Results 181-200 of 5,616 for speaker:Alan Dillon

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógail) - Other Questions (Resumed): Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: On the tenant in situ scheme, as the Minister outlined earlier, it is a demand-led scheme. We have asked local authorities to bring forward potential properties under the scheme and also under the Department's social housing investment programme. We are making available to all local authorities and approved housing bodies funds to deliver new social housing in direct construction and in...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógail) - Other Questions (Resumed): Solar Energy Guidelines (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: As with the vast majority of development types, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy development. Proposals for individual solar energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógail) - Other Questions (Resumed): Solar Energy Guidelines (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: We have made the existing and evolving planning system sufficiently robust with regard to large-scale solar developments. Through the revised national planning framework, the Government and the Oireachtas are allocating and integrating the regional spacial and economic strategies. That in turn will inform city and county development plans and lead to the identification of large-scale...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Deputy Durkan. Modern methods of construction have been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All plan. MMC is the term used to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction, including modular...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Deputy Durkan. To reinforce the significance of the accelerated social housing delivery programme, as I said previously we will see up to 1,500 new social homes commence during 2023 and 2024 utilising existing MMC design and build systems. Indeed, the 26 sites which received funding as part of the accelerated social housing delivery programme will see the delivery by 13 local...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: Again, I thank the Deputy. We are making every effort possible to continue the momentum in boosting supply, not just in social but in the affordable housing space. We are supporting local authorities in how they can further deliver on their housing targets. We are increasing capacity within local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. That is key on...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Strategic Infrastructure (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I assume the Deputy is referring to strategic infrastructure in the context of the Planning and Development Act 2024, which was enacted on 17 October 2024. The purpose of the Act is to set the legislative framework to enable the most appropriate means of assessment of all forms of development, including strategic infrastructure. Duly, the definition of “strategic gas...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Traveller Accommodation (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, which is intended to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for providing accommodation for members of the Traveller community, has 32 recommendations across four categories which are aimed at: Addressing research deficiencies; Removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system; Increasing resources and delivery...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: Support from the Affordable Housing Fund 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 Affordable Housing Fund approval to support the delivery of 13...

Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Section 11) Order 2024: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Section 11) Order 2024, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 8th October, 2024.

Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Section 11) Order 2024: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, will publish the conditions next week.

Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Sligo County Council) Order 2024: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Sligo County Council) Order 2024, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 7th October, 2024.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Public Sector Pensions (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Byrne for raising this important matter. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Donohoe who has responsibility for public expenditure and I will bring back the Senator’s concerns. Defined-benefit public service pension schemes for fully-insured employees paying class A PRSI are integrated with their social welfare entitlements which means that the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Public Sector Pensions (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Senator’s arguments which she presented here are fully valid about those who feel less well-off about any budgetary measures around the State pension. It is not directly linked to their level of income after retirement and they do feel aggrieved about that. However, as part of the public service wage indexation, they do benefit from any additional public pay sector deals which...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Schemes (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Carrigy for raising this important matter. He has been to the forefront in bringing this to my attention on numerous occasions in the context of his local area of Longford and Westmeath. I am aware he is determined to see the allocation for the voids programme increased. Certainly, it is a very worthy call in the context of how we manage vacancies and how they arise on a...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Schemes (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Carrigy. I recognise and acknowledge the tremendous work undertaken by Longford County Council in respect of its reletting and voids programme. It is crucially important that the Department supports that. I will certainly take back the issue that the Senator has raised here today about the current scheme and the allocation of €11,000 per home. I think the matter...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (15 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 375 together. My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a...

Planning and Development (An Taisce) Bill 2024: Second Stage [Private Members] (9 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Acting Chair for affording me the opportunity to contribute on this Private Members' Bill on behalf of the Government. It is important to reiterate that the Government recognises the importance of having an open and transparent planning system. The inclusion of prescribed bodies in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, is a key part of the planning process...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Derelict Sites (9 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Wastewater Treatment (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator O'Reilly for bringing this important matter to my attention and for the opportunity to address this topic. In recent years, my Department has invested significantly in rural water and waste water infrastructure to support our rural towns and villages. As the Senator said, it is crucially important for quality of life measures and to enhance vibrancy within rural communities...