Written Answers Nos. 541-560
541. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the temporary waiver scheme in respect of development contributions beyond the commencement notice deadline, given that receiving planning permission may take a longer time than expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44009/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra579. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to further extend the development contributions waiver scheme. [44619/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra610. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the reimbursement of charges by Uisce Éireann and fees for building houses that were waived until September is extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45123/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 541, 579 and 610 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 361 of 15 October 2024, which sets out the position in this matter.
542. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage why the latest draft of the Waterways Ireland Shannon and Canal Bye-laws has only been shared with an organisation (details supplied), representing only 20% of boaters, and not with other key stakeholders such as recreational users, local communities, and business operators; what steps will be taken to ensure a more inclusive consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44061/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.
Waterways Ireland undertook an extensive public consultation over two periods totalling 178 days between June 2023 and February 2024 on the proposed revisions to the Bye-laws.
More than 4,000 invitations to participate were sent to interested groups, public representatives, statutory bodies and the general public. Waterways Ireland held 10 public consultation meetings, facilitated 27 stakeholder meetings and received 1,799 submissions to its consultation. Waterways Ireland also addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Heritage and Local Government on two occasions and the Public Accounts Committee on one occasion where the draft Bye-laws were discussed.
Having considered all contributions to the consultation, Waterways Ireland provided an initial draft of proposed revisions to the Bye-laws to my Department for consideration. Whilst acknowledging the comprehensive consultation undertaken, the dedication and effort that went into developing the proposals and the underlying imperative for the bye-laws to be updated and made fit-for-purpose, I requested that Waterways Ireland reflect further on the proposed fees and charges in light of inflationary and cost-of-living pressures on people day-to-day, and similar cost and pricing pressures in the leisure and tourism sectors.
Waterways Ireland has carefully considered its draft proposals in relation to fees and charges and I am pleased to say, has recently submitted a further revised draft of the Byelaws to my Department for detailed consideration and legal review. This process has just commenced, and will need some time to complete.
It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Byelaws has concluded.
543. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he plans to address the concerns regarding the suitability of Waterways Ireland facilities for sailing boats of certain draughts and heights, given that these boats are largely confined to the lake but are expected to pay the same fees as all users; the measures he is taking to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44062/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The detailed information requested in relation to Waterways Ireland facilities for sailing boats of certain draughts and heights is not held in my Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org.
544. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable purchase scheme homes that have been delivered in County Mayo in each of the past five years, and the average price of an affordable purchase scheme home in Mayo in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44070/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupport from the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to all local authorities to deliver affordable purchase and cost rental homes where an affordable housing need is evidenced. Approvals for funding are now in place to support delivery of over 4,300 affordable homes by 21 local authorities.
Mayo County Council has AHF approval to support the delivery of 13 affordable purchase homes at Springcourt, Westport.
My Department, in conjunction with the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association and the affordable housing team in the Housing Agency, is continuing to advise and support Mayo in developing additional affordable housing schemes that will respond effectively to affordability needs identified at the key urban locations of Westport and Castlebar.
Affordable purchase is also being supported in Mayo through the First Home Scheme.
Given the profile of the county, I expect the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, which includes the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Ready to Build Scheme, is also addressing overall affordability needs. Both schemes have been advertised by Mayo County Council on its official website.
To review activity in Mayo to date, affordable housing delivery reports based on quarterly returns received from all local authorities are published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following weblink:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
545. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what research was undertaken by his Department in advance of his decision to increase the spending limits for Dáil elections; if his officials examined whether candidates at the last Dáil elections were in danger of breaching the previous spending limits, and to outline any such evidence; to list all third party organisations or bodies he consulted or received representations from before increasing the spending limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44093/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electoral Act 1997 (as amended) provides the statutory framework for dealing with political financing and sets out the regulatory regime covering a wide range of inter-related issues such as, among other matters, the reimbursement of election expenses; the establishment of election expenditure limits and the disclosure of election expenditure.
