Written Answers Nos. 132-151
132. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available to persons to cover a shortfall and complete necessary works for an individual who has applied for a housing adaptation grant from their local authority and cannot afford the shortfall between the grant allocation and costs of works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26655/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (max grant €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (max grant €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant (max grant €8,000), 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. 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.
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, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
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.
133. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps taken by his Department to address and resolve the issue of inordinate insurance rates for those inhabiting thatched roof domiciles in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI very much appreciate the vital role played by owners of thatched buildings as the custodians of this distinctive and cherished aspect of our built heritage. I am very aware also of the problems facing owners in relation to insurance. This is particularly acute in larger structures, generally partially-thatched, where the costs of re-build will be higher.
Policy relating to the insurance market is a matter for the Minister for Finance, but my Department is doing everything possible within its own remit to support owners who are facing this problem.
Firstly, we have ringfenced an additional €500,000 of funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme to support conservation works to historic thatched buildings. When combined with the support available through the Thatching Grant, this brings to €1m the total annual funding dedicated to thatched buildings. I would note that thatched buildings may also be eligible to apply for non-ringfenced government schemes such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Historic Structures Fund.
This grant support cannot be put directly towards the payment of insurance costs, but is intended to help reduce the general financial pressure on owners by contributing to the costs of upkeep.
Secondly, the Department is working to reduce the risk of fire in thatched buildings with a view to improving safety, preventing losses, and ultimately bringing down insurance premiums. We have issued guidelines to help reduce the incidence of fire in thatched buildings (www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2023/10/Fire-Safety-in-Thatched-Properties.pdf) and offer the fire safety survey referred to in the question. Initial evidence suggests that fire safety is improving, with only 6 fires recorded in thatched buildings in 2023, down from an average of 14 per year between 2018 and 2022. If this improvement can be sustained, it is expected that insurance premiums will fall correspondingly through the normal action of competition between commercial providers.
Finally, I would note that the issues raised in your correspondence in relation to individual decisions on protection and enforcement are matters for the relevant local authority.
134. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the stage the review of a scheme has reached (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26576/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department and the Government are taking to research the science on an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26587/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address the shortfall in funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26588/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134, 135 and 136 together.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 186 of 18 June 2024 (PQ 25933/24) regarding a review of the Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Scheme.
It should be noted that arising from the Government Decision of 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced DCB grant scheme, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) was tasked with delivering a programme of work to address a number of technical items.
The NSAI is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. I understand they are working on drafting interim guidance that will take the form of an amendment to I.S. 465 to enhance the sampling and testing protocols within the standard, taking account of all available findings to date, including the initial research output relating to internal sulphate attack. The NSAI have confirmed the amendment will serve as a step forward in the review and development process of I.S. 465 noting the full evaluation of I.S. 465 continues to be reliant on the delivery of the final outputs of key research projects.
Following the publication of any revised standard published by the NSAI, the Act provides for a review of the operation of the Act within 3 months of the completion of the review of the standard.
With regard to Scheme funding this Government remains committed to providing 100% funding for all eligible homes under the Scheme up to a capped amount of €420,000. Furthermore, the Act also allows for the grant rates and overall grant scheme cap to be reviewed on an annual basis. My Department recently received an updated cost report from the Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland, which will inform this ongoing process.
137. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to protect a heritage site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26593/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe site in question is currently being archaeologically excavated in accordance with the requirements of conditions imposed by the planning authority when it granted the relevant planning permission under the Planning and Development Act 2000. The archaeological excavation itself is licensed under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930. That licensing process ensures that the archaeological excavation is carried out scientifically and in accordance with professional standards. In particular, conditions attached to the excavation licence require that a report will be submitted to my Department once the excavations and post-excavation analysis are complete.
My Department is aware of the matters circulated on social media last week and a joint statement was issued by the National Monuments Service of my Department and the National Museum of Ireland in relation to that. The issue of access to the site is a matter for the owner of the site. It is understood that the owner of the development site and the archaeologist engaged by them carrying out the excavation have put additional security measures in place to prevent any further unauthorised access.
138. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses or apartments that have been purchased by the Housing Agency under the cost rental tenant in-situ scheme, broken down by month, since the scheme began; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has developed the Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) scheme for tenants in private rental homes who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord intends to sell the property but who are not in receipt of social housing supports.
The scheme was established on a temporary administrative basis from 1 April 2023 and is currently managed by the Housing Agency, pending further policy development over the longer term, with the intention of transitioning these homes to the standard Cost Rental model over time and to move it to being an Approved Housing Body led scheme.
I am informed that the Housing Agency is engaging with more than 140 landlords across all Local Authority areas, with a view to the purchase of those homes.
Data for affordable housing delivery is published on a quarterly basis, similar to social housing delivery. This data is published up to Quarter 4 2023, including CRTiS figures, and is available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/ .
139. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to protect heritage sites from damage, particularly damage with malicious intent such as theft or arson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26600/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDamage to monuments by third parties in the form of vandalism is subject to severe penalties arising from the general criminal law - the Criminal Damage Act 1991 - penalties under this act are severe and in some cases a court may impose a life sentence. In terms of theft, third parties can be prosecuted under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 with a potential term of imprisonment of ten years.
The existing National Monuments Acts also provide protections for monuments which can be invoked in relation to illegal damage by any persons (owners or third parties). The National Monuments Service of my Department (NMS) continues to be vigilant and liaises with OPW to raise matters with An Garda Síochána as appropriate when incidents take place. The NMS also runs awareness campaigns to remind owners and the general public of their obligations under the National Monuments Acts, most recently, "Check Before you Dig", and "Protect our Past".
140. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount that is allocated to all local authorities to enable the proper structural inspection of new houses; the number of new houses that were inspected by local authorities in each of the years 2018 to 2023 for each local authority area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26610/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnforcement of the Building Regulations is delegated under the Building Control Act to local building control authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities) who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
In line with the agreed Performance Indicators for Local Government and the Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works, Building Control Authorities are required to carry out a level of inspection equivalent to 12% to 15% of new buildings for which valid commencement notices have been received.
My Department does not collate the information requested. The National Oversight & Audit Commission (NOAC) collects and publishes this data. The Performance Indicators in Local Authorities reports are available at noac.ie/noac-reports/ .
141. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses that were demolished and rebuilt under the original defective blocks scheme; the number that were demolished and rebuilt under the new enhanced defective blocks scheme (2022) to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26611/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
A total of 2,150 applications have been submitted to the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme (Enhanced and previous) since its launch in June 2020 and to date 54 applicants have completed remediation works. All of these completions have taken place under the original DCB Schemes with 16 of these applications relating to an Option 1 i.e. demolition.
In addition, work is ongoing with respect to a total of 369 applications that have commenced work under both schemes. My Department will continue to work with, and encourage, local authorities and the Housing Agency to ensure that as many homes as possible are remediated as quickly as possible to facilitate impacted families. Resources required by both local authorities and the Housing Agency are in place to enable them to carry out the respective roles as administrators and technical agents under the enhanced scheme.
142. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a breakdown of the unpaid vacant site levies due to each local authority over the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year.
The most recent data available in relation to the collection of the levy is based on returns submitted to my Department further to the issuing of Circular Letter PL 03/2022 on 25 March 2022 requesting the submission of a progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy by each local authority. This information is provided in the attached Table.
My Department recently issued Circular Letter PL 05/2024 to local authorities requesting the submission of a further progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy in respect of the year 2023. The returns received are currently being reviewed and it is expected that they will be finalised shortly.
143. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline any changes in policy or legislation which were made on foot of a 2015 decision of the Supreme Court (details supplied); if the regulations examined in that case, outlining the criteria for a valid first preference vote, have been amended in any way since that judgment; if he has been made aware of the large number ballots cast in the recent local and European elections which were deemed to have been spoiled in line with the interpretation of the applicable regulations in the case; his views on whether any change to legislation should be made in view of the continuing high number of such spoiled ballots at each election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26640/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectoral legislation has not been amended on foot of the judgement of the Supreme Court in the case of Kiely vs Kerry County Council (Case No. 2014/366). The case concerned how the law, in this case the Local Elections Regulations 1995, was being applied rather than the substance of the law itself. Under electoral law, the returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections, including the counting of the ballot papers and the declaration of the results.
