No street furniture fees for restaurants for 2024 as Minister O’Brien seeks extension to regulations30/5/2024
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, is seeking to waive street furniture licence fees for tables and chairs associated with outdoor dining for the remainder of 2024.
The regulations, which come before the Joint Oireachtas Committee today, are being introduced to support businesses such as hotels, restaurants, public houses or other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises. Commenting, Minister O’Brien said: “Despite the unpredictable weather, many businesses have retained their outdoor dining offering and we can see outdoor dining thriving in some areas. “This is just one measure which the Government are taking to support businesses which we know are under pressure. In addition, there is no fee for awnings, canopies and heaters associated with outdoor dining. “With a saving of approximately €125 per table we are removing a financial burden which can place additional pressure on a small café or restaurant. I am very glad to extend the provisions of these regulations for 2024.” Minister O’Brien doubles number of specialist staff to boost delivery of more affordable homes17/5/2024
Minister O’Brien doubles number of specialist staff to boost delivery of more affordable homes
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien has today approved 71 new specialist and administrative posts to help ramp up the delivery of affordable housing throughout the country. The Minister’s approval of these additional professional expert roles alongside administrative delivery teams increases the total complement to just over 140 staff in local authorities dedicated to delivering affordable housing. The new staff will ensure that our local authorities have increased levels of necessary in-house expertise in areas such as design, procurement, surveying, engineering and administration. Minister O’Brien said; “Last year, we delivered over 4,000 affordable homes, a 128% increase on 2022. I am determined to deliver much more to ensure affordable purchase and cost rental homes are built at scale in the period 2022-2030.” “To achieve this, local authorities need staff with the right skillsets across a range of disciplines. These new posts will be solely dedicated to affordable housing delivery and will bring the required technical and specialist expertise to ensure the current robust pipeline of affordable homes is further increased.” “My Department has been working with the Housing Delivery Coordination Office (HDCO) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify the additional staffing resources required to deliver more affordable homes and today’s sanctioning of additional resources is informed by their views. With these new positions, local authorities now possess increased capacity to meet our ambitious targets for affordable housing delivery.” Affordable housing includes Affordable Purchase and Cost Rental Homes. Affordable Purchase Homes: Local authorities make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers. The local authority takes a percentage stake in your home that covers the reduction in price. Cost Rental Homes: Cost Rental provides you with a secure tenancy at a rent which is below the market rent in the local area. It is a long-term secure rental option. This means if you are paying your rent and meeting your other tenant obligations, you may continue to rent your home for as long as you want. In the last three weeks alone, almost €11m has been provided for the delivery of 121affordable purchase and affordable cost rental homes:
Commenting on this latest round of approvals Minister O’Brien said, “I am particularly pleased to have given approval for the first affordable purchase scheme in a Gaeltacht area. I appreciate that the number is small but what this Government is about is scaling up our delivery. In 2023 we managed to double the delivery of affordable homes when compared to 2022 and it’s my firm intention that we continue this trend,” he concluded.
“We have never before seen new home starts at this level and April’s numbers are hugely impressive. Indeed, so far in 2024, on average we have witnessed construction begin on approximately 350 new homes every working day. It is quite clear that the development levy waiver and Uisce Éireann connection charge rebate, which were introduced last year, have helped to fast track greater activity and have made many more projects viable and I was happy to recently receive Cabinet approval to extend both of these. “While these numbers are truly record breaking, they will also be life-changing for the many new residents who will benefit from these projects when they are complete. An important element of the continuation of the waiver was the condition that the homes be completed by the end of 2026. Our interventions are starting to make a significant difference and we will continue to use every tool available to us to build on this momentum.” Of the 18,182 units commenced in April 2024, 47% are scheme dwellings, 45% are apartments and 8% are for one-off units. Of all the homes commenced last month, 33% were in the four Dublin local authorities. By local authority, the most units commenced were in Dublin City (2,656) followed by Cork City (2,394) and Fingal (1,500). With the exception of Monaghan (which still had an impressive 85% increase), all local authorities have seen at least a doubling (more than 100% increase) in commencements from April 2023 to April 2024 with some growing by more than 10 times. The full commencement data set can be accessed at: Construction Activity Statistics Framework for Online Electoral Process Information, Political Advertising and deceptive AI content to enhance the electoral integrity and democratic process
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, today welcomed the publication by An Coimisiún Toghcháin (the Electoral Commission) of a Framework on Online Electoral Process Information, Political Advertising and Deceptive AI content. An Coimisiún prepared the Framework as a useful guide for, primarily, online platforms, online search engines, political parties and candidates at forthcoming elections. The Framework is aimed at enhancing the electoral integrity and democratic processes associated with the June electoral events. Speaking following a meeting today between the Ministers and representatives of the Technology Sector, Coimisiún na Meán and An Coimisiún, Minister O’Brien stressed the importance of ongoing work to ensure that we protect the integrity of our electoral and democratic processes. He emphasized: “I was pleased today to engage directly with representatives from platforms and to hear directly from them how they are combatting disinformation online. From our engagement, it is clear we all have a shared interest in protecting and upholding our elections, the beating heart of our democracy. We need to work together to ensure strong safeguards are in place in advance of the June elections. To that end, I particularly welcome the publication today of the new Electoral Commission Framework which will help to achieve that.” Minister Noonan also welcomed the publication of the Framework, adding: “The risks to the integrity of elections are already apparent, with many examples across the world of inauthentic behaviour, particularly involving AI-manipulated audio or video. It is important that we do all we can to protect our electoral and democratic processes from such interference.” The Framework that has now been put in place by An Coimisiún Toghcháin will compliment a number of other significant national, EU and sectoral steps which have been taken in recent times to address the challenges that have emerged. These initiatives include:
The framework can accessed on An Coimisiún Toghcháin’s website here.
