Results 16,341-16,360 of 25,999 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Traveller Accommodation (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: I am currently considering the matter of the delegation of particular functions to both Ministers of State who have recently been assigned to my Department. On the matter of the recommendations in the Traveller Accommodation Expert Review Report, there are 32 proposals aimed at: - addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used; - removing any potential...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Property Tax (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: As with all taxation matters, responsibility for Local Property Tax (LPT), including the structure and basic rate of the tax, rests with the Minister for Finance. Notwithstanding that, as LPT replaced general purpose funding to local authorities in 2015, I am responsible for LPT allocations to local authorities. I can confirm that the LPT allocation process for 2021 is unchanged from...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Pyrite Remediation Programme (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 356 to 358, inclusive, together. The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency. The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Private Rented Accommodation (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: With reference to the alleged eviction at 7 Berkeley Rd, Dublin 1, I sought early engagement by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to ensure that the full powers and resources available to the RTB are fully utilised to ensure that these tenants are treated fairly, respectfully and within the confines of protections provided in the Residential Tenancies Acts (2004-2020). Under the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Private Rented Accommodation (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants. The Clerk of the Dáil requested that arrangements be put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Reports (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: A small number of Departmental reports are pending publication, i.e. expected to be published this month or next, the details of which are set out in the following table: Title of Departmental Report Completion Due National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Annual Reports 2014-2019 October 2020 Summary of the public...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Legislative Measures (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: Provision is already made in legislation that requires planning authorities to publish and make available pre-planning consultation documents relating to received planning applications. In this connection, section 247(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that when a pre-planning consultation meeting is held in relation to a proposed development, the planning...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Finance Agency (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: In respect of housing, the function of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) is to advance loan finance to local authorities, the voluntary housing sector and Higher Education Institutions to be used by them for any purpose authorised by the Housing Acts and to borrow or raise funds for these purposes. Regarding the voluntary housing sector, the HFA can only lend to a body which has been approved...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Foreshore Issues (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: As indicated in my last reply, it is a matter for each individual local authority to provide a view on whether a development or proposed development was in or adjacent to the functional area. If the Deputy has a particular circumstance in mind, he should make an enquiry to the relevant local authority.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Social and Affordable Housing (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 was commenced in June 2018 to provide a new statutory basis for affordable dwelling purchase arrangements. Initial Regulations in relation to schemes of priorities were made subsequently and further Regulations are being developed regarding eligibility and other matters. Under the provisions of section 84(2)(c) of the Act, a...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authority Rates (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities have a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes. An initial three-month waiver of rates for businesses forced to close business due to COVID-19, was announced in early May. In order to enhance the supports available for enterprise, and in...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Residential Tenancies Board (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants. The service provided by the RTB is quasi-judicial and all of their mediators, adjudicators and tribunal members have independent...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Social and Affordable Housing (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government "Our Shared Future". Under the Serviced Sites Fund, €310 million has been allocated to provide infrastructure to support the delivery of more affordable homes on local authority lands. With a...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Tree Preservation Orders (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The specific information requested in relation to tree preservation orders is no longer collated by my Department. However, individual local authorities may compile information in this regard. Data on tree preservation orders which was collected for the years 1998 to 2012 is available on my Department's website at the following link: .

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Rental Sector (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The Property Registration Authority (PRA) deals with applications under Part III of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978, whereby owners of leasehold properties can purchase their ground rent (freehold interest). Further details of this Ground Rents Purchase Scheme can be found on the PRA website (www.prai.ie). The PRA is independent in the performance of its functions.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Schemes (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: I acknowledge the very stressful circumstances which owners and residents face when their homes are affected by construction defects. In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved, the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. However, my Department is committed to...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wastewater Treatment (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: In July 2019, my Department launched the multi-annual Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021. Bids were sought from local authorities for funding under the programme and nineteen local authorities with Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure in estates in their areas made applications for funding. Cork County Council included the village...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Residential Tenancies Board (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 extended the remit of the RTB to cover student licences and tenancies in student-specific accommodation. Due to...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Private Rented Accommodation (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: With effect from 1 August 2020, the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 introduces protections for those tenants who are facing rent arrears and, as a result, are at risk of losing their tenancy. If a tenant’s ability to pay rent has been impacted by Covid-19 and the tenant meets specific criteria, new procedures and protections apply. Tenants who follow these procedures...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Rental Sector (15 Sep 2020)

Darragh O'Brien: The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. Section 12 of the Acts sets out a landlord's obligation relating to a tenancy including that a landlord must allow a tenant of a rented dwelling to enjoy peaceful and exclusive occupation of that...