Results 7,461-7,480 of 26,864 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Fire Safety (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations and the associated Technical Guidance Document relating to fire safety closed on 21 April 2023. The proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in new buildings and support the re-use of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements. Work is nearing completion...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: In July 2022 my Department launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, which supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. From May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and also for properties which will...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The First Home Scheme, launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers, and now self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country). Details are available on the First Home Scheme website, www.firsthomescheme.ie. The First...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Approved Housing Bodies (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Matters in relation to the allocation of social dwellings, including the transfer of sitting tenants to other dwellings, are the responsibility of the respective local authorities. I have no function in this matter. There is no legislative or policy provision preventing a tenant in an AHB social dwelling, who was drawn from the local authority's social housing waiting list, from applying...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Rental Sector (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Awaiting reply from Department

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Derelict Sites (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Section 3 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 defines the term "derelict site" as meaning "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 - (a) the existence on the land in question of structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition, or (b) the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Elections (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: In order to vote a person must be eligible to vote and included on the register of electors. The Electoral Acts set out entitlements for inclusion.Non-EU citizens who are over 18 and ordinarily resident are entitled to vote in Local Elections. British Citizens are also entitled to vote in Dáil elections. EU Citizens may vote in European Parliament and Local elections. Irish citizens...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Septic Tanks (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: There are currently three separate Domestic Waste Water Treatment System (DWWTS) grant schemes, commonly known as Septic Tank Grants, available to householders. The purpose of the grants is to provide financial assistance to householders to repair or upgrade septic tanks. In order to avail of the grants, householders must have failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and be...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Septic Tanks (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The number of septic tank inspections required nationally is set out in the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems. Section 70K of the Water Services Act 2007 requires that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepare a National Inspection Plan that includes "appropriate and specific qualitative and quantitative criteria, targets and indicators for...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Vacant Properties (28 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: Vacant Properties (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government, as set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All. As part of the Vacant Homes Action Plan, a new CPO Activation Programme was launched in April. The Programme supports a proactive, planned and systematic approach by local authorities to the activation of vacant and derelict properties which...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The Programme for Government commits to ensuring that the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) levels are adequate to support vulnerable households, while the supply of social housing is increased. Maximum rent limits for HAP were set for each housing authority area in 2016 in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection (DSP). In reviewing the rent limits, my Department worked...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Offshore Islands (28 Nov 2023)

Darragh O'Brien: The Government’s housing plan to 2030, Housing for All, supports the need to fully consider the housing needs of island communities as part of the objective to drive social sustainability and foster sustainable communities. In concert, our national planning policy in the National Planning Framework (NPF) identifies the need to have vibrant rural communities on our offshore islands and...