Results 2,861-2,880 of 4,773 for speaker:Paudie Coffey

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Road Projects (24 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: This is a major infrastructure project and I have just clarified for the Senator that the public consultation process is an opportunity for her and any other stakeholders, including members of the public, to make submissions and to make their views known. As I have already said, for the record, it offers the public an opportunity to propose further alternative options. That said, I have...

Topical Issue Debate: Building Regulations (25 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. It is an issue of concern to many Deputies around the country who have raised it consistently. Following public concern with regard to the widespread failure to comply with regulatory requirements in all sectors of the construction industry, the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, otherwise known as Statutory...

Topical Issue Debate: Building Regulations (25 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: The Deputy is correct in pointing out that these regulations also apply to extensions. Many years ago, I built my own house in Waterford by direct build. I know the challenges that people face, but people generally set out to build the best quality home for themselves. Anecdotal evidence suggests that inspections cost between €5,000 and €16,000 which is unacceptable and I...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Fire Safety (25 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: Local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Safety Act 1981, the Building Control Act 1990 and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant in relation to fire safety arrangements in commercial buildings. Compliance with the statutory requirements that apply to a building, or works in relation to a building, is first and...

Climate Change and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: It is getting a little wild over here.

Climate Change and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: They are polar opposites.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Eligibility (26 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. On 1 April 2011, the Social Housing Assessment Regulations introduced a new standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing in every housing authority. The aim of the new system is to move closer to a transparent, consistent and fairer approach to eligibility for social housing. The regulations include maximum net...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Eligibility (26 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I note the points the Deputy has made. I am satisfied that the current income limits generally provide for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households unable to provide accommodation from their own resources. These limits generally provide that a household in receipt of social welfare will not breach the thresholds. That is illustrated by the fact that the Summary of Social...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Derelict Sites (26 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: There is no specific definition of the term “derelict building” in the Derelict Sites Act 1990. However the term “derelict site” is defined in section 3 of the Act to mean - “any land which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Tenant Purchase Scheme Administration (26 Feb 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I refer to the reply to Question No. 606 of 24 February 2015 . The position is unchanged.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Planning Issues (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, places clear statutory obligations on planning authorities in relation to unauthorised development. Where a planning authority receives a written complaint regarding an unauthorised development, or otherwise becomes aware of unauthorised development (except in the case of trivial or minor development), it is required to issue a warning...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Building Regulations Qualifications (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I refer to the reply to Question No. 519 of 18 November 2014 which sets out the background to the proposals for the statutory registration of Architectural Technologists and the context within which my Department is engaging with industry stakeholders on this matter. I welcome the decision by Quality Qualifications Ireland to facilitate the development of a common standard for architectural...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Private Residential Tenancies Board (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector and the Act provides that landlords in the sector must apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to register the tenancy of a dwelling within one month of the commencement of the tenancy. The published register lists the addresses of all tenancies...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Building Regulations Amendments (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I refer to the reply given in the Topical Issues Debate on this matter on 25 February 2015 which sets out the up-to-date position.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Planning Issues (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: My Department’s Circular Letter PD 1/08 on Taking in Charge of Residential Developments/ Management Arrangements which issued in February 2008 sets out the policy to be adopted by planning authorities in relation to the taking in charge of housing estates. Paragraph 3.4 of the Annex to the Circular refers to the early identification of the areas to be taken in charge and states that -...

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Estimates for Public Services 2015
Vote 34 - Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Revised) (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: I will respond on the issue of voids. We detected some inconsistency across local authorities regarding the cost of refurbishment per unit and the turnaround times. We are looking closely at that in regard to measuring performance. Obviously where we have existing stock and assets that can be quickly turned around, that must be the priority for local authorities. Some have been very good...

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Estimates for Public Services 2015
Vote 34 - Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Revised) (3 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: There were some concerns about the average time taken to resolve disputes through the PRTB, but good progress is being made in that respect. In 2012, the average time was 12 months, in 2013 it was seven months, and five months in 2014. We are continuing to streamline that process to ensure we reduce those times further. That will also be helpful regarding tenancy disputes, about which the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Property Tax (4 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: Sinn Féin voted for them.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Property Tax (4 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: Sinn Féin keeps implementing them.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Property Tax (4 Mar 2015)

Paudie Coffey: Sinn Féin has protesters on its back.