Results 6,341-6,360 of 25,799 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (5 Dec 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services (June 2022) was agreed following a comprehensive process of engagement with unions under the aegis of the Workplace Relations Commission and enables the integration of public water services into Uisce Éireann's organisational structure, as envisaged in the Government’s Policy Paper on Water Sector Transformation (February, 2021)....

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (5 Dec 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 to 338, inclusive, together. Local authorities derive their income from a variety of local sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government. It is taken that the questions relate to income from commercial rates. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (5 Dec 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together. The funding system that applies to local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from central Government. Local authority income and expenditure is reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Income...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Advertising (5 Dec 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The Companies and Taxes Consolidation Acts.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: You said it was rushed.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: No, I did not. I wrote to-----

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: -----Deputy Cian O'Callaghan as well.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Carry on. This is great stuff.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: You said it was rushed, though.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Tá mé sásta an cheist sin a fhreagairt.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: First, I appreciate all the work that everyone has put into this Bill, including the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Chairman is here, as are many of the members who have been heavily involved in this Bill as it was brought forward and was being produced. We have had extensive input into it. There is no truncation of the Second Stage process at all. I do not...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Well I am not going to do that.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." It is difficult to understate the importance that planning plays in almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Good planning can deliver generational benefits that will last many lifetimes. Blockages within the planning system can delay critical infrastructure such as housing, renewable energy, transport, and even discourage...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: Second Stage (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. In July 2022 the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a a key priority for Government, as set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All. In January 2022, my Department communicated with local authorities outlining that funding, made available since 2018 to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a Vacant Homes Officer (VHO), would be increased from €50,000 to...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Following the publication of Housing for All in September 2021, I asked all local authorities to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans. Each local authority was asked to assess the level of housing demand with an affordability constraint projected for their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment Tool (HNDA) in order to plan their provision accordingly. Local authorities...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage 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’...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (30 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. In July 2022 I launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for...