Annual Report of the Department of Housing, … Laid...An eventful year on the elections front, 2019 saw the Department managing local authority and European Parliament elections in

Annual Report of the

Department of Housing,

Planning and Local Government

2019

Prepared by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

housing.gov.ie

Annual Report of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government 2019

2

Table of Contents Secretary General’s Statement .................................................................................. 3

Who We Are ............................................................................................................... 5

2019 Spending ........................................................................................................... 8

Summary of Key Areas of Progress in 2019 ............................................................ 11

Our Strategic Goals .................................................................................................. 22

Corporate Information .............................................................................................. 73

APPENDIX 1: Legislative Activity in 2019 ................................................................ 79

APPENDIX 2: Publications in 2019 .......................................................................... 85

APPENDIX 3: Public Consultations undertaken in 2019 ......................................... 89

An Irish version and an English version of the Annual Report (2019) are available

on www.tithiocht.gov.ie and on www.housing.gov.ie

http://www.tithiocht.gov.ie/

http://www.housing.gov.ie/


3

Secretary General’s Statement

I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Department of Housing, Planning

and Local Government for 2019.

An eventful year on the elections front, 2019 saw the Department managing local

authority and European Parliament elections in May, alongside the holding of historic

plebiscites on directly elected Mayors in Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Only

Limerick voted in favour of a directly elected Mayor and a process is now underway

to prepare for this. The European Parliament elections had a Brexit element to

them, with the number of MEPs for Ireland increasing to 13 from 11, reflecting

Ireland’s share of the additional seats coming available following the withdrawal of

the UK from the EU.

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) was established during the year, the

culmination of many years work to give effect to a key recommendation of the Mahon

Tribunal. The OPR provides independent oversight of the planning process to ensure

compliance with national policies and legislative requirements. This includes the

power to examine the systems and procedures used by any planning authority,

including An Bord Pleanála.

The Department oversaw the completion of the three Regional Spatial and Economic

Strategies, part of the hierarchy of plans cascading from the National Planning

Framework that was published in 2018. Ireland’s marine territory covers an area

more than 10 times the size of our land mass area. In November, our draft National

Marine Planning Framework was published for consultation. This is a national plan

that sets out planning objectives and policies for 16 different sectors including

energy, fisheries, tourism and safety at sea, over the next 20 years.

Housing continued to be the main priority during the year. In what was the fourth

year of the Rebuilding Ireland action plan, social housing delivery saw an increase in

the number of households supported from 27,103 to 28,075. It was notable that the

share of builds went up from 15.7% to 20.5% of the total. Homelessness remains

the biggest challenge and even though 5,971 adults and their dependents were

housed during the year (an increase of 16% on 2018), the numbers in emergency

accommodation remained high. The publication of a National Quality Standards

Framework for Homeless Services was an important development during the year.

The Framework is structured around eight themes including: person-centred

services; safe services; and health, well-being and personal development. It will

ensure that services provided are effective and consistent.


4

The Government’s Climate Action Plan was published during the year. Part of the

Department’s contribution to implementation of the Action Plan was the introduction

of performance standards for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings.

All new homes will have a typical Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2 and will be

70% more energy efficient and emit 70% less carbon dioxide than 2005 performance

levels.

The Department also responded to the challenge posed by climate change with the

publication of Ireland’s Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Water Quality

and Water Services Infrastructure.

Thankfully, extreme weather events in the form of snowstorms or ex-hurricanes did

not feature in 2019. Away from the spotlight, Met Éireann deployed an ensemble

prediction system that supports an assessment of the most likely forecast across a

range of potential outcomes, enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasting.

We could not deliver on our strategic goals without the active collaboration of our

partners across Government, in the local authorities, our agencies and the many

other bodies both inside and outside of the public sector. To each of these I want to

express my thanks. Closer to home, a special thanks to our Ministers and our staff

for their commitment and professionalism throughout the year, and of course, to

John McCarthy who led the Department in his final full year as Secretary General.

Feargal Ó Coigligh


5

Who We Are

Our Mission

The Department’s mission is to support sustainable development,

with a particular focus on strategic planning, the efficient delivery

of well-planned homes in vibrant communities and the

sustainable management of our water resources, and to ensure

effective local government.

Our Strategic Goals

A. To ensure that planning and building in our regions and communities

contributes to sustainable and balanced development;

B. To provide for a stable, sustainable supply of good quality housing;

C. To provide a framework for the sustainable management of water resources

from source to sea;

D. To support and enable democratic, responsive and effective local

government, effective electoral management and high quality fire services and

emergency management; and

E. To serve society through the production and communication of reliable

weather and climate information to protect life and property and to further

enhance Met Éireann’s role as the authoritative voice on meteorology in

Ireland.


6

Our Values

Our values sit within the wider values and standards frameworks set out in the Civil

Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, the Code of Ethics, the Dignity at Work

Policy and the Civil Service Renewal Plan. They inform everything that we do in the

Department in delivering for the public:

• Integrity and professionalism;

• Consistent high quality performance;

• Openness and transparency;

• Flexibility, responsiveness, innovation and learning;

• Consultation and partnership;

• Commitment to society and citizens; and

• Pursuit of effectiveness, efficiency and value for money.

The work of the Department in 2019 was carried out through eight Divisions –

Planning; Housing Delivery; Housing Policy, Legislation and Governance; Water;

Local Government; Corporate and Business Support; Met Éireann and the Local

Government Audit Service.

Locations

The Department is based in four main locations:

• Custom House, Dublin D01 W6X0

• Newtown Road, Wexford Y35 AP90

• Government Offices, Ballina Co. Mayo F26 E8N6

• Met Éireann Headquarters, Glasnevin Hill, Dublin 9 D09 Y921

Us and Our Agencies

Much of our work is carried out in close co-operation with the 31 local authorities and

a number of specific agencies that are charged with regulatory, policy support and

implementation functions relating to our areas of activity. Details in relation to our

main agencies are summarised in the table overleaf.


7

[1] As amended.

Body Accountable Person

(Head of Office) Governing Legislation[1]

An Bord Pleanála David Walsh Planning and Development Act 2000

Housing Finance Agency Barry O’Leary Housing Finance Agency Act 1981

The Housing and

Sustainable Communities

Agency

John O’Connor Housing and Sustainable

Communities Agency (Establishment)

Order 2012

Ervia Cathal Marley Gas Act 1976

- Irish Water Niall Gleeson Water Services Act 2013

- Gas Networks Ireland Denis O’Sullivan Gas Regulation Act 2013

Local Government

Management Agency

Paul C. Dunne Local Government Management

Agency (Establishment) Orders 2012

& 2013

Ordnance Survey Ireland Colin Bray Ordnance Survey Ireland Act 2001

Property Registration

Authority

Liz Pope

Registration of Deeds and Title Act

2006

Residential Tenancies

Board

Padraig McGoldrick

(Acting Director)

Residential Tenancies Act 2004

Valuation Office John O’Sullivan Valuation Acts 2001 and 2015

Land Development Agency John Coleman Land Development Agency

(Establishment) Order 2018

Office of the Planning

Regulator

Niall Cussen Planning and Development

(Amendment) Act 2018

Pyrite Resolution Board Jack Keyes Pyrite Resolution Act 2013

National Oversight and

Audit Commission (NOAC)

John McCarthy Local Government Reform Act 2014

Water Advisory Body(WAB) John McCarthy Water Services Act 2017


8

2019 Spending

Gross expenditure in respect of the Department’s five strategic programmes reached

€4.053 billion in 2019, representing an increase of 17% on the outturn for 2018.

Departmental (Exchequer) funding of €3.961 billion was supplemented by €92.66

million from Local Property Tax (LPT) receipts, which was used by certain local

authorities to fund a range of housing programmes. In addition, expenditure of €646

million was managed through the Local Government Fund in 2019, primarily for the

purposes of channelling LPT receipts to local authorities.

The Exchequer funding element (€3.961 billion) comprised €1.810 billion in current

expenditure and €2.151 billion in capital expenditure.


9

[]€919.3m

B. Water€[].4m

C. Local Governmen

t €[].6m

[] €[].4m

E. Met Éireann €[].2m

2019 Current Spend (Exchequer) €1.810bn


10


11

Summary of Key Areas of Progress in 2019

Rebuilding Ireland

2019 saw further significant progress in delivering

on the commitments in the Government’s

Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and

Homelessness. Rebuilding Ireland has passed the

halfway mark in its implementation and to date,

outputs have exceeded target in each year of the

plan, significantly contributing to the increased

supply of housing, in particular social homes, nationwide. While further progress

remains to be made, much has been achieved in increasing housing supply, one of

the central tenets of the Action Plan and the current pipeline is on track to achieve

targets over the six years of the programme to the end of 2021.

Housing delivery indicators for 2019 continue to be very positive:

24,394 new homes available for use in 2019 - up 14%;

40,252 homes granted planning permissions in 2019 - up 38%;

and Commencement Notices submitted for 26,237 homes in 2019 - up 17%.

Not only is overall supply increasing, the social housing needs of many more of our

citizens are being met:

28,075 new households had their social housing needs met under Rebuilding

Ireland in 2019, 2.5% ahead of target;

6,074 new social housing homes were provided in 2019 through build activity

5,771 were new build and 303 were void units put back into active use. This was

an increase of almost 26% on 2018 and more than double the output in 2016,

the first year of the Rebuilding Ireland action plan;

Over €2.4 billion was invested in housing in 2019, up 18% on 2018. To support local

authority capacity to deliver in areas where a demonstrated affordability issue arises,

the Government increased the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) to €310 million over the

period 2019 to 2021, as part of Budget 2019. The SSF grant funding is made

available to local authorities to carry out on-site servicing works to make their land

available for affordable housing.


12

During 2019, funding approval of a further €84m from the €310 million Serviced Sites

Fund (SSF) was granted to local authorities to deliver infrastructure to provide for the

delivery of c.1,800 affordable homes for across 25 projects. It is anticipated that a

further SSF call will be made in 2020.

Supported by SSF grant funding, construction began on both the first Cost Rental

development in Ireland, a pilot project at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside and on the first

homes to be made available for purchase under the new Affordable Purchase

Scheme in Boherboy, County Cork.

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 was enacted in May, with the key

aim of empowering the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to better enforce the rent

increase restriction in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).

Social Housing Delivery in 2019

Over 500 new households per week (28,075 total for the year) were supported to

meet their housing needs as a result of Rebuilding Ireland. Details of social housing

delivery across individual programmes are set out in the table below.

In addition to the social housing supports set out above, a range of other housing

supports were also provided in 2019, as set out in the table below.

1 Build refers to Local Authority and Approved Housing Body construction, including traditional

construction, turnkeys, rapid build delivery, regeneration and homes delivered through the Part V

mechanism.

Delivery Method

2019 Output

Build1 5,771

Voids 303

Acquisitions 2,772

Leasing 1,161

Rental Accommodation Scheme 1,043

Housing Assistance Payment 17,025

Total 28,075


13

The significant expansion of the social housing build programme was evident in the

Q4 2019 Construction Status report. At the end of 2019, 11,498 homes were

completed, 6,704 were under construction and 2,603 further homes were about to go

on site, with the remainder progressing through the various stages of planning,

design and procurement. Overall, at the end of 2019, the programme included 1,916

schemes (or phases), encompassing over 26,000 homes – a very substantial

increase on the 19,134 homes a year earlier.

Overall, the Government has committed in excess of €6 billion to support the

accelerated delivery of 50,000 additional social housing homes by end 2021, through

build (33,500), acquisition (6,500) and leasing (10,000) programmes.

Homelessness

In 2019, 5,971 adults and their associated dependants exited homelessness into

homes, an increase of 16% on 2018. However, the number of people in emergency

accommodation remained high, and the delivery of housing solutions for all

households experiencing homelessness will continue to be a key priority for the

Department. A National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services

was introduced during 2019.

The Framework ensures a more consistent response to the needs of those

experiencing homelessness, and seeks to improve the quality of services provided to

individuals, families and their children accessing emergency accommodation.

The Framework has been fully implemented in the Dublin region and is being

implemented on a phased basis nationally to be completed during 2020.

Housing First was further extended nationally in 2019, with 172 individuals who had

previously been rough sleeping or long-term users of emergency accommodation

housed over the course of the year.

Additional Housing Supports delivered in 2019

91 Traveller Units of Accommodation Delivered

3,763 Homes Upgraded under Retrofitting Programme

5,971 Exits from Homelessness

10,011 Grants Awarded to Assist Older People and People with Disabilities

to Live at Home


14

Acquisitions Fund

The Housing Agency is actively engaged with banks and investment companies in

acquiring mainly vacant homes in their portfolios. The revolving Acquisitions Fund of

€70m, coupled with Approved Housing Body borrowings, aims to support the

acquisition of some 1,600 homes for social housing use over the period to 2021. As

of 31 December, 2019, the Agency had bids accepted on 815 homes.

Housing Assistance Payment

At the end of Quarter 4 2019, there were over

52,500 active tenancies across the country being

supported under the HAP scheme, including 17,025

additional tenancies set up in 2019.

The Homeless HAP Place Finder Service was

made available to all local authorities in January

2018, providing additional supports for households exiting homelessness into

independent tenancies.

Public Private Partnership

The Social Housing Public Private Partnership

Programme, which aims to deliver up to 1,500 homes in

three bundles, met important milestones in 2019. In

March, construction began on the first bundle, which

comprises six sites located in Dublin City, South Dublin,

Kildare, Wicklow and Louth. The first homes to be

completed are scheduled for delivery in Q2 2020.

In November 2019, construction commenced on the

second bundle, which comprises 465 units across eight

sites in Cork County, Clare, Galway City, Kildare, Roscommon, and Waterford.

These homes are scheduled for delivery in Q2 2021 and one in Q3 2021.

Following an assessment process conducted with the NDFA, the sites for the third

bundle were approved in principle in October 2019.

The third bundle is projected to deliver c.441 homes across six sites in Dublin City,

Kildare, Wicklow, and Sligo, with the design phase commencing in 2020.


15

Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) was launched on 1 February 2018. It

allows low-income first time buyers aged between 18 and 70 who cannot secure a

mortgage from a commercial lender to access sustainable mortgage finance to

enable them to purchase a new or second-hand property, or undertake a self-build,

within a suitable price range. By the end of 2019, provisional figures show that 1,553

loans with a value of just over €268.7 million had been drawn down under the

scheme.

National Planning Framework

Implementation of the National Planning

Framework (NPF), launched in 2018 as part of

Project Ireland 2040 (PI2040), is at the core of

the Department’s work and was the key driver of policy measures and related

legislative proposals, in 2019. The first PI2040 Annual Report (2018) was published

on 2 May 2019 and is available on the Department’s website. In 2019 the

Department:

supported the ongoing work of the PI2040 Delivery Board;

oversaw completion of three Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies

(RSESs);

continued to implement the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

(URDF); and

progressed the establishment and work of the Land Development Agency (LDA)

and the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).

Land Development Agency

The Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in

September 2018, by statutory instrument under the Local Government Services

(Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, pending the enactment of primary legislation to

establish the Agency on a statutory basis. A General Scheme of the Land

Development Agency Bill, which will establish the LDA as a commercial state body,

was approved by Government for publication, consideration for pre-legislative

scrutiny, and priority drafting in July 2019. The pre-legislative scrutiny process took

place in Autumn 2019 and the Committee's report was received by the Department

in December 2019.


16

By year end, the LDA had access to an initial tranche of 9 sites across the country

that have a near-term delivery potential for 3,600 new homes.

Following an open recruitment process, John Coleman was appointed as permanent

CEO of the LDA.

The agency continued to develop its organisational capability through the ongoing

recruitment of staff with the necessary skills to implement its key objectives over the

coming years.

The Office of the Planning Regulator

The Final Report of the Mahon Tribunal recommended the establishment of an

independent Planning Regulator to support the modernisation of the planning system

and to enhance confidence and transparency. The Office of the Planning Regulator

(OPR) was established in April 2019 on foot of the Planning and Development

(Amendment) Act 2018.

The Act gave the OPR a statutory basis to carry out three main functions:

1. Independent assessment of all local authority and regional assembly forward

planning, including development plans, local area plans, regional spatial and

economic strategies;

2. Examination of the systems and procedures used by any planning authority,

including An Bord Pleanála, in the performance of any of their planning

functions, including assessing risks of maladministration or corruption; and

3. Driving national research, training, education and public information

programmes.

The Affordable Purchase Scheme and Serviced Sites Fund

Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 was brought into force

during 2018, to provide the legal framework for the delivery of a new Affordable

Purchase Scheme. During 2019, local authorities developed Schemes of Priority in

respect of the sale of affordable purchase homes. The purpose of a Scheme of

Priority is to set out the affordable purchase arrangements at local authority

level. This includes the methodology that will be applied by local authorities to

determine the order of priority to be accorded to eligible households applying to

purchase a home under the scheme.

To support local authority capacity to deliver more affordable homes in areas where

a demonstrated affordability issue arises, the Government increased the Serviced

Sites Fund (SSF) to €310 million, as part of Budget 2019.


17

The SSF grant funding is made available to local authorities to carry out on-site

servicing works to make their land available for affordable housing.

To end 2019, two calls for proposals have been made under the SSF, resulting

in funding approval of €127 million, in support of 35 projects in 14 local authority

areas, being allocated for infrastructural works on sites to support the delivery of

almost 3,200 homes under the Affordable Purchase Scheme.

Cost Rental

Cost Rental would be a new form of rental tenure in Ireland and is housing where the

rents charged cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes.

Generally, cost rents would be lower than profit rents. Minimising land and other

costs and securing the most competitive financing means that more affordable rental

housing can be delivered on publicly owned lands.

In June 2019, the Minister convened an inter-departmental Cost Rental Working

Group, bringing together representatives of Government Departments and State

Agencies to assist in the development of a national policy approach for introducing

Cost Rental in Ireland.

Supported by a Serviced Site Fund grant, construction began in July 2019 on a pilot

development at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside. The Department also supported the

progress of a number of other Cost Rental projects including a development by

Dublin City Council at Emmet Road, Inchicore and at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill,

which is being progressed as a joint venture between the LDA and Dún Laoghaire–

Rathdown County Council.

Met Éireann

As well as ongoing projects to develop the meteorological observation and

forecasting systems the new ensemble Prediction System became operational in

2019 and a project was launched to upgrade the National Radar Network. The

meteorological and environmental monitoring programme at Valentia Observatory

was expanded with the addition of further instrumentation.

Throughout 2019, a number of significant IT projects were completed including the

migration to a new virtualised environment, upgrading the backup system for mission

critical systems and the implementation of dual fibre connectivity at Met Éireann’s

Glasnevin location to improve diversity and resilience.


18

A Communication Strategy for the National Flood Forecast Warning Service was

developed by Flood Forecast Division staff in conjunction with the OPW and many

other stakeholders of the service. This Strategy lays out the planned methods for

disseminating flood forecast advice and alerts to all stakeholders of the service.

Key Developments in Local Government

May 2019 saw the holding of plebiscites on Government proposals for directly

elected mayors with executive functions in the Cork City, Limerick City and County

and Waterford City and County Council areas. The plebiscite passed in Limerick City

& County but was rejected in Cork City and Waterford City & County.

Climate Action

The Climate Action Plan 2019 was published by Government on 3 June 2019. It sets

out actions across every sector of society, which will ensure the 2030 climate

commitments are met, putting us on a trajectory to achieve net zero emissions by

2050.

The Department has a key role in creating the regulatory framework and support for

Climate Action. In 2019, it completed a number of actions including the introduction

of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings performance standards for new dwellings.

At area level planning the Department provides guidance for compact urban

development facilitating public transport, district heating and higher housing densities

through the implementation of the National Planning Framework. At a national level

the Department is enabling the provision of offshore and onshore renewable energy.

Climate Change Sectoral Adaption Plan for Water Quality and Water

Services Infrastructure

In October 2019, following Government approval, the Minister published the Climate

Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for the Water Quality and Water Services

Infrastructure sectors. This plan presents an assessment of key future climate risks

to the sectors and outlines the adaptive measures available to build resilience to the

effects of climate change and weather-related events.

Licensing and Regulation of Water Abstractions

The General Scheme of the Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill was submitted to

the Oireachtas for pre-legislative scrutiny in December 2019. The Bill is expected to

be published in 2020. This Bill will provide for the regulation and licensing of

abstractions from surface water and ground water.


19

Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021

The second cycle of the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme, which provides

capital funding supports for water services in rural areas, runs from 2019 to 2021.

Proposals for capital funding for individual projects were invited in early 2019.

Following an assessment process, 621 projects were approved for funding under

seven different investment measures, totalling €54,346,715. This funding, which is

provided through local authorities, will largely support infrastructure improvements

for Group Water Schemes in rural areas. The capital investment is being provided

under the National Development Plan 2018-2027.

Multi-Annual Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure

Resolution Programme 2019-2021

The new Multi-Annual Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution

Programme was launched in July 2019 when the Department invited local authorities

to submit their bids for the funding of projects in their administrative areas. The

National Development Plan includes provision of €31 million for the period 2018-

2021 to address inadequate developer provided waste water service systems.

Allocations for the first projects to be approved under the new programme will be

announced in 2020.

Marine Planning Policy and Foreshore Development Management

In November 2019, the Government published Ireland’s first Marine Planning Policy

Statement (MPPS) and a draft National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF).

The Marine Planning Policy Statement serves as a parallel to the 2015 Planning

Policy Statement which underpins the operation of the entire land-planning system in

Ireland. It will apply to all facets of marine planning.

The draft National Marine Planning Framework is a national plan for Ireland’s

maritime area, setting out, over a 20-year horizon, how to use, protect and enjoy our

seas. On adoption, the NMPF will sit at the top of a hierarchy of plans and sectoral

policies for the marine area.

The Department operates the consenting regime in respect of developments and

activities on the State’s Foreshore. Some thirty-two new consent applications were

received in 2019 for a range of projects and activities.


20

Marine Legislation

On foot of legal advice received on the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment)

Bill, Government approved a fundamentally reshaped approach to the reform of

marine consenting in March 2019. The Marine Planning and Development

Management Bill intends to put in place a comprehensive and holistic state consent

and development management regimes for the entire maritime area in the context of

the National Marine Planning Framework.

The legislation is being developed under the auspices of the Marine Legislation

Steering Group, chaired by Department of the Taoiseach, and in close collaboration

with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in relation

to a number of sectors, most notably, offshore renewable energy. The finalised

General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government on 17 December 2019

and the drafting of the legal text has been initiated.

Electoral Management

The elections for the European Parliament and local

authorities were held on 24 May 2019, together with a

referendum on the dissolution of marriage and

plebiscites on the direct election of a mayor (in Cork,

Limerick and Waterford). Four Dáil bye-elections were

held on 29 November 2019. Ballot Paper Templates,

which enable blind and visually impaired voters to vote

independently, were made available for the first time at

the European Parliament and local elections, the

plebiscites and at the bye-elections.

The European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2019 was enacted to provide

for a new constituency configuration based on electing thirteen members (formerly

eleven) to the European Parliament at the elections held on 24 May 2019, with

contingency provisions to allow for a delay in the withdrawal of the United Kingdom

from the European Union.

The establishment of an Electoral Commission for Ireland was a key commitment in

the Programme for Government. Such a Commission will bring a more cohesive

approach to the management of a wide range of electoral processes in Ireland.

The Government approved the establishment of a statutory Electoral Commission in

July 2019, and the General Scheme of an Electoral Commission Bill in December

2019.


21

Brexit Preparedness

In 2019 the Department continued to prepare for the departure of the UK from the

European Union, in both a deal and no deal scenarios. The focus was on the

Construction Products Regulation, with sector outreach and communications to raise

awareness of the implications of Brexit for business. A number of seminars were

held at the Custom House to help prepare the sector for Brexit. Significant progress

was made in the approval of Notified Bodies based in Ireland to replace UK-based

notified bodies for CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation. The

National Building Control Office took steps to establish a new unit to centralise

market surveillance, post-Brexit, and allow for overarching national oversight.

Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards

In line with Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards 2019 Quotas the

Department submitted four entries for consideration at the annual Civil Service

Excellence and Innovation Awards in November 2019. This continued the

Department’s record of participation each year since the awards were launched.

ICT Developments

The ICT Unit and Met Éireann launched a new ICT Strategy 2019-2022. This joint

ICT strategy supports the Department's Statement of Strategy 2017-2020 and Met

Éireann's Strategic Plan 2017-2027. The Department also published a Cyber

Security Strategy 2019-2021 to safeguard our systems and build cyber resilience.

The Department also continued its roll-out of the Build to Share initiative. The

implementation of a new document management system, eDocs, was substantially

completed in 2019.

The Department’s GIS unit created ‘Story Maps’ for projects under the Local

Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) and Major Urban Housing

Development Sites (MUHDS). Story Maps brings text, photos, and videos together

with custom maps to create an interactive user experience and can be viewed

[https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/87cc342bff20462bb896087b0ce16215].

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/87cc342bff20462bb896087b0ce16215


22

Goal A - To ensure that planning and building in our

regions and communities contributes to sustainable and

balanced development

National Planning Framework

Implementation of the National Planning Framework (NPF), launched in 2018 as part

of Project Ireland 2040 (PI2040), is at the core of the Department’s work and will be

the key driver of policy measures and related legislative proposals, as necessary, in

the years ahead. Project Ireland 2040 signalled the Government’s intention, and

reflected a public mood, to shift away from “business as usual” sprawl-based

development patterns and adopt more compact, sustainable and community centred

development approaches. Compact growth is listed as the first of the Strategic

Outcomes and Priorities within the National Planning Framework and various

enabling initiatives have been put in place to support the further sustainable and

compact development of our Cities, Towns and villages. This will add value and

create more attractive places in which people can live and work while achieving a

transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally

sustainable economy.

The first PI2040 Annual Report was published on 2 May 2019 and is available on the

Department’s website. Priorities for the Department to progress implementation of

the NPF in 2019, included supporting the ongoing work of the PI2040 Delivery

Board, overseeing completion of the three Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies

(RSESs), continued implementation of the Urban Regeneration and Development

Fund (URDF) and progressing the establishment and work of the Land Development

Agency (LDA) and the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). All of these

measures, which underpin the NPF strategic outcomes, were delivered in 2019 and

a comprehensive framework is now in place to progress implementation in the years

ahead.

The PI2040 Delivery Board, comprising Secretaries General from the main capital

spending Departments, is co-chaired by the Secretaries General of the Department

and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department continued to

support the PI2040 Delivery Board in 2019 and engage with key stakeholders. The

Board met regularly during the year to monitor and ensure effective progress on

implementation, including the preparation of Regional Spatial and Economic

Strategies (RSES) by the three Regional Assemblies. The Department supported the

Regional Assemblies in the preparation process and the RSES were finalised during

2019.


23

The Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly Strategy was published on 28 June 2019

and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional

Assembly adopted their Strategies in December 2019, for publication the following

month. The Strategies give a more detailed expression of the National Planning

Framework at a regional level.

The finalisation of the Strategies enables initiation of the process of review and

update of individual county and city development plans, to ensure strategic co-

ordination and consistency between national, regional and local levels of planning.

This process commenced in 2019.

Work began in 2019 on updating the statutory Guidelines for Planning Authorities on

Development Plans, to underpin the review and update of county and city

development plans. Good progress was made during 2019 on Draft Development

Plan Guidelines and work is well advanced with the aim of publishing Draft

Guidelines for public consultation in 2020. Also, in collaboration with the Housing

Division, work was advanced during 2019 on the development and publication of a

methodology for Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA), to be finalised in

2020.

The RSESs and the development of these new guidelines will further assist with the

application of compact growth principles as set out in the NPF to regional and local

levels of plan making. This plan-led approach will ultimately influence the location

and form of development which takes place across the country. In addition, the ESRI

on behalf of the Department, commenced specific planning research in 2019 with a

view to establishing an ongoing review and update of demographic and econometric

modelling developed to underpin PI2040. This work will input to the preparation of

local authority development plans and housing strategies in order to facilitate a

consistent national approach.

In support of the ‘Compact Growth’ outcome, a continued priority was the enabling of

physical regeneration and re-use of brown-field land and sites in the larger urban

areas. This included promotion of higher capital intensive “Integrated Urban

Development” (IUD) proposals and a focus on the five Cities and NPF ‘Regional

Driver’ Towns (identifying strategic urban development/brown-field areas, core to

prospective funding investments).