The announcement came as Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister Darragh O’Brien presented the latest quarterly update under Housing for All, with the Government leaders and the Minister emphasising that they remain steadfast in their commitment to growing the current positive momentum in the delivery of new homes. Building started on almost 12,000 new homes in the first three months of this year. This is the highest Q1 figure since we began recording these numbers in 2014 and is up 63% on the same period last year. The decision to extend the waiver and rebate scheme will ensure we continue to boost the supply of new homes. The Cabinet also reviewed the 2024 Progress Report under the Vacant Homes Action Plan, which provides updates on the range of measures underway to help those bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. Highlights include:
State funding will be provided in return for 30 per cent of the newly built beds being made available to students in National Access Plan priority groupings or categories of students eligible for support via SUSI at a discounted rate of rent for 30 years. Commenting on today’s announcement, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris said: “Housing for All has delivered well beyond its targets since its launch in 2021. The decision to extend the development levy waiver and Uisce Éireann rebate helps us to build on record levels of commencements seen in Q1 to ensure we continue to provide more and more homes across the country to meet the needs of our citizens. “Throughout 2024 we will build up capacity and innovation in the construction sector as we get ready for even stronger delivery for next year and beyond. We will also attract and welcome private investment to our housing market as we have always done, to ensure that the State and the private sector can continue to work in partnership to deliver at the substantial scale we need across the country.” The Tánaiste, Micheál Martin said: “I’ve always said supply is key to making progress in housing, and there is real momentum under Housing for All, with record levels of new homes being built, a strong pipeline, and more first-time buyers getting they keys to their own home. “The affordable purchase supports are making a real difference to peoples’ lives. Since its launch in July 2022, over 4,000 individuals and couples have availed of the First Home Scheme. There were over 800 approvals in quarter one, up almost 40% compared to the same three months last year. “In addition, the Help to Buy Scheme supported almost 2,000 to buy their first home in the first three months of this year.” The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said: “There is real progress now being made right across the country in tackling vacancy and dereliction. Applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant have been received in every local authority, with over 4,300 approved to date. “Breathing life back into old buildings doesn’t just bring new life to our cities, towns, villages and rural areas. It is sustainable development which will help us towards our climate objectives. “The updated Bringing Back Homes Manual, published today, is an excellent resource for those interested in restoring and renovating vacant and derelict buildings. Government will remain focused on making further progress in this area as we continue to implement our Housing for All Plan.” The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD added: “Without question, the Development contribution waiver and Uisce Éireann connection rebate scheme has led to a surge in new home starts and provided a much needed jolt to our supply pipeline, with building starting on 11,956 new homes in the first three months of the year alone - a 63% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a record first quarter. “The temporary time-limited nature of the waiver and refund schemes has undoubtedly been a principal factor in influencing the speedier activation of planning permissions by developers since they were introduced last year, including planning permissions that have been granted for a number of years and were not activated. “To ensure we get the most out of this measure, and that we provide more homes as quickly as possible, I sought Cabinet approval to extend the Uisce Éireann rebate to the beginning of October and the development contribution waiver to the end of this year - and received that approval. This will ensure that many more homes will come into the mix this year and quicker than otherwise may have happened. That is good news for all those who are seeking a place of their own.” Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills, Patrick O’Donovan said: “This is a significant announcement by Government and confirmation that its agreed policy response on addressing challenges around student accommodation is bearing fruit. “In my new role, I am even more conscious that the cost of accommodation can be a challenge for many students and would make the reality of higher education beyond the reach of many. “This investment, however, will help increase the supply of student housing in some of our biggest campuses and, with much of it targeted at those who need it most, we are continuing our policy of making sure education is accessible to everyone.”
The new Páirc, which is centred around Corca Dhuibhne in Co. Kerry, will unite some of Europe’s most ecologically valuable places in celebration of nature across 70,000 acres of lands and seas. It brings together new acquisitions by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, such as the Conor Pass, the Owenmore River catchment, lands at Mount Brandon and the sand dune system at Inch Peninsula, along with sites already under State ownership, such as the limestone reefs of Kerry Head Shoals and the waters around the Blasket Islands. The Ministers and local Minister for Education Norma Foley, announced that the Páirc’s heritage legacy would be further enhanced by the inclusion of lands on the Great Blasket Island, the globally significant UNESCO World Heritage property of Sceilg Mhichíl, and Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach, which are managed by the OPW. Further collaborations with BirdWatch Ireland, who manage Little Skellig and Puffin Island, and with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who manage An Tiaracht Nature Reserve, ensure that these internationally important sites for seabirds are also an integral part of the Páirc. Speaking at the launch in Dingle, Minister Noonan said: “With the iconic Conor Pass as the gateway, Ireland’s first Marine National Park brings mountains, blanket bog, heaths, rivers, coastal dunes, limestone reefs, sea cliffs and some of the wildest land and seascapes in the country together in celebration of nature. Alongside its seven sister parks, Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí will be a flagship for the protection and restoration of these incredible places and the globally important array of wildlife that they are home to. The Páirc will also honour the island and coastal communities who live alongside it by ensuring that their unique tapestry of cultural and natural heritage is central to the future story of this special place.” Minister O’Brien said: “Bringing the Conor Pass and the lands at Inch into public ownership has enabled the creation of a wonderful Marine National Park, the first in Ireland’s history. This was a key commitment in the Programme for Government and today’s announcement delivers that commitment. It has been many years in gestation, and made possible through the Government’s renewed support of National Parks and Wildlife Service in recent years. I congratulate the NPWS on realising a national vision of global importance, and thank the Office of Public Works, the Commissioners of Irish Lights and all those who will have such an important role to play in the management of these sites that together form Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí.” The landscapes, islands and seas of this region are of enormous significance for biodiversity. Starting in the majestic uplands of Mount Brandon and Conor Pass, we find active blanket bogs and heaths, with famed alpine flora, providing valuable habitats for the Peregrine Falcon, Otter and Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Nestled among them is the pristine Owenmore river, one of the last remaining refuges of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. Down at the coast, we can see some of the finest sand dune systems in Europe, which are home to the Natterjack Toad, before heading out to sea to encounter the shallow bays, which are important breeding sites for sharks and rays, and an extensive and biologically rich marine limestone reef system. The islands speak for themselves, with entire populations of rare and endangered seabirds such as Puffin, Storm Petrel, Gannet and Razorbill, as well as unique communities of lichen and other flora. Equally, the area’s cultural and archaeological value cannot be overstated. The UNESCO World Heritage property of Sceilig Mhicíl, an island of global importance, is at the heart of the Páirc’s cultural heritage. The seas that surround it, meanwhile, were the routeways of the past and the last resting place of many historic wrecks. They include the Spanish Armada vessel of Santa Maria de la Rosa, which was lost off Blasket Sound in 1588. On the mainland, the landscapes of the Páirc document the history of settlement in the region, with archaeological monuments and traces of people over the millennia, including those who etched ogham script on the ancient standing stone at Araghglen on Mount Brandon, a National Monument. Minister O’Donnell said: “As Minister for the Office of Public Works, I am delighted to confirm that the OPW-managed properties at Sceilig Mhichíl, An Blascaod Mór and Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach are integral to Páirc Náisiunta na Mara, Ciarraí. They will continue to be managed by OPW. Sceilg Mhichíl, is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Properties in Ireland and the most spectacularly situated of all Early Medieval island monastic sites. Together with An Blascaod Mór and Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach, the three sites combine to bring an epochal spirituality and sense of our cultural history into a Páirc of immense environmental and cultural significance.” Commenting on the announcement local Minister and Kerry TD Norma Foley said: “I am delighted that the astounding beauty of my home county and her pristine seas has been recognised today by the creation of a second National Park in Kerry; Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí. This will be an incredible amenity. It is a transformative moment for West Kerry and the entire county, allowing us to showcase the very best of our natural environment locally, nationally and internationally.” Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service said: “Our new park is a celebration of heritage in all its forms. Our biodiversity and natural heritage sit layered in harmony alongside monuments and historic wrecks from many periods. This is a place of iconic significance and majestic beauty. At times, shrouded in mist as a far outpost, ethereal in its past, evocative in its firing of the imagination, and vital in its biodiversity. Undoubtedly, a place of local pride and universal value. We look forward to working with our partners, the Office of Public Works, the National Monuments Service, the Commissioners for Irish Lights, BirdWatch Ireland, Kerry County Council and the local communities to realise a truly world class National Park.” |
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May 2024
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