In this context, guidance provided to returning officers by my Department in advance of the local and European Parliament elections 2024 states that returning officers should have regard to the Supreme Court's judgement in the case of Kiely vs Kerry County Council when adjudicating on the validity of ballot papers.
My Department is currently compiling the results of the local and European Parliament elections 2024 and will examine the statements provided by returning officers in respect of the number of ballot papers declared invalid in accordance with article 80(2) of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 and rule 82(2) of Part XI of the Second Schedule to the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 respectively. The results will be published by my Department in due course.
Under the Electoral Reform Act 2022, An Coimisiún Toghcháin is responsible for a range of electoral functions. Section 68 of the Act makes provision for An Coimisiún to prepare ex-post reports on the administration of electoral events. These reports will inform any future changes to electoral law.
144. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the PSEHRD assessment his Department has undertaken regarding reported difficulties by Travellers to open housing applications and retain open application given that this has been an action under the current NTRIS, and the Minister has a clear responsibility regarding the accuracy of housing lists given his Department controls most of the funding for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 62 of 19 June 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
145. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the defective block remediation scheme; the number of applicants in each of the qualifying counties; the number progressed to stage one; the number progressed to stage two; the funding approved at stage two; the funding drawn down to date; the number of applicants in each county who have received funding; and the number in each county who have drawn down their full grant to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26670/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 detailed operation of the Scheme is a matter for the designated local authorities and the Housing Agency in the first instance. Their respective roles are set out clearly in the 2022 Act.
The Housing Agency acts as agent on behalf of the local authorities under the Enhanced Grant Scheme. Once a home has met the damage threshold for entry to the scheme, the Housing Agency 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 in accordance with the provision of the Act.
The precise data requested is not routinely collected by local authorities and/or the Housing Agency in each case. The table below sets out the position in regard to how the Scheme has been operating in the broad areas requested.
|
Summary of Statistics for DCB Grant Scheme to 31 May 2024 |
Clare |
Donegal |
Limerick |
Mayo* |
Total |
|
Total Number of Applications (both schemes) |
92 |
1,652 |
31 |
375 |
2,150 |
|
Applications Approved to Stage 1 from Previous Scheme |
N/A |
849 |
N/A |
332 |
1,181 |
|
New Applications from the Enhanced Scheme validated by LA and referred to HA |
86 |
276 |
27 |
16 |
405 |
|
New Applications - Damage Threshold Determination met |
73 |
186 |
26 |
3 |
288 |
|
Transitional Applications Referred to Housing Agency that met Damage Threshold Determination |
N/A |
385 |
N/A |
10 |
395 |
|
Applications Approved to Stage 2 from Previous Scheme |
N/A |
94 |
N/A |
99 |
193 |
|
Stage 2 Number of Remedial Options/Grants Determined by Housing Agency |
11 |
223 |
0 |
10 |
244 |
|
Funding approved at Stage 2 from previous scheme |
N/A |
€16,398,951 |
N/A |
€22,390,935 |
€38,789,886** |
|
Total Value of Remedial Options/Grants Determined by Housing Agency |
€3,354,364 |
€74,770,311 |
0 |
€3,026,450 |
€81,151,125 |
|
Total LA Drawdown since June 2020 |
€219,568 |
€22,153,558 |
€100,558 |
€25,503,348 |
€47,977,031 |
|
Number of Payments made to Applicants to scheme (includes professional fees, stage payments and ancillary grants) |
0 |
1,444 |
0 |
821 |
2,265 |
|
No. of Applicants who have Completed Remediation Works |
0 |
43 |
0 |
11 |
54 |
* Figures reflect to end April, 2024
** Figures from May and June 2023 which do not reflect recalculation due as part of the Enhanced Scheme
146. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on plans to deliver 1,500 social homes using modular building technology, including a list of projects proposed to date, by local authority, with information on number of units involved and stage of delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26671/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraModern 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.