The Department continued engagement at an EU level via the National Territorial

Cohesion Contact Points (NTCCP) for both Territorial Cohesion and implementation

of the Urban Agenda programme. The Minister of State with responsibility for

Housing and Urban Development attended an Informal Meeting of EU Ministers

Responsible for Urban Matters, hosted by the Romanian Presidency of the Council

of the EU, in June 2019 in Bucharest.


24

This meeting discussed the main achievements of the Urban Agenda for the EU and

adopted the Bucharest Declaration for the purpose of establishing a common

framework for urban development in the European Union.

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

The National Planning Framework is being underpinned by significant targeted

Exchequer capital investment through the Urban Regeneration and Development

Fund (URDF).

The URDF was launched in 2018 to support more compact and sustainable

development. The Fund is supporting projects that will enable a greater proportion of

residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up

footprints of our cities and large towns, while also ensuring that more parts of our

urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live

and work, as well as to invest and to visit.

Already, the URDF is providing assistance for major projects that will contribute to

the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line

with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and National Development

Plan.

In 2019, approval in principle and provisional funding allocations were issued in

respect of 87 major projects across the country. This significant pipeline of projects is

set to have a transformational impact on our large towns and cities. The diversity of

this first tranche of projects demonstrates the broad scope and responsive nature of

the URDF. Through the URDF, successful applicants are receiving targeted

integrated support for innovative, holistic solutions to the issues that have prevented

the regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities.

In its first year of expenditure, 2019, €18.6m in funding was drawn down by

applicants in respect of URDF supported projects, and €130m is available to support

these and other similar projects in 2020. €550 million is available to support projects

up to 2022 and a total of €2 billion is available up to 2027 under the NDP.


25

Planning Process

The planning process continued to play a proactive and facilitative role in 2019 in

supporting and guiding economic recovery and sustainable national and regional

development.

The fast-track Strategic Housing Development

(SHD) provisions, which came into effect in

2017 for developments of 100 or more housing

units and student accommodation

developments or shared accommodation

developments with 200 or more bed spaces,

continued for 2019.

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016

provided that the SHD arrangements applied until the end of 2019, but that the

Minister may, by order, extend that period by a further limited period of 2 years, up to

the end of 2021, coinciding with the timeframe of Rebuilding Ireland.

A Strategic Housing Development Review Group was established in June 2019 to

review the operation and effectiveness of the SHD arrangements. The Report of the

Review Group was received on 24 September 2019. The Report acknowledges that

the SHD arrangements have generally been a success in meeting their objectives to

contribute to addressing housing undersupply issues by providing a fast-track

development consent process aimed at incentivising developers to bring forward

applications for large-scale housing developments.

Notwithstanding the positive contribution that the SHD arrangements have made, the

Review Group noted that there continues to exist a deficit in housing supply and

affirms that the original rationale for the introduction of the SHD arrangements

remains. The Minister concurred with the finding of the Review Group and signed an

Order on 2 December 2019 to extend the arrangements until end 2021. A report on

the Ministers conclusions of the review, as well as the Review Group's Report, have

been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, as required by the Act, and copies of

both reports are available on the Department's website.

Between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019, An Bord Pleanála received 151

valid requests for pre-application consultation relating to proposed developments

across the country. It issued opinions in relation to 150 of these (with the final one

issuing in 2020). In the same period, the Board received 118 actual applications for

SHD permission. Of the 82 decisions made in 2019 (covering both 2018 and 2019

applications), the Board issued 67 grants of planning permission in respect of a total

of 16,771 homes (4,327 houses and 12,444 apartments), 200 shared

accommodation bed spaces and 4,331 student bed spaces.


26

Planning Policy

Planning permissions were granted for over 40,000 new

homes in 2019, an increase of 38% on 2018.

The Department continues to develop and support

initiatives to promote participation in the planning process,

urban renewal and regeneration, including in relation to the

conversion of vacant commercial premises into residential

use, derelict sites and operation of the vacant site levy by

local authorities.

As part of the continuous review of planning legislation the Department launched a

public consultation in December 2019 on the General Scheme of the Housing and

Planning and Development Bill which is looking at the judicial review provisions of

the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

Marine Planning Policy and Foreshore Development Management

In November 2019, the Government published Ireland’s first Marine Planning Policy

Statement (MPPS) and a draft National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF).

The Marine Planning Policy Statement:

• Draws together and describes the existing components of Ireland's marine

planning system;

• Outlines a vision for the future development of the marine planning system;

• Sets out the overarching policies and principles the Government expects marine

planning bodies and other public bodies that engage with the marine planning

system to observe (in terms, for example, of public engagement, transparency,

governance, environmental assessment, climate action, social and economic

benefit);

• Sets out high-level priorities for the enhancement of the marine planning system

in Ireland.

The Marine Planning Policy Statement serves as a parallel to the 2015 Planning

Policy Statement which underpins the operation of the entire land-planning system in

Ireland. It will apply to all facets of marine planning. It is being introduced initially on

a non-statutory basis, pending the introduction of legislation in 2020 that will provide

for the preparation, adoption and review of statutory marine planning policy

statements on six-yearly cycles.


27

It reflects the comprehensive updating and renewal now underway of Ireland’s

marine planning system, setting out core principles to inform evolving marine

planning and development management processes.

The draft National Marine Planning Framework is a national plan for Ireland’s

maritime area, setting out, over a 20-year horizon, how to use, protect and enjoy our

seas. On adoption, the NMPF will sit at the top of a hierarchy of plans and sectoral

policies for the marine area. The Plan has been informed by existing sectoral policies

and will in turn, be used to inform future cycles of those plans in an ongoing

feedback loop. It will become the key decision-making tool for regulatory authorities

and policymakers into the future. The Marine Plan covers Ireland’s maritime area,

including internal waters (sea area), exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental

shelf. This maritime area comprises approximately 490,000 km², or seven times our

land mass.

The Department operates the consenting regime in respect of developments and

activities on the State’s Foreshore, an area which covers approximately 39,0000km².

Some thirty-two new consent applications were received in 2019 for a range of

projects and activities on the Foreshore including applications for wastewater

outfalls, various one-day events and coastal protection works. Revised proposals for

a more comprehensive, holistic and robust approach to State consenting and

development management in the Maritime Area are currently being developed jointly

with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

EU and International Planning Regulation

229 Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) Portal Notifications were registered

and uploaded to the Department’s National

EIA Portal between 1 January and 31

December 2019.

The Department also oversaw 9 international

transboundary consultation requests through the

Planning System (including a nationwide

consultation on the UK’s Wylfa Newydd Nuclear

Power Plant project) between 1 January and 31

December 2019.

The Department continues to progress further integration with EU and UN legislation

in the Planning system’s legislative framework, such as compliance with the EIA

Directive, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive, Water Framework

Directive, Services Directive and the UN’s Espoo Convention on Environmental

Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context and Kiev Protocol on SEA.


28

The Department also engages in significant legal responses to issues raised in both

the High Court and in the Court of Justice of the European Union. In particular:

In 2019 the Department managed 30 active High Court cases related to planning

and EU legislation, attended a CJEU Article 260 TFEU hearing (Case C261/18)

and intervened in a CJEU Reference case (Joined Cases C‑724/18 and

C‑727/18) relating to the Services Directive.

The Department progressed the State’s first formal planning application under the

Habitats Directive’s IROPI (imperative reasons of overriding public importance)

process, for an upgrade to a water treatment plant in County Sligo, which was

granted permission.

The Department introduced the European Union (Environmental Impact

Assessment and Habitats) (Section 181 of the Planning and Development Act

2000) Regulations 2019 which provide a streamlined process for State

Authorities to progress certain emergency developments outside the Planning

Acts but in accordance with the EIA Directive. This legislation may, among other

things, facilitate Brexit-related port development.

The Department continues to develop legislative drafting for the transposition of

amendments to the UN Espoo Convention and the Kiev Protocol on transboundary

consultations into planning law, as well as the introduction of new assessment

processes in the Planning Acts and Regulations and related Guidance for Planning

Authorities with respect to the EU Water Framework Directive, while representing

Ireland both in Espoo Convention and EU EIA/SEA member state meetings. The

Department also continues to progress updated Guidelines for Planning Authorities

on the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive as well as providing internal

guidance for prospective plans and programmes produced by the Department’s

Planning Division.

Vacant Site Levy

From January 2017, all planning authorities began establishing vacant site registers.

The necessary preparatory work was undertaken (i.e. identifying vacant sites,

notifying registered owners etc.) prior to the application of the Vacant Site Levy with

effect from January 2019, as required by the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act

2015. The levy aims to incentivise the development of vacant under-utilised sites in

urban areas for residential or regeneration purposes. The rate of the levy was 3%

when it was first introduced, and this rate was charged in 2019 in respect of sites on

the register in 2018. The rate was revised to 7% for sites entered on the registers in

2019 with payments at the 7% rate first falling due in 2020.


29

The Department issued Circular PL 09/2019 on 13 November 2019 requesting a

progress report on implementation of the Vacant Site Levy to be completed by the

Director of Planning in each Local Authority. The returns indicated that as of 31

October 2019 there were 359 sites listed on local authority registers. Sites valued at

€144.5m were liable to the levy at a rate of 3% in 2019. Furthermore, the sites on the

registers have the potential to generate circa 20,000 housing units (at densities of

35-50 units per hectare).

Vacant Homes

The primary aim of the Vacant Homes Unit is to drive and coordinate actions at

central and local government levels and to support local authorities in identifying the

level of vacant homes that are recoverable for use in the habitable housing stock.

The Vacant Homes Unit published the National Vacant Housing Reuse Strategy in

July 2018, under Pillar 5 of Rebuilding Ireland, which contains a range of objectives

and key actions that will be pursued in partnership with stakeholders and agencies

across the housing sector to address vacancy in our housing stock.

In pursuit of those objectives, in 2019 the Department once again secured funding

for each local authority to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office in each local

authority for 2020 (funding was previously secured in 2018 & 2019). The provision of

central funding enables focus to be given to the role of the Office, allowing the

Department to liaise with and seek information/statistics from a dedicated contact

point within each local authority. The Vacant Homes Unit has also supported the

work of local authorities in tackling residential vacancy by providing advice,

knowledge and through facilitating engagement across Vacant Homes Offices. The

Department also implemented a national and international advertising campaign

which sought to engage with the owners of vacant residential properties in Ireland

and connect them to the relevant local authority vacant homes office.

In 2019, the Vacant Homes Unit completed a pilot Vacant Field Survey in six local

authorities. The field survey provided an opportunity to ascertain, in a rigorous and

verifiable way, the extent and nature of residential vacancy in selected areas. The

study provided a valuable dataset and in that context, consideration is being given to

a national rollout.


30

Short-Term Letting

On 1 July 2019, new planning legislative reforms to regulate the short-term letting

(STL) sector came into effect. The aim of the legislation is to return much-needed

accommodation presently being used for short-term letting purposes in the

designated Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) to the long-term rental market, thereby

increasing supply in the long-term rental market.

Under the legislation, ‘home-sharing’ (the letting of a room or rooms in a person’s

principal place of residence) will continue to be allowed on an unrestricted basis.

However, where a person owns a property in a RPZ which is not their principal place

of residence and intends to let it for short-term letting purposes, s/he is required to

apply for change of use planning permission unless the property has a pre-existing

permission to be used for tourism or short-term letting purposes. Based on guidance

issued by the Department on the considerations and factors to be taken into account

in respect of such planning applications, the likelihood is that planning permission for

such change of use will not be granted in RPZs where there is shortage of private

rental accommodation/housing need in the area concerned.

In the discussions on the legislation in the Oireachtas, the Minister gave a

commitment that dedicated staffing resources required for the effective

implementation of the provisions would be funded by the Department.

To this end, the Department wrote to planning authorities in whose functional areas

RPZs are located, requesting their estimated STL enforcement funding

requirements.

Derelict Sites

The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of

land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or

continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to

take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to

ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be,

a derelict site.

Local authority powers include requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate

measures on derelict sites, acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily,

and to apply a derelict site levy on derelict sites. It is a matter for local authorities to

determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective

functional areas.


31

Under the Act, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register,

which includes the name and address of each owner and occupier, where these can

be ascertained by reasonable enquiry, of any land which, in the opinion of the local

authority, is a derelict site. Under section 8(5) of the Act, a copy of the derelict sites

register for any local authority can be inspected at the offices of that authority during

office hours. Members of the public can engage with their local authority in relation to

addressing individual derelict sites in their local areas. The 1990 Act does not

differentiate between one-off houses and any other type of derelict site.

Under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018, both the Derelict Sites

Levy and the Vacant Sites Levy increased from 3% to 7% of the market valuation of

relevant sites with effect from January 2020. This change in the rate of the levies is

intended to ensure that the levies have more meaningful impact and that the powers

of local authorities in tackling dereliction and vacancy are strengthened for the

purpose of bringing relevant sites into productive use, thereby facilitating urban

regeneration and development while also combatting land hoarding.

The latest full year statistics show that, as of 31 December 2018, there were 1,311

derelict sites on the register, with €1,776,067 in levies collected during 2018. Levies

of €567,920 were collected in 2018.

Solar Panel Exemptions

The Planning and Development

Regulations 2001, as amended, set

out the criteria whereby the

installation of solar panels on

residential, commercial, industrial

and agricultural developments are

exempted from the requirement to

obtain planning permission.

A review of the current exemptions

in this regard was progressed in

2019 involving engagement with the Department of Communications, Climate Action

and Environment (DCCAE) and other key stakeholders. The final proposals for draft

amending Regulations should reflect technical developments in the sector. It is

expected that the revised exempted development regulations in respect of solar

panels will be adopted in 2020.

As required under planning legislation, any such proposed exempted development

regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and

receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be signed into law by

the Minister.


32

Wind Energy Development Guidelines

The Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy

Development Guidelines in line with the “preferred draft approach” which was

announced in June 2017 by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local

Government, in conjunction with the then Minister for Communications, Climate

Action and the Environment. The review is addressing a number of key aspects

including sound or noise, visual amenity setback distances, shadow flicker,

community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

As part of the overall review process, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is

being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect.

SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully

integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks

for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part

of that process.

As part of the SEA process, a ten-week public consultation on the draft revised Wind

Energy Development Guidelines was launched on 12 December 2019. Finalised

Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the

submissions received during the consultation phase, and the conclusion of the SEA

process.

Mapping of State Lands for Housing Supply

The active management of the publicly-

owned housing land bank is part of a

range of complementary actions being

progressed under the Rebuilding Ireland

Action Plan for Housing and

Homelessness, designed to accelerate

and increase housing output. To this end,

the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map

published details of some 1,700 hectares

of land in local authority and Housing Agency ownership with the potential to deliver

some 42,500 homes nationally. A detailed database and GIS map of these sites

showing their location, size, boundaries and other information can be accessed on

the Rebuilding Ireland website. This data is part of the wider exercise by

Government to create a database of all state owned property.

http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/


33

Spatial Data Development

The Department has developed a number of planning spatial data systems including

myplan.ie (land use zonings and other spatial planning data) and the NPAD

(National Planning Application Database) services. These digital services have a

wide variety of users including infrastructure providers, commercial enterprises,

financial institutions, local authorities, educational institutions and others. Services

continue to be updated including recent national flood risk data in conjunction with

the OPW. Spatial data is key to the implementation and monitoring of policies in our

hierarchy of statutory plans from the National Planning Framework to Regional

Spatial & Economic Strategies, City/County development plans and local area plans.

The aggregation of the spatial data of individual local authorities into a national level

database is a desired improvement in data availability and the Department, in

conjunction with the OSI and the local authorities, is now developing a Centralised

Spatial Data Storage facility that will provide a national repository of spatial data from

the local authorities.

As a pilot project, the Department is developing a system for the consistent

digitisation of planning application sites nationally which has been identified as a key

local authority process appropriate for a consistent and standardised approach.

Improved quality and publication of this data will deliver tangible benefits for the

planning system and its many users. In conjunction with Ordnance Survey Ireland

and local authority pilots, the Department is currently developing a web-based spatial

data capture application to assist in this task. The application, titled Planning

Application Capture Environment (PACE), is being developed for a phased release

in 2020

Student Accommodation Strategy

In July 2017, the Department of Education and Skills, with support from the

Department, published the National Student Accommodation Strategy. It includes

eight key targets and 27 actions to support the increased supply of Purpose Built

Student Accommodation and an increase in take-up of ‘digs’ accommodation.

At the end of 2019, a total of 8,346 new student bed spaces have been completed

since the adoption of Rebuilding Ireland. There were a further 5,137 bed spaces

under construction and planning permissions granted for an additional 9,696 bed

spaces, representing a total of 23,179 bed spaces either complete, under

construction or with plans granted at the end of 2019.


34

These figures confirm that the objective of delivering an additional 7,000 new bed

spaces nationally by end of 2019 has been achieved and surpassed, with the

objective of 21,000 additional Purpose Built Student Accommodation bed spaces by

2024 on track to be achieved if planned projects proceed through construction.

Statutory Plans

The Department’s primary statutory responsibility for the

review of certain Statutory Plans was transferred to the Office

of the Planning Regulator (OPR) which was established on 3

April 2019 (See below).

Under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act

2018, the OPR now has responsibility, inter alia, to evaluate

and carry out examinations and assessments relating to the

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs), development plans and local

area plans, and provide observations and recommendations in relation to such

strategies or plans, taking account of planning policy and legislation including the

National Planning Framework, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and

other statutory and non-statutory guidance. In the period 1 January 2019 to 3 April

2019 the Department reviewed 1 Development Plan, 4 Local Area Plans and 11

Variations.

It was necessary to introduce one-off transitional arrangements in 2019 in relation to

the OPR and the RSESs, arising from the fact that the process in respect of each of

the three RSESs had commenced prior to the establishment of the OPR on 3 April

2019. This was done by way of technical amendments to the Planning and

Development Act 2000, as amended, to make provision for the Regulator to be

requested by the Minister to enter a RSES process in an advisory capacity, where

the process was already underway at the date of establishment of the OPR. The

Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2019

(S.I. No. 355 of 2019) brought the provisions into effect from 15 July 2019.

The Department reviewed the three Regional Strategies in 2019, which had been

prepared by each Regional Assembly.

In accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended,

Ministerial powers under Section 31/31A of the Planning and Development Act 2000

(as amended) are retained. However, the Minister must now have regard to

recommendations made by the OPR, whereas previously the Minister would have

had regard to recommendations from Department planning officials. Ministerial

powers under Section 31 was used once in 2019.


35

Office of the Planning Regulator

The Office of the Planning Regulator was

established in April 2019 on foot of the

Planning and Development (Amendment) Act

2018.

The OPR is responsible for assessment of all local authority and regional assembly

forward planning, including zoning decisions.

The Regulator has the power to advise the Minister on whether a plan made by a

local authority conflicts with national planning policy and to recommend that the

Minister make directions where any plan is not in compliance with national policy.

The Regulator will also ensure that planning authorities are operating to the highest

standards of integrity and best practice ensuring that planning policy decisions in

their development plan-making roles are in line with national and regional policies as

set out in the National Planning Framework and Regional Spatial and Economic

Strategies.

In the period between the establishment of the OPR in April 2019 and December

2019, the OPR evaluated and inputted into twenty-five local authority statutory

forward planning processes, this included making recommendations on draft local

area plans, amendments to local area plans, variations to City / County development

plans and contributions to development plan issues papers.

The Regulator has the power to review the organisation, systems and procedures

used by any planning authority or An Bord Pleanála. Following on from consultation

with key stakeholders in 2019, the OPR will finalise its Methodology for Conducting

Reviews of Planning Functions in 2020. Once this methodology has been adopted,

the OPR will then be able to commence its programme of reviews.

The OPR can initiate such reviews at its own behest, at the request of the Minister,

or on foot of complaints from members of the public. In 2019, the OPR oversaw over

250 individual lines of correspondence from members of the public and is committed

to continuing its effective and timely management of complaints in 2020.

Additionally, the OPR will continue to drive national research, education and public

information programmes to highlight the role and benefit of planning, which will

include monitoring the implementation of the NPF.


36

The OPR commenced a training programme for Elected Members in 2019, the

purpose which is to provide elected members with enhanced knowledge of the

planning process, reaffirming their roles and responsibilities within the planning

system and their functions in relation to ensuring proper planning and sustainable

development.

In addition, the OPR together with the Department, has joined a commissioning

consortium comprising the Governments of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to

conduct research aimed at identifying the most important outcomes in spatial

planning and feasible ways to measure them.

Land Development Agency

In the National Planning Framework, the Government committed to establishing a

National Regeneration and Development Agency to work with local authorities, other

public bodies and capital spending Departments and agencies to –

co-ordinate and secure the best use of public lands and investment within the

capital envelopes provided in the National Development Plan, and

drive the renewal of strategic areas not being utilised to their full potential.

On foot of this, the Land Development Agency (LDA) was established in September

2018 by way of Establishment Order under the Local Government Services

(Corporate Bodies) Act 1971.

The LDA has an immediate focus on managing the State’s own lands to develop

new homes and regenerate under-utilised sites. In the longer-term, it will assemble

strategic land banks from a mix of public and private lands, making these available

for housing in a controlled manner, which will bring essential long-term stability to the

Irish housing market.

On establishment, the Agency had access to an initial tranche of nine sites that have

near-term delivery potential for 3,600 new homes. The LDA is currently working with

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the development of a site in

Shanganagh with potential for approximately 600 homes.

The LDA is also working in partnership with other local authorities around the

country. Work is advancing on the other 8 sites and the LDA is also examining a

pipeline of additional sites. A minimum of 30% of housing on LDA sites must be

affordable with the balance as additional new supply to meet the high levels of

demand in the wider housing sector.


37

This is consistent with a Government Decision in September 2018 that any State

lands, in Ministerial ownership and deemed suitable for housing, being sold on the

open market must deliver affordable housing on at least 30% of the site. In addition,

the LDA and private developers must deliver 10% social housing on sites in

accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

A General Scheme of the Land Development Agency Bill to establish the LDA as a

commercial state body on a primary legislative basis was approved by Government

for publication, consideration for pre-legislative scrutiny and priority drafting in July

2019. The pre legislative scrutiny process is now complete and the Committee's

report was received by the Department in December 2019. This report will be

considered in finalising the Bill.

Reuse of Existing Buildings

In response to action 5.21 of the review of Rebuilding Ireland, which committed to

supporting and facilitating the reuse of older vacant buildings for residential use, a

guidance document titled ‘Bringing Back Homes – A Manual for the Reuse of

Existing Buildings’ was developed by a multi-disciplinary working group with industry

stakeholders, chaired by the Department.

The Bringing Back Homes manual provides clear and comprehensive guidance on

current policy and regulatory requirements that apply when developing existing

buildings. The manual is aimed at property owners, members of the public, local

authorities and stakeholders in the construction industry and creates a single source

of information for those interested in redeveloping vacant buildings.

The manual outlines the process and issues to be considered when developing

existing buildings for residential purposes and applies these procedures to four

common building types, which typically reflect the buildings (or parts of buildings)

that are lying vacant in towns and cities all over Ireland today. It provides further

guidance on the more complex redevelopments where multiple apartments are being

created.

A number of examples of completed projects are also showcased in the manual. The

manual will support the work of the vacant homes offices in local authorities to assist

in clarifying the regulatory requirements that exist and how they apply to

development, thus reducing uncertainty and complexity but maintaining safe,

sustainable and quality standards for homes.


38

The Bringing Back Homes manual was published in December 2018 and officially

launched by the Minister of State with responsibility for Housing and Urban

Development in April 2019.

A copy of the manual is available on the Department’s website at:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/home-ownership/vacant-homes/bringing-back-

homes-manual-reuse-existing-buildings

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/home-ownership/vacant-homes/bringing-back-homes-manual-reuse-existing-buildings



39

Goal B - To provide for a stable, sustainable supply of good quality housing.

Social Housing Delivery

The Government has committed in excess of €6 billion

under Rebuilding Ireland to support the accelerated delivery

of 50,000 additional social housing homes by end 2021,

through build (33,500), acquisition (6,500) and leasing

(10,000) programmes, and to meet the needs of some

87,000 further households through schemes such as the

Housing Assistance Payment.

Over €2.4 billion was invested in housing in 2019, up 18%

on 2018. At end 2019, overall delivery was ahead of target, with over 28,000

(28,075) households having their housing needs met through the range of social

housing programmes in 2019 alone. Within this figure, over 6,074 new social

housing homes were provided in 2019 through build activity, an increase of almost

26% on 2018 and more than double the output in 2016, the first year of the

Rebuilding Ireland action plan.

Housing delivery indicators for 2019 continued to be very positive:

24,394 new homes available for use in 2019 - up 14%;

40,252 homes granted planning permissions in 2019 - up 38%;

and Commencement Notices submitted for 26,237 homes in 2019 - up 17%.

Summary of Social Housing Assessments 2019

The Summary of Social Housing Assessments is now carried out on an annual basis

and is used to set targets for social housing delivery under Rebuilding Ireland. The

objective of the assessment is to identify the number of households in need of social

housing support across the country on a specific date each year in order to inform

policy and plan for the right types of housing support. The 2019 assessment showed

that 68,693 households were in need of social housing support, as at 24 June 2019.

This represented a decrease of 3,165 households or -4.4% on the previous

assessment in June 2018. Since the publication of Rebuilding Ireland, the numbers

have decreased from 91,600 to 68,693, a reduction of 25%.


40

Housing Assistance Payment Scheme

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is a flexible and immediate

housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. It

plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of 2019, there

were over 52,500 active tenancies being supported under the HAP scheme in 31

local authority areas, including 17,025 additional tenancies set up in 2019.

Also at the end of 2019, 16,020 households had transferred from Rent Supplement

to HAP since the commencement of the scheme. Through this, these households

are now in receipt of a much more secure form of State support, under which they

can work full-time without losing their support, with their change of circumstances

reflected in an adjustment in their differential rent.

The Homeless HAP Place Finder Service was made available to all local authorities

in January 2018. All local authorities have been provided with the option to pay

deposits and advance rental payments for any households in emergency homeless

accommodation, or who are at immediate risk of entering emergency

accommodation, in order to secure accommodation via the HAP Scheme.

More than 7,500 households have been supported by the Homeless HAP scheme in

the Dublin region up to the end of Q4, 2019. Nationally, the corresponding figure was

over 10,500 households.

The Place Finder positions are being funded by the Department and, at the end

2019, the Department had issued approval for 20 Place Finder positions. Several

local authorities indicated that they did not wish to seek additional resources to

establish a Place Finder service as they were satisfied with their existing homeless

service.

Homelessness

Homelessness continued to present a major challenge during 2019 with significant

numbers of households continuing to present to homeless services. There were

9,731 individuals accessing emergency accommodation in December 2019. This

was the first year since 2014 when reporting commenced in its current format that

the overall homeless numbers were lower than the previous December.

The Department worked closely with the local authorities on the delivery of additional

emergency accommodation facilities for both single people and families, and in

supporting the exits of households from emergency accommodation into homes.

During 2019, 5,971 adults and their associated dependants exited homelessness

into homes, a 16% increase on 2018.


41

In line with Rebuilding Ireland’s objective to provide more suitable emergency

accommodation for families experiencing homelessness, 33 family hubs had been

brought into operation by the end of 2019. These family-focused facilities offer a

greater level of stability than is possible in hotels, while suitable homes are identified

and secured. The setting also allows for more intensive supports to be provided

where they are needed in areas such as welfare, health and housing services.

The Homelessness Inter-Agency Group continued to oversee the coordinated

response to homelessness by the various Government Departments and Agencies

involved in providing homeless services.

The Group includes representatives from the Department, the local authorities, the

Department of Health, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of

Public Expenditure and Reform, the Health Service Executive, the Department of

Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Education and Skills and Tusla.

A National Homelessness Consultative Forum was established during 2019. The

Forum includes representatives of service provider organisations in addition to the

members of the Homelessness Inter-Agency Group. Its first meeting took place in

April 2019. This Forum will meet every six months to provide a forum for

engagement between the Government Departments and State Agencies involved in

the delivery of homeless services and the NGOs operating in this area.

A National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services was

introduced nationally during 2019. The Framework ensures a more consistent

response to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and seeks to improve

the quality of services provided to individuals, families and their children accessing

emergency accommodation. The Framework has been fully implemented in the

Dublin region and is being implemented on a phased basis nationally with a view to

being fully implemented nationally during 2020.