Under section 3 of the Electoral Act 1997, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has the power to vary many of the various monetary amounts specified in the Act, including the reimbursement amount and the spending limits applicable to Dáil and European Parliament elections, with reference to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Typically, the reimbursement amount and the spending limits applicable to Dáil elections are reviewed by my Department in advance of each general election. As part of the review process, my Department examines a number of issues, including the election expenses statements submitted by candidates at the preceding Dáil election, the length of time that has elapsed since the reimbursement amount and spending limits were last revised as well as the actual change that has taken place in the Consumer Price Index since the amounts were last amended.
Against this background, during the recent review, the data clearly showed that inflation, as measured by the change in the Consumer Price Index, had increased significantly over the period since the last revisions took place and that it had been more than seventeen years since the amounts were last amended. There was, therefore, a strong case to amend the reimbursement amount and the spending limits to reflect the current costs associated with campaigning.
The Electoral Act 1997 (Variation of Monetary Amounts) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 545 of 2024), which I made on 18 October 2024, increases the spending limits and the reimbursement amount applicable to Dáil elections having regard to changes in the Consumer Price Index since those figures were last revised in March 2007.
The application of this change in the Consumer Price Index raises the reimbursement amount to €11,200 and the spending limits to €38,900 in a 3-seat constituency, €48,600 in a 4-seat constituency and €58,350 in a 5-seat constituency respectively.
546. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the cessation of the turf-cutting compensation scheme will complete its 15-year duration in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44096/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra547. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the payments made to any person participating in the turf-cutting compensation scheme in year 1, year 2, and so on, up to the 15-year period, given that the scheme was index-linked over the 15-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra548. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, following the cessation of the turf-cutting compensation scheme, CTCCS, he will introduce a new scheme to compensate the participants of the finished CTCCS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44098/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra549. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the 15-year cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme contract between his Department and the plot owner is expired, if there is any reason why the turf plot owner cannot resume cutting turf on their plot of land which was in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44099/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 546, 547, 548 and 549 together.
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was launched in 2011 as an annual payment scheme, from date of legal cessation for 15 years, to compensate households affected by the restriction on turf cutting for domestic use on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). It was later extended to include Natural Heritage Areas (NHA). It comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off legal agreement payment of €500. The rate of compensation for 2024 is €1,839.
The 15-year payment schedule under the Scheme for a certain number of SACs with a legal date of cessation of 2011 is as follows:
|
Payment Year |
Amount Paid [1] |
|
2011 |
€1,500.00 |
|
2012 |
€1,500.00 |
|
2013 |
€1,518.00 |
|
2014 |
€1,521.00 |
|
2015 |
€1,521.00 |
|
2016 |
€1,521.00 |
|
2017 |
€1,521.00 |
|
2018 |
€1,521.00 |
|
2019 |
€1,528.00 |
|
2020 |
€1,554.00 |
|
2021 |
€1,554.00 |
|
2022 |
€1,610.00 |
|
2023 |
€1,758.00 |
|
2024 |
€1,839.00 |
|
2025 |
€1,500.00[2] |
Payments under the CTCCS began on the year of cessation 2011 and 2012 depending on the SAC the applicant applied on and from 2014 to 2017 for NHAs depending on year of application.
Next year, 2025, will mark the 15th year of payment under the scheme for a certain number of SACs. The full list of SACs/NHAs covered by the CTCCS can be found on the application form for the scheme, which can be accessed at the following link:
www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/files/cessation-of-turf-cutting-scheme-application-form.pdf
This list shows the year cessation came into effect on the particular SAC/NHA.
The environment has changed considerably since the conception of the CTCCS. My Department is considering, in light of emerging policies, a new phase of support for existing scheme applicants. Once my Department has fully considered this it will inform those eligible applicants.
The SACs under the CTCCS are included in European Sites as defined by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 ("the 2011 Regulations"). The cutting of turf (being an operation or activity mentioned in a notification issued under Regulation 12 of the 2011 Regulations) may not be carried out or caused to be carried out or continued to be carried out on these plots by any person save in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 28 of the 2011 Regulations or with the consent of the relevant authority.
