I thank Deputy Whitmore. The targets set were baselines. We have said there will be at least 1,500 homes this year and I assure the Deputy the local authority in Wicklow is excellent. We have well over 1,000 homes in process now. If this figure is exceeded, then we will provide more resources to the local authorities. We were very clear about this in the circular too. The more tenant in situ units we can get through the better. We also have the cost-rental backstop in place and assistance for people to purchase the…

I strongly condemn the spate of wildlife in recent year and any resulting destruction of nature. These fires can pose significant risks to the environment, property and people. My Department works closely with the Fire Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and An Garda Síochána, as appropriate, to investigate the causes of fires in our National Parks and Reserves and protected sites. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department (NPWS) has deployed increased fire patrols across site…

Since 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Uisce Éireann takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for determination by Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann is progressing a strategic national project to help meet the long-term future water supply needs of the Gr…

The Water Services Act 2007 , as amended, requires all owners of premises served by an individual domestic waste water treatment system to register their system with the relevant local authority. Further details are available at the following link: www.protectourwater.ie/default.aspx. I can confirm that my Department does not compile the requested data. In relation to the Census 2016 information requested, Census data, including the number of households that recorded having a septic tank, can be accessed on the CSO…

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296, 319, 320 and 325 together. Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks. With 2022 representing the first full year of affordable housing delivery under the schemes introduced in the Affordable Housing Act 2021, local authorities have begun to submit da…

The number of active tenancies as at end 2022, under the Housing Assistance Payment, the Rental Accommodation Scheme and the Long Term Leasing Scheme, is set out in the table below. *The Leasing figure is comprised of NARPS, LA long term leasing, LA short term leasing, AHB lease, Enhanced Leasing and Unsold Affordables. My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in all local authorities, including information on HAP, RAS and Leasing. Thi…

Based on information provided by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) to my Department, there are currently two whole-term staff vacancies in the OPR. A detailed breakdown as requested is included in the table below. It should be noted that 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 bodi…

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together. The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the long-term, 20 year strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to promote a better quality of life for all, with sustainable economic growth and an environment of the highest quality as key underlying principles. The NPF, which was published in 2018, replaced the National Spatial Strategy and is the overall spatial planning and development strategy for Ireland. The NPF has set out to achieve a new region-focused …

Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, and its associated Regulations, allows for the provision of affordable homes by local authorities, for sale to eligible buyers under affordable dwelling purchase arrangements. Section 6(2) of the Act empowers local authorities to enter into arrangements for the provision of affordable homes with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), community-led housing organisations or housing co-operatives, the Land Development Agency (LDA), and/or public private partnership arrangements. The…

The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage scheme for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies for applications to the Local Authority Home Loan. The following categories of persons are eligible to apply for th…

My Department has been providing support for an ambitious regeneration project across four areas in Limerick City since 2007. It focuses on the areas of Moyross, Southill, Ballinacurra Weston, and St Mary’s Park and addressing the causes of disadvantage in these areas through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration. The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan 2014-2023 which was adopted by the Council in 2014 provides a roadmap for the physical, social and economic regeneratio…

There are the AHBs.

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Government recognises there is a housing crisis in Ireland affecting ordinary working people who aspire to affordable, stable tenancies or the security of home ownership, and this demands a response from the Government on an unprecedented scale; — Ireland is experiencing an acute gap between housing supply and demand, exacerbated by the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, global supply-chain…

I was delighted to see the scheme in Ballymastone receive approval from An Bord Pleanála. That will deliver 253 social homes and 253 affordable homes, as well as private houses. Sinn Féin councillors in Fingal did not support that scheme. That is fair enough but it is on the council record. There are many other such examples. That is one aspect of matters. We must deliver more affordable housing, which we are doing. We also need to deliver more social housing. The figures in that regard do not lie. I will turn to n…

Does Deputy Ó Broin agree with the CSO figure now?

I am sorry that we were slightly delayed; there was a vote in the Lower House. I am sure the Senators will forgive me.

There were no pairings, whatever is happening today. I welcome the opportunity to update Members on the progress the Government has made on housing, particularly since the publication of Housing for All in September 2021. It has been 19 months since the plan was published. Although we are operating in an ever-changing landscape, which most people appreciate, real progress has been made. It is important to take time to reflect on this and today provides an opportunity to do so. Housing for All represents the most am…

That is not true. That is a base target.

That is not correct.

The Deputy's party opposed the establishment of the Land Development Agency.