Results 1-20 of 22,110 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Legislative Measures (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 sets out the current legislative provisions governing the election of university senators to Seanad Éireann. In a judgment last year, the Supreme Court determined that sections 6 and 7 of that Act, which provide for the election of members of the Seanad by certain university graduates, are unconstitutional because they are not consistent...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Vacant Properties (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities and elected members have a very important role to play in this regard by...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Water Services (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: My Department continues to invest in water and waste water infrastructure to support the development of our rural communities. Working in partnership with the key stakeholders in the sector – including the local authorities, Uisce Éireann, local communities and the Group Water Schemes, my Department is using Exchequer funding in a cost effective manner to improve the water...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Policy (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The Programme for Government provides for a package of social housing reforms, including a social housing passport to allow households move from one local authority waiting list to another. An initial scoping exercise was carried out which identified a range of practical and administrative issues, including those related to the maintenance of seniority on housing waiting lists, local...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Local authorities are encouraged to acquire vacant/derelict properties to be upgraded as new, value-for-money social homes via the Buy & Renew Scheme. Since it was introduced in 2016, in excess of 900 properties have been delivered under this arrangement with 57 delivered in 2023.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I refer to the reply to Question No. 684 of 9 April 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The Housing First approach to addressing homelessness places direct access to housing first and foremost for vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time, and those unable or resistant to accessing homeless services and who may then become habitual rough sleepers. These individuals often have complex high support needs such as mental...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 89 and 92 together. Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Development Contributions (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Development Contributions (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Advertising (24 Apr 2024)

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

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Property Registration (24 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions. In common with many...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Contracts (24 Apr 2024)

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

Acknowledgement and Apology to the Families and to the Victims of the Stardust Tragedy: Statements (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I join in the welcome to the families here today. I join with the Taoiseach, the Government and all of us who are privileged enough to sit in the House in issuing a full and unreserved State apology. It is right and fitting for this Chamber to offer, however late in the day, whatever solace we can. Like so many others, I remember that day. I was only six years old at the time but had...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Policy (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 358 together. Housing for All commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including the development of a policy on rightsizing. The Housing for All policy objective to make more efficient use of existing housing stock includes the development of a national policy...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Policy (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together. On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48”...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP. Eligible households can source their own accommodation in the private rental sector which should be within the HAP rent limits provided to them by the local authority. The...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 to 353, inclusive, together. Housing for All sets out the range of actions necessary to increase the supply of housing out to 2030 comprising of 54,000 affordable homes to be delivered by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through the First Home Scheme, which is a strategic partnership between the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Issues (23 Apr 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out the requirements for site notices when an applicant is applying for planning permission Article 19(1) of the Regulations requires that a site notice shall be inscribed or printed in indelible ink on a white background, affixed on rigid, durable material and secured against damage from bad weather and...