The Framework is designed to ensure that the services provided to individuals and

families experiencing homelessness are well organised, coordinated, integrated and

focused on moving people out of homelessness into homes as quickly as possible.

The implementation of the Framework will ensure the consistent delivery of high-

quality services nationally, with the ultimate objective of minimizing the amount of

time spent in emergency accommodation.

Significant progress was made in the delivery of Housing First nationally, with

service delivery arrangements put in place in each of the homeless administrative

regions. Housing First enables people who may have been homeless and who have

high levels of complex needs to obtain permanent secure accommodation with the

provision of intensive supports to help them maintain their tenancies. A Housing First

National Implementation Plan was published in September 2018.


42

By the end of 2019, 412 individuals had been housed under Housing First, including

172 individuals over the course of 2019.

Funding of €165m was provided to local authorities in Exchequer funding towards

the provision of homeless services in 2019.

Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

The Local Infrastructure Housing

Activation Fund (LIHAF) is a

measure designed to activate

housing supply by putting in place

enabling off-site public

infrastructure. This can relieve

critical infrastructural blockages to

enable the delivery of housing on

key development sites and

improve the economic viability and

purchaser affordability of new

housing projects.

Summary details of the projects, which will provide for the delivery of approximately

20,000 homes across the lifetime of the programme, are published on the Rebuilding

Ireland website at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/lihaf/.

To the end of 2019, a total of 2,162 homes were completed across eight sites, of

which 145 were Part V/Social and 925 were Cost Reduced/Affordable units.

Two LIHAF projects are now fully complete with one substantially complete. A further

ten projects are in in construction and with two having approval to go to construction.

It is anticipated that further projects will reach construction stage in 2020.

Standardising Social Housing

In the interest of standardising the approach to social housing design across the

country and achieving good quality housing and value for money, two projects have

been identified, as set out below.

Employer’s Requirements

A working group was established in 2018 by the Department and the local authority

sector to develop a high-level national specification for social and affordable housing.

The group issued an ‘Employer’s Requirements’ document in September 2019.

http://rebuildingireland.ie/lihaf/


43

The purpose of the document is to set out the general quality of materials, finishes

and fittings to be provided in social or affordable housing, both houses and

apartments, funded in whole or in part by the Department.

It is aimed at local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies and will facilitate

greater consistency across the country when it comes to social housing.

The document also sets out guidance on the preparation of tender documents for

best cost and programme control.

Standard Layouts

The Department is also preparing standard internal design layouts for social housing.

It is intended to assist in controlling costs by providing general guidance on

economic design and sample internal layouts that demonstrate how a variety of

house types and apartments can be designed to meet the Department’s target floor

areas (set out in ‘Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities’).

Also included are sample site layouts, which demonstrate how efficient design and

density in modest 2 – 4 storey developments (as well as apartments) can reduce

both land and services costs per dwelling. The draft document is nearing completion

and is expected to issue for pre-consultation with local authorities in 2020.

Long Term Social Housing Leasing

The Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Scheme is aimed at long-term institutional

investors that can deliver at scale. The first contracts under the scheme were signed

in 2019 and the year also saw the first completed units delivered, a significant step

forward in the leasing programme.

Over 2019, the Department, assisted by the Housing Agency, rolled out the Leasing

Practitioners’ Forum, aimed at providing local authorities with training and support in

the leasing programmes. This interaction is a two-way process and, as a result, the

Department was able to further refine the standard template leasing documents

across all leasing schemes to further reflect the needs and challenges of local

authorities. The role of the Housing Agency was also expanded to provide a central

support for local authorities in operating the scheme and the introduction of an end-

to-end leasing service, providing legal and technical advice to local authorities. The

increased interest in leasing, both from the local authority sector and the supply side,

will result in the delivery of much-needed homes on long-term 25-year contracts.


44

Payment and Availability (P&A) and Capital Advance Leasing

Facility (CALF)

Following on from the formal review of the Payment and Availability (P&A) and

Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) funding arrangements undertaken in 2018,

the implementation of the recommendations was commenced.

The central role of the AHB sector is acknowledged under Rebuilding Ireland and the

P&A-CALF funding remains a key delivery mechanism in achieving targets set out

within the plan.

The review was necessary to ensure that the funding arrangements are fit for

purpose and can support the delivery of projects, in particular build projects, to

maximise value for money for the Exchequer and for the AHB sector, and to

enhance co-operation between AHBs and local authorities.

The recommendations and updated processes came into operation in Q3 2019.

They focused on financial budgeting metrics, P&A Payment Indexation,

recommendations around inclusion of communal facilities, revisions to processing of

start-up costs, as well as procedural and administrative changes. The successful roll-

out of these recommendations was done with continued engagement with the

various stakeholders including the Housing Agency, Local Authorities, and AHBs

along with their representative bodies.

Housing for People with a Disability and Older People

National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD)

‘The National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011-2016’ is

a joint strategy with the Department of Health which sets out the Government’s

broad framework for the delivery of housing for people with disabilities through

mainstream housing options. Building on the commitment given in the 2016

Programme for Government to meet the housing needs of people with disabilities,

the NHSPWD was re-affirmed in Rebuilding Ireland and extended to 2020 to

continue to deliver on its aims. The Strategy will be reviewed in 2020.

The Implementation Monitoring Group (IMG) for the Strategy, which is

representative of all stakeholders, monitors progress bi -annually and

publishes an annual report.

The fifth Progress Report on the implementation of the Strategy is available on the

Department’s website at https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/policy/people-

disability/housing-people-disability

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/policy/people-disability/housing-people-disability



45

Housing for Older People - Housing Options for

Our Ageing Population Policy Statement

The policy statement 'Housing Options

for Our Ageing Population' is a joint statement

published by the Department and the Department of

Health in February 2019. The policy statement builds

on actions for the housing of older people as outlined

in Rebuilding Ireland and the National Planning

Framework.

It puts in place 40 tangible, time bound actions to

achieve a more evidence based, integrated system

of mapping and delivering housing for older people,

with health supports, where required, that will meet

the differing needs identified in the research.

Housing Adaptation Grants

The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability are

aimed at facilitating changes needed to make homes suitable for a person with a

physical, sensory, intellectual disability or mental health difficulty and to enable these

people to remain living independently in their own homes for longer.

Demand for the grants has been consistently high since their launch in 2007. Some

100,000 older people and people with a disability have benefitted from the scheme

and in many cases premature entry to residential care has been avoided. This

benefits the State significantly through avoided costs in the health sector.

In 2019, some 10,011 households benefitted from the grants at a total cost of

over €69.5 million.

An increased budget of €73.75 million has been announced for the grants in

2020.

The ‘Housing Options for our Ageing Population’ policy statement emphasises

the Department’s commitment to streamlining the application process and

ensuring that grants are more accessible to applicants.

The Department met with all 31 local authorities and stakeholder groups during 2019

to review the detailed administration of the grants. This comprehensive review

informed the development of a streamlined application process for the grants from

January 2020, using a single application form to cover all three grants. This update

will make them more user friendly and accessible, as well as also improving the

consistency of approach to their implementation nationwide.

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/housingoptionsforanageingpopulationeng_web.pdf



46

Regulation of the AHB Sector

The Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill was published in July

2019 and signed into law on 23 December 2019. The Act will establish a Regulator

to oversee the effective governance, financial management and performance of

voluntary and cooperative housing bodies. Until such time as statutory regulation is

introduced, regulation of the sector will continue in the form of the Voluntary

Regulation Code administered by the interim Regulation Office.

As of 31 Dec 2019, a total of 282 AHBs have signed up to the Code including all the

larger Tier 3 AHBs.

Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) was launched on 1 February 2018. It

allows low-income first time buyers aged between 18 and 70 who cannot secure a

mortgage from a commercial lender, to access sustainable mortgage finance to

enable them to purchase a new or second-hand property, or undertake a self-build,

within a suitable price range.

Applicants must be in continuous employment for a minimum of two years (primary

earner) or one year (secondary earner). For single applicants, the income limit is

€50,000, rising to €75,000 for joint applicants.

Applicants may obtain up to 90%, depending on their capacity to repay, of the cost of

purchasing or building a house to the maximum value of €320,000 in the Greater

Dublin area, Cork and Galway and €250,000 in all other areas. In 2019, local

authorities could offer a first tranche of fixed-rate annuity finance to eligible

borrowers at rates of 2.0% and 2.25% per annum, for twenty-five and thirty years,

respectively.

The scheme is set up in accordance with regulations approved by the Minister with

the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, under which a credit

policy has been issued setting out the criteria applicants must comply with to be

eligible for a loan.

The Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses loan

applications that are made to the local authorities and makes recommendations to

the authorities as to whether loans should be offered to applicants. Local authorities

make the final decision regarding approval at a local level and each local authority

has established a credit committee for this purpose. By the end of 2019, provisional

figures show that 1,553 loans with a value of €268.7m had been drawn down under

the scheme.


47

Lending by the Housing Finance Agency

The Housing Finance Agency

(HFA) provides long-term

fixed-rate finance to local

authorities and approved

housing bodies (AHBs) for the provision of social housing, and to higher education

institutions (HEIs) for the provision of student accommodation. HFA loan advances

to AHBs more than doubled from €283m in 2018 to €634m in 2019. These loans

supported the delivery of 2,561 new homes. AHB loan approvals also rose from

€615m in 2018 to €694m in 2019.

The HFA continues to avail of long term, competitive fixed and variable rate finance

from the NTMA, European Investment Bank (EIB), Council of Europe Development

Bank (CEB), local authorities and others. The HFA arranged a new long-term

Finance Contract with the EIB for €200 million in December 2019.

The pace of lending to local authorities was not at the level of AHB growth, however

this loan portfolio has returned to positive net lending as local authorities again begin

to draw down significant funding for housing with gross advances of €343m in 2019.

In 2019, the HFA’s first university loan of €60 million for the development of new

student accommodation was drawn down by UCD. Further growth in this portfolio is

anticipated in 2020 and beyond, as projects reach building phase.

The Report of the Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks

The Report of the Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks was published in June 2017 and

included eight recommendations, which the Department is actively progressing with

the relevant stakeholders, prioritising the implementation of Recommendations 1 and

2.

With regard to Recommendation 1, a standardised protocol was published by the

NSAI on 13 November 2018 and ‘I.S. 465:2018 - Assessment, testing and

categorisation of damaged buildings incorporating concrete blocks containing certain

deleterious materials’, is available at www.nsai.ie.

The standard can be used to assess and categorise the damage in properties where

the concrete blocks are suspected to contain the minerals mica or pyrite. Previously,

there was no common way for engineers or homeowners to assess the damage

caused by defective concrete blocks, in order to decide what, if any, remedial work

could be carried out.

http://www.nsai.ie/


48

With regard to Recommendation 2, the Department has been in contact with

Engineers Ireland in relation to the establishment of a register of competent

engineers for homeowners/affected parties’ reference. In June 2019, Engineers

Ireland established such a register, which is available at

https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/Communities-Groups/Find-a-

member/Specialist-Registers-and-Panels/IS-465-register-Concrete-Blocks-and-Mica

The register lists Chartered Engineers, who have the necessary direct professional

experience, competence and specialist training in accordance with the requirements

set out in I.S. 465:2018.

In October 2018, the Government approved in principle the development of a grant

scheme (including the necessary regulations) of financial assistance to support

affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo to carry out the

necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to defective

concrete blocks.

The full terms and conditions of the scheme were finalised over the course of 2019 in

consultation with the Attorney General's Office and the Minister for Public

Expenditure and Reform. Donegal and Mayo County Councils, will operate and

administer the scheme which will come into effect early in 2020.

Pyrite Resolution Act 2013

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 pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected

homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress and is limited in its

application and scope. The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out

in the scheme, which is available on the Board’s website at www.pyriteboard.ie

A sum of €32 million was announced under Budget 2019 to fund the operation of the

pyrite remediation scheme in 2019. This allocation facilitated the remediation of

some 512 additional dwellings in 2019 giving an aggregate total of 1,890 dwellings

completed since the scheme was first introduced and is a clear signal of the

continuing importance attached by Government to addressing the issue of significant

pyritic damage in private dwellings.

The figures available in December 2019 indicate that 2,592 applications had been

received under the pyrite remediation scheme. Of the 2,592 applications received,

2,110 dwellings had been included in the pyrite remediation scheme and the

applicants notified accordingly.

https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/Communities-Groups/Find-a-member/Specialist-Registers-and-Panels/IS-465-register-Concrete-Blocks-and-Mica


../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/HCBSSBSU007/Files/HCBSSBSU007-005-2020/www.pyriteboard.ie


49

A further 110 applications had been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for

the Assessment and Verification Process, while another 191 applications were at the

initial Application and Validation Process. 181 applications under the scheme were

not successful.

Rental Sector

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 was enacted in May to enhance

security of tenure for tenants and empower the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)

to better enforce the rent increase restriction in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). The

RTB was given new investigation and sanctioning powers to deal with improper

conduct by landlords, such as unlawfully increasing rents or terminating tenancies.

The Act also restricts the existing exemptions from the RPZ rent increase restriction

and introduces criminal offences where a landlord unlawfully increases rents. Annual

registration of tenancies will also be required.

Other Rental Sector Reforms

The Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, set out a series of

measures to be introduced to ensure the quality of private rental accommodation by

strengthening the applicable standards and improving the inspection and

enforcement systems. The Strategy acknowledged the overall low rates of inspection

of the private rental stock and low rates of compliance, as well as the need for

greater consistency in approach to implementation of the regulations across local

authorities.

The Strategy recognises the need for additional resources to be provided to local

authorities to aid increased inspections of properties and ensure greater compliance

with the Regulations. Provision was made for €2.5 million of Exchequer funding to be

made available to local authorities in 2018 for this purpose, increasing to €4.5 million

in 2019 and €6 million in 2020, with the intention of ultimately achieving a targeted

inspection rate of 25% of rental properties annually by 2021. The number of

inspections undertaken in 2019 was more than double those in 2017. In 2017,

19,645 inspections were carried out, rising to 28,806 in 2018 and 41,018 in 2019.

The number of non-compliant dwellings that became compliant in 2017, 2018 and

2019 was 3,329, 5,466 and 7,145 respectively.


50

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), sets requirements at an

EU level for Member States to improve the energy performance of buildings and to

make an important contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) 2019 regulations were

signed on 29 April 2019.

These new regulations introduce Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) standards for

dwellings. In addition, Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations was amended

as there is a need for more effective ventilation systems with NZEB buildings.

Further draft regulations to introduce infrastructure for electric vehicle charging were

published for public consultation.


51

Goal C - To provide a framework for the sustainable management of water resources from source to sea

New Funding Model for Irish Water

The new funding model for Irish Water, which involves all State funding to Irish

Water in respect of domestic water services being channelled through the

Department’s Vote, continued in operation.

Funding in respect of domestic water services is now being provided to Irish Water

by the Exchequer as voted annually by the Oireachtas having regard to the allowed

revenue determination by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). In

setting the allowed revenue, the CRU distinguishes between the non-domestic and

domestic sectors. The element relating to the domestic sector falls to be funded by

the Department, save for any revenue arising from the excessive usage charge. In

overall terms, some €1.2 billion was required to meet the cost of domestic water

services in 2019 of which €646m related to capital investment and €562m in respect

of operating costs. Payments are processed having regard to receipt and review of

monthly financial reporting packs from Irish Water.

Replacement of Irish Water’s Commercial Borrowings

In April 2017, the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of

Domestic Water Services recommended that Irish Water's current commercial loan

facility be reviewed and replaced, where possible, with State lending facilities by

arrangement with the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). This

followed on from a Government decision in October 2016 that Irish Water's external

debt facilities should be replaced, where possible, with more competitively priced

State funded debt facilities. In 2019, Government decided to replace Irish Water's

existing commercial debt and provision for future borrowings.

Implementation of the Government Decision is underway on a phased basis as

follows:

Phase 1 (completed in December 2019) replaced Irish Water’s existing debt for

the domestic water sector with State equity funding of €758m, as determined by

the Minister and the Minister for Finance, by way of a capital contribution from

the Minister for Finance;


52

Phase 2 is to replace Irish Water’s existing debt for the non-domestic water

sector with a State loan facility, through a Central Fund loan from the Minister for

Finance, and to provide that the Central Fund loan facility will also be available

to Irish Water for future non-domestic sector borrowing requirements, with the

required amount and other terms of this loan facility to be determined by the

Minister and the Minister for Finance; and

Phase 3 is to meet Irish Water’s short-term working capital funding requirements

in the future through a loan facility under the NTMA’s Central Treasury Service,

subject to the necessary legislative amendments.

General Scheme of Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill

The General Scheme of the Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill was approved by

Government and submitted for pre-legislative scrutiny in December 2019. The

legislation is being brought forward to bring Ireland into compliance with the EU

Water Framework Directive and modernise the regime for water abstractions which

is outdated and limited in scope, being based on legislation enacted in 1942 and

1964. The General Scheme provides for a registration, licensing and control regime

for water abstractions. The proposed provisions in the Bill are to be administered by

the Environmental Protection Agency. The General Scheme proposes a risk-based,

three-tier system. The requirements will be graduated and proportionate, based on

the amount of water being abstracted, as follows:

all abstractions will be obliged to abide by General Binding Rules and provide

that an abstraction must be undertaken in an environmentally sustainable way;

abstractions of 25 cubic metres or more per day will be required to register with

the EPA (as is the case currently);

licensing will be required for abstractions of 250 to 1,999 cubic metres per day

deemed by the EPA to be in an area at risk from abstraction, and all abstractions

of 2,000 cubic metres or more per day.

Regulations providing for a system for the registration of water abstractions were

introduced in 2018, with those abstracting greater than 25 cubic metres per day

required to register online.

By the end of 2019, a total of 1,542 abstractions had been registered, with the

greatest number (1,028) being in respect of drinking water. The Bill will establish the

register in primary legislation. The Bill will modernise provisions for abstractions by

Irish Water and by others, and give necessary environmental protections to water

sources.


53

Irish Water Transformation

A programme of transformation is underway with Irish

Water, based on the need to evolve the service over time

and to avail of opportunities for increased efficiency and

effectiveness. Irish Water has proposed fully integrating

its operations and ending the current operational

arrangements for the delivery of water services through

service level agreements with local authorities. The

principle of one single publicly owned national water

services authority is consistent with the

recommendations made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of

Domestic Water Services, and the legislative reforms in the Water Services Acts.

The Minister asked the parties, comprising Irish Water, the Local Government sector

and the relevant unions to engage in a process to work towards the development of

a stable structural and operational framework for the future. This process, assisted

by the Workplace Relations Commission, commenced a series of engagements in

2019 between the parties, and will continue through 2020.

The ultimate objective is to ensure that Ireland has modern and effective systems for

the delivery of water and wastewater services.

Separation of Irish Water from the Ervia Group

In July 2018, the Government decided that Irish Water would become a standalone

publicly owned, commercial, regulated utility separated from the Ervia Group during

2023.

An Inter-Departmental Steering Group was established in February 2019 to oversee

and report to the relevant Ministers on the separation of Irish Water from the Ervia

Group. The Steering Group is comprised of representatives from the Department,

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Department of Finance, Department

of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, NewERA and Ervia including

both Irish Water and Gas Networks Ireland. The Steering Group met on 5 occasions

during 2019.

Since its establishment, the Steering Group has devised a Work Programme and

identified actions across 6 distinct areas such as Legislation/Legal, Organisation,

Governance and Structures, Human Resources, Finance, IT and Facilities, and

Communications. The Inter-Departmental Steering Group will continue, in 2020, to

oversee the implementation of separation.


54

Water Services Asset Transfer to Irish Water

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer, by Ministerial Order,

of the property of a water services authority (a City, County or City and County

Council) to Irish Water. The process requires that any land transferred to Irish Water

must be clearly and unambiguously identified by reference to the Property

Registration Authority (PRA) folio number.

During 2019, one order was made transferring 244 water services asset properties

from local authorities to Irish Water. In total, 15 Ministerial Orders have been made,

from the establishment of Irish Water in 2014 up to the end of 2019, with some 2,638

asset properties having now transferred to Irish Water. The focus has been on the

transfer of larger assets, resulting in assets equivalent to 72% of water supply

capacity and 80% of wastewater treatment capacity being transferred to Irish Water

by end 2019.

Water Use Allowance and Excessive Usage

The Water Services Act 2017 mandated the introduction of charges for the excessive

usage of water services in line with the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas

Committee Report on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services. The

Commission for Regulation of Utilities approved the new excessive usage charging

policy in July 2019, which Irish Water will begin to implement in 2020. The purpose of

charging for the excessive use of water services is to incentivise the fixing of leaks

and the conservation of water.

Every household will have a water threshold allowance of 213,000 litres per year,

with the cost met by the Exchequer. This allowance is generous and is 1.7 times the

average household water use in Ireland. The excessive usage charge has been set

at €3.70 for each 1,000 litres above the threshold, to cover combined water and

wastewater services. Households in receipt of one of these services will pay half of

this amount. A cap of €500 annually is being set on bills, so this is the maximum that

could be charged. Households with five or more residents can apply for an additional

allowance of 25,000 litres per person, and those with a medical need can apply for

an exemption from the charges.

By monitoring annual consumption patterns against the threshold amount, Irish

Water will identify households that appear to be using water excessively.

It is intended that the first notices, as required under legislation, will issue during

2020 based on consumption in the twelve months immediately preceding the notice.


55

Only customers who continue to consume water excessively during the six-month

period following the issue of a notice will be deemed to be using water services

excessively and become liable for charges for excessive use of water services

thereafter. It is estimated that 93% of domestic water customers will not come within

the scope of the excessive usage charge.

Reform of Irish Water charges for connections and non-domestic

customers

A new Irish Water Connection Charging Policy came into effect on 1 April 2019

having been approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. This relates to

the cost charged by Irish Water to connect new developments to the public water

and wastewater network. The new standardised charging arrangements replaced 57

different connection charging regimes and over 900 different charges that were set

by local authorities before Irish Water was established in 2014. Greater transparency

and fairness have been brought to these charging arrangements.

New tariffs for the supply of water and wastewater services to non-domestic

customers of Irish Water were also approved in 2019 by the Commission for

Regulation of Utilities. The new tariffs are set to become effective during 2020.

These customers range from small retail outlets to large manufacturing industries.

The new tariff structure will replace 500 charging rates billed in 44 separate areas

with a new national 4-band charging system. In total, some 183,000 non-domestic

water connections will be subject to the new arrangements.

Revision of Subsidies for Group Water Schemes

In 2019, just over €29.2 million was recouped by the Department to local authorities

for subsidy payments made by them to group water schemes as a contribution to the

domestic element of the group water schemes’ operational and management costs

and towards local authority costs in administering the annual subsidy scheme.

The annual subsidy is an integral part of maintaining and improving the quality and

reliability of rural water supplies delivered through group water schemes. A further

aim is to ensure the principles of equity of treatment and equivalent financial support

equally between households on public water supplies (Irish Water) and those

households that depend on group water schemes for their household water supply

needs.


56

Revised subsidy rates took effect from 1 January 2018. In particular, the revised and

improved rates include a new subsidy with a maximum subsidy of €331 per

household, for small schemes of less than 100 houses that are willing, in the

interests of providing in the long-term a more sustainable water supply to their

members, to progress towards amalgamation and rationalisation with other

schemes.

Reform of the Rural Water Sector

i. Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme

In 2019, the Department recouped just under €11.9 million to local authorities for

capital expenditure across the eight measures of the Multi-Annual Rural Water

Programme 2019-2021 and towards local authority costs in administering the

programme.

This multi-annual funding approach, first introduced in 2016, provides greater

funding certainty for priority investment needs and supports appropriate planning and

sustainable development in rural areas. It also provides a more professional

approach to the management of assets as well as for the amalgamation and

rationalisation of schemes.

Ultimately, it will assist Ireland to fulfil its commitments under the Water Framework

Directive and optimise fulfilment of the drinking water quality requirements of the

Drinking Water Directives in group water schemes on a consistent long-term basis.

ii. Rural Water Working Group

In April 2018, the Minister established a Rural Water Working Group to conduct a

review of investment needs of rural water services.

There is a two-strand approach to the considerations of the Working Group.

In 2018, Strand 1 addressed the composition and distribution of funding for the

Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme for 2019-2021. The recommendations

from the Working Group on the new and improved multi-annual programme to

run to 2021 were made to the Minister in late 2018. Implementation of these

recommendations began in 2019 and will be completed in 2020 when required

legislation related to private individual wells and domestic wastewater treatment

systems is passed. €75 million has been provided under the National

Development Plan for the new three-year Programme.

In 2019, Strand 2 commenced, considering the long-term future governance,

supervision and resourcing of the Rural Water Sector. This work will continue in

2020, with further recommendations expected to be made to the Minister.


57

iii. Geographic Information System (GIS)

A new GIS-based registration system for Group Water Systems was piloted in

counties Mayo and Galway in 2018 and 2019. Further rollout across other local

authority areas is set to take place in 2020.

The new system which contains useful standardised information will aid local

authorities in meeting their obligations to maintain a register of water supplies under

their jurisdiction. Longer-term it will also provide a national overview of group water

scheme activity.

Multi-Annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure

Resolution Programme 2019-2021

Findings and recommendations from the National Taking in Charge Initiative were

included in a report on the initiative that was published by the Department in

December 2018.

The report included guidance on establishing a co-ordinated taking-in-charge

programme to progressively address in a sustainable way the issue of taking in

charge housing estates that include Developer Provided Water Services

Infrastructure i.e. privately owned water or wastewater treatment plants which are

operating in a substandard way. A key recommendation was the establishment of a

multi-annual funding programme to progressively resolve these issues. The National

Development Plan includes provision of €31 million for the period 2018-2021 for

these purposes.

In July 2019, the Department launched the Multi-Annual Developer Provided Water

Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021. Also in July, the

Department invited local authorities to submit their bids for the funding of resolution

projects in their functional areas. Funding and allocations for the first projects to be

approved under the new programme will be announced in 2020.


58

River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021

Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021

(RBMP) was published in April 2018. The Plan,

which was prepared in fulfilment of our obligations

under the Water Framework Directive, outlines the

measures the State and other sectors will take to

improve water quality in Ireland’s groundwater,

rivers, lakes, estuarine and coastal waters over the

period to 2021. The Government aims to protect

and improve water quality in 726 of Ireland’s 4,829

water bodies over this period.

Outlining a comprehensive and ambitious range of

measures for the protection of Ireland’s natural

water environment, some of the key activities

overseen by the Department in 2019 included:

The improvement in waste water treatment with the continued investment by

Irish Water of approximately €1.7 billion in wastewater infrastructure and the

progression of projects in 255 urban areas by the end of 2021.

The work of the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO), on the

identification of pressures on water quality in 190 Areas for Action and the

implementation of mitigation measures and community engagement activities.

The Agricultural Sustainability and Advisory Support Programme. A collaborative

approach between the State and the dairy industry to facilitate improvements in

water quality. This programme consists of 30 Sustainability Advisers promoting

agricultural best practice across the dairy sector.

A Steering Group of stakeholders and international experts responsible for

providing a recommendation on how best to improve fish passage at Parteen

and Ardnacrusha on the River Shannon. The Steering Group will report to the

Minister in 2020.

The development of water and planning guidance for local authorities. This

guidance will help local authorities to consider the risks to water quality during

planning and development decision-making.

Extension of the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems grant scheme to

assist with the costs of septic tank remediation in High Status water areas.


59

A new Blue Dot Catchments Programme to create a network of excellent river

and lake areas.

The establishment of the Waters of LIFE project. Scheduled to run for 7 years

and co-funded by the European Commission, the overall purpose of the project

is to support the implementation of measures to protect and enhance high-status

waters and it will operate as a stand-alone project working in close co-operation

with other RBMP work, i.e. the Blue Dot Catchment Programme.

River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027

The Department is currently preparing the third River Basin Management Plan

(RBMP) for Ireland, to cover the period 2022 – 2027. Now in the third planning cycle,

the timely publication of this plan will advance Ireland’s commitment to the

implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). This plan will provide

a coordinated framework for improving the quality of our waters by describing the

main pressures and activities affecting water status, setting out the environmental

objectives to be achieved up to 2027 and identifying the measures needed to

achieve these objectives.

In accordance with the WFD the Department will engage in public consultation at

three critical phases in the river basin management process. During 2019 the

Department concluded the first consultation on the draft timetable and work

programme for the third cycle.

The consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues in Ireland is the

second consultation in the development of the plan and was published by the

Department in December 2019. In developing the draft consultation document for

publication, the Department gathered initial input from various stakeholders. This

was achieved through bi-lateral engagements, such as meetings with the EPA, The

National Water Forum (An Fóram Uisce) and LAWPRO, and a wider stakeholder

event held in Dublin Castle on 19 November.

The publication of this document in December 2019 put Ireland's WFD timetable

back on track, following a delay in publishing the second River Basin Management

Plan.


60

Climate Change Sectoral Adaption Plan for Water Quality and Water

Services Infrastructure

The Department finalised, with Government

approval, the publication of the Climate

Change Sectoral Climate Adaptation Plan for

the Water Quality and Water Services

Infrastructure sectors. This Plan is part of an

all-of-Government approach to transitioning to

a climate resilient economy. The Plan is an

important first step in ensuring that climate

change is fully mainstreamed into water

policy in Ireland. Presenting an assessment

of key future climate risks, the plan outlines

the adaptive measures available to build a

climate resilient water sector.

Many of the proposed adaptation actions are

already underway. Examples of these

measures include the River Basin

Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021, Irish Water’s forthcoming National Water

Resource Plan and the establishment of the Local Authority Waters Programme.

The adaptation plan will inform the design, resourcing and review of policies and

measures, and provide strategic direction across the water quality and water

services infrastructure sectors.

The Plan is to be viewed as a ‘live’ document and will be evaluated and reviewed to

account for changing science and socio-economic conditions via existing monitoring

mechanisms. This will allow tracking and revision of the sectoral priorities as

adaptation and mitigation efforts are made across the sectors.

Outputs Monitoring Group

The Outputs Monitoring Group was established by the Department in 2018, in

carrying out its role in policy development and financial governance of Irish Water.

The Group monitors progress of the delivery of Irish Water’s Capital Investment Plan

2017-2019.

The purpose of the Group is to ensure that there is a common understanding of the

outputs expected from investment by Irish Water (e.g. in terms of new plants

delivered, water supplies taken off the Remedial Action List, progress on leakage


61

etc.), while respecting the particular statutory roles of the participants in the Group

(namely the Department, Irish Water, the CRU, the EPA and NewERA).

The Group met four times over the course of 2019. Its main focus was to review Irish

Water’s progress against the agreed outputs during the year. This is set out in its

2019 Annual Report, due for publication in mid-2020.

An Fóram Uisce

An Fóram Uisce was established on a statutory basis in June 2018 pursuant to the

Water Services Act 2017. The Forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders to

debate and analyse a range of issues with regard to water quality, rural water

concerns, issues affecting customers of Irish Water and the implementation of the

Water Framework Directive. During the course of 2019, its first full operational year,

An Fóram Uisce provided inputs to a wide range of statutory and consultation

process, including those relating to the Water Framework Directive, Irish Water, the

water environment and regulatory processes under the Commission for Regulation

of Utilities.

Water Advisory Body (WAB)

The Water Advisory Body (WAB) is an

independent State Body set up under the 2017

Water Services Act. The functions of the WAB

are to advise the Minister for Housing, Planning

and Local Government on measures needed to

improve the transparency and accountability of

Irish Water as well as to report quarterly to an

Oireachtas Committee focusing on the

performance of Irish Water on the implementation of its Strategic Funding Plan.

The WAB published its first quarterly report in 2019.

This report included 11 metrics from which the WAB measured the performance of

Irish Water. Subsequent reports will provide updated metrics and focus on various

topics considered important by the WAB in relation to Irish Waters’ performance.


62

Marine Environment

A Marine Environment Section was established in the Department in March 2019,

merging specific functions of the Water and Marine Advisory Unit and the Foreshore

and Marine Environment Unit.

In April work commenced on the second cycle of the Marine Strategy Framework

Directive addressing a revised assessment of the condition of the marine

environment, a determination of Good Environmental Status and setting new

environmental targets. The MSFD Steering Group coordinated this work and it was

issued for public consultation in December.

The Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 was signed into law by the President on 26

December 2019. This Act makes it an offence to manufacture or place on the market

of certain products containing plastic microbeads, including cosmetics, personal care

products and household and industrial cleaning products. It also prohibits disposal

to natural and artificial water systems and networks.

In 2019, the Minister established an independent group of experts to advise and

make recommendations on the process required to extend Ireland’s network of

marine protected areas (MPAs) to report in mid-2020. The group is made up of

experts under the themes (i) Life & ocean sciences, (ii) Economic, social and cultural

perspectives, and (iii) Governance & legislation.

Ireland continued to play a leading role in the OSPAR Regional Sea Convention for

the Northeast Atlantic. Ireland’s chairmanship saw the Commission develop a draft

10-year strategy for adoption in 2020. Ireland also took a lead role in OSPAR work

on the forthcoming quality status report (QSR2023) and on Ocean Acidification. In

November, Ireland hosted the Autumn OSPAR Marine Litter meeting focusing on the

Marine Litter Regional Action Plan.


63

Goal D - To support and enable democratic, responsive and effective local government, effective electoral management and high-quality fire services and emergency management.

Supporting and Developing Local Government

Following the Government decision in 2018 to approve

the papers on Municipal Governance – Districts,

Towns and Electoral Areas, and Local Authority

Structures and Governance, work commenced on

developing an alternative to a boundary alteration in the

form of statutory cross-boundary urban area committees.

The proposed legislation will apply to any area defined

as an ‘urban area’ lying within the administrative area of

more than one local authority that, according to a Census of Population, has a

population of between 1,500 and 100,000 and where the population applicable to

each of the component local authorities’ amounts to at least 15% of the total or 1,500

persons. Urban centres that would immediately meet these criteria are Athlone,

Bray, Carlow, Drogheda, Limerick City, Portarlington and Waterford City.

Provisions establishing Urban Area Committees (UACs) were approved by

Government and included at Committee Stage of the Local Government Bill 2018.

However, the proposal was defeated in the Seanad. A number of issues of concern

were raised in the Oireachtas debate and the provisions have since been reworked

to address those issues. A revised legislative proposal was ready for Government

consideration when the Dáil was dissolved in early 2020.

Work on the alteration between Cork City Council and Cork County Council

continued in 2019. The Local Government Act 2019 was passed, and the legal

transfer took place on 31 May 2019 which assigned part of the administrative area of

Cork County Council to the administrative area of Cork City Council. The local

authorities, along with the Implementation Oversight Group continued to plan for the

transfer of financial responsibility in 2020.

The Local Government Act 2019 also allowed for the holding of plebiscites at the

same time as the Local Government Elections on Friday 24 May 2019 on the

question of directly elected mayors with executive functions for Cork City Council,

Limerick City and County Council and Waterford City and County Council.


64

Limerick was the only local authority of the three to vote in favour of having a directly

elected mayor for its city as the vote was narrowly defeated in Cork and Waterford.

Supporting Gender Balance and Diversity in Local Government

The Department administered a funding scheme to incentivise political parties to field

more women candidates in the 2019 local elections. A separate but related scheme

was introduced to support women running as independent candidates. The

Department also provided financial support to a number of organisations for training

and capacity building of women candidates or those women interested in being

candidates for local elections. In the lead up to the 2019 local elections, the

Department funded ‘Women for Election’ to run a hugely successful social media

campaign promoting the role of councillor for women.

The Department also funded the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) to

mark the 120th anniversary of local government by hosting three events. A pilot

project was launched to facilitate women in rural areas to engage the resources and

training needed for a role in politics. Longford Women’s Link / 5050 North West were

funded to provide training courses and a promotional campaign for women

specifically in rural areas, pre-election. Funding was also provided for the NWCI to

conduct research to build a stronger evidence base in relation to the obstacles and

barriers faced by women. The NWCI commissioned a research project that

commenced immediately after the 2019 local elections, which explored the

experiences of women seeking to enter local politics. The report was launched in

November 2019 and will help inform future policy decisions. A copy of the report can

be found at

https://www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/women_beyond_the_dail_more_women_in_loc

al_government.

The Department also funded the Immigrant Council of Ireland to conduct research

into the experiences of migrant candidates in the 2019 Local Elections. The report is

due to be completed in 2020. A call for funding issued in late 2019 to all local

authorities for initiatives that would work towards the goal of increasing the presence

of women and individuals from diverse backgrounds in local government in 2024 and

beyond. Fifteen proposals were selected from ten different Local Authorities in

December 2019, with the projects to commence in 2020.

https://www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/women_beyond_the_dail_more_women_in_local_government



65

Local Authority Corporate Plans

Preparation of multi-annual Corporate Plans and implementation of associated

monitoring and review arrangements are long-standing features of management

practice in local authorities in Ireland. The Corporate Plan is a local authority’s

strategic framework for action for the duration of the plan (2019-2024). In August

2019, following a consultation process with local authorities and other Departments,

the Department issued new guidelines to assist local authorities when drafting their

Corporate Plans. Role and Remuneration for Elected Members of Local

Independent Review of the Role and Remuneration of Local

Authority Members

In June 2018, Ms Sara Moorhead S.C. was commissioned to undertake an

independent review of the role and remuneration of Local Authority Elected

Members. An interim report was submitted to the Department in November 2018 and

has since been published.

In progressing the review during 2019, the Department surveyed all local authority

elected members and sought financial information from all local authorities. There

was also extensive consultation with individual councillors, councillor representative

organisations, local authorities, political parties and other stakeholders. A desk-

based examination of the remuneration regimes of local representatives in other

jurisdictions was also carried out.

Code of Conduct for Councillors

Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 sets out the ethical framework for local

government and imposes a statutory duty on all in the local government service to

maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest.

The Minister may issue codes of conduct under Part 15 for further guidance or to

help to uphold public confidence in the integrity of the local government system. First

issued in 2004, the Code of Conduct was updated during 2019 to take account of

developments over the last 15 years, such as social media, GDPR, regulation of

lobbying, etc. In reviewing the Code, the Department undertook a statutory

consultation with both the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the

Standards in Public Office Commission, and with councillor representatives and local

authorities.

The updated and revised Code of Conduct for Councillors was published in June

2019. Councillors are required to sign an annual declaration that they have read and

understood the Code and will be guided by its principles.


66

Local Government Finance

The basis for the distribution of Local Property Tax (LPT) to local authorities

remained unchanged in 2019. 80% of LPT was retained locally to fund services and

the remaining 20% was re-distributed to provide equalisation funding to local

authorities with lower property tax bases due to the variance in property values and

density across the country. Local authorities received LPT allocations of €503 million

in 2019

Local authorities also received €86m in funding from the Department to assist with

the additional payroll costs associated with the unwinding of the Financial

Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation and the cumulative effect of

implementing National Pay Agreements up to and including the Public Sector

Stability Agreement.

The Department continued its monitoring and oversight of the financial performance

of local authorities throughout 2019. This included reviewing the key financial

indicators in their financial reports (Budgets and Annuals Financial Statements) and

working with local authorities to address issues impacting on their finances.

Commercial Rates

The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 was passed by the

Oireachtas and enacted on 11 July 2019. The purpose of the Act is to modernise the

collection of rates, which are a vital source of funding for local authorities. It includes

provisions updating collection procedures and facilitating the introduction of rates

waiver schemes.

Directly Elected Mayor with Executive Functions

The Local Government Act 2019

provided for the holding of

plebiscites in Cork City Council,

Limerick City and County Council

and Waterford City and County

Council.

Plebiscites were held in the three

local authority areas concerned on

24 May 2019, the same day as the

local elections and the proposal

was passed in Limerick City and

County Council only.


67

Under Section 44 of the Local Government Act 2019, the Minister for Housing,

Planning and Local Government is required to prepare and submit to the Houses of

the Oireachtas a report with legislative proposals for a directly elected mayor with

executive functions for Limerick, within two years of the plebiscite vote,

An implementation advisory group, comprising representatives of the key

stakeholders in Limerick, particularly the elected Council and management of

Limerick City and County Council, was formed towards the end of 2019. Their role is

to advise on the implementation of the mandate given by the people of Limerick.

Local Government Boundary Alterations

The Local Government Act 2019 was enacted on 31 January 2019 and permitted

the transfer of part of the administrative area of Cork County Council to the

administrative area of Cork City Council. This facilitates further development within a

new City Council boundary, while also incentivising higher density development and

reducing the risk of urban sprawl.

The extended City area now includes Ballincollig, Carrigrohane, Blarney, Glanmire

and Cork airport. The population of the city has increased from 125,657 to 205,000

and the extended area facilitates the Project Ireland 2040 National Planning

Framework targeted rate of growth for Cork city of at least 105,000 more people by

2040.

Local Authority Governance of Ports

Pursuant to National Ports Policy 2013, which recommended that designated ports

of regional significance should be transferred to more appropriate local authority led

governance structures, the Department engaged with the Department of Transport,

Tourism and Sport and Wexford County Council to ensure the successful transfer of

responsibility for New Ross Port to the Council in August 2019.

Local Authority Staffing

There were some 29,174 full-time equivalent posts in local authorities at end 2019.

National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management

The key role of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management

(NDFEM) centres on the development and oversight of local authority provided fire

services. The Directorate has also played a key role in devising and developing all

aspects of emergency management arrangements in Ireland since it was established

in 2009.


68

The NDFEM has supported local authorities in achieving fire safety and consistent

quality fire services for their communities in 2019. Capital funding amounting to

€12.2 million was recouped to local authorities in the course of 2019 for Fire

Stations, Fire Service Equipment and Fire Service Vehicles. Extensive Fire Safety

training programmes were managed and co-ordinated by the NDFEM and delivered

to the Fire Services throughout 2019.

Fire Safety Promotions activities were also managed and co-ordinated by the

NDFEM in 2019, in line with the National Framework Policy document “Keeping

Communities Safe”.

Furthermore, the recommendations of the 2017-18 High Level Fire Safety Task

Force which reassessed fire certain aspects of fire safety in Ireland (arising out of the

tragic Grenfell Tower Fire in London) were progressed during the year.

In relation to Emergency Management the NDFEM prepared a review report on the

severe weather events of 2017/18, which was published in 2019. The report records

the events and the response and identifies learning points to further enhance the

response to major emergencies.

Electoral Management

The Department provided legislative and operational support for the European

Parliament and local elections; a referendum on the dissolution of marriage; and

plebiscites on the direct election of a mayor (in Cork, Limerick and Waterford) in May

2019; as well as for four Dáil bye-elections in November 2019. Ballot Paper

Templates, which enable blind and visually impaired voters to vote independently,

were made available for the first time at the European Parliament and local elections,

the plebiscites and at the Dáil bye-elections.

The European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2019 was enacted to provide

for a new constituency configuration based on electing thirteen members to the

European Parliament at the elections held on 24 May 2019. This was an increase of

two MEPs, in preparation for the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

Over the course of the year, the Department worked closely with the Office of

Parliamentary Counsel and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the

development of the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential

Elections) Bill 2019. The Bill, which proposes to amend the Constitution to provide

for an extension of the right to vote at Presidential elections to citizens resident

outside the State, was published by the Tánaiste in mid-September 2019. A

Referendum Commission was established by order of the Minister on 26 September

2019 to explain the subject matter, promote awareness of and encourage the

electorate to vote at the proposed referendum.


69

The Department made significant progress towards the establishment of an Electoral

Commission for Ireland in 2019. Electoral commissions are public bodies charged

with carrying out several electoral functions. On 17 July 2019, the Government

approved the establishment of an Electoral Commission on a statutory basis which

would bring together these functions in an independent, dedicated public body. It

also approved the drafting of a General Scheme of an Electoral Commission Bill.

This was developed by the Department in the following months and approved by

Government on 17 December 2019. The General Scheme sets out organisational,

governance and accountability structures which provide for an independent Electoral

Commission, which is directly accountable to the Oireachtas.

It provides for the Electoral Commission’s initial remit to comprise existing electoral

functions, including the Register of Political Parties, the Referendum Commission,

the Constituency Commission and Local Electoral Area Boundary Committees.

The General Scheme also provides for a new research and advisory function which

will inform Government and the Oireachtas in their consideration of reform to

electoral law. In addition, a new voter education function would see the Commission

develop the means to enhance participation in our democratic processes.

Further to the approval of the incoming Government, the General Scheme will be

referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local

Government for pre-legislative scrutiny.

Work to modernise the electoral registration process progressed in 2019. This

project will give effect to measures that will lead to a more efficient, user-friendly

voter registration system that will be easier for people to engage with and for

administrators to manage, while also being secure from internal or external

interference.

In December 2019, following an extensive public consultation, details of which can

be found at https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/register-

electors/modernisation-electoral-register-ireland-summary-report, the Government

approved a set of policy proposals to modernise the voter registration process and

the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to the modernisation project.

Further to the approval of the incoming Government, the General Scheme will be

referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local

Government for pre-legislative scrutiny.

https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/register-electors/modernisation-electoral-register-ireland-summary-report



70

The policy proposals included the introduction of a rolling register to be continuously

updated; the use of Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) to verify identity;

introduction of individual and online registration; provisions for data sharing and data

matching; formation of a centralised database; simplification of forms and processes;

pre-registration of 16/17 year olds; provisions for anonymous registration for persons

at risk and for people with no fixed address; and the abolition of the edited register.


71

Goal E - To serve society through the production and communication of reliable weather and climate information to protect life and property and to further enhance Met Éireann’s role as the authoritative voice on Meteorology in Ireland.

Met Éireann has continued to implement its 10-year strategy

“Making Ireland Weather and Climate Prepared” by ensuring the

ongoing maintenance and development of meteorological

infrastructure to meet the evolving requirements of weather and

climate services.

Weather and Climate Services

Met Éireann continued its collaboration with the national

meteorological services of Iceland, Denmark and Holland working

towards a joint implementation of numerical weather prediction

systems on a jointly procured High Performance Computer (HPC). The HPC which

will be procured by the collaboration known as United Weather Centres West will be

operational in January 2023.

The capability and performance of forecasts was enhanced when the Ensemble

Prediction System and the radar precipitation advection scheme both became

operational during 2019.

Met Éireann provided meteorological advice and support to the National Emergency

Co-ordination Group in the lead up to and during 2019’s severe weather events.

The meteorological and environmental monitoring programme at Valentia

Observatory was expanded with the addition of further instrumentation.

Aviation Services

A Met Éireann project to ensure compliance of meteorological services to aviation

with the EU Common Requirements Regulation is ongoing and is scheduled to be

completed in 2020. Designation as Ireland’s Meteorological Service provider for

ICAO Annex 3 services was retained by Met Éireann during 2019.


72

National Flood Forecasting

The Flood Forecast Division of Met Éireann has worked closely with the OPW on

developing a new national flood forecasting system. Met Éireann and the OPW

continued work during 2019 on a project to select the optimal operational fluvial

(river) flood forecast model for the Flood Forecast Centre (FFC), the operational

element of the Flood Forecast Division.

A Communication Strategy for the National Flood Forecast Warning Service has

been developed. The aim of the strategy is to effectively disseminate flood

information to the relevant stakeholders. This has been developed with input from

the OPW and many other stakeholders of the service, including local authority

representatives.

Infrastructure

A Radar Network modernisation project has commenced with a substantial scoping

exercise underway. A number of significant IT projects were completed improving

diversity and resilience of Met Éireann’s infrastructure. These included the migration

to a new virtualised environment, upgrading the backup system for mission critical

systems and the implementation of dual fibre connectivity at Met Éireann’s Glasnevin

location to improve diversity and resilience.

Research

In collaboration with partners, Met Éireann continued to develop and expand its

engagement on research projects to support development of climate services and

aviation services. The Met Éireann Research Call Programme was established in

2019.


73

Corporate Information

Corporate Governance

The Department is committed to the following Governance Principles:

Good governance supports a culture and ethos which ensures behaviour with

integrity, a strong commitment to ethical values, and respect for the rule of law;

Good governance ensures openness, effective public consultation processes

and comprehensive engagement with domestic and international stakeholders;

Good governance helps to define priorities and outcomes in terms of sustainable

economic and societal benefits and to determine the policies and interventions

necessary to optimise the achievement of these priorities and outcomes;

Good governance means developing the Department’s capacity, including the

capability of the leadership team, management and staff;

Good governance means managing risks and performance through robust

internal control systems and effective performance management practices; and,

Good governance means implementing good practices in transparency,

reporting, communications, audit and scrutiny to deliver effective accountability.

The Department’s Corporate Governance Framework, which was devised in

accordance with the Civil Service Renewal Programme, sets out how these

principles are applied and is available on the Department’s website.

Internal Audit

The Department’s Internal Audit Unit completed three internal audits and six audit

reviews/ follow-ups during 2019. The Department’s Audit Committee held four

meetings during the year.

Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty

Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 requires all

public bodies to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human

rights of its staff and customers alike. This responsibility is known as the Public

Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty and is a legal obligation. In 2019, the

Department’s internal working group, continued to address the implementation of our

Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.


74

In this regard an assessment of the Department as an employer was conducted in

November by the Human Resources division.

Irish Language Commitments

The Department remained committed in 2019 to providing services in Irish and/or

bilingually to its customers as set out in our Irish Language Scheme 2017 - 2020,

and to the statutory obligations arising on foot of the Official Languages Act, 2003.

In 2019, the Department translated 113 reports, press releases and policy

documents to Irish. The Department sought submissions on a new Irish Language

Scheme in November 2019.

Freedom of Information & Access to Information on the

Environment

In 2019, the Department received 309 Freedom of Information requests. Of these 88

requests were granted; 98 were part-granted; 70 were refused; 13 lapsed due to the

non-payment of fees; 39 were withdrawn and 1 was transferred. In addition, it

received 14 requests under the Access to Information on the Environment

regulations. Of these 2 requests were granted; 6 were part-granted; 5 were refused

and 1 was transferred.

Quality Customer Service

This Department is committed to providing the highest quality service to all its

customers. Our Customer Charter and our Customer Service Action Plan outline the

standards of service you can expect to receive whether you contact us by phone,

email, letter or in person. The Department aims to resolve all queries within 15 days,

unless there are particular reasons why this cannot be done. In 2019, the

Department received 556 queries to our quality customer service mailbox. An

analysis of queries indicates that 90% of queries were resolved within the 15-day

time-frame.

Details of our Charter and Plan are available on

www.housing.gov.ie/corporate/customer-service/quality-customer-service.

http://www.housing.gov.ie/corporate/customer-service/quality-customer-service


75

1 The remainder of questions were disallowed, withdrawn or transferred.

2 Represents totals from Minister’s and Ministers of State’s Offices.

3 Represents totals from Minister’s and Ministers of State’s Offices.

Parliamentary

Questions 2017 2018 2019

Questions Received 3,575 3,638 3,286

Questions Answered1 3,349 3,307 2,776

Type of Question Answered:

Oral 432 401 411

Written 2,917 2,906 2,365

Topical Issues Debates

185 185 134

Commencement Matters

75 83 89

Representations and Invitations

Representations2 3,946 3,749 3,515

Invitations3 633 1,077 896


76

Human Resources - WELL, Our People Strategy

The People Strategy for 2018-2020, 'WELL', was launched at the

100th meeting of the Department’s Partnership Committee on

12 July 2018. The strategy contains over 50 separate

actions across the four themes/pillars of Wellbeing,

Engagement, Learning & Development and Leadership.

Actions rolled out in 2019 included:

‘Town Hall’ meetings set up as cyclical events with

meetings held in all locations twice a year

Engagement Action Plan formulated in response to the

2017 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey

The establishment of an LGBT+ Staff Network

RÉALTA staff recognition award ceremony held annually

Staff led health and fitness initiatives

Mentoring programme embedded in the organisation

Draft ‘career and capability framework’ App, with links to organisational job

clusters, in development by subgroup of the L&D implementation group

Assistant Principal network launched

Business Partnering embedded in the organisation


77

Staff Numbers

The number of staff serving in the Department at year-end 2019 equated to 782.21

Whole Time Equivalent posts. 168 staff were recruited and promoted through a

variety of different routes in 2019, including internal promotion and open

competitions.

Staff also continued to avail of a range of work/life balance schemes, as set out

below:

Number of staff

Parental Leave 77

Study Leave 33

Work-sharing 96

Shorter working year 79

Career break 11

Carer's leave 4

Training and Development

All staff are supported to avail of development opportunities identified through the

Performance Management and Development System (PMDS), which is used as a

key tool in support of improved organisational performance, with an 81% compliance

rate achieved in 2019.

Our training and development practices assist staff in improving current and future

performance by helping them to acquire the skills, knowledge, and qualifications

required of a competitive workforce.

Under the L&D Priority of our People Strategy we are building capability and capacity

through the provision of relevant and appropriate training across all grades and

Departmental locations.

With our embedded Mentoring programme, we are supporting staff as they develop

critical skills and attributes in the role of an effective mentor & mentee.


78

Support is provided to staff undertaking formal education in subjects relevant to their

work through our Refund of Fees Scheme and dedicated learning structures, and our

Refund of Professional Fees Scheme ensures staff have access to membership of

accredited and professional bodies as required.

In 2019, staff members undertook studies in areas such as housing, law, finance,

statistics, human resources management and economics, areas which have been

identified as priorities for the business needs of the organisation.

Apprenticeships in the Public Sector

The Department is participating in the national

pilot ICT Apprentices, ICT Associate Professional

Software Developer Apprenticeship, and ICT

Associate Professional Network Engineer

Apprenticeship programmes.

The Department is also participating in the

national Public Sector Accounting Technician

Apprenticeship.

Civil Service Financial Management Shared Services

The Department’s planned transition to the Civil

Service Financial Management Shared Services

(FMSS) in 2019 did not take place due to a decision

by the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) to

postpone the FMSS launch in 2018 to allow for a full

system design review to be carried out.

The Department continued its support to the NSSO

for the FMSS project by assisting with the system design review during 2019.

Prompt Payment

In 2019, the Department paid 89.15% of all invoices within 15 calendar days, and

99.16% of all invoices within 30 calendar days.

In respect of the year overall, the Department incurred late payment interest charges

of €742. The value of all late payments as a percentage of all invoiced payments in

2019 was 0.52%. In addition to the late payment interest, compensation costs

amounting to €2,630 were paid in 2019.