The NHA’s under the CTCCS are designated by a Natural Heritage Area order under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, as amended (“the Act of 2000”). Peat extraction (being a type of work specified in a Natural Heritage Area order for the purposes of Section 19(1) of the Act of 2000) may not be carried out or caused to be carried out or permitted to be carried out or continued to be carried out on the property by any person save in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 of the Act of 2000 or with the consent of the relevant authority.
As such, in accordance with legislation restrictions on turf cutting activity on the raised bog SACs and NHAs remain.
My Department also administers the Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme (PRBRIS) on within raised bog SACs/NHAs covered by the CTCCS.
This is a once off area based compensation and land purchase scheme. The scheme is open to applications from eligible property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of the restoration scheme or where access is required for restoration works within raised bog SACs/NHAs. Those who have not qualified for CTCCS payments may be eligible for PRBRIS.
More information and how to apply is available at the following link:
www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/protected-raised-bog-restoration-incentive-scheme-prbris
[1] €1,500 per annum, index linked
[2] 2025 Consumer Price Index amount pending
550. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider changing rules relating to postal voting, in order that the spouses, partners and dependants of voting age who live overseas with an adult who qualifies for a postal vote can also be entitled to a postal vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44112/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder electoral law, postal voting is available for a number of different categories of people including the following:
• whole-time members of the Defence Forces,
• members of An Garda Síochána,
• Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners,
• electors living at home who are unable to vote because of an illness or a disability,
• electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day,
• full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State,
• prisoners, and
• certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside.
In addition, Section 93 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for anonymous registration and a postal vote where a person’s safety (or a member of their household) may be compromised by publication of their details on the electoral register. Where a person is registered as an anonymous voter, that person is only able to vote by post.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission, was established in February 2023, on foot of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function will see it carry out research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Minister and the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future contains a commitment to examine the use of postal voting, with the intention of expanding its provision. In support of this commitment, I wrote to An Coimisiún in July 2023, and outlined a number of issues that An Coimisiún might include in its initial research programme. This included the commitment in the Programme for Government relating to postal voting.
An Coimisiún’s Research Programme 2024-2026, published on 10 July 2024, includes a commitment to examine the issue of postal voting. This policy area will be reviewed once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.
551. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff vacancies, by grade, in his Department at the end of August 2023 and August 2024; and the number of staff, by grade, on a career break of more than five years and more than six years, at the end of August 2023 and August 2024. [44129/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its ongoing workforce planning processes my Department keeps staffing matters under constant review in order to ensure all priority vacancies are filled in a timely manner and that resource allocations are balanced across the Department to meet key priorities as necessary.
My Department's latest round of formal workforce planning will get under way in the coming months following the confirmation of the budget for 2025. The outcome of this process will determine the estimated number of vacancies in my Department across all grades, administrative, professional/technical, due to arise going forward.
The Department has been generally successful in filling roles advertised or falling vacant. From time to time, some technical and professional roles can take more time to recruit.
In the period from January to August 2023 my Department appointed 186 staff to various administrative and professional and technical and industrial roles. 171 staff were appointed for the same period in 2024. A breakdown of these appointments by grade is provided in tabular form below.
