Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:69. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the delivery of affordable homes in the Poolbeg West SDZ. [37055/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing Provision
Ceisteanna (69)
Freagraí scríofa
The regeneration of Poolbeg West is an important step in the transformation of the Dublin Docklands area, with the potential to provide for 3,500 homes. A condition of the planning scheme for the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone, as modified by An Bord Pleanála in April 2019, is the provision of 15% social and affordable homes on this site in addition to the 10% statutory social housing requirement under Part V arrangements.
In March 2022, Dublin City Council approved an application for the first phase of homes at the former Glass Bottle site. My Department has been working with Dublin City Council and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to progress the delivery of social and affordable housing in this first phase of housing delivery, subject to agreement on the SDZ requirements and all the normal and relevant terms, including value for money aspects.
The developers are engaging with Dublin City Council regarding the provision of the 10% Part V social housing in this first phase and tripartite engagement is ongoing with regard to delivery of the additional social and affordable housing in this first phase in accordance with the terms of the SDZ condition. The parties are not in a position to comment further until an agreement is finalised.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (70)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses likely to become available to local authorities by way of Part 5, by county, with particular reference to the urgent need of people who find themselves about to become homeless through no fault of their own and who have been in rented accommodation for several years; if urgent and particular attention can be given to such cases without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires private developers to ensure that a specified percentage of land zoned for residential and other uses is reserved for social and affordable housing.Amendments to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 were introduced via the Affordable Housing Act 2021 which was passed by the Oireachtas in July 2021. These amendments were on foot of the commitment made in the Programme for Government to increase the contribution under Part V from 10% to 20% to include affordable and cost rental housing.
Local authorities negotiate Part V agreements with the developer in line with a range of guidelines and supports aimed at assisting them in maximising the benefits of Part V in the context of its housing needs. Local authorities are free to decide how the 20% Part V contribution is broken down in terms of social and affordable housing (with a minimum 10% social housing) and by dwelling type.
Housing for All required each local authority to prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan to address social and affordable housing needs in their areas over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans include details of planned local authority, AHB and Part V delivery for social housing schemes. A copy of each local authority's Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on their websites.
My Department publishes statistics of housing delivered through Part V on a quarterly basis. This data is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (71)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:71. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding being provided for housing adaptation grants for older people and disabled people in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36932/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding provision for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme has been increased by €8 million in 2024 to €74.5 million. Local authorities were informed of their 2024 allocations with each local authority receiving an increase on the 2023 allocation, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities and the Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year.
My Department encourages all local authorities to ensure all applications on hand are processed to the degree possible for final payment to ensure optimal spend on their annual allocation. Whilst additional Exchequer funding may become available, local authorities must provide the 20% match funding from their own resources therefore the local authorities are also managing the scheme within the resources allocated at the local level.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas the review considered are the income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required. 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.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (72)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:72. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department is taking to assist the homeowners approved for the concrete defective block scheme that are unable to secure home insurance due to the issue of pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37027/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have engaged on a number of occasions with Insurance Ireland with regards to the insurance aspects of underwriting houses that have been subject to certified remediation works under the defective concrete blocks grant schemes. They have assured me such homes will be treated in the same manner as any other home.
The Department of Finance has overall responsibility for policy matters in relation to insurance. However neither the Minister for Finance nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products. The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis.
Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. Similarly, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers when sourcing cover. Furthermore, where an individual considers that they have been treated unfairly, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
Water Supply
Ceisteanna (73)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:73. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Water Supply Project, Eastern and Midlands Region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36892/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Water Supply Project – East and Midlands Region (WSP-EMR) is a strategic national project, included in the National Development Plan, to help meet the long-term water supply requirements for the Eastern and Midlands region. The preferred scheme for the project involves the abstraction of water from the lower River Shannon at Parteen Basin in County Tipperary. The abstracted water will be treated at a new water treatment plant and pumped via a new water pipeline to Dublin and other potential supply locations across the Eastern and Midlands region.
The WSP-EMR is subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines, which sets out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. The Preliminary Business Case (PBC) aims to develop the strategic case for the project, consider in detail the range of options available and decide whether there is a case for proceeding with the proposal. The PBC also incorporates detailed options appraisal and assessments of risk along with the proposed approach to implementation of the proposal.
The PBC approval includes an External Assurance Process to provide independent project scrutiny. Its main purpose is to achieve better value for money by supporting Departments and Government with independent expert insight relating to project risks, delivery feasibility, and the robustness of costings, governance and procurement. In addition to its role as economic regulator of Uisce Éireann, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in conjunction with its own external experts has carried out an independent external assurance review of the Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region PBC. As a prerequisite to seeking Government consent for projects at the PBC stage, project proposals and external assurance reviews are scrutinised by the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) in advance of a decision to proceed. The WSP-EMR PBC, independent external review and supporting documentation were considered by MPAG in January 2024 and its report to the Department.
The Preliminary Business Case received government approval on 25 June 2024 and will now move to the next stage of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which is the planning and procurement strategy (Approval Gate 2). The project will then require further Government approval for the Final Business Case (Approval Gate 3) under the Infrastructure Guidelines process.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (74, 96)
Joan Collins
Ceist:74. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a step-by-step explanation of how the Housing Agency’s cost rental tenant-in-situ scheme operates, particularly in relation to the independent valuation; if the Housing Agency has its own valuators; the limit that the Housing Agency can bid; and if a percentage tolerance is built into the Housing Agency’s calculations. [36758/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoan Collins
Ceist:96. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the calculation of the acquisition cost guidelines for the Dublin City Council area in relation to the cost rental tenant-in-situ scheme; and if he will provide practical examples. [36779/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 96 together.
The Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2023 for tenants in private rental homes who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord has served a valid Notice of Termination due to an intention to sell the property.
The Local Authority conducts the initial assessment for eligibility of the tenant for this scheme and refers potential cases to the Housing Agency, which is currently responsible for administering and managing the scheme on behalf of my Department.
Before making an offer, the Housing Agency considers whether the overall capital cost of the property is within the Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) issued by my Department for each Local Authority area and whether necessary repairs and upgrades can be safely completed with tenants in situ. These ACGs are updated by my Department on an annual basis and provide cost guidelines for the acquisition by housing authorities, including for Dublin City Council, of second hand properties for the provision of social housing. The same ACGs are used by the Housing Agency for the acquisition of homes under the CRTiS scheme.
Finally, the Housing Agency makes an offer to the vendor based on the independent market valuation obtained.
My Department does not have any direct involvement in the assessment of individual CRTiS applications but I will arrange to share a copy of the most recent ACGs with the Deputy.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (75)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:75. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions he has taken to reduce the housing waiting list in Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36994/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes an average of 10,000 new build social homes each year in the period to 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes; 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing and 28,500 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2026. Increased delivery of social housing is a key Housing for All objective and is supported through a range of funding streams delivered via local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). The number of completed new build social homes, and the number in the pipeline, continues to grow year-on-year, with new construction projects added to the pipeline regularly.
Housing for All required each local authority to prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan to address social and affordable housing needs in their areas over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans include details of planned local authority, AHB and Part V delivery for social housing schemes. The Plans do not include additional affordable homes that will be delivered by the LDA, AHBs, First Home and via the higher Part V requirements introduced in the Affordable Housing Act 2021. A copy of each local authority's Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on their websites.
My Department 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.
The most recent publication was for Quarter 1 2024. 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 at the link below: www.gov.ie/en/publication/cbe5c-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q1-2024/
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (76, 81)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:76. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking on social and affordable housing in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:81. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact of Housing for All in Carlow since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 81 together.
Housing for All, the most ambitious and comprehensive housing plan in the history of our State, was published in September 2021. The Plan contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens, including those in Carlow. Data in relation to new dwelling completions is published by the CSO on a quarterly basis. In Carlow, 625 homes have completed between Q4 2021 and Q2 2024 inclusive. In relation to housing commencements in Carlow, building began on 944 homes between September 2021 and July 2024 inclusive, with 691 of these commencing since the start of 2023.
Following the publication of Housing for All in September 2021, I asked all local authorities to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans. These Plans detail the social and affordable housing needs in their areas over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set in Housing for All. A copy of Carlow County Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on their website.
My Department publishes comprehensive social and affordable housing statistics on a quarterly basis in all local authority areas. The social housing delivery and pipeline for County Carlow is strong.? From 2021 to Q1 2024, Housing for All has delivered 551 social homes in Carlow through build, acquisition and lease. The Construction Status Report shows there were 17 schemes of 195 homes on site in Carlow at the end of Quarter 1 2024, with a further 4 schemes of 37 homes at various stages of design and procurement.
Furthermore, a total of 42 affordable housing solutions have been delivered in Carlow through the First Home Scheme, Cost Rental Tenant in Situ Scheme, Local Authority Affordable Purchase, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Full delivery statistics are published on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery
My Department is available to meet with Carlow County Council to discuss their affordable housing pipeline with assistance of the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office within the Local Government Management Association. I have also sanctioned two additional staff to support the delivery of affordable housing in Carlow, which I expect will assist Carlow County Council to develop their affordable housing pipeline.
In addition, the First Home Scheme, launched in July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Full information on the scheme is available on the First Home Scheme dedicated website, www.firsthomescheme.ie. Statistical data on delivery across all affordable housing streams during 2022, as published on my Department's website last month, shows that activity has begun to take place under this scheme for Carlow and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
The new Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is also available in Carlow and it provides for grants for refurbishment of vacant properties of up to €50,000 or €70,000 if the property is derelict. I also announced last year, a new Ready to Build serviced sites scheme under the Fund where local authorities will provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home. Information on both of these schemes is available directly from Carlow County Council.
A successful application under Call 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, over €17m is currently allocated to Carlow County Council to help fund the Public Realm and Pedestrian Linkage Proposal for Carlow Town. This proposal, comprising of 6 individual projects, is a continuation from the Carlow Town project under Call 1 which seeks to provide Carlow Town with plentiful, accessible and exciting public spaces. This will improve town centre linkages and increase pedestrian mobility from Potato Market through to Barrack Street with wider connectivity to Carlow College and the Railway Station.
Housing for All is having a sustained, positive impact across the country. The Plan will continue to deliver nationally for years to come including for the people of Carlow.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (77)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:77. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that approved housing bodies can access early-stage finance to get affordable purchase housing projects off the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36997/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has targeted delivery of 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and via the First Home scheme, a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
In the case of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase scheme, the Affordable Housing Fund is available to local authorities as a direct subvention towards the development costs of providing affordable houses. Subsidy of €50,000 - €100,000 per affordable housing unit is available to affordable purchase schemes, depending on the density of housing units per hectare on the development. A higher funding threshold of €150,000 applies to higher density cost rental homes in city areas only.
Local authorities may undertake affordable purchase schemes in conjunction with other delivery partners, including Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency, or private contractors. Funding arrangements, including the scheduling of payments, will be subject to a contractual agreement entered into between the parties i.e. the local authority as client and the Approved Housing Body or other agency as contractor.
In accordance with Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 the administration of Affordable Purchase schemes is a matter for local authorities.
My role as Minister is to ensure that the policy, legislative and funding arrangements necessary to underpin the delivery of affordable purchase schemes to eligible applicant households are in place, and to ensure appropriate monitoring and oversight in relation to Exchequer funding provided through the Affordable Housing Fund.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (78)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:78. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding he is providing for the first home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36882/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, eligible homebuyers, and self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country). Full details are available on the First Home Scheme website.The overall funding commitment for the First Home Scheme is €680 million. This committed funding comprises €340 million from my Department, and €340 million collectively from the participating mortgage lenders, i.e. a 50:50 division of funding.