79

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Legislative Activity in 2019

Relevant Acts of the Oireachtas in 2019

Local Government Act 2019 (Number 1 of 2019)

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2019 (Number 7 of 2019)

Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 (Number 14 of 2019)

Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019 (Number 24 of 2019)

Microbeads (Prohibition) Act 2019 (Number 52 of 2019)

Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 (Number 47 of 2019)

Citizens' Assemblies Act 2019 (Number 25 of 2019)

Statutory Instruments in 2019

S.I. No. 6/2019 - County of Louth Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts

(Amendment) Order 2019

S.I. No. 7/2019 - County of Wicklow Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts


S.I. No. 8/2019 - County of Meath Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts


S.I No. 12 of 2019 - Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development)

Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 20/2019 - Local Government Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2019

S.I. No. 23/2019 - Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011

(Commencement) Order 2019

S.I. No. 24/2019 - Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2019

S.I. No. 25/2019 - Local Government Act 2019 (Transfer Day) Order 2019

S.I. No. 27/2019 - City of Cork Local Electoral Areas Order 2019

S.I. No. 28/2019 - County of Cork Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts

Order 2019


80

S.I. No. 68/2019 - Referendum Commission (Establishment) Order 2019

S.I. No. 75/2019 - European Parliament Elections Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 76/2019 - Electoral (Amendment) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 77 of 2019 - European Union Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters)

(Amendment) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 81/2019 - Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 (Part 5) Regulations

2019

S.I. No. 104 of 2019 - Housing (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 117 of 2019 - European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2019


S.I. No. 118/2019 - Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations And Expenditure) Act

1999 (Period For Reckoning Election Expenses) Order 2019

S.I. No. 121/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Limerick City East)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 122/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Navan) Order 2019

S.I. No. 133/2019 - Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018


S.I. No. 134/2019 - Planning and Development Act 2000 (Part IIB) (Establishment

Day) Order 2019

S.I. No. 137/2019 - Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 153/2019 - Electoral (Supplement to the Register of Electors) Regulations

2019

S.I. No. 154/2019 - Appointment of Special Adviser (Minister for Housing, Planning

and Local Government) Order 2019

S.I. No. 156/2019 - County of Tipperary Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts


S.I. No. 157/2019 - County of Kerry Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts


S.I. No. 162/2019 - Direct Election of Mayor Plebiscite Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 183 of 2019 - European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings)

Regulations 2019


81

S.I. No. 196/2019 - Elections (Ballot Paper Template) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 214/2019 - Electoral Act, 1992 (Section 165) Regulations, 2019

S.I. No. 220/2019 - European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2019

(Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2019

S.I. No. 235 of 2019 Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development)

(No.2) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 236/2019 - Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 (Commencement)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 263 of 2019 - Building Regulations (Part F Amendment) Regulations 2019


(No. 2) Order 2019

S.I. No. 287/2019 - Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (Prescribed Form) Regulations

2019

S.I. No. 292 of 2019 - European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) (No.2)

Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 308/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Ardee) Order 2019

S.I. No. 309/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Arklow) Order 2019

S.I. No. 310/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Athenry -

Oranmore) Order 2019

S.I. No. 311/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Athlone) Order

2019

S.I. No. 312/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Dundalk -

Carlingford) Order 2019

S.I. No. 313/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Dundalk South)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 314/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Fermoy) Order

2019

S.I. No. 315/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Gorey) Order 2019

S.I. No. 316/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Gort - Kinvara)

Order 2019


82

S.I. No. 317/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Graiguecullen -

Portarlington) Order 2019

S.I. No. 318/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Kells) Order 2019

S.I. No. 319/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Kilkenny) Order

2019

S.I. No. 320/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Limerick City North)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 321/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Limerick City West)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 322/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Midleton) Order

2019

S.I. No. 323/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Portlaoise) Order

2019

S.I. No. 324/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Trim) Order 2019

S.I. No. 325/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Waterford City East)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 326/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Waterford City

South) Order 2019

S.I. No. 340/2019 - Housing, Planning and Local Government (Delegation of

Ministerial Functions) Order 2019

S.I. No. 353/2019 - Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (Prescribed form) (No. 2)

Regulations 2019


(No. 3) Order 2019

S.I. No 355 of 2019 - Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019


S.I. No. 417/2019 - Citizens’ Assemblies Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2019

S.I. No. 418/2019 - European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment and

Habitats) (Section 181 Of The Planning and Development Act 2000) Regulations

2019

S.I. No. 478/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Carlow) Order 2019


83

S.I. No. 479/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Macroom) Order

2019

S.I. No. 481/2019 - Electoral (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 482/2019 - Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Prescribed Forms)


S.I. No. 483/2019 - Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters)


S.I. No. 484/2019 - Referendum Commission (Establishment) (No.2) Order 2019

S.I. No. 510/2019 – Water Services Act 2017 (Commencement) Order 2019

S.I. No. 558/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Cavan County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 559/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Fingal County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 560/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Louth County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 561/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Monaghan County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 562/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Tipperary County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 563/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Meath County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 564/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Wexford County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 565/2019 - Valuation Act 2001 (Wicklow County Council) (Rate Limitation)

Order 2019

S.I. No. 598/2019 - Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies

Act 2016 (Section 4) Order 2019

S.I. No. 644/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Baltinglass) Order

2019

S.I. No. 645/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Cobh) Order 2019

S.I. No. 646/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Piltown) Order 2019


84

S.I. No. 647/2019 - Rent Pressure Zone (Local Electoral Area of Strandhill) Order

2019

S.I. No. 648/2019 - European Union (Citizens’ Initiative) Regulations 2019

S.I. No. 680/2019 - Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 (Property Vesting Day) Order

2019


85

APPENDIX 2: Publications in 2019

The main publications produced by the Department during 2019 are detailed below:

European Parliament Election Results 2019

Referendum Results - 1937 – 2019

Draft National Marine Planning Framework

Marine Planning Policy Statement

Housing Supply Coordination Task Force Returns Q3 2019

Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 - Frequently Asked

Questions

Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 – Note

Cyber Security Strategy 2019 - 2021

Overview of Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme

Homelessness Quarterly Performance Report- Q4 2019

Homeless Report- December 2019

Voting in the 2020 General Election – FAQs

Ministerial Direction - Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and

Economic Strategy 2019 – 2031

"Building a Sustainable Community" – Report on Scoping Exercise for Inchicore /

Kilmainham

Review Report on Severe Weather Events 2017 – 2018

Modernisation of the Electoral Register in Ireland – Summary of the Report of the

Public Consultation

Modernisation of the Electoral Register in Ireland – Report of Public Consultation

Social Housing Construction Status Report Q3 2019

Summary of Social Housing Assessments 2019 (SSHA)

Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Traveller Accommodation


86

Homelessness Quarterly Progress Report Q3 2019

Homeless Report- Oct 2019

Housing Supply Coordination Task Force For Dublin – Report Q2 2019

Conclusions of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on the

Review of the Strategic Housing Development Process - October 2019

Operation of the Strategic Housing Development Process 2017-2019 - Report of the

Review Group September 2019

Homeless Report – September 2019

Water Quality and Water Services Infrastructure - Climate Change Sectoral

Adaptation Plan

National Lottery Funding – 2018

Construction Industry - Be Prepared for a "No Deal" Brexit – FAQs

Local Authority Accounting in Ireland – Code of Practice and Accounting Regulations

- July 2019

Homelessness Quarterly Progress Report (April-June 2019)

Guidance Note for Local Authorities for Regulating Short Term Letting

Report of the Working Group on Short Term Lettings

Resource Efficiency Action Plan

Report of the Expert Review Group on Traveller Accommodation - July 2019

Housing Supply Coordination Task Force for Dublin – Report Q1 2019

Technical Guidance Document L- Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings

Installation and Commissioning of Ventilation Systems for Dwellings - Achieving

Compliance with Part F 2019

Technical Guidance Document F - Ventilation (2019)

Report on the development of cost optimal calculations and gap analysis for

buildings in Ireland under Directive 2010/31/EU on the Energy Performance of

Buildings (recast)- Non-residential Buildings (2019)

Cork Boundary Alteration Implementation Oversight Committee Implementation Plan

Plebiscites for Directly Elected Mayors - Frequently Asked Questions


87

The guide to the plebiscite on a directly elected mayor with executive functions for

Waterford City and County

The guide to the plebiscite on a directly elected mayor with executive functions for

Limerick City and County

The guide to the plebiscite on a directly elected lord mayor with executive functions

for Cork City

Directly Elected Mayors with Executive Functions

Notice of the Minister to Sligo County Council pursuant to section 177AB(3) of the

Planning and Development Act 2000 Re: Registry Reference PL18/210 – Proposed

Upgrading of Lough Talt Water Treatment Plant (IROPI)

Submission to the European Commission pursuant to Section 177AB(5) of the

Planning and Development Act 2000 with respect to the Adoption of Compensatory

Measures as required in Article 6(4) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the ‘Habitats

Directive’) relating to Sligo County Council Registry Reference PL18/210 – Proposed

Upgrading of Lough Talt Water Treatment Plant

Additional Publications from Met Éireann in 2019

Monthly Climate and Weather Statements

Conference proceedings, scientific reports, book chapters and other publications by

Met Éireann staff members:

Gleeson E, Whelan E [editors], Nicole Beisiegel, Frédéric Dias, Eadaoin Doddy,

Lisette Edvinsson, Emily Gleeson, Edward Graham, Ludvig Isaksson, Frank

McDermott, Kristian Pagh Nielsen, Semjon Schimanke, Conor Sweeney, Per

Undén, Jonathan Webb, Eoin Whelan, Liam Woods, ‘MÉRA Workshop

Proceedings’, Met Éireann, 2019-12-15

Clancy C., Daly C., Darcy R., Gleeson E., Hally A., Whelan E. Met Éireann

Updates. ALADIN-HIRLAM Newsletter 12: 67-75, 2019

Peer-reviewed academic journal articles by Met Éireann staff members:

Falzoi, S., Gleeson, E., Lambkin, K., Zimmermann, J., Marwaha, R., O’Hara, R.,

Green, S. and Fratianni, S. (2019), Analysis of the severe drought in Ireland in

2018. Weather, 74: 368-373. doi:10.1002/wea.3587

Blunden, J. and D. S. Arndt, Eds., 2019: “State of the Climate in 2018”. Bull.

Amer. Meteor. Soc., 100 (9), Si–S305,

doi:10.1175/2019BAMSStateoftheClimate.1. Contributions by S. Spillane


88

Frogner, Inger-Lise, Ulf Andrae, Jelena Bojarova, Alfons Callado, Pau Escribà,

Henrik Feddersen, Alan Hally et al. “HarmonEPS – the HARMONIE ensemble

prediction system”, Wea. Forecasting, doi:10.1175/WAF-D-19-0030.1

Emily Gleeson, Colm Clancy, Laura Zubiate, Jelena Janjić, Sarah Gallagher,

Frédéric Dias: “Teleconnections and Extreme Ocean States in the Northeast

Atlantic Ocean” http://hdl.handle.net/2262/86149

Additional Publications from NOAC and WAB in 2019

National Oversight and Audit Commission

Local Authority Satisfaction Survey 2019 - July 20

Local Authority Performance Indicator Report 2018 – September 2019;

Development of the Strategy and Framework Work Programme 2020 – 2022 -

November 2019;

Multi Annual Work Programme 2020-2022 - November 2019;

Public Spending Code Local Authority Quality Assurance Report 2018 –

December 2019.

Water Advisory Body

Water Advisory Body Quarterly Report 1 2019

The Water Advisory Body publishes its reports on its website

www.wateradvisorybody.ie.


89

APPENDIX 3: Public Consultations undertaken in 2019

Public Consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues for the third cycle

River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027

Public Consultation on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) -

Article 17

Public Consultation on the revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines

Public Consultation on the General Scheme of the Housing and Planning and

Development Bill 2019

Public Consultation on the Review of Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of

Fuel and Energy) and European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings)

Regulations

Irish Language Scheme 2020-2022: Request for Submissions

Public Consultation on the Draft National Marine Planning Framework

Public Consultation on the 2019 amendment to Technical Guidance Document C,

1997

Public Consultation on the review of the planning provisions regarding Strategic

Housing Developments

Public Consultation on the additional guidance to Technical Guidance Document B,

2006

Public Consultation on the Marine Planning Policy Statement

Public Consultation on the Draft Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Water

Quality and Water Services Infrastructure

Public Consultation on proposals to modernise the Electoral Registration Process

Public Consultation on a Regulatory Impact Analysis on the Establishment of an

Electoral Commission

Transboundary Environmental Public Consultation on the Wylfa Newydd Nuclear

Power Plant, Anglesey, North Wales, UK

housing.gov.ie

Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil na Roinne

Tithíochta, Pleanála agus

Rialtais Áitiúil 2019

Arna hullmhú ag An Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil

tithiocht.gov.ie

Thuarascáil Bhliantúil na Roinne Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil 2019

2

Clár Ábhar

Ráiteas an Ard-Rúnaí ................................................................................................. 3

Eolas Fúinn ................................................................................................................ 5

Caiteachas in 2019..................................................................................................... 8

Achoimre ar Phríomhréimsí ina nDearnadh Dul Chun Cinn in 2019 ........................ 11

Ár Spríocanna Straitéiseacha ................................................................................... 23

Eolas Corparáideach ................................................................................................ 76

AGUISÍN 1: Gníomhaíocht Reachtaíochta in 2019 .................................................. 82

AGUISÍN 2: Foilseacháin in 2019 ............................................................................. 88

AGUISÍN 3: Comhairliúcháin Phoiblí ar tugadh fúthu in 2019 .................................. 92

Tá leagan Gaeilge agus leagan Béarla den Tuarascáil Bhliantúil (2019) ar fáil ar

www.tithiocht.gov.ie agus ar www.housing.gov.ie

http://www.tithiocht.gov.ie/

http://www.housing.gov.ie/


3

Ráiteas an Ard-Rúnaí

Tá áthas orm Tuarascáil Bhliantúil na Roinne Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais

Áitiúil don bhliain 2019 a chur os bhur gcomhair.

Bhí neart ar siúl in 2019 ó thaobh toghchán de. Bhainistigh an Roinn toghcháin

údaráis áitiúil agus toghcháin Pharlaimint na hEorpa i mBealtaine, agus reáchtáladh

pobalbhreitheanna stairiúla ar Mhéaraí dírthofa i gCorcaigh, Luimneach agus Port

Láirge. Níor vótáil ach muintir Luimnigh ar son Méara dírthofa agus tá próiseas ar

siúl anois chun ullmhúchán a dhéanamh dó sin. Bhí tionchar ag an mBreatimeacht

ar thoghcháin Pharlaimint na hEorpa. Mhéadaigh líon na bhFeisirí de Pharlaimint na

hEorpa atá ag Éirinn ó 11 go dtí 13, mar gheall ar na suíocháin bhreise a bhí ar fáil

tar éis don Ríocht Aontaithe an tAontas Eorpach a fhágáil.

Cuireadh Oifig an Rialála Pleanála (ORP) ar bun le linn na bliana, ar toradh na

mblianta oibre é chun éifeacht a thabhairt do phríomh-mholadh an Bhinse Mahon.

Soláthraíonn an ORP maoirseacht neamhspleách ar an bpróiseas pleanála chun a

chinntiú go gcomhlíontar beartais náisiúnta agus riachtanais reachtacha. Áirítear

leis sin an chumhacht chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na córais agus nósanna imeachta

a úsáideann aon údarás pleanála, An Bord Pleanála san áireamh.

Rinne an Roinn maoirseacht ar thrí Straitéis Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus

Eacnamaíochta a chríochnú, mar chuid d'ordlathas na bpleananna sa Chreat

Pleanála Náisiúnta a foilsíodh in 2018. Clúdaíonn críoch mhuirí limistéar atá 10 n-

uaire níos mó ná méid ár mórchríche. I Samhain, foilsíodh ár ndréacht-Chreat

Náisiúnta maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí chun críche comhairliúcháin. Is plean náisiúnta é

seo a leagann cuspóirí agus beartais phleanála do 16 earnáil éagsúla amach,

fuinneamh, iascaireacht, turasóireacht agus sábháilteacht ar muir san áireamh, don

20 bliain atá amach romhainn.

Tugadh tús áite do thithíocht le linn na bliana arís. Sa cheathrú bliain den phlean

gníomhaíochta Atógáil Éireann, tháinig méadú ar líon na dteaghlaigh a fuair

tacaíocht ó thaobh tithíocht shóisialta de, ó 27,103 go dtí 28,075. Díol suntais ba ea

an méadú ar chéatadán na tacaíochta a bhain le tógáil, a mhéadaigh ó 15.7% go dtí

20.5% den iomlán. Ba í easpa dídine an dúshlán ba mhó a bhí romhainn arís. Cé

gur tugadh áit chónaithe do 5,971 duine fásta agus a gcleithiúnaigh le linn na bliana

(ar méadú 16% é ar 2018), bhí líon na ndaoine i gcóiríocht éigeandála fós ard.

Forbairt thábhachtach le linn na bliana ba ea é Creat Caighdeán Náisiúnta um

Cháilíocht maidir le Seirbhísí do Dhaoine gan Dídean a fhoilsiú. Tá an Creat

bunaithe ar ocht dtéama, lena n-áirítear: seirbhísí duinelárnacha; seirbhísí sábháilte;

agus sláinte, folláine agus forbairt phearsanta. Cinnteoidh sé sin go mbeidh na

seirbhísí a chuirfear ar fáil éifeachtach agus seasmhach.


4

Foilsíodh Plean Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide de chuid an Rialtais le linn na

bliana. Mar chuid den obair a rinne an Roinn ar son an Plean Gníomhaithe a chur i

bhfeidhm, thug an Roinn caighdeáin feidhmíochta isteach maidir le Foirgnimh nach

mór Neodrach ó thaobh Fuinnimh de.

De ghnáth, beidh Rátáil Fuinnimh Foirgnimh (RFF) A2 ag gach teach nua, beidh siad

70% níos tíosaí ar fhuinneamh agus astóidh siad 70% níos lú dé-ocsaíd charbóin ná

leibhéil feidhmíochta in 2005.

Chomh maith leis sin, thug an Roinn aghaidh ar dúshlán an athraithe aeráide ach

Plean Oiriúnaithe Earnála na hÉireann um Athrú Aeráide maidir le Cáilíocht an Uisce

agus Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce.

Ar an dea-uair, ní raibh drochaimsir cosúil le stoirmeacha sneachta ná iar-hairicíní

ann in 2019. Bhí Met Éireann ag obair ar thionscadal nach bhfuil i lár an aonaigh, ba

é sin córas tuair atá bunaithe ar shraith réamh-mheastachán a úsáid. Tacaíonn an

córas leis an réamhaisnéis is dóichí a tharlóidh i measc raon torthaí féideartha a

mheasúnú. Cuireann sé sin feabhas ar chruinneas na réamhaisnéise aimsire.

Ní bheimis ábalta ár spriocanna straitéiseacha a bhaint amach gan comhoibriú

gníomhach ár bpáirtithe ar fud an Rialtais, sna húdaráis áitiúla, inár

ngníomhaireachtaí agus i go leor comhlachtaí eile san earnáil phoiblí agus an earnáil

phríobháideach. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le gach ceann díobh. Glacaim

buíochas ar leith lenár nAirí agus ár bhfoireann as a dtiomantas agus a

ngairmiúlacht le linn na bliana agus, ar ndóigh, le John McCarthy a bhí i gceannas ar

an Roinn ina chéad bhliain iomlán mar Ard-Rúnaí.

Feargal Ó Coigligh


5

Eolas Fúinn

Ár Misean

Is é misean na Roinne tacú le forbairt inbhuanaithe,

agus béim ar leith ar phleanáil straitéiseach, le soláthar

éifeachtúil tithe dea-phleanáilte i bpobail bheoga agus

le bainistíocht inbhuanaithe a dhéanamh ar ár n-

acmhainní uisce, agus le rialtas áitiúil éifeachtach a

chinntiú.

Ár Spriocanna Straitéiseacha

A. A chinntiú go dtacaíonn an phleanáil agus an

tógáil a dhéantar inár réigiúin agus pobail le forbairt inbhuanaithe chothrom;

B. Soláthar seasmhach inbhuanaithe de thithíocht ar chaighdeán maith a chur ar

fáil;

C. Creat don bhainistíocht inbhuanaithe ar acmhainní uisce ón bhfoinse go dtí an

fharraige a sholáthar;

D. Tacú le rialtas áitiúil daonlathach, freagrúil agus éifeachtach, le bainistíocht

éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar thoghcháin agus le seirbhísí dóiteáin agus

bainistíocht éigeandála ar ardchaighdeán, agus iad sin a chumasú; agus

E. Freastal a dhéanamh ar an tsochaí ach faisnéis iontaofa faoin aimsir agus faoin

aeráid a thiomsú agus a scaipeadh chun an bheatha agus maoin a chosaint

agus an ról atá ag Met Éireann mar an nguth údarásach maidir leis an

Meitéareolaíocht in Éirinn a fheabhsú a thuilleadh.


6

Ár Luachanna

Baineann na luachanna atá againn leis na luachanna agus na creataí caighdeán

níos leithne a leagtar amach i gCód Caighdeán agus Iompair na Státseirbhíse, an

Cód Eitice, an Beartas um Dhínit ag an Obair agus Plean Athnuachana na

Státseirbhíse. Déanann siad eolas do gach a ndéanaimid sa Roinn chun freastal ar

an bpobal:

• Iomláine agus gairmiúlacht;

• Feidhmíocht ar ardchaighdeán go seasmhach;

• Oscailteacht agus trédhearcacht;

• Solúbthacht, freagrúlacht, nuálaíocht agus foghlaim;

• Comhairliúchán agus comhpháirtíocht;

• Tiomantas don tsochaí agus do shaoránaigh; agus

• Éifeachtacht, éifeachtúlacht agus luach ar airgead a bhaint amach.

Cuireadh obair na Roinn in 2019 i gcrích trí ocht Rannóg – Pleanáil; Soláthar

Tithíochta; Beartas, Reachtaíocht agus Rialachas Tithíochta; Uisce; Rialtas Áitiúil;

Tacaíocht Chorparáideach agus Ghnó; Met Éireann agus Seirbhís Iniúchta an

Rialtais Áitiúil.

Láithreacha

Tá an Roinn lonnaithe i gceithre phríomhláthair:

• Teach an Chustaim, Baile Átha Cliath D01 W6X0

• Bóthar an Bhaile Nua, Loch Garman Y35 AP90

• Oifigí an Rialtais, Béal an Átha Contae Mhaigh Eo F26 E8N6

• Ceanncheathrú Met Éireann, Glas Naíon, Baile Átha Cliath 9 D09 Y921

Muid agus ár ngníomhaireachtaí

Déantar cuid mhaith den obair a dhéanaimid i gcomhar leis na 31 údarás áitiúil agus

roinnt gníomhaireachtaí ar leith dá dtugtar feidhmeanna rialála, tacaíochta beartais

agus cur chun feidhme a bhaineann leis na gníomhaíochtaí a dhéanaimid. Tugtar

achoimre ar shonraí na bpríomhghníomhaireachtaí sa tábla lastall.


7

[1] Arna leasú.

Comhlacht Duine Cuntasach (Ceann

Oifige) Reachtaíocht Rialaithe[1]

An Bord Pleanála David Walsh An tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000

Gníomhaireacht Airgeadais do

Thithe

Barry O’Leary An tAcht um Ghníomhaireacht Airgeadais

do Thithe, 1981

An Ghníomhaireacht um Thithíocht

agus Pobail Inbhuanaithe

John O’Connor An tOrdú um an nGníomhaireacht um

Thithíocht agus Pobail Inbhuanaithe

(Bunú), 2012

Ervia Cathal Marley An tAcht Gáis, 1976

- Uisce Éireann Niall Gleeson An tAcht um Sheirbhísí Uisce, 2013

- Líonraí Gáis Éireann Denis O’Sullivan An tAcht um Rialáil Gáis, 2013

Gníomhaireacht Bainistíochta

Rialtais Áitiúil

Paul C. Dunne Na hOrduithe um an nGníomhaireacht

Bainistíochta Rialtais Áitiúil (Bunú), 2012

agus 2013

Suirbhéireacht Ordanáis Éireann Colin Bray An tAcht um Shuirbhéireacht Ordanáis

Éireann, 2001

An tÚdarás Clárúcháin Maoine Liz Pope An tAcht um Chlárú Gníomhas agus Teidil,

2006

An Bord um Thionóntachtaí

Cónaithe Príobháideacha

Padraig McGoldrick

(Stiúrthóir Gníomhach)

An tAcht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe,

2004

Oifig Luachála John O’Sullivan Na hAchtanna Luachála, 2001 agus 2015

An Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha

Talún

John Coleman An tOrdú um an nGníomhaireacht

Forbartha Talún (Bunú), 2018

Oifig an Rialálaí Pleanála Niall Cussen An tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt

(Leasú), 2018

An Bord Réitigh Piríte Jack Keyes An tAcht um Réiteach Piríte, 2013

Coimisiún Náisiúnta Maoirseachta

agus Iniúchóireachta (CNMI)

John McCarthy An tAcht um Athchóiriú Rialtais Áitiúil,

2014

Comhlacht Comhairleach Uisce

(CCU)

John McCarthy An tAcht um Sheirbhísí Uisce, 2017


8

Caiteachas in 2019

A. Tithíocht€2,458m

B. Uisce€1,288m

C. Rialtas Áitiúil €211m

D. Pleanáil €68m E. Met Éireann

€28m

Caiteachas in 2019 - €4.053bn

B'ionann ollchaiteachas ar na cúig chlár straitéiseacha de chuid na Roinne agus

€4.053 billiún in 2019, arbh ionann é sin agus méadú 17% ar an bhfigiúr in 2018.

Úsáideadh €92.66 milliún ó fháltais Cánach Maoine Áitiúla (CMÁ) chun cur le

maoiniú Roinne (Státchiste) de €3.961 billiún. D'úsáid roinnt údarás áitiúil na fáltais

sin chun raon clár tithíochta a mhaoiniú. Anuas air sin, bainistíodh caiteachas €646

milliún tríd an gCiste Rialtais Áitiúil in 2019, den chuid ba mhó chun fáltais CMÁ a

chur ar aghaidh chuig údaráis áitiúla.

Bhí caiteachas reatha €1.810 billiún agus caiteachas caipitiúil €2.151 billiún sa ghné

maoinithe Státchiste (€3.961 billiún).


9

A. Tithíocht €1,446m

B. Uisce€664m

C. Rialtas Áitiúil €12m

D. Pleanáil €22m

E. Met Éireann

€7m

Caitheamh Caipitiúil 2019(an Státchiste) €2.151bn


10


11

Achoimre ar Phríomhréimsí ina nDearnadh Dul Chun Cinn in 2019

Atógáil Éireann

In 2019, rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach

arís ar na gealltanais atá i bplean an Rialtais

'Atógáil Éireann - Plean Gníomhaíochta

maidir le Tithíocht agus Easpa Dídine' a chur

i gcrích. Tá an Rialtas leath bealaigh tríd

anois ó thaobh Atógáil Éireann a chur i

bhfeidhm. Go dtí seo, bhí na torthaí os cionn

na spriocanna i ngach bliain den phlean.

Cuireadh go suntasach le soláthar níos airde tithíocht ar fud na tíre, tithe sóisialta go

háirithe. Cé nach mór tuilleadh dul chun cinn a dhéanamh, tá go leor bainte amach ó

thaobh méadú a chur ar sholáthar tithíochta, arb é sin ceann de na gnéithe is

tábhachtaí den Phlean Gníomhaíochta. Tá tithe breise ar na bacáin agus táthar ag

súil leis go mbaintear na spriocanna amach thar shé bliana an chláir suas go dtí

deireadh na bliana 2021.

Bhí na táscairí maidir le soláthar tithíochta an-dearfach arís in 2019:

24,394 teach nua ar fáil lena n-úsáide in 2019 - méadú 14%;

40,252 teach a fuair cead pleanála 2019 - méadú 38%;

agus cuireadh isteach Fógraí Tosaithe le haghaidh 26,237 teach in 2019 -

méadú 17%.

Ní hamháin go bhfuil an soláthar foriomlán ag dul i méid, táthar ag freastal ar na

riachtanais atá ag níos mó dár saoránaigh maidir le tithíocht shóisialta, chomh maith:

Freastalaíodh ar riachtanais tithíochta sóisialta de chuid 28,075 teaghlach nua

faoi Atógáil Éireann in 2019, arb ionann é sin agus 2.5% os cionn na sprice;

Cuireadh ar fáil 6,074 teach sóisialta nua in 2019 trí ghníomhaíocht tógála: 5,771

teach nuathógtha agus 303 teach nua a cuireadh in úsáid ghníomhach arís.

B'ionann é sin agus méadú 26% ar 2018 agus níos mó ná dhá uair os cionn an

toraidh in 2016, an chéad bhliain den phlean gníomhaíochta Atógáil Éireann;

Infheistíodh os cionn €2.4 billiún i dtithíocht in 2019, ar méadú 18% é sin ar 2018.

D'fhonn tacú le cumas údarás áitiúil tithe a sholáthar i gceantair ina bhfuil fadhbanna

soiléire ó thaobh inacmhainne de, mhéadaigh an Rialtas a Chiste um Láithreáin

Seirbhísithe (CLS) go dtí €310 milliún sa tréimhse ó 2019 go dtí 2021, mar chuid de

Bhuiséad 2019.


12

Cuirtear an maoiniú deontais CLS ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla chun oibreacha seirbhísithe

ar an láthair a dhéanamh chun talamh a chur ar fáil le haghaidh tithíocht

inacmhainne. Le linn 2019, ceadaíodh €84m i maoiniú breise ón gCiste um

Láithreáin Seirbhísithe (CLS), ar fiú €310 milliún é, d'údaráis áitiúla le bonneagar a

sholáthar chun thart ar 1,800 teach inacmhainne a chur ar fáil thar 25 tionscadal.

Táthar ag súil leis go mbeidh gairm CLS eile ar siúl in 2020.

Cuireadh tús le tógáil na chéad forbartha ar cíos de réir costais in Éirinn mar chuid

de thionscadal píolótach, arna thacú ag maoiniú deontais CLS, ar Bhóthar Áth na

Sceire, An Chéim. Cuireadh maoiniú ar fáil freisin do na chéad tithe a bheidh ar fáil

faoin Scéim Ceannaigh Inacmhainne nua sa Bhóthar Buí, Contae Chorcaí.

Achtaíodh an tAcht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe (Leasú), 2019 i mBealtaine. Ba é an

phríomhaidhm cumhacht a thabhairt don Bhord um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe

Príobháideacha an srian ar mhéadú cíosa i gCriosanna Brú Cíosa (CBC) a

fhorfheidhmiú.

Soláthar Tithíochta Sóisialta in 2019

Mar gheall ar Atógáil Éireann, tugadh tacaíocht do níos mó ná 500 teaghlach nua

gach seachtain (28,075 sa bhliain ar an iomlán) chun a riachtanais tithíochta a

shásamh. Leagtar amach sonraí faoi thithíocht shóisialta a sholáthar i measc cláir

aonair sa tábla thíos.

Anuas ar na tacaíochtaí tithíochta sóisialta a leagtar amach thuas, cuireadh réimse

tacaíochtaí eile tithíochta ar fáil in 2019, faoi mar a leagtar amach sa tábla thíos.

1 Déanann Tógáil tagairt do thógáil de chuid Údaráis Áitiúla agus Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta,

lena n-áirítear tógáil thraidisiúnta, foirgníocht lándéanta, soláthar mearthógála, athnuachan agus tithe

a sholáthraítear tríd an meicníocht Cuid V.

Modh Soláthair

Toradh 2019

Tógáil1 5,771

Tithe Folmha 303

Éadálacha 2,772

Léasú 1,161

Scéim Cóiríochta Cíosa 1,043

Íocaíocht Cúnaimh Tithíochta 17,025

Iomlán 28,075


13

Tacaíochtaí Tithíochta Breise a soláthraíodh in 2019

91 Aonaid Chóiríochta do Thaistealaithe a Soláthraíodh

3,763 Tithe a Uasghrádaíodh faoin gClár Iarfheistithe

5,971 Líon na nDaoine nach bhfuil gan dídean a thuilleadh

10,011 Deontais a Bronnadh chun cabhrú le Daoine Breacaosta agus Daoine faoi

Mhíchumas chun Cónaí sa Bhaile

Bhí an leathnú suntasach a tháinig ar an gclár tógála tithíochta sóisialta le tabhairt

faoi deara sa tuarascáil ar an Stádas Tógála don cheathrú ráithe in 2019. Ag

deireadh 2019, bhí 11,498 teach críochnaithe, bhí 6,704 á dtógáil agus bhíothas

réidh le 2,603 teach breise a thosú, agus bhí dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ag na cinn

eile trí chéimeanna éagsúla na pleanála, an dearaidh agus an tsoláthair. Ar an

iomlán, ag deireadh 2019, áiríodh leis an gclár 1,916 scéim (nó céim), a chuimsíonn

breis agus 26,000 teach – ar méadú an-substainteach é seo ar na 19,134 teach a

tógadh sa bhliain roimhe sin.

Ar an iomlán, gheall an Rialtas os cionn €6 billiún chun tacú le 50,000 teach

tithíochta sóisialta breise a sholáthar ar bhealach níos tapúla faoi dheireadh 2021.

Déanfar é sin trí chlár tógála (33,500), clár éadála (6,500) agus clár léasaithe

(10,000).

Easpa Dídine

In 2019, d’éirigh le 5,971 duine fásta agus a gcleithiúnaithe gaolmhar a bhíodh gan

dídean tionóntachtaí inbhuanaithe a bhaint amach, ar mhéadú 16% é sin ar 2018.

Ach bhí líon na ndaoine i gcóiríocht éigeandála fós ard agus beidh soláthar réiteach

tithíochta do gach teaghlach gan dídean ina phríomhthosaíocht don Roinn amach

anseo. Tugadh isteach Creat Caighdeán Náisiúnta um Cháilíocht (CCNC) do

sheirbhísí easpa dídine in 2019.

Cinntíonn an Creat go dtugtar aghaidh ar riachtanais na ndaoine gan dídean ar

bhealach níos seasmhaí. Leis an gcreat, déantar iarracht feabhas a chur ar

chaighdeán na seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil do dhaoine aonair, do theaghlaigh agus dá

leanaí a úsáideann cóiríocht éigeandála. Cuireadh an Creat i bhfeidhm go hiomlán i

réigiún Bhaile Átha Cliath agus tá sé á chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnithe ar fud na

tíre, próiseas a chríochnófar in 2020.


14

Leathnaíodh an clár 'Tús Áite do Thithíocht' in 2019. Fuair 172 duine a bhíodh ag

codladh amuigh nó ag úsáid cóiríocht éigeandála ar bhonn fadtéarmach tithe le linn

na bliana.

Ciste Éadálacha

Déanann an Ghníomhaireacht Tithíochta idirchaidreamh gníomhach le bainc agus

cuideachtaí infheistíochta chun tithe atá folamh go príomha atá ina bpunanna a fháil.

Tá sé de chuspóir ag an gCiste Éadálacha imrothlach €70m, anuas ar iasachtaí de

chuid Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta, tacú le thart ar 1,600 teach a fháil lena n-

úsáid mar thithe sóisialta i gcaitheamh na tréimhse go dtí 2021. Amhail an 31

Nollaig 2019, ghlac an Ghníomhaireacht le tairiscintí ar 815 teach.

Íocaíocht Cúnaimh Tithíochta

Ag deireadh Ráithe 4 2019, bhí breis agus 52,500

tionóntacht ghníomhach ann fud fad na tíre a raibh

tacaíocht á tabhairt dóibh faoin scéim ÍCT, 17,025

tionóntacht bhreise ina measc a bunaíodh in 2019.

Cuireadh Seirbhís Aimsitheora Tí na ÍCT do

Dhaoine gan Dídean ar fáil do gach údarás áitiúil

in Eanáir 2018, rud a chuir tacaíochtaí breise ar fáil do theaghlaigh a raibh tithíocht á

haimsiú acu chun tionóntachtaí neamhspleácha a fháil dóibh féin.

Comhpháirtíocht Phríobháideach Phoiblí

Baineadh amach clocha míle tábhachtacha an

Chláir Comhpháirtíochta Príobháidí Poiblí

Tithíochta Sóisialta in 2019, clár a bhfuil sé mar

aidhm aige suas go dtí 1,500 teach a sholáthar i

dtrí bheart. Cuireadh tús i mí Márta leis an gcéad

bheart, ina bhfuil sé láthair i gCathair Bhaile Átha

Cliath, Baile Átha Cliath Theas, Cill Dara, Cill

Mhantáin agus Lú. Tá sé beartaithe go soláthrófar

na chéad tithe i Ráithe 2 2020.

I Samhain 2019, cuireadh tús le tógáil an dara

beart, ina bhfuil 465 aonad thar ocht láithreán i gContae Chorcaí, an Clár, Cathair na

Gaillimhe, Cill Dara, Ros Comáin agus Port Láirge. Tá sé beartaithe go soláthrófar

na tithe sin i Ráithe 2 2021, agus ceann amháin i Ráithe 3 2021.


15

I ndiaidh próiseas measúnaithe a dhéanamh i gcomhar leis an nGníomhaireacht

Náisiúnta Forbartha Airgeadais (GNFA), ceadaíodh na láithreáin don tríú beart i

bprionsabal i nDeireadh Fómhair 2019. Táthar ag súil leis go soláthrófar thart ar 441

teach breise thar shé láithreán i gCathair Bhaile Átha Cliath, Cill Dara, Cill Mhantáin

agus Sligeach mar chuid den tríú beart. Tosóidh an chéim dearaidh in 2020.

Iasacht Tithíochta Atógáil Éireann

Seoladh Iasacht Tithíochta Atógáil Éireann (ITAÉ) an 1 Feabhra 2018. Cuireann sé

ar chumas ceannaitheoirí céaduaire idir aois 18 agus 70 bliain nach féidir leo

morgáiste a fháil ó iasachtóir tráchtála, teacht ar airgeadas inbhuanaithe morgáiste

lena chur ar a gcumas áit chónaithe nua nó athláimhe a cheannach, nó tabhairt faoi

fhéintógáil, laistigh de phraghasraon oiriúnach. Faoi dheireadh 2019, bhí 1,553

iasacht ar a raibh luach díreach os cionn €268.7 milliún tarraingthe anuas faoin

scéim, de réir na bhfigiúirí sealadacha.

An Creat Pleanála Náisiúnta

Tá cur i bhfeidhm an Chreata Náisiúnta Pleanála

(CNP), a seoladh in 2018 mar chuid de Thionscadal

Éireann 2040 (TÉ2040), ag croílár obair na Roinne

agus bhí sé ar cheann de na rudaí ba mhó a bhí

taobh thiar de bearta beartais agus tograí

reachtacha lena mbaineann in 2019. Foilsíodh an

chéad Tuarascáil Bhliantúil do TÉ2040 (2018) an 2

Bealtaine 2019 agus tá sé ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne. Seo a leanas a

rinneadh in 2019:

tacaíocht a thabhairt d'obair leanúnach Bhord Seachadta TÉ2040;

maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar thrí Straitéis Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus

Eacnamaíochta (SRSEanna) a chur i gcrích;

leanúint den Chiste um Athghiniúint agus Forbairt Uirbeach (CAFU) a chur i

bhfeidhm; agus

dul chun cinn a dhéanamh maidir le bunú agus obair na Gníomhaireachta

Forbartha Talún (GFT) agus Oifig an Rialála Pleanála (ORP).

An Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún

Bunaíodh an Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún (an GFT) i Meán Fómhair 2018 trí

Ordú faoin Acht um Sheirbhísí Rialtais Áitiúil (Comhlachtaí Corpraithe), 1971, ar

feitheamh go bhforbrófar reachtaíocht ar leith chun an Ghníomhaireacht a bhunú ar

bhonn reachtúil.


16

Cheadaigh an Rialtas Scéim Ghinearálta don Bhille um an nGníomhaireacht

Forbartha Talún, lena mbunófar an GFT mar comhlacht tráchtála Stáit, lena fhoilsiú,

lena bhreithniú le haghaidh scrúdú réamh-reachtach agus le dréachtú tosaíochta in

Iúil 2019. Bhí an próiseas scrúdaithe réamh-reachtach ar siúl san fhómhar in 2019

agus fuair an Roinn tuarascáil an Choiste i Nollaig 2019.

Roimh dheireadh na bliana, bhí rochtain ag an GFT ar sciar thosaigh ina raibh 9

láithreán ar fud na tíre. Sa ghearrthéarma, tá deis ann go soláthrófar 3,600 teach

nua ar na láithreáin sin.

I ndiaidh próiseas earcaíochta oscailte, ceapadh John Coleman ina POF buan ar an

GFT. Lean an ghníomhaireacht d'fhorbairt a dhéanamh ar a cumas eagraíochtúil ach

baill foirne ag a bhfuil na scileanna riachtanacha chun a príomhchuspóirí a bhaint

amach sna chéad chúpla bliain eile a earcú ar bhonn leanúnach.

Oifig an Rialálaí Pleanála

Moladh i dTuarascáil Deiridh Bhinse Mahon go mbunófaí Rialálaí Pleanála

neamhspleách chun tacú le nuachóiriú an chórais phleanála agus chun muinín agus

trédhearcacht a fheabhsú. Cuireadh Oifig an Rialálaí Pleanála (ORP) ar bun in

Aibreán 2019 de bhun an Achta um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Leasú), 2018.

Thug an tAcht bonn reachtúil don ORP trí phríomhfheidhm a chur i gcrích:

1. Measúnú neamhspleách a dhéanamh ar phleanáil chun cinn na n-údarás áitiúil

agus na dtionól réigiúnach go léir, pleananna forbartha, pleananna limistéir

áitiúil, straitéisí réigiúnacha spásúlachta agus eacnamaíochta san áireamh;

2. Scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na córais agus nósanna imeachta a úsáideann aon

údarás pleanála, An Bord Pleanála san áireamh, chun aon cheann dá

bhfeidhmeanna pleanála a fheidhmiú, lena n-áirítear measúnú a dhéanamh ar

rioscaí a bhaineann le míriarachán nó éillitheacht; agus

3. Cláir náisiúnta taighde, oiliúint, oideachas agus faisnéise poiblí a spreagadh.

An Scéim Ceannaigh Inacmhainne agus an Ciste um Láithreáin

Seirbhísithe

Tugadh Cuid 5 d'Acht na dTithe (Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha), 2009 i bhfeidhm le linn

2018 chun an creat dlíthiúil a sholáthar le haghaidh Scéim nua Ceannaigh

Inacmhainne a sheachadadh. D'fhorbair údaráis áitiúla Scéimeanna Tosaíochta in

2019 i dtaca le tithe ceannaigh inacmhainne a dhíoladh. Is é an cuspóir atá ag

Scéim Tosaíochta ná na socruithe ceannaigh inacmhainne a leagan amach ag

leibhéal údaráis áitiúil.


17

Áirítear leis sin an mhodheolaíocht a úsáidfidh údaráis áitiúla chun ord tosaíochta a

shocrú, ord tosaíochta a ndéanfar teaghlaigh incháilithe a dhéanann iarratas ar

theach a cheannach faoin scéim a chur in ord tosaíochta dá réir.

Chun tacú le cumas údarás áitiúil níos mó tithe inacmhainne a sholáthar áit a bhfuil

fadhb shoiléir ó thaobh inacmhainne de, mhéadaigh an Rialtas an Ciste um

Láithreáin (CLS) go dtí €310 milliún mar chuid de Bhuiséad 2019. Cuirtear an

maoiniú deontais CLS ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla chun oibreacha seirbhísithe ar an

láthair a dhéanamh chun talamh a chur ar fáil le haghaidh tithíocht inacmhainne. Go

dtí deireadh 2019, rinneadh dhá ghairm ar thograí faoin CLS. Ceadaíodh maoiniú

arbh fhiú €127 milliún é dá mbarr chun tacú le 35 tionscadal i 14 cheantar údaráis

áitiúil. Leithdháiltear an t-airgead le haghaidh oibreacha bonneagair ar láithreáin

chun tacú le beagnach 3,200 teach a sholáthar faoin Scéim Ceannaigh

Inacmhainne.

Cíos de réir Costais

Bheadh Cíos de réir Costais ina chineál nua tionóntachta cíosa in Éirinn. Is éard atá i

gceist leis ná tithe a gclúdaíonn an cíos a ghearrtar ina leith an costas a bhaineann

leis na tithe a sheachadadh, a bhainistiú agus a chothabháil. De ghnáth, bheadh

cíos de réir costais níos ísle ná cíosanna brabúis. Déantar costais talún agus

costais eile a íoslaghdú agus faightear maoiniú ar an ráta is iomaíche. Dá bharr sin,

is féidir tithe inacmhainne ar cíos a sheachadadh ar thalamh faoi úinéireacht phoiblí.

I Meitheamh 2019, thionóil an tAire Grúpa Oibre Idir-rannach maidir le Cíos de réir

Costais. Tugadh le chéile ionadaithe na Ranna Rialtais agus na nGníomhaireachtaí

Stáit chun tacú le cur chuige beartais náisiúnta a fhorbairt i leith Cíos de réir Costais

a thabhairt isteach in Éirinn.

Cuireadh tús in Iúil 2019 le forbairt phíolótach ar Bhóthar Áth na Sceire, An Chéim.

Tacaítear leis an bhforbairt ag deontas ón gCiste um Láithreáin Seirbhísithe. Chomh

maith leis sin, thacaigh an Roinn le roinnt tionscadal Cíos de réir Costais eile a chur

ar aghaidh, lenar áiríodh forbairt de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath ar

Bhóthar Emmet in Inse Chór agus forbairt in aice le Caisleán Sheangánaí i

Seanchill, a bhfuil dul chun cinn á dhéanamh air mar comhfhiontar idir an

Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún agus Comhairle Contae Dhún Laoghaire-Ráth an

Dúin.


18

Met Éireann

Anuas ar thionscadail leanúnacha chun córais faireacháin agus réamhaisnéise

meitéareolaíochta a fhorbairt, cuireadh an Córas Tuair nua atá bunaithe ar shraith

réamh-mheastachán i bhfeidhm in 2019 agus seoladh tionscadal chun an Líonra

Náisiúnta Radair a uasghrádú. Leathnaíodh an clár faireacháin meitéareolaíochta

agus comhshaoil ag Réadlann Dhairbhre agus cuireadh ionstraimíocht bhreise

isteach.

I gcaitheamh na bliana 2019, cuireadh roinnt tionscadail shuntasacha TF i gcrích,

lenar áiríodh an t-aistriú chuig timpeallacht fhíoraithe nua, an córas cúltaca do

chórais thar a bheith tábhachtach a uasghrádú agus nasc deshnáithín

leathanbhanda a chur i bhfeidhm ag láithreán Met Éireann i nGlas Naíon chun

feabhas a chur ar éagsúlacht agus athléimneacht.

D'fhorbair foireann na Rannóige Réamhaisnéise Tuile Straitéis Chumarsáide don

tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Réamhaisnéise agus Rabhaidh Tuile, i gcomhar le hOifig na

nOibreacha Poiblí agus go leor páirtithe leasmhara eile. Leagtar amach sa Straitéis

sin na modhanna a bheartaítear a úsáid le comhairle agus fógraí maidir le

réamhaisnéis tuile a scaipeadh ar gach páirtí leasmhara na seirbhíse.

Príomhfhorbairtí maidir le Rialtas Áitiúil

I mBealtaine 2019, cuireadh pobalbhreitheanna ar siúl ar thograí Rialtais go mbeadh

méaraí dírthofa ann a mbeadh feidhmeanna feidhmiúcháin acu i gCathair Chorcaí,

Cathair agus Contae Luimnigh agus Cathair agus Contae Phort Láirge. Vótáladh ar

son an togra i gCathair agus Contae Luimnigh ach diúltaíodh dó i gCathair Chorcaí

agus Cathair agus Contae Phort Láirge.

Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide

Foilsíodh Plean Gníomhaíochta Uile-Rialtais maidir leis an nGéarchéim Aeráide an 3

Meitheamh 2019. Leagtar amach ann gníomhartha thar gach earnáil sa tsochaí a

chinnteoidh go mbainfear amach na gealltanais 2030 i leith na haeráide, rud a

chuirfimid ar an mbóthar ceart le hastaíochtaí atá neodrach ó thaobh carbóin de faoi

2050.

Tá príomhról ag an Roinn maidir le creat rialála a chruthú agus tacaíocht a thabhairt

do Ghníomhú ar son na hAeráide.In 2019, chuir sí roinnt gníomhartha i gcrích, lenar

áiríodh caighdeáin feidhmíochta le haghaidh Foirgnimh nach mór Neodrach ó thaobh

Fuinnimh de d'áiteanna cónaithe nua.


19

Ag leibhéal na pleanála ceantair, cuireann an Roinn comhairle ar fáil maidir le

forbairt dhlúth uirbeach, rud a dhéanann éascaíocht ar iompar poiblí, téamh ceantair

agus dlús níos airde tithíochta tríd an Creat Pleanála Náisiúnta a chur i bhfeidhm. Ag

an leibhéal náisiúnta, tá an Roinn ag cumasú fuinneamh in-athnuaite ar muir agus

ar tír.

Plean Oiriúnaithe Earnála um Athrú Aeráide maidir le Cáilíocht an

Uisce agus Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce

I nDeireadh Fómhair 2019, tar éis cead a fháil ón Rialtas, d'fhoilsigh an tAire an

Plean Oiriúnaithe Earnála um Athrú Aeráide maidir le Cáilíocht an Uisce agus

Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce. Cuirtear ar fáil sa phlean sin measúnú ar na

príomhrioscaí a bheidh ann ó thaobh na haeráide de, agus leagtar amach ann na

bearta oiriúnaitheacha atá ar fáil chun athléimneacht in aghaidh thionchair an

athraithe aeráide agus imeachtaí a bhaineann le haimsir a chothú.

Astarraingtí Uisce a Cheadúnú agus a Rialú

Cuireadh Scéim Ghinearálta Bhille na Timpeallachta Uisce (Astarraingtí) faoi bhráid

an Oireachtais le haghaidh scrúdú réamh-reachtach i Nollaig 2019. Táthar ag súil

leis go bhfoilseofar an Bhille in 2020. Déanfaidh an Bille sin foráil d'astarraingtí as

uisce dromchla agus screamhuisce a rialú agus a cheadú.

Clár Uisce Tuaithe Ilbhliantúil 2019-2021

Tá an dara timthriall den Chlár Uisce Tuaithe Ilbhliantúil, a chuireann tacaíochtaí

maoinithe chaipitiúil ar fáil do sheirbhísí uisce i gceantair thuaithe, ar siúl ó 2019 go

dtí 2021.

Lorgaíodh tograí maidir le maoiniú caipitil le haghaidh tionscadail aonair go luath in

2019. I ndiaidh próiseas measúnaithe, ceadaíodh maoiniú do 621 tionscadal faoi

sheacht mbeart infheistíochta eagsúla, ar fiú €54,346,715 ar an iomlán iad. Tacóidh

an maoiniú seo atá á chur ar fáil trí údaráis áitiúla den chuid is mó, le feabhsúcháin

bhonneagair do Ghrúpscéimeanna Uisce i gceantair thuaithe. Tá an infheistíocht

chaipitiúil á cur ar fáil faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2018-2027.

Clár Ilbhliantúil um Réitigh arna Soláthar ag Forbróirí maidir le

Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce 2019-2021

Seoladh an Clár Ilbhliantúil um Réitigh arna Soláthar ag Forbróirí maidir le

Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce in Iúil 2019 nuair a d'iarr an Roinn ar údaráis áitiúla a

dtairiscintí a chur isteach chun maoiniú a fháil do thionscadail ina limistéir riaracháin.


20

Tá soláthar €31 milliún don tréimhse 2018-2021 sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta chun

aghaidh a thabhairt ar chórais seirbhíse fuíolluisce arna soláthar ag forbróiri nach

bhfuil leordhóthanach. Fógrófar leithdháiltí ar na chéad tionscadail a fhaomhfar faoin

gclár nua in 2020.

Beartas Pleanála Muirí agus Bainistíocht Forbartha Urthrá

I Samhain 2019, d'fhoilsigh an Rialtas an chéad Ráiteas Polasaí ar Phleanáil Mhuirí

(RPPM) de chuid na hÉireann agus dréacht-Chreat Náisiúnta maidir le Pleanáil

Mhuirí (CNPM).

Tá an Ráiteas Polasaí ar Phleanáil Mhuirí ag feidhmiú in éineacht leis an Ráiteas

Polasaí Pleanála 2015 a bhfuil mar bhonn agus mar thaca ag oibriú an chórais

phleanála talún ar fad in Éirinn. Bainfidh sé le gach gné den phleanáil mhuirí.

Is plean náisiúnta do limistéar muirí na hÉireann é an dréacht-Chreat Náisiúnta

maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí ina leagtar amach conas a úsáidfear ár mara, a chosnófar

iad agus a bhainfear tairbhe astu thar shaolré 20 bliain. Nuair a ghlacfar leis, beidh

an CNPM ar bharr ordlathas pleananna agus beartas earnála don limistéar muirí.

Oibríonn an Roinn réimeas toilithe i dtaca le forbairtí agus gníomhaireachtaí ar urthrá

an Stáit. Fuarthas thart ar dhá iarratas is tríocha ar thoiliú in 2019 le haghaidh réimse

tionscadal agus gníomhaíochtaí.

Reachtaíocht Mhuirí

De bhun comhairle dlí a fuarthas maidir leis an mBille um Limistéar Mara agus

Urthrá (Leasú), cheadaigh an Rialtas cur chuige a ndearnadh athrú ó bhun air i leith

toiliú muirí a athleasú i Márta 2019. Is é aidhm an Bhille um Phleanáil agus

Bainistíocht Forbartha Muirí córais chuimsitheacha iomlánaíocha a chur i bhfeidhm

maidir le toiliú stáit agus bainistíocht forbartha don limistéar muirí ar fad, agus é sin i

gcomhthéacs an Chreata Náisiúnta maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí.

Tá an reachtaíocht á forbairt faoi choimirce an Ghrúpa Stiúrtha um Reachtaíocht

Mhuirí, a ndéanann Roinn an Taoisigh cathaoirleacht air, agus i gcomhar dlúth leis

an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil i dtaca le

roinnt earnálacha, fuinneamh inathnuaite ar muir go háirithe. Cheadaigh an Rialtas

Scéim Ghinearálta deiridh an Bhille ar an 17 Nollaig 2019 agus cuireadh tús le

dréachtú an téacs dhlíthiúil.


21

Bainistíocht Toghcháin

Bhí toghcháin údaráis áitiúil agus toghcháin Pharlaimint na

hEorpa, reifreann ar scaoileadh pósta agus

pobalbhreitheanna ar mhéaraí dírthofa (i gCorcaigh,

Luimneach agus Port Láirge) ar siúl an 24 Bealtaine 2019.

Bhí ceithre chorrthoghchán Dála ar siúl an 29 Samhain

2019. Cuireadh Teimpléid le haghaidh Páipéar Ballóide, a

chuireann ar chumas vótálaithe dalla agus lagamhairc vóta

a chaitheamh go neamhspleách, ar fáil den chéad uair ag

na Toghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus na toghcháin áitiúla, na

pobalbhreitheanna agus na corrthoghcháin.

Achtaíodh an tAcht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa (Leasú), 2019 chun

foráil a dhéanamh do chumraíocht nua na dtoghcheantar bunaithe ar thrí fheisire

déag (aon fheisire déag roimhe sin) a thoghadh ar Pharlaimint na hEorpa ag na

toghcháin ar an 24 Bealtaine 2019, agus forálacha teagmhasachta ann le moill ar

aistarraingt na Ríochta Aontaithe ón Aontas Eorpach a chur san áireamh.

Príomhghealltanas i gClár an Rialtais ba ea é Coimisiún Toghcháin d'Éirinn a chur ar

bun. Glacfaidh Coimisiún den chineál sin cur chuige níos comhtháite i leith réimse

leathan próiseas toghcháin a bhainistiú in Éirinn. Cheadaigh an Rialtas bunú

Coimisiún Toghcháin reachtúil in Iúil 2019 cheadaigh sé agus Scéim Ghinearálta an

Bhille um Choimisiún Toghcháin in Nollaig 2019.

Ullmhacht don Bhreatimeacht

In 2019, lean an Roinn ag ullmhú d'imeacht na Ríochta Aontaithe ón Aontas

Eorpach, cibé acu le margadh nó gan mhargadh a d'fhágfadh sí. Leagadh béim ar

na Rialacháin maidir le Táirgí Foirgníochta. Tugadh faoi for-rochtain agus

cumarsáide leis an earnáil chun feasacht a ardú ar thionchair an Bhreatimeachta ar

ghnó. Cuireadh roinnt seimineár ar siúl ag Teach an Chustaim chun tacú leis an

earnáil a ullmhú don Bhreatimeacht. Rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach maidir le

Comhlachtaí dá dTugtar Fógra atá lonnaithe in Éirinn a cheadú le dul in ionad

comhlachtaí dá dtugtar fógra atá lonnaithe sa Ríocht Aontaithe le haghaidh marcáil

CE faoi na Rialacháin maidir le Táirgí Foirgníochta. Ghlac an Oifig Náisiúnta um

Rialú Foirgníochta bearta chun aonad nua a chur ar bun chun faireachas margaidh a

lárú i ndiaidh an Bhreatimeachta chun maoirseacht náisiúnta uileghabhálach a

chumasú.


22

Gradaim Feabhais agus Nuálaíochta na Státseirbhíse

Ar aon dul le cuótaí do Ghradaim Feabhais agus Nuálaíochta na Státseirbhíse 2019,

chuir an Roinn ceithre iontráil isteach lena mbreithniú ag Gradaim Feabhais agus

Nuálaíochta na Státseirbhíse i Samhain 2019. Dá bharr sin, tá páirt glactha ag an

Roinn sna Gradaim gach bliain ó seoladh iad.

Forbairtí TFC

Sheol an tAonad TFC agus Met Éireann Straitéis TFC nua 2019-2022. Tacaíonn an

chomhstraitéis TFC le Ráiteas Straitéise na Roinne 2017-2020 agus Plean

Straitéiseach Met Éireann 2017-2027.

Chomh maith leis sin, d'fhoilsigh an Roinn Straitéis Chibearshlándála 2019-2021

chun ár gcórais a chosaint agus cibear-athléimneacht a chothú.Lean an Roinn ar

aghaidh an tionscnamh Tógáil le Roinnt a rolladh amach. D'éirigh le córas

bainistíochta doiciméad nua, eDocs, a chur i gcrích den chuid ba mhó in 2019.