In December 2022, funding of €94m was provided to local authorities to address legacy land debts. The provision of this funding was linked to the immediate development of a housing proposal, a commitment to use Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and for construction to start in 2023 or no later than 2024. A total of 26 sites received funding as part of an accelerated delivery programme, and with some additional sites since added, my Department is overseeing a project to progress delivery of MMC projects on 36 sites which will deliver more than 1,500 new social homes across 13 local authorities.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of Q4 2023, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: gov.ie - Overall social and affordable housing provision (www.gov.ie) - Data for Q1 2024 is currently being collated and will be published shortly.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. This includes details of which local authority or AHB delivered or is delivering the development. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 2023. All Construction Status Reports are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, funding stream etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2023
The table below shows the breakdown of the sites in the programme by local authority.
|
Local authority |
No of Projects |
No. of Homes (approx.) |
|
Cork City |
1 |
222 |
|
Cork County |
4 |
71 |
|
DLR |
3 |
300 |
|
Fingal |
4 |
266 |
|
Galway City |
1 |
84 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
172 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
65 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
19 |
|
Louth |
5 |
315 |
|
Meath |
1 |
47 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
281 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
35 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
12 |
147. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant and derelict homes brought back into use for each year from 2020 to 2023, under the following schemes with a breakdown, by local authority, buy and renew, repair and lease, ready to build, refurbishment grant, CPO activation, UDF €150 million fund and over-shop/pub planning exemptions, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26672/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January 2023, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. Last month, I launched the Vacant Homes Action Plan, Progress Report April 2024 which sets out what has been achieved in 2023 and the further steps that will be taken in 2024.
Under the Action Plan, a new CPO Activation Programme was launched by my Department in April 2023. The Programme supports a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to the activation of vacant properties. It also includes guidance for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful. Support and guidance on implementation of the Programme is being provided to local authorities by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department and by the Property Optimisation Unit in the Housing Agency.
My Department set targets for each local authority on the number of properties to enter the Programme in 2023. Each local authority is to provide data in relation to these properties, activity undertaken by them and outcomes, including the scheme or measure used where the property was brought back into use. My Department will report on the 2023 CPO Activation Programme targets in Q2 2024.
Information on the number of properties brought back into use through the various vacancy initiatives is detailed in the table attached.
148. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is on target to complete action 2.10 of Housing for All to examine a system of holding rental deposits by the end of Q2 2023; the anticipated process following its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26673/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for the development of a deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). However, significant changes have taken place in the rental market since this legislation was passed. The Housing for All Action Plan Update published in November 2022, included an action to examine the creation of a system of holding rental deposits, informed by best international experience.
The Housing Agency have completed an examination in line with the Housing for All action, which my Department is currently reviewing.
149. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount paid by his Department to external legal teams, HR specialists, accountancy firms and consultants in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26674/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Firm |
Category |
Spend (ex VAT) |
|
AECOM Ireland Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€127,549 |
|
Arup |
Consultancy |
€30,651 |
|
Arup |
Consultancy |
€42,553 |
|
Atlantic Technological University Galway |
Consultancy |
€18,696 |
|
Byrne Wallace LLP |
Legal |
€2,832 |
|
Byrne Wallace LLP |
Legal |
€286 |
|
Byrne Wallace LLP |
Legal |
€2,722 |
|
Byrne Wallace LLP |
Legal |
€410 |
|
CBEC Eco Engineering UK Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€16,297 |
|
Donal Daly |
Consultancy |
€1,170 |
|
Dr Brendan Dunford |
Consultancy |
€2,500 |
|
Dr Carol Westrik, Westrik Consultancy |
Consultancy |
€2,300 |
|
Dr Jill Alison Sheridan Skinner |
Consultancy |
€1,560 |
|
Dr William P Megarry |
Consultancy |
€1,300 |
|
ESRI |
Consultancy |
€46,947 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Consultancy |
€62,900 |
|
Jane Jackson |
Consultancy |
€1,598 |
|
Jarlath Fitzsimons SC |
Legal |
€9,000 |
|
JBA Consulting Engineers & Scientists Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€14,968 |
|
JPA Brenson Lawlor |
Accountancy |
€3,500 |
|
KRC Ecological Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€42,172 |
|
Land Use Consultants Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€41,804 |
|
Land Use Consultants Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€8,940 |
|
Mazars |
Accountancy |
€14,000 |
|
Mr Micheál O'Connell SC |
Legal |
€14,056 |
|
Mr. Stephen Boggs BL |
Legal |
€8,360 |
|
Risk and Resilience |
Consultancy |
€19,500 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Consulting Engineers |
Consultancy |
€25,443 |
|
RPS |
Consultancy |
€104,231 |
|
RPS |
Consultancy |
€33,748 |
|
RPS Consultancy Engineers Ltd. |
Consultancy |
€34,185 |
|
University College Cork |
Consultancy |
€22,718 |
|
Version 1 |
Consultancy |
€59,170 |
|
Waystone Compliance Solutions |
Consultancy |
€46,068 |
|
WS Atkins |
Consultancy |
€30,627 |
150. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown, by local authority, of the number of tenant-in-situ properties bought by local authorities since the measure was introduced, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26675/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
For 2023 and 2024, the Government agreed that there would be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department will fund local authorities to acquire 1,500 second hand social homes this year. The additional acquisitions are focused primarily on properties where a tenant in receipt of social housing supports has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. My Department issued a circular letter to all local authorities in March 2024, setting out details of the arrangements for 2024 and each local authority was provided with a provisional allocation for social housing acquisitions.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, including completed acquisitions. From 2023, this data includes a breakdown of acquisitions completed by each local authority where a Notice of Termination issued to a tenant and is available, for all local authorities, to the end of Quarter 4 2023 on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
151. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes delivered by the LDA to date, broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All the Government has targeted delivery of 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, an average of 6,000 affordable homes to be made available or supported every year for purchase or for rent by Local Authorities, AHBs, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and via the First Home Scheme.
The LDA represents a crucial lever in the Government’s delivery of affordable and social homes, co-ordinating relevant public lands within State control and activating key underutilised sites to maximise housing delivery. To ensure the delivery of homes, the LDA deploys two primary delivery mechanisms, the first being direct delivery on lands sourced from the State, in partnership with local authorities or on lands purchased by the LDA and the second through the Project Tosaigh initiative, whereby new housing is unlocked by LDA partnerships with homebuilders.
The LDA is actively advancing fourteen direct delivery sites, capable of delivering over 5,500 homes over the next four years and it is projected by the LDA that development of these strategic sites will become the main source of its delivery over the coming years as projects achieve planning and construction starts.
Construction has commenced on the former St. Kevin’s Hospital site in Cork City which will deliver 265 new homes between 2025 and 2027 and on 219 new homes at the site of Devoy Barracks in Naas, Co Kildare, expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026. Construction work is also advanced on the Shanganagh Castle site, the largest public housing scheme in the State in recent years, which the LDA is delivering with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, expected to yield delivery of 597 homes with delivery beginning this year.
The LDA is also working in partnership with Dublin City Council to advance large scale housing delivery at the Donore Project/St. Teresa’s Gardens in Dublin 8, at Cherry Orchard Point, Cromcastle in Dublin 5, and at Bluebell Waterways.
It is also unlocking stalled private, planning-consented developments in the shorter-term through Project Tosaigh, its market engagement initiative. Under the first phase of Project Tosaigh the LDA delivered its first homes in 2022 and approximately 2,500 social, affordable purchase and cost rental homes have since either been delivered, contracted or are in the approved pipeline.
The LDA and local authorities complete and submit data returns to my Department on delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is done for social housing. Statistical data on affordable housing delivery by tenure and by local authority area during 2022 and 2023 is published on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery .