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 and, as such, is responsible for First Home Scheme reporting.
Quarterly and annual updates are made available on the First Home Scheme website.
My Department also publishes quarterly data on overall affordable housing provision, with the delivery figures for First Home broken down by Local Authority area available.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (79)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:79. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the operation of the mortgage-to-rent scheme; and whether a new private operator is to come in. [28579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme is targeted at those households in mortgage arrears who have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable by their lender under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP), and who have very limited options, if any, to meet their long-term housing needs themselves. One important eligibility criteria for the MTR scheme is that the household must be deemed eligible for social housing support.
To the end of June 2024, 2,464 households with unsustainable private mortgages had completed the MTR process. A total of 6,930 individuals are benefitting from the MTR scheme, which comprises of 3,867 adults and 3,063 children. A further 349 cases are being actively progressed though the scheme.
In 2023, my Department held an Expression of Interest (EOI) process seeking applications from both the private and Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector who could deliver the MTR Scheme at scale. On foot of this EOI process, my Department appointed 2 AHBs and 3 private companies as large-scale providers. The Department’s appointment of the new providers is valid for a period of three years. Notwithstanding this, it is important to note that the appointment of these large –scale providers within the MTR scheme does not prevent other AHBs from continuing their current involvement with MTR on a property-by-property basis.
MTR is a demand-led scheme and case completion rates are dependent on the level of borrower engagement with lenders. MTR cases from one of the new large-scale providers have been received by my Department and they are currently progressing through the MTR process. My Department is also aware that other cases are being prepared.
The Pilot scheme with the private MTR provider Home for Life, which had been in operation since 2018, was terminated from 25 May 2023 in anticipation of the EOI process being undertaken. However, the Department put in place arrangements which allowed Home for Life to continue processing all active MTR it had on hand on the 25 May 2023. These cases continue to be finalised.
Both the Programme for Government and Housing for All commit to strengthening the Mortgage to Rent scheme and ensuring that it is helping those who need it. Building on the significant amendments already made to the scheme in 2017, a 2021 Review of the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme was undertaken and was published in January 2022. My Department is also considering the relevant parts of the report of the Mortgage Arrears Review Group, recently published by the Minister for Finance.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (80, 112)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:80. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the urgent steps being taken to address the crisis in homelessness in Ireland, with 14,429 people, including 4,401 children, in need of emergency accommodation in July 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36718/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCian O'Callaghan
Ceist:112. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the immediate and urgent actions that will be taken to address the high levels of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36998/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 112 together.
Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a priority for Government. Critical to supporting households to exit homelessness is increasing the supply of housing. Almost 12,000 new social homes were delivered in 2023, through Build, Acquisition and Leasing, including 8,110 new build homes, the highest level of new build social homes in nearly 50 years. Including HAP and RAS, 21,733 social housing solutions were delivered throughout 2023.
Record state investment of over €5bn has been made available this year to support the largest State home building programme ever, including 9,300 new build social homes. This funding will also support the Tenant in Situ scheme, with provision to acquire 1,500 homes where a social housing tenant has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. This scheme delivered 1,830 acquisitions in 2023 and was a key prevention measure. For private tenants at risk of homelessness who are not in receipt of social housing supports, the ‘Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ’ scheme has also been introduced.
Budget 2024 allocated funding of over €242 million for the delivery of homeless services. This funding will support the provision of emergency accommodation and supports that households require to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy. Housing for All also includes measures to enhance family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multi-agency and coordinated response. Local authorities and their service delivery partners will work closely with all households in emergency accommodation to support them to secure an exit to a tenancy. With the significant increase in social housing stock, I have asked local authorities to ensure that sufficient homes are being allocated to exit households from emergency accommodation.
I continue to work closely with the National Homeless Action Committee, which I chair, to ensure that there is a continued focus by the various stakeholders on additional measures that we can take to eradicate homelessness.
Question No. 81 answered with No. 76.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (82)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:82. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on recent figures which show that local authorities received 1,165 notifications to convert vacant commercial premises into new homes between 2018-2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36886/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The figures referred to relate to the notifications, received by local authorities, of planned changes of use of vacant commercial properties into residential units under The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018 and the number of new homes associated with those notifications, for the years 2018-2023.
The Regulations were extended by way of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022, exempting the residential conversion of certain types of vacant commercial premises from the need to obtain planning permission, to also include former pubs and to extend the timeframe for these exemptions to apply up to the end of 2025.
The most recent figures, which are available on my Department’s website show how these exemptions are helping to tackle the problem of vacancy, maximise the use of our existing building stock for much-needed housing supply and revitalise our town centres, as part of the government’s ‘Housing For All’ plan and ‘Town Centre First’ policy.
Since 2018, when the exemptions were first introduced, local authorities have received 1,165 notifications relating to the provision of 2,716 homes.
In 2023 alone, local authorities received notifications of 267 exempted development proposals with plans put forward to result in the provision of 650 dwellings. In 2022 and 2023, 92 notifications relating to pubs were received by local authorities with the intention to create 295 new homes.
These exemptions are just one of a range of measures designed to help people bring vacant properties back into residential use, and can be used in combination with other vacant property supports such as the ‘Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant’ and the ‘Repair and Leasing Scheme’.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (83, 100, 111)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is proposing to increase the social housing income eligibility thresholds, and the problem of people being removed from the list after many years waiting due to their income going slightly over the threshold, and that when people who do go over these thresholds, they are no longer eligible for any housing support, regardless of the amount over the threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37002/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Smith
Ceist:100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing in Cavan and Monaghan will be increased, given they are too low at present and are denying persons, who have not adequate income to buy or build their own home, the opportunity to obtain council housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36929/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 100 and 111 together.
Housing for All includes a commitment to review income eligibility for social housing. From this review, completed in November 2021, it was recommended moving five local authorities from Band 3 to Band 2, ensuring the income eligibility thresholds better reflect housing costs in those counties. Government also agreed to increase the baseline income thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
The review further recommended the commissioning of research to develop options for a revised or new social housing income eligibility model. My Department received this detailed research, commissioned by the Housing Agency. The scope of the research included examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and population conditions and the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced.
My Department is now undertaking a detailed examination of the report, in order to develop a new social housing income eligibility model in line with the Housing for All Action Plan update. This detailed examination will include consultation with stakeholders and will look at, inter alia, how the social housing income limits system interacts with other housing supports and ensure that they continue to target households correctly.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (84)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:84. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average length of time it is taking to process a tenant-in-situ application; the number of tenant-in-situ applications per local authority heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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 the Government agreed that there would be increased provision for social housing acquisitions. This has continued into 2024 and my Department will fund local authorities to acquire up to 1,500 social homes this year. The additional acquisitions are focused 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.
Each local authority has been provided with a provisional allocation for social housing acquisitions in 2024 with additional headroom of 50% on the allocation being available under delegated sanction. Acquisitions above this are subject to a sanction request. My Department issued a circular letter to local authorities in March, 2024 and additional guidance in this regard in June.
It is a matter for individual local authorities to identify suitable acquisitions in line with local circumstances and their social housing allocations policy. The time required to complete a social housing acquisition can vary, depending on the circumstances involved. Individual property purchases can be delayed for various reasons such as title difficulties, planning issues, outstanding property taxes, general contractual conditions of sale not in place etc. The process is also reliant on timely progress from the vendor’s legal and sales agents, so timeframes vary from purchase to purchase. My Department does not hold data on the timelines for such acquisitions nor does it hold data on the number of social housing acquisitions expression of interest applications that have been submitted to each local authority. This information, and the details for requesting a review on decisions made, may be available from individual local authorities.