Jan 1st 2023 - 31 Aug 2023
|
Grade |
Number appointed |
|
CO |
29 |
|
EO |
51 |
|
AO |
1 |
|
HEO |
17 |
|
AP |
6 |
|
PO |
7 |
|
Asst Secretary |
2 |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
|
Sr Fire Adviser |
2 |
|
Architectural Conservation Adviser |
1 |
|
Community Engagement Officer |
2 |
|
Conservation Ranger |
11 |
|
General Operative Band 2 |
3 |
|
GIS Data Manager |
1 |
|
Head Guide |
1 |
|
Visitor Guide |
1 |
|
Craft Chargehand |
1 |
|
District Conservation Officer |
17 |
|
Sr Archaeologist |
1 |
|
Wildlife Inspector Grade 2 |
1 |
|
Assistant Auditor |
1 |
|
ICT Apprentice |
3 |
|
Planning Adviser |
1 |
|
Sr Scientist |
1 |
|
Hydrometeorologist |
1 |
|
Meteorological Officer |
6 |
|
Meteorologist |
1 |
|
Principal Meteorological Officer |
5 |
|
Post Doctoral Researcher (Met Eireann) |
2 |
|
Sr Meteorological Officer |
8 |
|
Chief Hydrometeorologist |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
186 |
1st Jan 2024 - 31st Aug 2024
|
Grade |
Number Appointed |
|
CO |
30 |
|
EO |
17 |
|
AO |
12 |
|
HEO |
6 |
|
AP |
13 |
|
PO |
2 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
|
Asst Head Service Officer |
2 |
|
Service Offcier |
1 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 2 |
1 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 3 |
1 |
|
Archaeologist Grade 3 |
3 |
|
Conservation Ranger |
20 |
|
Eco Hydrologist |
1 |
|
General Operative Band 2 |
19 |
|
Marine Ecologist |
1 |
|
Ornithologist |
1 |
|
Visitor Guide |
6 |
|
Archaeologist Grade 1 |
1 |
|
District Conservation Officer |
2 |
|
Rural General Operative Grade 2 |
2 |
|
Wildlife Inspector Grade 1 |
1 |
|
Catchment Scientist (LIFE Project) |
2 |
|
Local Government Auditor |
3 |
|
Communications Manager (LIFE Project) |
1 |
|
Principal Auditor |
1 |
|
Meteorological Officer |
1 |
|
Post Doctoral Researcher (Met Eireann) |
4 |
|
Sr Meteorological Officer |
12 |
|
Meteorologist |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
171 |
No staff in my Department were on career breaks for longer than 5 or 6 years at the end of August 2024. One member of staff was on a career break for more than 6 years at end of August 2023.
552. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the relative success of the croí cónaithe (cities) scheme, the secure tenancy affordable rental, STAR, investment scheme and project tosaigh, in terms of delivered units and units expected to be delivered in late 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44195/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough Housing for All (September 2021) and the two annual updated action plans (November 2022, November 2023, respectively), the Government has set out its plan to address housing, bringing forward a range of short, medium and long-term actions to stimulate housing supply. Croí Cónaithe (Cities), the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) Investment Scheme, and Project Tosaigh, are part of a suite of housing measures in Housing for All designed to increase social, affordable and private housing supply.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme supports the building of apartments for sale to owner-occupiers. The Scheme aims to bridge the current viability gap between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater).
To date, I have approved the Housing Agency entering into agreements in respect of six proposals for the delivery of 640 units under the Croí Cónaithe Cities Scheme. It should be noted that developments typically take between 18 months and 2 years to complete, so these units are expected to be delivered in 2025 and in 2026.
A third call for Expressions of Interest proposals under the scheme was recently conducted and the Housing Agency are presently assessing the applications. 20 eligible applications have been received with the potential to deliver more than 3,200 units.
The STAR Scheme is intended to bring forward Cost Rental Units at scale and at rents which are more affordable, with the aim of assisting eligible households in the private rental sector, particularly in urban centres where prevailing rents are especially high. 39 applications have been received to date, with the potential to deliver over 4,700 units.
I have approved the Housing Agency entering into Cost Rental Investment and Equity Participation Agreements in respect of six applications to date, for the provision of 1,036 units in total. 426 of these units were delivered in 2023, with the remaining 610 units being delivered this year.
Two further STAR proposals, with the potential to deliver almost 400 units across 2024 and 2025, are currently at the final stage of assessment.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) was established with a focus on managing the State’s lands to develop new homes and regenerate underutilised sites. It has also been tasked with unlocking stalled, private, planning-consented developments in the shorter-term through Project Tosaigh, its market engagement initiative.
The LDA is targeting 8,000 new homes over the course of the Project Tosaigh initiative. They are currently on track to deliver 5,000 new homes for social housing, Cost Rental and Affordable Purchase to eligible households by end 2026. In excess of 2,500 social, affordable purchase or cost rental homes are already either delivered, contracted or approved to proceed within the LDA to date under Project Tosaigh's first phase.
To deliver the next phase of Project Tosaigh, a framework panel consisting of 15 of Ireland’s largest and most experienced home-builders to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes was announced on 12 June 2024. It is anticipated that the first projects from this framework panel will be agreed in the coming months
553. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made and the roll-out timetable of the interim remediation scheme; and when legislation to address the overall problems of apartment complexes will be fully delivered to ensure residents feel safe in the homes they purchased, or are renting, including the many social housing units (details supplied). [44198/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra554. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of apartment complexes, the number of homes in each, and the category of works to be undertaken which owner management companies have applied; the stage of processing they are currently at; and the number of persons that have successfully drawn down and completed the works intended under funding from the interim remediation scheme to address the fire and water egress defects of apartment complexes (details supplied). [44199/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 554 together.
The Interim Remediation Scheme for the funding of eligible emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes has been in place since December 2023. The Scheme, which is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, is open to applications from apartment Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) via the Housing Agency’s website.
In the period since the Scheme’s launch, up to and including 31 October 2024:
• 185 applications have been validated, meeting the required eligibility criteria, and are being progressed across 28 local authority areas; representing
• a total of 17,864 residential units, with just over 78% of units affected located in the four Dublin local authority areas.
Four “pathfinder” projects within the Scheme are progressing and allow the mapping of the application and remediation process into simple steps, to identify pinch points and their solutions and to provide consistency across submissions by applicants.
Three of these projects have completed their engagement with the Local Authority Fire Service (LAFS) and will receive Grant Agreements in the coming weeks. Funding can then be drawn down as works are completed and certified in due course.
Full remedial works, which will include all eligible necessary fire safety measures as well as those related to water ingress and structural damage, will be funded under the forthcoming statutory Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme. Priority drafting of the legislation to underpin the Scheme, the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024, was approved by Government on 18 September 2024. This Scheme will establish supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
Given the complexity of the issues, including the significant amount of Exchequer funding that this Government has committed to assist affected homeowners, sufficient time for drafting the legislation is required to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payers' money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures.
In addition, the Government approved, on October 22nd, the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder for the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme. This Pathfinder will be developed using a representative sample of Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs), and will help to identify and establish an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly, facilitating applicant engagement while ensuring good governance of Exchequer funding.
It is expected the legislation will be published later this year and that, subject to the legislative process, the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
555. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy regarding planning permission exemption for conversion of vacant buildings to house refugees; the types of building or projects that are included in the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44206/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the temporary use by or on behalf of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to accommodate or support displaced persons or persons seeking international protection and set out the class of structures covered.
If someone wishes to establish whether or not planning permission is required for a particular development proposal they can seek a declaration from their local authority under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as Minister, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
556. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44220/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 430 of 22 October 2024, which sets out the position in this matter.
557. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44254/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all staff.
Due to the nature of the work undertaken in our National Parks, additional management structures have been set up to ensure that health, safety and welfare obligations are implemented and adhered to and risk assessments and suitable controls are put in place to ensure that work can be undertaken safely and that risks are reduced as far as is reasonably practicable. Under Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, regular risk assessments are conducted and in place for all work activities. In addition, a number of guidance documents are available to all staff to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines and practices.
558. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an assurance that Kerry County Council water services workers will be guaranteed that their net pay, equivalent to their P60 valuation, will be honoured should they chose to remain in the employment of the local authority. [44266/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Framework Implementation Plan provides for the various options available to existing Local Authority Water Services employees, including reassignment to suitable vacancies in other local authority service areas.
I understand that Kerry County Council, similar to other local authorities, is currently engaging with the representative union in relation to terms and conditions of employment applying to those employees who wish to avail of that option.
Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which they are responsible. Therefore, I have no role in the redeployment of former water services personnel within local authorities.
559. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if provision has been made to continue the Economic and Social Intervention Fund in Limerick in 2025 and beyond, given that it is a critical instrument to help address disadvantage in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44269/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently supports a programme of large-scale regeneration projects in Limerick, Dublin and Cork
These regeneration projects target the country’s most disadvantaged communities, and seek to address the causes of disadvantage in these communities through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration.
The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) was adopted by the then Limerick City Council in February 2014. This plan set out a programme of physical, social and economic interventions over a ten-year period from 2014 to 2023.
