The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has today announced new planning measures to mitigate against the bulk purchase of houses and duplexes and plans to earmark homes in certain developments for owner occupiers.

• New planning guidelines will be issued shortly by way of a Departmental circular under Section 28 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 to require Local Authorities and An Bord Pleanala to prohibit bulk buying of houses and duplexes.
• Separately the “owner occupier guarantee” which will be introduced via legislative amendment, will involve enabling Local Authorities to designate a specified number of houses and duplexes with a pre-determined range of at least 0-50% in a development for owner occupiers similar to requirements under Part V of the Planning & Development Act 2000. Current Part V requirements will be additional to any owner occupier designation.

 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “The Minister for Finance and I have worked closely to provide genuine solutions to the issue of institutional investors crowding buyers out of the market. We have been very clear that institutional investment has a role to play in supporting new supply, particularly in delivering high density apartments that would otherwise not be built. However they should not be allowed to snap up already completed developments where there is a clear demand and no viability issues.
“I fully acknowledge the sheer frustration which people have expressed recently. The measures which we have agreed will have immediate and longer term impacts and will help to level the playing field for first-time buyers and owner occupiers.
“From a planning perspective we will issue a Departmental circular to Local Authorities to prohibit bulk buying of houses and duplexes. We will also introduce legislative amendments to enable Local Authorities, based on their own Housing Needs and Demand Assessment, to designate a specified number of houses and duplexes in a development for owner occupiers.
“Apartments, due to the fundamental viability issues, will be exempt from these provisions. This is in recognition of the fact that we need continued investment from international capital to ensure supply in core urban and high density areas. Further measures we are introducing by way of the Affordable Housing Bill 2021, such as the direct build of units by Local Authorities, the shared equity scheme, and a revamped Serviced Sites Fund will help those first time buyers wishing to purchase an apartment to do so. The Part V provisions of 10% affordable and 10% social remains will be in place in apartment developments.  
“The Affordable Housing Bill, which I introduced to the Oireachtas just last night together with the Land Development Agency Bill 2021, will work together to give people the opportunity of ownership.  These two landmark pieces of legislation are backed up by the largest housing budget in the history of the State and our most ambitious social housing targets on record. Combined, this represents a major step change in our housing policy that mobilises both the public and private sector.
“Tackling the crisis is our top priority and it will take a whole of Government approach. Our work with Minister Donohoe and his Department has demonstrated our commitment to putting home ownership back in reach for people,” he concluded.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:

• These measures are a core part of the government’s affordable housing policy that is currently progressing through the Oireachtas and are backed by €620m in affordability measures in 2021 alone namely:
  • The LDA as a major nationwide developer of affordable homes on state lands
  • Shared Equity Scheme to  increase first time buyers purchasing power
  • Reformed Serviced Sites Fund to enable Local Authorities 
  • Direct Local Authority Build of affordable units
  • New Cost Rental Scheme
  • Expanded Help to Buy scheme
• The circular to be issued to local authorities will specify that developers of five units or more must enter into an agreement with the Local Authority that will limit sales of such units to individual buyers.
• “The owner occupier guarantee” will involve enabling Local Authorities to designate a specified number of houses and duplexes with a pre-determined range of at least 0-50% in a development for first time buyers and owner occupiers similar to requirements under Part V of the Planning & Development Act 2000. The evidence base for the designation will be the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) to be undertaken by the local authority for the area.
• Legal advice clearly stipulates that planning permission changes cannot be applied retrospectively. This means any planning changes will only impact on future applications.
• The provision of social and affordable housing by AHBs and LAs is exempt.
• Apartments, due to the fundamental viability issues, will be exempt from these provisions.
• The planning permission conditions will be subject to enforcement. If the conditions attached to a planning permission are not complied with the development itself is considered unauthorised and the owner of the development is susceptible to enforcement actions on behalf of the planning authority.  Under Section 151 of the Act 2000 it is an offence to carry out, or to have carried out, unauthorised development.
  

As part of the Government’s Decade of Centenaries, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will this month remember the Burning of the Custom House (the Department’s headquarters), which took place 100 years ago on May 25th 1921. On Tuesday, May 25th 2021, the Department will live stream a remembrance event in conjunction with relatives of both those who took part in the attack and civilians who were killed that day.
On May 25th, 1921, the IRA seized and set fire to the Custom House, one of the British Government’s most important administrative buildings in Ireland at the time. Nine people – five IRA members and four civilians – were killed in the gun-battles, which took place in and around the building. The neoclassical building, first opened in 1791, and its administrative records were completely destroyed. Six weeks later, the Irish and British sides in the conflict reached a truce, thus marking the end of the War of Independence.  The attack on the Custom House was the largest single operation by the IRA during the War of Independence. 
To mark the centenary:

