The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Local Fingal TD Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the fact that from 1 January 2022, the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) will re-open for businesses affected by the ongoing pandemic and associated restrictions. Businesses who have previously availed of EWSS but who are no longer eligible, will have the opportunity to re-qualify for the scheme where they meet certain conditions.
Minister O’Brien also welcomed Cabinet approval for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which will be made available to those businesses directly impacted by the latest public health restrictions. The turnover reduction criteria will be increased from 25% to 40%, and new businesses established between 13 October 2020 and 26 July 2021 will now be eligible to apply for the scheme.
Cabinet also agreed today to an extension of the tax debt warehousing scheme to allow the period where liabilities arising can be “warehoused” to be extended to the end of Q1 2022 for all taxpayers eligible for the Covid-19 support schemes.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “These latest supports announced by Government, which come on top of my own Department’s extension of the Commercial Rates Waiver for businesses to the end of Q1 2022, are a further demonstration of Government’s determination to keep businesses operating and people in employment.
“We know that restrictions are particularly devastating for certain industries and that some have suffered way more than others. Since the very beginning of this pandemic the Government have consistently tried to support businesses and employees.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, the Government has provided €48bn to support our economy and society. The overall support provided to-date by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is €6.7 billion, subsidising the wages of 700,000 workers in 51,800 businesses. A total of €704m has already been paid under the CRSS scheme to 25,500 business and my Department has granted Commercial Rates Waivers totalling over €1.5bn.
“We recognise that keeping the link between the employer and the employee is hugely important for the recovery of our economy. We have not been found wanting in assisting those most impacted by the pandemic and the restrictions imposed and I will continue to advocate at Cabinet for continued supports for these sectors,” he concluded.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien has noted the Residential Tenancies Board’s Rent Index Report for Q3 2021 published today, Friday December 17th 2021. It is produced in conjunction with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). This Index Report is based on actual rents paid in respect of the 15,042 private tenancies that were newly registered with the RTB during Q3 2021 and does not provide a measure of the rental prices payable in respect of tenancies registered before that Quarter.
Nationally, private rents grew by 8.3 per cent in Q3 2021. This growth rate is higher than that of the previous quarter (7.0 per cent) and the highest since Q4 2017 (which recorded growth of 8.4 per cent). Standardised average rent stood at €1,397 in Q3 2021 – a quarterly increase of €44.
 
Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “As always, my Department will work closely with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to ensure RPZ legislation is fully enforced. We also note the significant fall in the number of new tenancies registered during Q3 2021.
“It is very important that we keep increasing public awareness of the suite of tenancy protections in place to regulate rent-setting under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021. Since 2019, the RTB has enhanced powers of investigation and sanctioning and additional resources to ensure that the full protections against unlawful rents in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) can be enforced. The RTB now has a dedicated webpage to publish the particulars of sanctions imposed on landlords, and this work continues to grow.
“In September, I formally asked the RTB to instigate a campaign to identify and pursue non-compliance with rent-setting responsibilities. This is now under way and I have been informed that hundreds of letters a day are currently issuing to landlords. The letters will notify landlords that, according to RTB records, there may be a breach of rent-setting rules in respect of a particular dwelling in a RPZ. If it transpires that no exemption to the rules apply and that there was a breach, they will need to arrange for the repayment of rent to their tenant or former tenant. If the RTB was not notified of the application of an exemption, the landlord will need to comply with the obligation to notify the RTB accordingly. The RTB may formally commence an investigation leading to a possible sanction being imposed in some cases.
“This is a complex area and it is critical to educate and raise awareness of landlord and tenant legal obligations in the rental sector. For example, landlords need to be aware that the rent controls in RPZs apply when creating new tenancies in existing rental properties. The amount of the rent paid under last tenancy will inform the maximum permissible rent for the new tenant. The RTB’s website has an RPZ calculator to help set lawful rents and detailed guidance on rent setting so there is no excuse for a landlord to set an unlawful rent in a RPZ. Any unlawful rent setting in RPZs will be dealt with in a serious manner by the RTB and enforcement will ensue to do right by tenants.
“The Government is serious in its efforts to curtail rent inflation. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted on the 11th of December and caps any rent increases in a RPZ at 2% per annum pro rata in RPZs, when HICP inflation is higher. The RTB will be enforcing this new rent cap.”

                            -Fund to assist town in creating its own masterplan-
                  -Tackling dereliction and vacancy at the heart of Town Centre First-
 
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Dublin Fingal TD, Darragh O’Brien has warmly welcomed the €100,000 allocation under ‘Town Centre First’ for Lusk in North County Dublin.
26 towns across the country have received €100,000 each to develop their own masterplan which will focus on tackling dereliction and vacancy, breathing life back into them and ensuring they are even better places to live, work and run a business.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This is a very important first step for Lusk, helping the town map out their future development. The roll-out of these masterplans is only the start and very shortly my Department will be announcing, along with the Department of Rural and Community Development, a new ‘Town Centre First’ policy.
“Having safe, sustainable and prosperous towns where people can work and live is at the heart of ‘Town Centre First’. Our rural towns and villages play a central role in the lives of people in rural areas. They are where we live work and socialise. It’s important that we ensure our towns and villages remain vibrant.
“I recently met with Lusk Community Council to discuss ‘Lusk Vision 2030: Lusk for Life’ so I know that a lot of the groundwork has already been prepared. A wide range of stakeholders, from sporting clubs, businesses, community groups, and local individuals and families participated in the plan, showing very clearly the appetite that exists for positive change in the town. It also clearly demonstrates the deep sense of pride people take in the town, something that is clear to see.
“Lusk is a beautiful rural town. It’s a place I visit regularly and it has a seriously bright future as well as a deeply rich history. I am pleased to support it in any way that I can,” he concluded.

