |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
PO |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
AP |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
HEO |
3 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
7 |
|
AO |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
EO |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
CO |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
9.5 |
9.5 |
11 |
13 |
14 |
14 |
359. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the frequency and duration of the publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by his Department to date in 2024; the purpose of these campaigns; the cost of these campaigns; and the agencies that conducted these campaigns, in tabular form. [41183/24]
View answerMy Department undertakes public information campaigns where there is important information to be brought to the public’s attention. The advertising campaigns generally utilise a variety of advertising methods, including TV, radio and print as well as online advertising and social media.
My Department’s campaigns to date this year include:
• Doors Open; a significant print, broadcast, digital and outdoors campaign to communicate the supports available for people to rent or buy a home;
• “Your Council” campaign launched to provide members of the public with more information about local government and the role of the Councillor.
• Limerick Mayor campaign to raise awareness of the referendum for Limerick people to vote their first directly elected mayor.
• The Kerry campaign to promote two public information events about the world heritage property of Sceilig Micheal on 8 and 27 April.
• RZLT campaign (in conjunction with the Department of Finance) to create awareness of the residential land zoning tax amongst landowners and to check the annual draft maps online to see if the tax applies to them as well as informing them how to make a submission for any revisions.
• A public consultation on the National Planning Framework was supported by a public information campaign, including broadcast, print, digital and social media, to raise awareness of the consultation process and to encourage the public to engage with the draft revision.
In addition, my Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) runs regular, very important public health and safety campaigns such as National Fire Safety Week. It is currently running its 2024/2025 fire safety campaign to make the public aware of the contributing factors and consequences of fire and to raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms in the home.
My Departmental communication team amplifies these campaigns through press releases and on our own social media channels.
My Department used media buying agency, PHD to secure advertising space on its behalf for the campaigns. The company develops media plans, selecting a media mix to reach the largest number of people as possible among the target audience.
The full list of campaigns, the dates they ran and the costs of advertising (including and excluding VAT) is provided in the table below.
|
Campaign |
Dates 2024 |
Cost (ex VAT) |
Cost (incl VAT) |
|
Fire safety |
1 Jan-18 Feb |
€53,105 |
€65,319 |
|
National Planning Framework |
8 July-15 September |
€104,713 |
€128,797 |
|
Your Council |
22 Jan-25 Feb |
€194,539 |
€239,283 |
|
Rental Zoned Land Tax |
1 Feb-5 June |
€25,001 |
€30,751 |
|
Limerick Election |
15 April-26 May |
€116,190 |
€142,914 |
|
Kerry Heritage |
8 April – 27 April |
€3,193 |
€3,927 |
|
Doors Open |
27 May-2 June |
€123,322 |
€151,686 |
|
Fire Safety 2024-25 |
30 Sept-17 Feb 24 |
€61,557 |
€75,715 |
|
Total to date |
€681,620 |
€838,393 |
360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities are including a separate budget figure for drainage and maintenance of rivers when submitting their annual budgets (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41203/24]
View answerMy role and responsibilities as Minister do not extend to the maintenance, clearance or dredging of rivers, nor does my Department provide specific funding for this.
The Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, provides the legislative basis for the local authority budget process. Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities, having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. Moreover, local authorities have broad “general competence” to take action in relation to local matters with little direct involvement of central government.
The provision of detailed information on income and expenditure is a matter for each individual local authority. The format of the statutory budget book for all local authorities is circulated on an annual basis. There is no specific categorisation within the budget book for the drainage and maintenance of rivers.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the body through which central Government exercises its statutory responsibilities in respect of river drainage and flood relief works. Where the commissioners of the OPW has completed a drainage scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 and 1995, it becomes the statutory requirement of the OPW to maintain the drainage works forming part of the scheme.
361. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the local development levy waiver on new houses has been extended beyond December 2024. [41238/24]
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 one 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 that are 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 not later than 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced not later than 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.
It is not proposed to extend the terms or timeline of the scheme beyond those as approved by the Government in its Decision of 23 April 2024.