• The Department will hold ‘Centenary of the Burning of the Custom House Event’ in conjunction with relatives of both those who took part in the attack and civilians who were killed in the attack at the Custom House on May 25th. The event will be attended by relatives of those killed. Minister Darragh O’Brien will represent the State. Due to public health restrictions, only 15 people can attend the event. The event will be streamed live on the department’s Facebook channel (@DeptHLGH).
• The Department has and is supporting a number of related initiatives, including:
  • the Beyond 2022 Research Showcase ‘Marking the Centenary of the Custom House Fire’ webinar events on May 25th, a conference streamed from the Custom House;
  • History Ireland magazine are producing two ‘Hedge School Podcasts’ – one about the building of the Custom House and the second about its destruction;
  • the ‘Burning of the Custom House Conference’, a weekly online lecture series that is running from early April to May 25th;
  • a specially commissioned online documentary on the events of 100 years ago, which will debut on the Department’s social media channels;
  • participation in a number of other media programmes and documentaries about the Burning of the Custom House.
• The Department will publish of a number of short social media videos, on the Burning of the Custom House and the building, on the department’s social media channels.

 
These initiatives are in support of the Government’s Decade of Centenaries Programme to mark the key events in Irish history leading up to, and including, the momentous events of 1912-23.
Commenting on the centenary remembrance events the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “The Burning of the Custom House was one of the most significant events of the War of Independence. Six weeks after the burning, which saw 9 people killed and the building destroyed, the Irish and British sides agreed a truce. In the aftermath of its destruction, the new Free State Government, despite very difficult economic circumstances, took the really important step to rebuild this architectural masterpiece in the late 1920s.
“I am very pleased that my Department, which is headquartered in the Custom House, is playing its part in our Decade of Centenaries by remembering the Burning of the Custom House. As its custodians, on May 25th 2021, we will remember the nine people who were killed in the attack whilst also celebrating this remarkable building. I want to thank my officials, stakeholders, historians and the relatives who have worked together to ensure an appropriate programme of events will mark this important historical event.”

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and the Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke TD have today (7 May) approved funding of more than €23m million for the Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works In Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs).
Every local authority will receive the funds they have requested to carry out works this year in 2021. Under both schemes, exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.
The DPG scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock for older people and people with a disability such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, downstairs bedrooms etc. The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.
The Improvement Works in Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant has been approved for social housing. It allows those who are otherwise eligible for social housing to remain in private housing and for enhancements to that housing.
Welcoming the funding Minister O’Brien said, “We’re delighted to be in a position this year to approve an overall increased budget and to approve funding to all local authorities for their requested amount in their programme of works.
“This will greatly improve the housing conditions for our older tenants and those living with disabilities. It will also address issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock, while improvement works on private homes in lieu of social housing also provides an alternative for those currently experiencing overcrowding in private accommodation.
Through this scheme Government are saying clearly that we are committed to improving the lives of older people and people with a disability,” he concluded.
Minister Burke added, “As Minister of State with responsibility for housing for older people and people with a disability, I am fully committed to supporting local authorities in the delivery of the disabled person grant scheme and improvement work in lieu of social housing scheme to meet the need of local authority tenants and those approved for social housing. These allocations today will facilitate this goal for many.
“These grants have a huge impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability to continue to live independently. They also facilitate those who may be living in overcrowded accommodation to get an extension to the property in which they are living,” he concluded.
ENDS
 
Note to Editor:
The Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works In Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) are administered directly by Local Authorities. Under both schemes, exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

 
Local Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has announced €739,308 in funding for Fingal County Council under the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme and the Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing Scheme.
Nationally the Minister has announced a fund of over €23m and every local authority will receive the funds they have requested to carry out works this year, in 2021. Under both schemes, exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.
The DPG scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock for older people and people with a disability such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, downstairs bedrooms etc. The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.
The Improvement Works in Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant has been approved for social housing. It allows those who are otherwise eligible for social housing to remain in private housing and for enhancements to that housing.
The funding provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be added to by €82,145 by Fingal County Council meaning the total fund available is €821,453.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “I’m delighted to grant increased funding of €739,308 to Fingal County Council, a 47% increase on last year.
“This year we have approved an overall increased budget and we have approved funding to all local authorities for their requested amount in their programme of works.
“This will greatly improve the housing conditions for our older tenants and those living with disabilities. It will also address issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock, while improvement works on private homes in lieu of social housing also provides an alternative for those currently experiencing overcrowding in private accommodation.
Through these schemes the Government are saying clearly that we are committed to improving the lives of older people and people with a disability,” he concluded.
ENDS
Note to Editor:
The Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works In Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) are administered directly by Local Authorities. Under both schemes, exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