Chruthaigh aonad CFG na Roinne 'Story Maps' le haghaidh tionscadal faoin gCiste

Bonneagair Áitiúil um Sheachadadh Tithíochta a Ghníomhachtú (an CBÁSTG) agus

Mórshuíomhanna Forbartha Tithíochta Uirbí (MSFTUanna). Tugann 'Story Maps'

téacs, grianghraif agus físeáin le chéile le mapaí saincheaptha chun eispéireas

úsáideoirí idirghníomhach a chruthú. Is féidir é a fheiceáil ar

[https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/87cc342bff20462bb896087b0ce16215].

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/87cc342bff20462bb896087b0ce16215


23

Sprioc A - A chinntiú go dtacaíonn an phleanáil agus an

tógáil a dhéantar inár réigiúin agus pobail le forbairt

inbhuanaithe chothrom

An Creat Pleanála Náisiúnta

Tá cur i bhfeidhm an Chreata Náisiúnta Pleanála (CNP), a seoladh in 2018 mar

chuid de Thionscadal Éireann 2040 (TÉ2040), ag croílár obair na Roinne agus beidh

sé ar cheann de na rudaí is mó a bheidh taobh thiar de bearta beartais agus tograí

reachtacha lena mbaineann, de réir mar is gá, sna blianta amach romhainn. Le

Tionscadal Éireann 2040, thug an Rialtas le fios go raibh sé de rún aige meon an

phobail a léiriú agus droim láimhe a thabhairt do phátrúin forbartha bunaithe ar

shraoilleáil uirbeach atá ann agus cuir chuige i leith forbartha a ghlacadh atá níos

dlúithe, níos inbhuanaithe agus dírithe níos mó ar an bpobal. Tá fás dlúth liostaithe

mar an chéad cheann de na Torthaí agus Tosaíochtaí Straitéiseacha sa Chreat

Pleanála Náisiúnta agus tá tionscnaimh éagsúla chumasúcháin curtha ar bun chun

tacú le forbairtí eile inbhuanaithe agus dlútha ár gCathracha, Bailte agus

sráidbhailte. Cuirfidh sé sin le luach áiteanna agus cruthóidh sé áiteanna níos

tarraingtí le cónaí agus le hobair a dhéanamh iontu, fad a aistrítear chuig comhshaol

atá iomaíoch, ísealcharbóin, athléimneach i leith na haeráide agus níos inbhuanaithe

ó thaobh an chomhshaoil de.

Foilsíodh an chéad Tuarascáil Bhliantúil do TÉ2040 2 an 2 Bealtaine 2019 agus tá

sé ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne. I measc na dtosaíochtaí a bhí ag an Roinn

chun dul ar aghaidh a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm an CNP in 2019, tugadh

tacaíocht do bhunú Bhord Seachadta PI2040, rinneadh maoirseacht ar an dul chun

cinn maidir le trí Straitéis Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus Eacnamaíochta

(SRSEanna) a ullmhú, leanadh den Chiste um Athghiniúint agus Forbairt Uirbeach

(CAFU) a chur i bhfeidhm, agus rinneadh dul chun cinn maidir leis an

nGníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún (GFT) agus Oifig an Rialtóra Pleanála (ORP) a

bhunú agus a chur ag obair.

Soláthraíodh na bearta sin, atá mar bhonn agus mar thaca ag spriocanna

straitéiseacha an CNP, ar fad in 2019 agus tá creat cuimsitheach i bhfeidhm anois

chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh maidir le feidhmiú sa chéad trí bliana eile.

Déanann Ard-Rúnaí na Roinne agus Ard-Rúnaí na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus

Athchóirithe comhchathaoirleacht ar Bhord Seachadta TÉ2040, ar a bhfuil Ard-

Rúnaithe na bpríomhranna ó thaobh caiteachas caipitiúil de.

Lean an Roinn de thacaíocht a thabhairt do Bhord Seachadta TÉ2040 in 2019 agus

de theagmháil a dhéanamh le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara. Bhuail an Bord le chéile

go rialta le linn na bliana chun monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar dhul chun cinn maidir

le feidhmiú agus chun a chinntiú go ndéantar dul chun cinn éifeachtach.


24

Áiríodh leis sin Straitéisí Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus Eacnamaíochta

(SRSEanna) a bheith curtha le chéile ag na trí Thionól Réigiúnacha. Thacaigh an

Roinn leis na Tionóil Réiteach le linn an phróisis ullmhúcháin agus cuireadh na

SRSEanna i gcrích le linn 2019. Foilsíodh Straitéis Thionóil Réigiúnach an Oirthir

agus Lár Tíre ar an 28 Meitheamh 2019. Ghlac Tionól Réigiúnach an Tuaiscirt agus

an Iarthair agus Tionól Réigiúnach an Deiscirt a Straitéisí i Nollaig 2019 lena

bhfoilsiú sa mhí ina dhiaidh sin. Tá cur síos níos mionsonraithe ar an gCreat

Pleanála Náisiúnta ag an leibhéal réigiúnach sna Straitéisí.

Le críochnú na Straitéisí, táthar ábalta tús a chur leis an bpróiseas chun pleananna

forbartha contae agus cathrach a athbhreithniú agus a nuashonrú lena chinntiú go

bhfuil comhordú agus comhsheasmhacht ann idir na leibhéil phleanála náisiúnta,

réigiúnacha agus áitiúla. Cuireadh tús leis an bpróiseas sin in 2019.

Cuireadh tús le hobair in 2019 chun na Treoirlínte d'Údaráis Phleanála maidir le

Pleananna Forbartha a nuashonrú, chun bonn a chur faoi athbhreithniú agus

nuashonrú na bpleananna forbartha contae agus cathrach. Rinneadh dul chun cinn

maith le linn 2019 ar na Dréacht-Treoirlínte maidir le Pleananna Forbartha agus tá

neart oibre déanta cheana féin. Is é an aidhm Dréacht-Treoirlínte a fhoilsiú le

haghaidh comhairliúchán poiblí in 2020. Anuas air sin, i gcomhar leis an Rannóg

Tithíochta, rinneadh dul chun cinn in 2019 ar an obair chun modheolaíocht do

Mheasúnú Éilimh agus Riachtanais Tithíochta (MÉRT) a fhorbairt agus a fhoilsiú.

Críochnófar an obair sin in 2020.

Tacóidh na SRSEanna agus forbairt na dtreoirlínte sin le prionsabail na an fháis

chomhdhlúite a chur i bhfeidhm, mar a leagtar amach sa CNP, ar leibhéal réigiúnach

agus leibhéal áitiúil an déanta phleanála. Ar deireadh thiar thall, beidh tionchar ag an

gcur chuige seo faoi stiúir plean ar shuíomh agus cineál na forbartha a bheidh ar siúl

ar fud na tíre. Anuas air sin, chuir an Institiúid Taighde Eacnamaíochta agus

Sóisialta, thar ceann na Roinne, tús le taighde a bhaineann go sonrach le pleanáil in

2019 d'fhonn athbhreithniú agus nuashonrú leanúnach a dhéanamh ar an samhaltú

déimeagrafach agus eacnaiméadrach a forbraíodh chun bonn eolais a chur faoi

TÉ2040. Cuirfidh an obair sin le hullmhú phleananna forbartha agus straitéisí

tithíochta na n-údarás áitiúil d'fhonn éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar chur chuige

seasmhach náisiúnta.

Chun tacú le 'Fás Dlúth', tugadh tús áite arís d'athghiniúint fhisiciúil a chumasú agus

d'úsáid talún agus láithreán athfhorbraíochta i gceantair uirbeacha níos mó.

Áiríodh leis sin tograí "Forbartha Comhtháite Uirbeach" (FCU) atá níos déine ar

chaipiteal agus béim ar na cúig Chathair agus na Bailte 'Tiománaí Réigiúnaigh' sa

CNP (ceantair straitéiseacha forbartha uirbí/ceantair athfhorbraíochta a aithint,

ceantair atá ríthábhachtach ó thaobh infheistíocht mhaoinithe).


25

Lean an Roinn de pháirt a ghlacadh ag leibhéal an AE trí Phointí Teagmhála

Comhtháthaithe Chríochaigh Náisiúnta maidir le Comhtháthú Críochach agus an

Clár Oibre Uirbeach a chur i bhfeidhm. D'fhreastail an tAire Stáit ar a bhfuil

freagracht as Tithíocht agus Forbairt Uirbeach ar Chruinniú Neamhfhoirmiúil na nAirí

AE ar a bhfuil freagracht as Ceisteanna Uirbeacha arna óstáil ag Uachtaránacht na

Rómáine ar Chomhairle an AE i Meitheamh 2019 i mBúcairist. Pléadh ag an

gcruinniú sin na príomhrudaí a baineadh amach mar chuid de Chlár Oibre Uirbeach

an AE agus glacadh le Dearbhú Bhúcairist chun comhchreat a bhunú le haghaidh

forbairt uirbeach san Aontas Eorpach.

An Ciste um Athghiniúint agus Forbairt Uirbeach

Tá infheistíocht shuntasach chaipitiúil dírithe ón Státchiste tríd an gCiste um

Athghiniúint agus Forbairt Uirbeach (CAFU) mar bhonn agus mar thaca ag an

gCreat Pleanála Náisiúnta.

Seoladh an CAFU in 2018 chun tacú le forbairt inbhuanaithe níos dlúithe. Tá an

Ciste ag tacú le tionscadail a chumasóidh céatadán níos airde dár bhforbairt

chónaitheach agus úsáide measctha a sholáthar laistigh de na ceantair ina bhfuil

tógáil déanta cheana inár gcathracha agus bailte móra. Ag an am céanna, cinnteofar

go mbeidh níos mó codanna dár gceantair uirbeacha ina n-áiteanna tarraingteacha

agus beoga le cónaí agus oibriú iontu, chomh maith le hinfheistíocht a dhéanamh

iontu agus cuairt a thabhairt orthu.

Tá tacaíocht á tabhairt ag an CAFU cheana féin do mhórthionscadail a chuirfidh le

hathghiniúint agus athbheochan na gcúig chathair agus na mbailte mór eile, ar aon

dul le cuspóirí an Chreata Phleanála Náisiúnta agus an Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta.

In 2019, eisíodh leithdháiltí maoinithe i bprionsabal agus sealadacha i dtaca le 87

mórthionscadal ar fud na tíre. Píblíne suntasach tionscadal atá ann agus athróidh

siad ár mbailte móra agus cathracha ó bhonn. Léiríonn éagsúlacht na dtionscadal sa

chéad tráinse raon leathan agus nádúr freagrúil an CAFU. Trí mheán an CAFU, tá

tacaíocht chomhtháite dhírithe á fáil ag iarratasóirí a n-éiríonn leo chun réitigh

nuálacha iomlánaíocha a chumasú, réitigh a chur cosc le hathghiniúint agus

athbheochan ár mbailte móra agus ár gcathracha.

Sa chéad bhliain chaiteachais, ba í sin 2019, tharraing iarratasóirí maoiniú €18.6m

as i dtaca le tionscadail arna dtacú ag CAFU agus tá €130m ar fáil chun tacú leo

agus tionscadail den chineál céanna in 2020.

Tá €550 milliún ar fáil chun tacú le tionscadail suas go dtí 2022 agus, ar an iomlán,

tá €2 billiún ar fáil go dtí 2027 faoin PFN.


26

Próiseas Pleanála

Lean an próiseas pleanála den ról

gníomhach éascaitheach atá aige in 2019

chun tacaíocht agus treoir a thabhairt don

téarnamh geilleagrach agus don fhorbairt

inbhuanaithe náisiúnta agus réigiúnach.

Leanadh leis na forálacha meara um

Fhorbairt Straitéiseach Tithíochta (FST), a

tháinig i bhfeidhm in 2017 i gcás forbairtí de

100 aonad tithíochta nó níos mó agus forbairtí cóiríochta mac léinn de 200 spás

leapa nó níos mó, in 2019. Rinneadh foráil leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt

(Tithíocht) agus um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe, 2016 go mbeidh na socruithe FST i

bhfeidhm go dtí deireadh 2019, ach féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, an tréimhse ama sin

a shíneadh go dtí tréimhse theoranta breise 2 bhliain, suas go dtí 2021, i

gcomhthráth le tréimhse Atógáil Éireann.

Bunaíodh Grúpa Athbhreithnithe um Fhorbairt Straitéiseach Tithíochta i Meitheamh

2019 chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar oibriú agus éifeachtacht na socruithe FST.

Fuarthas Tuarascáil an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe an 24 Meán Fómhair 2019.

Admhaíonn an Tuarascáil gur éirigh leis na socruithe FST, tríd is tríd, ó thaobh a

cuspóirí a bhaint amach: cuireadh leis an iarracht chun dul i ngleic le gannsoláthar

tithíochta ach próiseas mear toilithe forbartha a chur ar fáil a raibh sé mear aidhm

aige forbróirí a spreagadh iarratais a chur isteach ar fhorbairtí tithíochta ar an

mórchóir.

In ainneoin a bhfuil bainte amach ag na socruithe FST, luaigh an Grúpa

Athbhreithnithe go bhfuil easnamh fós ann sa soláthar tithíochta agus dheimhnigh sé

go bhfuil an réasúnaíocht ba bhun le tabhairt isteach na socruithe FST fós ann.

D'aontaigh an tAire leis an gcinneadh sin de chuid an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe agus

shínigh an tAire Ordú ar an 2 Nollaig 2019 chun na socruithe a shíneadh chomh fada

le deireadh 2021.

Leagadh tuarascáil ar chonclúidí an Aire ar an athbhreithniú, chomh maith le

Tuarascáil an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe, faoi bhráid na dTithe Oireachtais, mar a

éilíonn an tAcht, agus tá cóipeanna den dá thuarascáil ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na

Roinne.

Idir 1 Eanáir 2019 agus 31 Nollaig 2019, fuair An Bord Pleanála 151 iarratas bailí ar

chomhairliúchán réamhiarratais i dtaca le forbairtí beartaithe ar fud na tíre.

D'eisigh sé tuairimí maidir le 150 díobh (agus eisíodh an ceann deiridh in 2020). Sa

tréimhse chéanna, fuair an Bord 118 iarratas iarbhír ar chead FST.


27

As na 82 cinneadh a rinneadh in 2019 (a bhain le hiarratais in 2018 agus 2019),

d'eisigh an Bord 67 deonú ceada pleanála i dtaca le 16,771 áit chónaithe ar an

iomlán (4,327 teach agus 12,444 árasán), 200 spás leaba i gcóiríocht roinnte agus

4,331 spás leaba mac léinn.

Beartas Pleanála

Bronnadh cead pleanála do 40,000 teach nua ar an

iomlán in 2019, arb ionann é sin agus méadú 38% in

2018.

Leanann an Roinn de thionscnaimh a fhorbairt agus a

thacú chun rannpháirtíocht sa phróiseas pleanála,

chun rialtóir pleanála a bhunú, agus chun an

athnuachan uirbeach agus an athbheochan uirbeach

a chur chun cinn, lena n-áirítear tionscnaimh i dtaca le

foirgnimh thráchtála atá folamh a athrú ina n-áiteanna cónaithe, i dtaca le láithreáin

tréigthe agus i dtaca le tobhach na láithreán folamh a bheith á fheidhmiú ag na

húdaráis áitiúla.

Mar chuid den athbhreithniú leanúnach ar reachtaíocht phleanála, sheol an Roinn

comhairliúchán poiblí i Nollaig 2019 maidir le Scéim Ghinearálta an Bhille um

Thithíocht agus Pleanáil agus Forbairt, a dhíríonn ar na forálacha d'athbhreithniú

breithiúnach san Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna leasú.

Beartas Pleanála Muirí agus Bainistíocht Forbartha Urthrá

I Samhain 2019, d'fhoilsigh an Rialtas an chéad Ráiteas Polasaí ar Phleanáil Mhuirí

(RPPM) de chuid na hÉireann agus dréacht-Chreat Náisiúnta maidir le Pleanáil

Mhuirí (CNPM).

Is é a dhéanann an Ráiteas Polasaí maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí:

• Gnéithe reatha chóras pleanála muirí na hÉireann a thabhairt le chéile agus cur

síos a dhéanamh orthu;

• Fís le haghaidh fhorbairt an chórais phleanála muirí amach anseo a leagan

amach;

• Beartais agus prionsabail uileghabhálacha a leagan amach a bhfuil an Rialtas ag

súil leis go gcloífidh chomhlachtaí pleanála muirí agus comhlachtaí poiblí eile atá

ag plé leis an gcóras pleanála muirí leo (mar shampla, maidir le rannpháirtíocht

phoiblí, trédhearcacht, rialachas, meastóireacht chomhshaoil, gníomhú ar son na

haeráide, leas sóisialta agus eacnamaíoch);


28

• Tosaíochtaí ardleibhéil a leagan amach chun feabhas a chur ar an gcóras

pleanála muirí in Éirinn.

Tá an Ráiteas Polasaí ar Phleanáil Mhuirí ag feidhmiú in éineacht leis an Ráiteas

Polasaí Pleanála 2015 a bhfuil mar bhonn agus mar thaca ag oibriú an chórais

phleanála talún ar fad in Éirinn. Bainfidh sé le gach gné den phleanáil mhuirí. Tá sé

á thabhairt isteach ar bhonn neamhreachtúil ar dtús, ar feitheamh reachtaíocht a

thabhairt isteach in 2020 a dhéanfaidh foráil do ráitis bheartais maidir le pleanáil

mhuirí reachtúil a ullmhú, a ghlacadh agus a athbhreithniú gach sé bliana. Léiríonn

sé nuashonrú agus athnuachan cuimsitheach an chórais phleanála muirí atá ar siúl

anois in Éirinn, agus leagann sé croíphrionsabail amach a dhéanfaidh eolas do

phleanáil mhuirí agus próisis bainistíochta forbartha a bhíonn ag athrú.

Is plean náisiúnta do limistéar muirí na hÉireann é an dréacht-Chreat Náisiúnta

maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí ina leagtar amach conas a úsáidfear ár mara, a chosnófar

iad agus a bhainfear tairbhe astu thar shaolré 20 bliain. Nuair a ghlacfar leis, beidh

an CNPM ar bharr ordlathas pleananna agus beartas earnála don limistéar muirí.

Rinne na beartais earnála atá ann cheana eolas don Phlean agus úsáidfear an

Plean, ar a sheal, chun eolas a dhéanamh do na pleananna sin amach anseo mar

chuid de lúb aischothaithe leanúnach. Beidh sé ina phríomhuirlis déanta cinntí

d'údaráis rialála agus an lucht déanta beartais amach anseo.

Clúdaíonn an Plean Muirí limistéar muirí na hÉireann, lena n-áirítear uiscí

inmheánacha (limistéar farraige, crios eacnamaíoch eisiach (CEE) agus an scairbh

ilchríochach. Clúdaíonn an limistéar muirí sin thart ar 490,000 km², arb ionann é sin

agus seacht n-uaire níos mó ná ár mórchríoch.

Oibríonn an Roinn réimeas toilithe i dtaca le forbairtí agus gníomhaireachtaí ar urthrá

an Stáit, ar limistéar é sin a chlúdaíonn thart ar 39,0000km². Fuarthas thart ar dhá

iarratas is tríocha ar thoiliú in 2019 le haghaidh réimse tionscadal agus

gníomhaíochtaí ar an urthrá, lenar áiríodh iarratais ar shruthanna éalaithe fuíolluisce,

imeachtaí éagsúla lae agus oibreacha cosanta cósta. Tá tograí athbhreithnithe le

haghaidh cur chuige níos cuimsithí, níos iomlánaíche agus níos láidre i leith toiliú

Stáit agus bainistíocht forbartha sa Limistéar Muirí á bhforbairt i gcomhpháirt leis an

Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil.


29

Rialachán Pleanála AE agus Idirnáisiúnta

Cláraíodh 229 Fógra ar Thairseach

maidir le Measúnacht Tionchair

Timpeallachta (MTT) agus uaslódáladh

iad ar Thairseach Náisiúnta MTT na

Roinne idir 1 Eanáir agus 31 Nollaig

2019.

Chomh maith leis sin, rinne an Roinn maoirseacht ar 9 n-iarratas idirnáisiúnta

trasteorann ar chomhairliúchán tríd an gCóras Pleanála (lenar áiríodh

comhairliúchán náisiúnta maidir le tionscadal na Ríochta Aontaithe ag Stáisiún

Núicléach Wylfa Newydd) idir 1 Eanáir agus 31 Nollaig 2019.

Leanann an Roinn ar aghaidh dul chun cinn breise a dhéanamh maidir le

reachtaíocht an AE agus na Náisiún Aontaithe a chomhtháthú i gcreatlach reachtach

an chórais Phleanála, cosúil le comhlíonadh na Treorach MTT, na Treorach maidir le

Measúnacht Straitéiseach Timpeallachta (MST), na Treorach Réime Uisce, na

Treorach um Sheirbhísí, an Choinbhinsiúin Espoo maidir le Measúnacht Tionchair

Timpeallachta i gComhthéacs Trasteorann agus an Phrótacail Chív maidir le MST.

Glacann an Roinn páirt freisin i bhfreagairtí dlíthiúla ar shaincheisteanna a thagann

chun cinn san Ard-Chúirt agus i gCúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh (CBAE).

Go háirithe:

IN 2019, bhainistigh an Roinn 30 cás gníomhach san Ard-Chúirt a bhain le

reachtaíocht phleanála agus reachtaíocht AE, d'fhreastail sí ar éisteacht CBAE

maidir le hAirteagal 260 den Chonradh ar Fheidhmiú an Aontais Eorpaigh (Cás

C261/18) agus rinne an Roinn idirghabháil i gcás Tagartha CBAE (Cásanna

Uamtha C-724/18 agus C-727/18) maidir leis an Treoir um Sheirbhísí.

Rinne an Roinn dul chun cinn maidir leis an gcéad iarratas pleanála foirmiúil de

chuid an Stáit faoin bpróiseas IROPI (cúiseanna dianriachtanacha tábhachta

poiblí sáraithí) sa Treoir um Ghnáthóga, maidir le hionad cóireála uisce i gContae

Shligigh a uasghrádú. Tugadh cead pleanála dó sin.

Thug an Roinn Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh Measúnacht Tionchair

Timpeallachta agus Gnáthóga) (Alt 181 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt,

2000), 2019 isteach. Rinneadh foráil leis sin do phróiseas cuíchóirithe d'Údaráis

Stáit chun dul ar aghaidh le forbairtí áirithe éigeandála taobh amuigh de na

hAchtanna Pleanála agus i gcomhréir leis an Treoir maidir le MTT. Féadfaidh an

reachtaíocht sin, i measc nithe eile, éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt chalafoirt

i dtaca leis an mBreatimeacht.


30

Leanann an Roinn de dhréachtú reachtaíochta a fhorbairt chun na leasuithe ar an

gCoinbhinsiún Espoo agus an Prótacal Chív maidir le comhairliúcháin trasteorann

faoi dhlí pleanála a thrasuímh, chomh maith leis na próisis mheasúnaithe nua a

thabhairt isteach sna hAchtanna agus Rialacháin Phleanála agus an Treoir d'Údaráis

Phleanála lena mbaineann i dtaca le Treoir Réime Uisce an AE. Déanann sí

ionadaíocht ar Éirinn freisin ag cruinnithe ballstát an Choinbhinsiúin Espoo agus an

AE maidir le MTT/MST. Leanann an Roinn freisin dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ó

thaobh na Treoirlínte d'Údaráis Áitiúla i dtaca leis an Treoir maidir le Measúnacht

Straitéiseach Timpeallachta a uasdátú, chomh maith le comhairle inmheánach a

chur ar fáil maidir le pleananna agus cláir ionchasacha a tháirgeann Rannóg

Pleanála na Roinne.

Tobhach Láithreán Folamh

Ó Mí Eanáir 2017, thosaigh na húdaráis phleanála uile ar chláir do láithreáin fholmha

a bhunú. Rinneadh an obair ullmhúcháin a bhí de dhíth (i.e. láithreáin fholmha a

aithint, scéala a chur chuig na húinéirí cláraithe srl.) sula gcuireadh an Tobhach

Láithreán Folamh i bhfeidhm ó mhí Eanáir 2019, mar a cheanglaítear faoin Acht um

Athbheochan Uirbeach agus Tithe, 2015. Is é cuspóir an tobhaigh é úinéirí a

dhreasú láithreáin fholmha tearcúsáidte i gceantair uirbeacha a fhorbairt chun

críocha cónaithe nó athghiniúna. Ba é ráta an tobhaigh nuair a tugadh isteach é 3%

agus gearradh an ráta sin in 2019 ar na láithreáin a bhí ar an gclár in 2018.

Athraíodh an ráta go dtí 7% i gcás láithreán a cuireadh ar an gclár in 2019 den

chéad uair, agus beidh íocaíochtaí ag an ráta 7% dlite den chéad uair in 2020.

D'eisigh an Roinn Imlitir PL 09/2019 ar an 13 Samhain 2019 chun tuarascáil ar dhul

chun cinn a iarraidh maidir leis an Tobhach Láithreán Folamh a chur i bhfeidhm. Tá

an tuarascáil le cur i gcrích ag an Stiúrthóir Pleanála i ngach Údarás Áitiúil. Thug na

tuairisceáin le fios go raibh 359 láithreán cláraithe ar chlár na n-údarás áitiúil amhail

31 Deireadh Fómhair 2019.

Bhí an tobhach le híoc ar láithreáin arbh fhiú €144.5m iad, ar ráta 3% in 2019. Anuas

air sin, tá an acmhainneacht ann thart ar 20,000 aonad tithíochta a chruthú ar na

láithreáin ar na cláir (má thógtar 35-50 aonad in aghaidh an heicteáir)

Tithe Folmha

Is é príomhaidhm an Aonaid um Thithe Folmha gníomhaíochtaí a stiúradh agus a

chomhordú ag leibhéil rialtais láir agus áitiúil agus údaráis áitiúla a thacú maidir le

tithe folmha ar féidir iad a fháil ar ais lena n-úsáid sa stoc tithíochta ináitrithe a

aithint. D'fhoilsigh an tAonad um Thithe Folmha an Straitéis Náisiúnta um Athúsáid

Tithíochta Foilmhe in Iúil 2018 faoi Cholún 5 d'Atógáil Éirinn.


31

Tá raon cuspóirí agus príomhghníomhartha sa Straitéis a chuirfear i bhfeidhm iad i

gcomhpháirtíocht le páirtithe leasmhara agus le gníomhaireachtaí ar fud na hearnála

tithíochta chun dul i ngleic le bearnaí inár stoc tithíochta.

Agus obair á déanamh aici chun na cuspóirí a bhaint amach, fuair an Roinn maoiniú

arís in 2019 do gach údarás áitiúil chun tacú le hobair Oifig Tithe Folmha i ngach

údarás áitiúil in 2020 (fuarthas maoiniú in 2018 agus 2019 freisin). Ligeann an

maoiniú lárnach seo don Oifig díriú ar a ról agus treisíonn sé cumas an Aonaid um

Thithe Folmha na Roinne idirchaidreamh a dhéanamh le pointe teagmhála tiomanta i

ngach údarás áitiúil, agus faisnéis/staitisticí a lorg uathu. Chomh maith leis sin,

thacaigh an tAonad um Thithe Folmha le hobair na n-údarás áitiúil aghaidh a

thabhairt ar fhoilmhe chónaitheachta ach comhairle agus eolas a chur ar fáil agus

éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar theagmháil idir na hOifigí Tithe Folmha. Chuir an Roinn

feachtas fógraíochta náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta i bhfeidhm a rinne iarracht

teagmháil a dhéanamh le húinéirí na n-áiteanna cónaithe folmha in Éirinn agus iad a

chur i dteagmháil leis an oifig tithe folmha san údarás áitiúil ábhartha.

In 2019, chuir an tAonad um Thithe Folmha Suirbhé píolótach ar Pháirceanna

Folmha i gcrích i sé údarás áitiúla. Thug an suirbhé allamuigh deis dúinn fáil amach,

ar bhealach mion infhíoraithe, méid agus nádúr na foilmhe cónaitheachta i gceantair

áirithe. Chuir an staidéar sonraí luachmhara ar fáil agus, ina fhianaise sin, tá plé á

dhéanamh ar é a rolladh amach ar fud na tíre.