 
This afternoon the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management’s Crisis Management Team conducted a third virtual National Coordination meeting with Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Government Departments and agencies in advance of the arrival of Storm Barra. As the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is designated as the Lead Government Department for coordinating the response to severe weather emergencies at national level, the meeting was chaired by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Patrick O’Donovan were in attendance at the meeting.
Met Éireann has issued a Red wind warning for county Cork, Clare and Kerry tomorrow, as Storm Barra is expected to bring severe and damaging wind gusts in excess of 130km/h.  The storm poses life-threatening dangers to the public and therefore being outside (including travel) should be avoided in red/orange wind warning counties. An Orange wind warning is also in place for many western counties and some eastern counties, with a Yellow wind warning covering the rest of the country. Gusts of around 90km/hr are expected widely inland. Dangerous conditions are also expected at sea with marine warnings in place along all Irish coasts, including a Red marine warning for southwestern sea areas.
A yellow rain warning is also in place nationwide, as the strong winds from Storm Barra are accompanied by heavy rain. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday with maximum accumulations approaching threshold levels, with high accumulations expected widely across Munster, south Leinster and west Connacht which may result in localised flooding.
Highest Astronomical tides are widely expected to be exceeded over the outlook along the east coast, south east, south, southwest, and west. Where highest astronomical tides are not exceeded, water levels will still be high, and strong winds and waves will have the potential for localised wave overtopping.
Very strong winds in combination with high tides means there is a risk of large coastal waves and the possibility of coastal flooding, particularly along southern and western parts of the country.
 
Driving conditions will be dangerous at times, with the risk of fallen trees, fallen power lines and flooding from the heavy rain.  Temporary outdoor structures will be particularly vulnerable to the expected wind gusts.
Storm Barra is a dynamic event and the public are asked to monitor Met Éireann for updated warnings and information and heed Local Authority advice during this time. Local Authorities have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Co-ordination Groups and Coastal flood defences are being put in place. Road closures are likely in western coastal counties and the public should monitor Local Authority advisories.
The Irish Coast Guard, RSA, An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and NDFEM are communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Éireann.
The Department of Education advises that as a precaution and in the interest of the safety of the school community all schools covered by the Red Alert and Orange warning from Met Éireann should not open tomorrow, 7 December.
The HSE have advised that testing and vaccination centres in red level counties will close operations for the duration of the event with those seeking PCR tests advised to isolate in place for the 24 hour period. In regards to the wider health services, all relevant information is available at www.hse.ie/stormbarra. People with appointments or scheduled procedures should ring to confirm before travelling.
ESB Networks have taken action and are ready to mobilise responses to restore power once the impact of the storm is known.  Powercheck app will enable users to gather updates on estimated restoration times. Safety regarding fallen lines will be communicated also.
Department of Social Protection are on standby with their Community Welfare Officers ready to assist with damage and recovery due to the impacts of flooding and the storm. Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are on standby to activate the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
Defence Force troops are on standby and available to assist in the response if and when required.
Civil Defence personnel are on standby to assist where required.
The key public safety messages are:

1. Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
2. All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
3. As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
4. The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
5. Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.
6. Keep your mobile phone charged. Mobile phones can connect to the 999 service on any operators network so even where you do not have coverage on your own network it may still be possible to make a 999 call.
7. Follow HSA safety advice regarding the use of tools and equipment during and after the storm.
8. Given the increase in outdoor dining, business owners are advised to take down any temporary structures or marquees that have been erected or to secure them properly.

NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation working with Met Éireann, OPW and all Local Authorities.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management’s Crisis Management Team conducted a virtual coordination meeting today with Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Government Departments and agencies.
Met Éireann have issued a Yellow Wind Warning and have indicated that through Tuesday and for a time on Wednesday, an Atlantic depression named Storm Barra will bring very strong winds and spells of heavy rain across Ireland. Winds will be strongest in western coastal counties with severe or damaging gusts possible. Heavy rain will also bring the possibility of localised flooding. There will also be high waves at sea and a significant possibility of coastal flooding, especially along southern and western coasts, with a high tide advisory issued by the OPW commencing Tuesday 7th until Wednesday 8th December 2021.
There is an expectation that Met Éireann will issue further warnings in advance of Storm Barra as the likely impacts become clearer. The public are asked to monitor Met Éireann for updated warnings and information and heed Local Authority advice during this time. Local Authorities have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Co-ordination Groups and Coastal flood defences are being put in place.
The Irish Coast Guard, RSA, An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and NDFEM are communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Éireann.
The key public safety messages are:

1. Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
2. All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
3. As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
4. The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
5. Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation working with Met Éireann, OPW and all Local Authorities.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke TD have announced an extension of the current targeted commercial rates waiver for the first three months of 2022.
 
As is the case for quarter four 2021, this waiver will specifically target those businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sector who are impacted by continued restrictions.
 
The total cost of commercial rates waiver arrangements, from March 2020 to date, is now almost €1.5bn.
 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “Throughout this pandemic Government have continued to support businesses, and this latest commercial rates waiver will help businesses most impacted by ongoing restrictions, namely those in the hospitality and entertainment sector.
 
“So far €1.5bn has been provided by my Department to local authorities so that they can continue to implement rates waivers while maintaining the invaluable services they provide.
 
Minister Burke added, “Since March 2020 Government have been assisting businesses with a commercial rates waiver and we will do so for a further three months next year. Through this waiver we are supporting all local authorities as they provide key services, such as road maintenance, public lighting, development control and the provision of parks and open spaces, necessary to create the environment in which businesses can prosper.
 
As Minister for Local Government, I am committed to ensuring our local authorities are supported to carry out their vital frontline work while also assisting those businesses most impacted by the pandemic,” he concluded.