Local authorities take appropriate steps to ensure that their first response will be to support households to try to prevent homelessness in cases where tenants have been served with a notice of termination by their landlord. It is important to acknowledge that the Tenant in Situ scheme has been a key measure in preventing homelessness and as such has mitigated such impacts for many households.
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 1 2024 on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (85, 178)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1173 of 23 July 2024, the status of the draft planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas; when the guidelines will be published; when the consultation process will begin; the details of the consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36717/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:178. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta an bhfuil obair an ghrúpa idir-Rannach i dtaobh na dtreoirlínte pleanála don Ghaeltacht críochnaithe; an bhfuil tuarascáil ar fáil, agus cén uair a fhoilseofar í; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36736/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 178 together.
Tá Grúpa Idir-Rannach (ina bhfuil mo Roinnse, an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, agus Údarás na Gaeltachta) fós ag leanúint lena chuid oibre ag forbairt treoir phleanála faoi leith do cheantair Ghaeltachta. Bhí roinnt cruinnithe den Ghrúpa Idir-Rannach ar siúl in 2023, agus táthar ag leanúint leis an rannpháirtíocht dhéthaobhach Roinne.
Tá Grúpa Oibre eile ann freisin ina bhfuil an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha a bhfuil ceantair Ghaeltachta acu páirteach. Ag cruinniú an Ghrúpa Idir-Rannaigh ar an 15 Nollaig 2022, comhaontaíodh go dtosódh an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán staidéar ar mhodheolaíocht agus formáid do Ráitis Tionchair Teanga mar phríomhghnéithe na treoirlínte pleanála do cheantair Ghaeltachta sa todhchaí. Tá an staidéar sin á ordú ag an Roinn Turasóireachta.
Tá bailchríoch á cur ar na dréacht-treoirlínte pleanála do cheantair Ghaeltachta faoi láthair do m'athbhreithniú i dtosach báire agus ansin do scagadh éigeantach faoi dhlí an AE maidir le Measúnú Straitéiseach Comhshaoil (MSC), agus chun críocha Measúnachta Cuí (MC) freisin. Tá sé i gceist, faoi réir thoradh na gcleachtaí scagtha, go bhfoilseofar dréacht-treoirlínte ansin le haghaidh comhairliúchán poiblí.Beidh gach eagras áitiúil i gceantair Ghaeltachta agus gach duine den phobal lena n-áirítear grúpaí teanga in ann a gcuid tuairimí a chur isteach maidir leis an dréacht le linn na céime comhairliúcháin sin lena meas ag mo Roinnse.
Tá sé ar intinn agam na Treoirlínte sin a fhoilsiú, ag féachaint don ghá atá ann na hábhair chasta atá i gceist a bhreithniú agus tuilleadh rannpháirtíochta a dhéanamh leis an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán.
Maidir leis sin, lena n-airítear an tábhacht a bhaineann le comhairliúchán a dhéanamh ar na hábhair sin chun a chinntiú go bhfuil seasamh beartais atá láidir agus éifeachtach sroichte, tá sé mar aidhm agam cur chuige beartais a mholtar a fhoilsiú le haghaidh comhairliúcháin chomh luath agus is féidir, chun eolas a dhéanamh do bhailchríoch na ndréacht-treoirlínte.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (86, 92)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:86. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the pipeline of applications for the first home scheme to date in 2024; how it compares to the same timeframe in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36884/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael McGrath
Ceist:92. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of first home scheme approvals that have issued since its launch in July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36928/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 92 together.
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, for eligible first-time buyers, fresh start applicants and those who wish to build their first home.
The First Home Scheme DAC is responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of the shareholders, the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB, and publishes quarterly performance reports on its website.
They have published their Q2 2024 quarterly report which shows that since its launch, over 4,800 individuals and couples have been approved for the First Home Scheme. 75% of these approvals have issued in Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow. The report is available at the following link: www.firsthomescheme.ie/media/aopbvmy5/fhs-q2-2024-update.pdf .