A key element of the LRFIP was the Economic and Social Intervention Fund, (ESIF), and over the ten year period of the LRFIP (2014 to 2023) approximately €36m has been made available to Limerick City and Council from my Department. This fund supports a range of social and economic initiatives to strengthen the local communities in the target areas of Moyross, Ballinacurra Weston, St Mary’s Park and Southill.
This fund is an integral part of the overall approach to regeneration, and helps to leverage additional mainstream funding for the benefit of the areas. Through ESIF, my Department provides initial seed funding to launch programmes under the following categories:
• Community
• Education and Learning
• Families and Youth at Risk
• Employability and Work
• Health, Well Being and Aging Well
At the conclusion of the LRFIP at the end of 2023 my Department agreed to extend ESIF funding for 2024. My Department has also agreed to continue funding of the ESIF for 2025 and would welcome a submission from Limerick City and County Council in this regard.
560. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the establishment of an interdepartmental working group to address coastal change management; how the working group is comprised; if the group has met; when the coastal change management strategy will be completed and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44276/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling coastal change management in response to climate change will be complex, multi-faceted and dynamic, demanding a range of research, policy and consequential management responses. Through the 15 recommendations set out in the report which have been accepted by Government, an evidence-based coastal change management strategy facilitating key decisions to be taken to address and manage the impacts of coastal change over the short, medium and longer terms will be put in place.
The strategy set out in the scoping report involves an integrated whole of government approach, with actions across many sectors and my Department is playing a key role in coordinating and driving this essential work programme. These recommendations can be categorised under three overarching headings, as follows:
Strategic Pillar 1 – Enhancing Governance and Capacity Building
Given the nature of the risks arising, the broad range of stakeholders with responsibilities to manage these risks, and the complex legal and regulatory framework within which this must be achieved, there is clearly a requirement for an integrated and co-ordinated response. Investment in capacity building across all key stakeholders is also necessary in order to ensure that the requisite skills and knowledge are available as required. This work is being progressed through the interdepartmental steering group which has met on three occasions since 28 May 2024 and will meet again in November 2024, chaired by my Department. My Department is the policy lead, in particular co-ordinating the work across Government in responding to the challenge of coastal change.
Under this pillar, the steering group will consider the recommendations relating to the establishment of an advisory group of national and international experts, engagement at an EU and bilateral level with neighbouring jurisdictions to examine best practice and lessons learned and to update knowledge, how best to carry out an analysis of the relevant skills and resources available and required to implement the adopted policies and strategies for coastal change management, and how best to develop the programmes necessary to develop the required skill sets and resources nationally for coastal change management in the long-term.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is acting as the national lead co-ordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints under pillar 2.
Strategic Pillar 2 - Understanding the Risk and Identifying Potential Technical Risk Management Options
The scoping report recommends that a co-ordinated programme of monitoring and research, drawing from and contributing to EU and international research, is developed in order to ensure that the best available estimates of potential coastal change and associated hazards and risks are identified, refined and updated on an ongoing basis. Over the coming years, this expanding knowledge base will further inform the identification of possible technical options to manage such risks. The work undertaken further to the recommendations under this pillar will be led primarily by the OPW.
Strategic Pillar 3 – Developing Management Responses to Coastal Change
At the heart of the challenge of coastal change risk management there is a need to develop a strategic coastal change management framework underpinned by policy direction and supports and informed by engagement with local communities. With respect to responding to coastal change local authorities are, generally, responsible for the management of matters associated with coastal change and erosion in their respective administrative areas. Other coastal risks such as to transport, agricultural, business, are addressed locally and through sectoral responses. The OPW is responsible for the technical aspects of assessing coastal change impacts, including co-ordinating the monitoring of physical coastal change, assessing and mapping areas at risk from coastal erosion, the development of a coastal change research programme and assessing potential coastal protection works for communities at risk, including the use of nature-based solutions. The OPW also has a role in funding local authorities to carry out minor works for coastal protection.
My Department will report on the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Environment and Climate Change as it progresses.