Mr Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Mr Malcolm Noonan TD, were today presented with the final Report of the Moore Street Advisory Group (MSAG).
The report contains key recommendations to the Ministers on the future of the Moore Street area, including the way forward for the 1916 national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street, the Moore Street market, and the Hammerson plan for the Dublin Central Site which has the job creation potential of 8,600 jobs in the construction phase and 2,600 permanent posts thereafter
The Moore Street Advisory Group began work on its final report in December 2020. The Group’s task was to achieve consensus between stakeholders, including Street Traders, 1916 Relatives and the owners of the Dublin Central Site, Hammerson, who are soon to apply to Dublin City Council for planning permission for its new development proposals.  The Group is chaired by Dr Tom Collins and also includes members of the Oireachtas, Dublin City Councillors, and representatives of Moore Street campaign groups.  
Minister O’Brien praised the work of the group and paid tribute to it for achieving a consensus vision among the wide range of stakeholders:
“I want to thank the Advisory Group and its predecessors for all of their hard work and commitment over several years which has culminated in this final and visionary report. I also thank the external stakeholders for their positive engagement on this matter. In particular, I want to express my appreciation to Dr Tom Collins for his dedicated chairing of this group.”

“I particularly welcome the report’s finding that Hammerson has very substantially expanded the portfolio of pre-1916 fabric and buildings that will now be retained as part of the development proposals. The history and heritage of O’Connell Street and the Moore Street area require this and ensures the new plans can be aligned with the objectives of protecting the national monument at 14 -17, opening it to the public as a 1916 commemorative centre and resonating the mercantile, social and political heritage of the area of Dublin. Reviving the markets and giving Dublin a national main street and historic area to be proud of is to be welcomed.  This report is crucial to the revitalisation of this part of our capital city.”
Minister of State Noonan said the work and advice of the Group has contributed to “the step change we now have away from the previous plans for an indoor shopping centre in the Moore Street area to a much more mixed-use development, including a significant residential component, with reduced car parking and an emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport, that also embraces the street market and the revolutionary history of the area.”  
“I too welcome the fact that the Advisory Group now has a consensus vision that they see as representing – in the words of their own report – a once in a generation opportunity.  The Group’s recommendations, its commitment to the street traders and its work with all stakeholders in relation to remembrance and commemoration of 1916 events will ensure the preservation and development of the urban heritage in a culturally and historically sensitive manner. A confluence of positive related initiatives point towards the real possibility of the long overdue regeneration of the heart of Dublin town and I am most grateful to the MSAG and its chair for their dedication, collaboration and work.”
Both Ministers said that they looked forward to seeing early progress with all the critical elements needed to rejuvenate and arrest the decline of this iconic part of the city which is so important to Dubliners and visitors alike. They confirmed that funding has now been allocated by the Department to complete the conservation of the State owned buildings at Nos. 14 -17 Moore Street, where the final actions of the 1916 Rising were played out, and to create new visitor and exhibition facilities to the rear. They are also aware that Dublin City Council has major plans for rejuvenating the street marked and that Hammerson will very shortly be applying for planning permission for its Dublin Central site that extends from Moore Street over to the former Carlton Cinema on O’Connell Street. 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has welcomed Cabinet approval for the publication of the Affordable Housing Bill 2021.
The Bill will be the first comprehensive standalone legislation dedicated to the provision of affordable housing in history of the State. Key elements of the Bill include:

• The first scheme of direct state built affordable homes in over a decade
• The first ever national scheme to provide for the delivery of Cost Rental housing
• A new Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme for homes in private developments
• Provision for the extension of Part V to a set 20% in every Local Authority area with a 10% minimum requirement for social homes and a further 10% requirement for affordable homes where required

Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This Bill is delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and to prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes.
“For the first time in over a decade we will be empowering local authorities to deliver affordable homes for purchase on their own lands, meaning that middle income earners can be supported to own their own home.
“The Bill will also provide a statutory legislative basis for our first ever national Cost Rental scheme, whereby tenants pay rent that covers the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only – the first homes will be delivered this year at a minimum of 25% below market value. The development of a Cost Rental sector will achieve what has been a long standing public policy goal and will deliver on the recommendations made in National Economic and Social Council (NESC) reports.
“The new Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme will involve the State supporting hard pressed first time buyers to purchase homes in private developments. This will take the form of an equity stake of up to 20% in new build homes. Eligible homes will be subject to regional price caps. The scheme will ensure that people paying high rents can instead use their hard earned income to pay down a mortgage and own their own home much sooner. Controls will be in place to prevent any inflationary effect.
“Finally, the Bill provides for an extension of Part V to a set 20% in every Local Authority area, with a 10% minimum requirement for social homes and up to a further 10% requirement for affordable homes where required, or where not so required, the additional percentage may be used towards social housing,” he concluded.