The pipeline of applications continues to grow, with the number of new applications to the Scheme in the first six months of 2024 43% higher than the same period last year (1,894 in H1 2024 versus 1,329 in H1 2023).
This shows that the First Home Scheme is a key measure supporting the delivery of affordable purchase homes under Housing for All and I note the very successful operation of the Scheme to date.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (87)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:87. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will direct the Residential Tenancies Board to take a proactive approach to tackling the widespread illegal rent increase identified in the Q1 2024 rent index report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36996/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as quasi-judicial, independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2024 (RTA ) to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Where a tenant is unsure as to the validity of a Notice of Rent Review served, he or she may refer the matter to the RTB for dispute resolution, with redress available to the tenant and may include a direction to pay a refund of any unlawful rent amount paid and an amount of damages of up to €20,000.
The RTB published the Q1 2024 Rent Index on 12 September 2024. The quarterly index tracks price developments in the Irish rental market over time and is based on RTB tenancy registration data that is independently analysed by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The quarterly Rent Index provides the most accurate picture of how average rents are changing for new and existing tenancies in Ireland. The figures published compare the standardised average rent for all new and existing tenancies registered in Q1 2024 with a similar but not identical sample of all tenancies registered in the previous quarter and in Q1 2023. The RTB Rent Index cannot be used to examine compliance with RPZ legislation.
In tandem with the publication of the Q1 2024 Rent Index, the RTB shared preliminary findings from an additional ‘Individual Property Level Analysis’ commissioned to help the RTB understand the extent of rent increases in excess of RPZ limits, where they apply. It shows 74% of existing tenants nationally experienced annual rent increases of 2% or less between Q2 2022 and Q1 2024. Increases over 2% do not necessarily indicate non-compliance.
For those landlords who are not in compliance with RPZ requirements, the RTB has stated that, as a priority they will be communicating with these landlords in an effort to bring them into compliance. Furthermore, the RTB has stated that it will be using its full powers to investigate and sanction non-compliant landlords, where it is deliberate and ongoing.
Since July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A – Complaints, Investigations and Sanctions – of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords and to impose sanctions, where appropriate. The RTB has the power to impose sanctions if improper conduct by a landlord is found to have occurred, ranging from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (88, 90)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:88. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to give an update on commencement figures for the latest date possible. [37051/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:90. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of residential units commenced to date in Cavan in 2024; how this compares with the same timeframe in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36881/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
New home commencement activity increased significantly in 2023, with more than 32,800 new homes commenced, the highest annual figure for any calendar year in the last decade. This increase has been sustained into 2024, with almost 35,400 commencements between January and July, up 91% on the same period last year and exceeding the total of 2023 by 8%. Rolling 12-month commencements to the end of July were more than 49,600, up 72% year-on-year.
This uplift in commencement activity is being mirrored at local level across the country. For example, there were 370 new homes commenced in Cavan between January and July this year, the highest for this period since records began a decade ago and already up 49% on the total for 2023.
The introduction of the water connection fee refund and development levy waiver have undoubtedly accelerated new home building activity. As a result, the medium to long-term outlook is very positive, with the significant uplift in supply in 2022 and 2023 expected to be maintained this year and between 33,000 and 40,000 new homes completed. Moreover, any suggestion new home delivery has plateaued is premature, with commencement activity since May 2023 suggesting the substantial growth in completions of the last few years will continue in 2025 and beyond.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (89)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:89. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to stimulate the opportunity for people to rightsize, where people wish to consider such options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36967/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Housing for All commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including the development of a policy on rightsizing. The Housing for All policy objective to make more efficient use of existing housing stock includes tasking my Department with the development of a national policy on rightsizing and to explore options to support and incentivise rightsizing on a voluntary basis.
Work continues to be advanced in my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on rightsizing with the objective of bringing forward a draft national policy as soon as possible.
Question No. 90 answered with No. 88.