Ligean Gearrthéarmach

Ón 1 Iúil 2019, tháinig athchóirithe nua ar reachtaíocht phleanála isteach chun

earnáil an ligin ghearrthéarmaigh (LGT) a rialáil. Ba é aidhm na reachtaíochta

cóiríocht a bhfuil géarghá léi atá á húsáid chun críocha ligean gearrthéarmach faoi

láthair sna Criosanna Brú Cíosa (CBCanna) ainmnithe a chur ar ais i margadh na

gcíosanna fadtéarmacha, agus ar an mbealach sin soláthar i margadh na gcíosanna

fadtéarmacha a mhéadú.

Faoin reachtaíocht, beifear ábalta 'roinnt tí' a dhéanamh go fóill (is é sin seomra nó

seomraí i príomháit chónaithe an duine a ligean ar cíos) ar bhonn neamhshrianta.

Ach, má tá áit chónaithe den chineál sin ag duine agus beartaíonn sé/sí í a ligean ar

bhonn gearrthéarmach, éilítear air/uirthi iarratas a chur isteach ar chead pleanála le

haghaidh athrú úsáide ach amháin sa chág go bhfuil cead ann cheana í a úsáid

chun críocha turasóireachta nó ligean gearrthéarmach. Bunaithe ar threoir a d'eisigh

an Roinn maidir leis na breithnithe agus na fachtóirí a chuirfear san áireamh maidir

le hiarratais phleanála den chineál sin, is dócha nach dtabharfar cead pleanála le

haghaidh athrú úsáide den chineál sin i CBCanna má tá ganntanas cóiríochta ar cíos

príobháideach/riachtanas tithíochta sa cheantar áirithe.


32

Mar chuid den phlé ar an reachtaíocht san Oireachtas, gheall an tAire go gcuirfeadh

an Roinn an maoiniú ar fáil do na hacmhainní foirne tiomnaithe a bheadh

riachtanach chun na forálacha a chur i bhfeidhm go héifeachtach. Chuige sin,

scríobh an Roinn chuig na húdaráis phleanála a bhfuil na CBCanna ina limistéir

feidhme, agus d'iarr sí orthu meastacháin a chur ar fáil maidir lena riachtanais ar

mhaoiniú forfheidhmithe LGT.

Láithreáin Thréigthe

Cuireann an tAcht um Láithreáin Thréigthe, 1990, de dhualgas ar gach úinéir agus

áititheoir talún na bearta réasúnacha ar fad a ghlacadh chun a chinntiú nach

ndéanfar láithreán tréigthe de thalamh ná nach leanfaidh talamh de bheith tréigthe.

Cuireann an tAcht de dhualgas freisin ar údaráis áitiúla gach beart réasúnach a

ghlacadh, lena n-áirítear cumhachtaí reachtúla cuí a fheidhmiú, chun a chinntiú nach

ndéanfar láithreán tréigthe de thalamh ná nach leanfaidh talamh de bheith tréigthe,

talamh atá laistigh dá limistéar feidhme.

I measc na gcumhachtaí atá ag údaráis áitiúla, féadfaidh siad a cheangal ar úinéirí

nó áititheoirí bearta cuí a ghlacadh ar láithreáin thréigthe, láithreáin thréigthe a fháil

trí chomhaontú nó go héigeantach, agus tobhach láithreán tréigthe a chur i bhfeidhm

ar láithreáin thréigthe. Is faoi na húdaráis áitiúla féin atá sé úsáid chuí na

reachtaíochta laistigh dá limistéir feidhme faoi seach a shocrú.

Faoin Acht, éilítear ar údaráis áitiúla clár na láithreán tréigthe a choinneáil, ainm

agus seoladh gach úinéara agus áititheora san áireamh, más féidir iad sin a fháil

amach tar éis fiosrúchán réasúnach a dhéanamh, agus aon talamh a chur ann atá

tréigthe, i dtuairim an údaráis áitiúil. Faoi alt 8(5) den Acht, is féidir scrúdú a

dhéanamh ar chóip de chlár na láithreán folamh atá ag aon údarás áitiúil ag oifigí an

údaráis le linn uaireanta oifige. Is féidir le daoine den phobal teagmháil a dhéanamh

lena n-údarás áitiúil i dtaca le haghaidh a thabhairt ar láithreáin thréigthe áirithe ina

gceantar áitiúil. Ní dhéantar idirdhealú idir tithe aonuaire agus aon chineál láithreáin

thréigthe eile san Acht 1990.

Faoin Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Leasú), 2018, tháinig méadú ar an Tobhach

Láithreán Tréigthe agus an Tobhach Láithreán Folamh ó 3% go dtí 7% de luacháil

mhargaidh na láithreán ábhartha le héifeacht ó Eanáir 2020. Tá sé de rún ag an

athrú sin ar ráta na tobhach a chinntiú go mbíonn tionchar níos suntasaí ar na

tobhaigh agus go dtreisítear cumhachtaí na n-údarás áitiúil ó thaobh aghaidh a

thabhairt ar láithreáin thréigthe agus fholmha d'fhonn láithreáin ábhartha a thabhairt

isteach in úsáid tháirgiúil. Ar an mbealach sin, déanfar éascaíocht ar athghiniúint

agus forbairt uirbeach agus rachfar i ngleic le cnuasach talún.

De réir na staitisticí bliana iomláine is déanaí, amhail 31 Nollaig 2018, bhí 1,311

láithreán tréigthe ar an gclár. Bailíodh tobhaigh arbh fhiú €1,776,067 le linn 2018.

Bailíodh tobhaigh arbh fhiú €567,920 iad in 2018.


33

Díolúintí Grianphainéal

Leagtar amach sna Rialacháin um

Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2001, arna

leasú, na critéir a dtugtar díolúine do

ghrianphainéil a shuiteáil i gcás

forbairt chónaitheach, forbairt

tráchtála, forbairt thionsclaíoch agus

forbairt talmhaíochta ón gceanglas

cead pleanála a fháil dá réir.

Rinneadh dul chun cinn maidir leis

an athbhreithniú ar na díolúintí

reatha in 2019 trí theagmháil a dhéanamh leis an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe

ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil (RCGAC) agus páirtithe leasmhara eile. Ba

cheart go léireodh na tograí deireadh le haghaidh na ndréacht-Rialacháin

leasaitheacha na forbairtí teicniúla san earnáil. Táthar ag súil leis go nglacfar leis na

rialacháin athbhreithnithe maidir le forbairt dhíolmhaithe i dtaca le grianphainéil in

2020.

Mar a cheanglaítear faoi reachtaíocht phleanála, ní mór aon rialacháin bheartaithe

maidir le forbairt dhíolmhaithe a leagan i bhfoirm dréachta faoi bhráid na dTithe

Oireachtais agus réiteach dearfach a fháil sa dá Theach sula síníonn an tAire iad

agus achtaítear ina ndlí iad.

Treoirlínte maidir le Forbairt Fuinnimh Gaoithe

Tá athbhreithniú dírithe á dhéanamh ag an Roinn faoi láthair ar na Treoirlínte um

Fhorbairt Fuinnimh Gaoithe, 2006 ar aon dul leis an "dréacht-chur chuige molta" a

d'fhógair an tIar-Aire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil, i gcomhar leis an Iar-

Aire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil i Meitheamh

2017. Táthar ag breathnú ar roinnt príomhghnéithe mar chuid den athbhreithniú,

torann nó fuaim, achair slánachar maidir le taitneamhacht amhairc, caochaíl

scáileanna, oibleagáid phobail, díbhinn phobail agus naisc leis an eangach.

Mar chuid den phróiseas athbhreithnithe foriomlán, táthar ag tabhairt faoi mheasúnú

straitéiseach comhshaoil (MSC) ar na Treoirlínte athbhreithnithe sula dtagann siad i

bhfeidhm.

Próiseas is ea MSC trína gceanglaítear breithnithe comhshaoil a chomhtháthú go

hiomlán in ullmhúchán na bpleananna agus clár a fheidhmíonn mar chreataí le

haghaidh toiliú forbartha, sula nglacfar iad go críochnaitheach, agus comhairliúchán

poiblí a dhéanamh mar chuid de sin.


34

Mar chuid den phróiseas MSC, seoladh comhairliúchán poiblí deich seachtaine ar na

Treoirlínte dréachta athbhreithnithe maidir le Forbairt Fuinnimh Gaoithe ar an 12

Nollaig 2019. Ullmhófar na Treoirlínte Críochnaithe tar éis anailís mhionsonraithe

agus breithniú a dhéanamh ar na haighneachtaí a fuarthas le linn na céime

comhairliúcháin, agus i ndiaidh chríoch an phróisis MSC.

Talamh Stáit a Mhapáil le haghaidh Soláthar Tithíochta

Tá bainistíocht ghníomhach ar an

mbunachar talún tithíochta ar úinéireacht

phoiblí mar chuid de raon gníomhartha

comhlántacha atá á chur chun cinn faoin

bPlean Gníomhaíochta Atógáil Éireann

maidir le Tithíocht agus Easpa Dídine, a

bhfuil sé mar aidhm acu dlús a chur faoi

sholáthar tithíochta agus é a mhéadú.

Chuige sin, foilsíonn Mapa Talún Stáit

Atógáil Éireann sonraí maidir le thart ar 1,700 heicteár talún ar úinéireacht údarás

áitiúil agus Gníomhaireachta Tithíochta a mbeifí in ann thart ar 42,500 teach a

sholáthar ann ar fud na tíre.

Tá bunachar sonraí mionsonraithe agus léarscáil CFGna láithreán sin, a

thaispeánann a suíomh, méid, teorainneacha agus eolas eile fúthu, ar fáil ar

shuíomh gréasáin Atógáil Éireann.

Tá na sonraí sin ar fáil mar chuid de chleachtadh ginearálta an Rialtais bunachar

sonraí a chruthú de réadmhaoin ar fad ar úinéireacht stáit.

Forbairt Sonraí Spásúla

D'fhorbair an Roinn roinnt córas sonraí pleanála spásúla, lena n-áirítear na seirbhísí

myplan.ie (criosú úsáide talún agus sonraí pleanála spásúla eile) agus an BNIP

(Bunachar Náisiúnta Iarratas Pleanála). Tá raon leathan úsáideoirí ag na seirbhísí

digiteacha sin, lena n-áirítear soláthraithe bonneagair, fiontair thráchtála, institiúidí

airgeadais, údaráis áitiúla, institiúidí oideachais agus grúpaí eile. Leantar ar aghaidh

seirbhísí a nuashonrú, lena n-áirítear sonraí maidir le riosca náisiúnta tuile le déanaí

i gcomhar le hOifig na nOibreacha Poiblí.

Tá sonraí spásúla ríthábhachtach le haghaidh beartais inár n-ordlathas pleananna

reachtúla a chur i bhfeidhm agus a mhonatóiriú, idir an Chreat Pleanála Náisiúnta,

Straitéisí Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus Eacnamaíochta, phleananna forbartha

Cathrach/Contae agus phleananna ceantair áitiúil.

Feabhas inmhianaithe ar na sonraí atá ar fáil is ea sonraí spásúla atá ag údaráis

áitiúla aonair a thabhairt le chéile i mbunachar náisiúnta.

http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/


35

Tá an Roinn, i gcomhar le Suirbhéireacht Ordanáis Éireann agus na húdaráis áitiúla,

ag forbairt áis Lárnach Stórála Sonraí Spásúla anois a chuirfidh stór náisiúnta sonraí

spásúla ó na húdaráis áitiúla ar fáil.

Mar thionscadal píolótach, tá córas á fhorbairt ag an Roinn chun na suíomhanna

iarratais pleanála a dhigitiú go seasmhach ar fud na tíre. Aithníodh é sin mar

phríomhphróiseas ag leibhéal an údaráis áitiúil chun go mbeadh cur chuige

seasmhach agus caighdeánach ann. Mar gheall ar chaighdeán níos airde agus ar

fhoilsiú na sonraí sin, bainfidh an córas pleanála agus na go leor úsáideoirí atá aige

tairbhe as. I gcomhar le Suirbhéireacht Ordanáis Éireann agus na cláir phíolótacha

sna húdaráis áitiúla, tá feidhmchlár gabhála sonraí spásúla bunaithe ar ghréasán á

fhorbairt ag an Roinn chun tacú leis an tasc sin. Tá an feidhmchlár, ar a dtugtar

PACE (Planning Application Capture Environment nó Timpeallacht Gabhála Iarratas

Pleanála) á fhorbairt lena chur amach ar bhonn céimnithe in 2020.

Straitéis um Chóiríocht do Mhic Léinn

D’fhoilsigh an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna an Straitéis Náisiúnta um Chóiríocht

do Mhic Léinn le tacaíocht ón Roinn i mí Iúil 2017. Áirítear leis an straitéis ocht

bpríomhsprioc agus 27 gníomh chun tacú leis an soláthar Cóiríochta Saintógtha do

Mhic Léinn a mhéadú agus chun méadú a chur ar líon na mac léinn a fhaigheann

seomra ar cíos.

Ag deireadh 2019, bhí 8,346 spás leapa nua do mhic léinn críochnaithe ó foilsíodh

Atógáil Éireann. Bhí 5,137 spás leapa eile á dtógáil agus tugadh cead pleanála do

9,696 spás leapa breise, arb ionann é sin agus 23,179 spás leaba atá críochnaithe,

á dtógáil nó ar tugadh cead dóibh ag deireadh 2019.

Deimhníonn na figiúirí sin gur baineadh amach agus gur sáraíodh an cuspóir go

dtógfar 7,000 spás leaba nua sa bhreis ar fud na tíre faoi dheireadh na bliana 2019.

Is é an cuspóir go dtógfar 21,000 spás leaba Cóiríochta Saintógtha do Mhic Léinn sa

bhreis faoi 2024 agus bainfear amach an cuspóir sin má théann na tionscadail

phleanáilte ar aghaidh go dtí céim na tógála mar a bheartaítear.


36

Pleananna Reachtúla

Aistríodh príomhfhreagracht reachtúil na Roinne ó thaobh

athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar Phleananna Reachtúla áirithe chuig

Oifig an Rialálaí Pleanála (ORP), a cuireadh ar bun an 3

Aibreán 2019 (Féach thíos).

Faoin Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Leasú), 2018, tá an ORP

freagrach anois as, i measc nithe eile, scrúduithe agus

measúnuithe a bhaineann le Straitéisí Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta

agus Eacnamaíochta (SRSEanna) a mheasúnú agus a dhéanamh,

pleananna forbartha agus pleananna ceantair áitiúil, agus tuairimí agus moltaí maidir

le straitéisí nó pleananna den chineál sin a chur ar fáil. Agus é sin á dhéanamh,

cuirfear beartas agus reachtaíocht phleanála san áireamh, lena n-áirítear an Creat

Pleanála Náisiúnta, na Straitéisí Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus Eacnamaíochta

agus treoir reachtúil agus neamhreachtúil eile. Sa tréimhse ón 1 Eanáir 2019 go dtí 3

Aibreán 2019, rinne an Roinn athbhreithniú ar 1 Phlean Forbartha amháin, 4 Phlean

Ceantair Áitiúil agus 11 Athrú Pleanála.

Bhí gá le socruithe aonuaire idirthréimhseacha a thabhairt isteach in 2019 maidir leis

an ORP agus na SRSEanna, mar cuireadh tús leis an bpróiseas i dtaca leis na trí

SRSEanna sular cuireadh ar bun an ORP an 3 Aibreán 2019.

Rinneadh é sin trí mheán leasuithe teicniúla ar an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt,

2000, arna leasú, chun foráil a dhéanamh go n-iarrfadh an tAire ar an Rialálaí páirt a

ghlacadh i bpróiseas SRSE mar chomhairleoir, má bhí an próiseas ar siúl cheana

féin ar dháta bunaithe na ORP. Tháinig na forálacha i bhfeidhm an 15 Iúil 2019 leis

Ordú um an Acht um Rátaí Rialtais Áitiúil agus Nithe Eile, 2019 (Tosach Feidhme),

2019 (I.R. Uimh. 355 de 2019). Rinne an Roinn athbhreithniú ar na trí Straitéis

Réigiúnacha a d'ullmhaigh gach Tionól Réigiúnach in 2019.

I gcomhréir leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna leasú, coinnítear

cumhachtaí Aire faoi Alt 31/31A den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000 (arna

leasú). Ach ní mór don Aire anois aird a thabhairt ar mholtaí a dhéanann an ORP.

Roimhe sin, bhíodh ar an Aire aird a thabhairt ar mholtaí na n-oifigeach pleanála sa

Roinn. Úsáideadh cumhachtaí Aire faoi Alt 31 uair amháin in 2019.


37

Oifig an Rialálaí Pleanála

Cuireadh Oifig an Rialálaí Pleanála ar bun in

Aibreán 2019 de bhun an Achta um Pleanáil

agus Forbairt (Leasú), 2018.

Tá an ORP freagrach as measúnú a

dhéanamh ar phleanáil chun cinn na n-

údarás áitiúil agus na dtionól réigiúnach go léir, cinntí criosaithe san áireamh.

Tá an cumhacht ag an Rialálaí comhairle a thabhairt don Aire maidir le cibé acu an

bhfuil plean a rinne údarás áitiúil ag teacht salach ar bheartas náisiúnta pleanála nó

nach bhfuil agus chun moladh a dhéanamh don Aire go ndéanfaí ordachán sa chás

nach bhfuil aon phlean i gcomhréir le beartas náisiúnta.

Déanfaidh an Rialálaí cinnte de go bhfeidhmeoidh na húdaráis phleanála ar na

caighdeáin ionracais agus deachleachtais is airde, agus ar an mbealach cinntítear

go bhfuil cinntí beartais pleanála ina róil forbartha plean ar aon dul le beartais

náisiúnta agus réigiúnacha, mar a leagtar amach sa Chreat Pleanála Náisiúnta agus

sna Straitéisí Réigiúnacha Spásúlachta agus Eacnamaíochta.

Sa tréimhse idir bunú na ORP in Aibreán 2019 agus Nollaig 2019, rinne an ORP

measúnú ar chúig phróiseas reachtúla pleanála chun cinn is fiche de chuid údaráis

áitiúla agus chuir sí leis na próisis sin. Áiríodh leis sin moltaí a dhéanamh maidir le

dréachtphleananna ceantair áitiúil, leasuithe ar phleananna ceantair áitiúil, athruithe

ar phleananna forbartha Cathrach/Contae agus ionchur i bpáipéir ceisteanna plean

forbartha.

Tá an cumhacht ag an Rialálaí athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an eagraíocht, córais

agus nósanna imeachta a úsáideann aon údarás pleanála nó An Bord Pleanála.

Tar éis comhairliúchán a dhéanamh le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara in 2019,

críochnóidh an ORP a Modheolaíocht chun Athbhreithnithe ar Fheidhmeanna

Pleanála a Dhéanamh in 2020. Tar éis an mhodheolaíocht sin a ghlacadh, beidh an

ORP ábalta tús a chur lena clár athbhreithnithe.

Féadann an ORP tús a chur le hathbhreithnithe den chineál sin ar a hordú féin, ar

iarraidh ón Aire, de bhun gearáin ó dhaoine den phobal. In 2019, rinne an ORP

maoirseacht ar os cionn 250 comhfhreagras aonair ó dhaoine den phobal agus tá sé

tiomanta do leanúint de ghearáin a bhainistiú go héifeachtach agus go tráthúil in

2020.

Anuas air sin, leanfaidh an ORP de chláir náisiúnta taighde, oideachais agus

faisnéise poiblí a spreagadh chun aird a tharraingt ar ról agus tairbhe na pleanála,

lena n-áireofar monatóireacht ar an CNP a chur i bhfeidhm.


38

Chuir an ORP tús le clár oiliúna do Chomhaltaí Tofa in 2019. Is é aidhm an chláir

eolas feabhsaithe maidir leis an bpróiseas pleanála a chur ar fáil do chomhaltaí tofa,

a róil agus freagrachtaí laistigh den chóras pleanála agus a bhfeidhmeanna maidir le

pleanáil cheart agus forbairt inbhuanaithe a áirithiú a athdheimhniú.

Anuas air sin, chuaigh an ORP, i gcomhar leis an Roinn, isteach i gcuibhreannas

coimisiúnaithe ina bhfuil Rialtas na hÉireann, Rialtas na hAlban, Rialtas na Breataine

Bige agus Rialtas Shasana chun taighde a dhéanamh a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige na

torthaí is tábhachtaí ar phleanáil spásúil agus bealaí indéanta le hiad a thomhas a

aithint.

An Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún

Sa Chreat Pleanála Náisiúnta, gheall an Rialtas go mbunódh sé Gníomhaireacht

Náisiúnta Athghiniúna agus Forbartha chun obair a dhéanamh le húdaráis áitiúla,

comhlachtaí poiblí eile agus Ranna agus gníomhaireachtaí a chaitheann maoiniú

caipitil chun –

úsáid is fearr na talún poiblí agus infheistíocht laistigh de bhuiséid chaipitil arna

soláthar sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta, agus

athnuachan na limistéar straitéiseach nach bhfuil an úsáid is mó is féidir á

mbaint astu a spreagadh.

Dá bhun sin, Bunaíodh an Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún (an GFT) i Meán

Fómhair 2018 trí Ordú Bunaithe faoin Acht um Sheirbhísí Rialtais Áitiúil

(Comhlachtaí Corpraithe), 1971.

Dhírigh an GFT láithreach ar thalamh féin an Stáit a bhainistiú chun tithe nua a

fhorbairt agus láithreáin tearcúsáidte a athghiniúint.

San fhadtéarma, cuirfidh sé bunachair talún straitéiseacha le chéile ina mbeidh

meascán idir talamh príobháideach agus talamh poiblí. Cuirfear na bunachair sin ar

fáil le haghaidh tithíochta ar bhealach rialaithe, rud a thabharfaidh seasmhacht

fhadtéarmach riachtanach isteach i margadh na tithíochta in Éirinn.

Nuair a cuireadh ar bun é, bhí rochtain ag an nGníomhaireacht ar thráinse thosaigh

ina raibh naoi láithreán a bhfuil an acmhainneacht acu 3,600 teach nua a sholáthar

sa ghearrthéarma. Faoi láthair, tá an GFT ag obair le Comhairle Contae Dhún

Laoghaire-Ráth an Dúin maidir le forbairt an láithreáin i Seangánach a bhfuil an

acmhainneacht aige thart ar 600 áit chónaithe a sholáthar. Chomh maith leis sin, tá

an GFT ag obair i gcomhar le húdaráis áitiúla eile ar fud na tíre. Tá obair ag dul ar

aghaidh maidir leis na 8 láithreán eile agus tá an GFT ag déanamh scrúdú ar

phíblíne láithreán breise.


39

Caithfidh 30% de na tithe ar láithreáin GFT ar a laghad a bheith inacmhainne, agus

soláthar nua breise a bheidh sna tithe eile chun na leibhéil arda éilimh san earnáil

tithíochta i gcoitinne a shásamh. Tá sé sin ar aon dul le Cinneadh Rialtais i Meán

Fómhair 2018 go gcaithfidh aon talamh de chuid an Stáit, ar úinéireacht Aire agus a

mheastar go n-oireann sé do thithíocht, a dhíoltar sa mhargadh oscailte tithíocht

inacmhainne a sholáthar ar 30% den láithreán ar a laghad. Anuas air sin, ní mór don

GFT agus forbróirí príobháideacha 10% tithíocht shóisialta a sholáthar ar láithreáin i

gcomhréir le Cuid V den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 (arna leasú).

Cheadaigh an Rialtas Scéim Ghinearálta don Bhille um an nGníomhaireacht

Forbartha Talún chun an GFT a bhunú mar comhlacht tráchtála Stáit ar bhonn

reachtaíocht phríomha lena fhoilsiú, lena bhreithniú le haghaidh scrúdú réamh-

reachtach agus le dréachtú tosaíochta in Iúil 2019. Tá an próiseas scrúdaithe réamh-

reachtach críochnaithe anois agus fuair an Roinn tuarascáil an Choiste i Nollaig

2019. Breithneofar an tuarascáil sin agus an Bille á chríochnú.

Foirgnimh Reatha a Athúsáid

Mar fhreagairt ar ghníomh 5.21 den athbhreithniú ar Atógáil Éirinn, lenar gealladh go

dtacófar le agus go ndéanfar éascaíocht ar athúsáid foirgneamh folamh níos sine le

haghaidh úsáid chónaitheach, d'fhorbair grúpaí oibre ildisciplíneach doiciméad

treorach dar teideal 'Bringing Back Homes – Lámhleabhar maidir le Foirgnimh

Reatha a Athúsáid'. Bhí páirtithe leasmhara earnáil na tionsclaíochta ar an ngrúpa

oibre agus rinne an Roinn cathaoirleacht air.

Cuireann an lámhleabhar Bringing Back Homes treoir shoiléir agus chuimsitheach ar

fáil maidir le beartas agus ceanglais reachtúla reatha a bhaineann le foirgnimh

reatha a fhorbairt.

Tá an lámhleabhar dírithe ar úinéirí réadmhaoine, ar dhaoine den phobal, ar údaráis

áitiúla agus ar pháirtithe leasmhara sa tionscal foirgníochta agus cruthaíonn sé

foinse amháin eolais dóibh siúd a bhfuil suim acu i bhfoirgnimh fholmha a

athfhorbairt.

Leagtar amach sa lámhleabhar na próisis agus saincheisteanna atá le breithniú

nuair a fhorbraítear foirgnimh reatha chun críocha cónaithe agus cuireann sé na

nósanna imeachta sin i bhfeidhm ar cheithre chineál comónta foirgnimh. Léiríonn

siad na foirgnimh (nó codanna foirgneamh) a bhíonn folamh i mbailte agus

cathracha ar fud na hÉireann sa lá atá inniu ann, de ghnáth. Cuireann sé treoir

bhreise ar fáil maidir le hathfhorbairtí níos casta sa chás go gcruthaítear níos mó ná

árasáin amháin. Tarraingítear aird ar roinnt samplaí ar thionscadail chríochnaithe sa

lámhleabhar.


40

Tacóidh an lámhleabhar freisin le hobair oifigí tithe folmha na n-údarás áitiúil chun

tacú leis na ceanglais rialála atá ann agus conas a bhaineann siad le forbairt a

shoiléiriú, agus ar an mbealach sin éiginnteacht agus castacht a laghdú ach

caighdeáin atá sábháilte, inbhuanaithe agus ardchaighdeáin do thithe a choimeád.

Foilsíodh an lámhleabhar Bringing Back Homes i Nollaig 2018 agus sheol an tAire

Stáit ar a bhfuil freagracht as Tithíocht agus Forbairt Uirbeach go hoifigiúil é in

Aibreán 2019.

Tá cóip den lámhleabhar ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne ar:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/home-ownership/vacant-homes/bringing-back-

homes-manual-reuse-existing-buildings




41

Sprioc B - Soláthar seasmhach, inbhuanaithe de thithíocht ar ardchaighdeán a chur ar fáil.

Tithíocht Shóisialta a Sholáthar

Gheall an Rialtas os cionn €6 billiún faoi Atógáil

Éireann chun dlús a chur le 50,000 teach sóisialta

breise a sheachadadh faoi dheireadh 2021 ach iad a

thógáil (33,500), iad a fháil (6,500) agus iad a fháil ar

léas (10,000), agus chun freastal ar riachtanais

87,000 teaghlach breise trí scéimeanna amhail an

Íocaíocht Cúnaimh Tithíochta.

Infheistíodh os cionn €2.4 billiún i dtithíocht in 2019,

ar méadú 18% é sin ar 2018. Ag deireadh 2019, bhí

an seachadadh foriomlán chun tosaigh ar an sprioc. Bhíothas ag freastal ar

riachtanais tithíochta a bhí ag os cionn 28,000 teaghlach (28,075) trí raon na gclár

tithíochta sóisialta in 2019 amháin. As sin, soláthraíodh os cionn 6,074 teach

tithíochta sóisialta nua in 2019 trí mheán gníomhaíocht tógála, arb ionann é sin agus

méadú 26% ar 2018 agus níos mó ná dhá uair os cionn an toraidh in 2016, an chéad

bhliain den phlean gníomhaíochta Atógáil Éireann.

Bhí na táscairí feidhmíochta maidir le tithíocht an-dearfach arís in 2019:

24,394 teach nua ar fáil lena n-úsáide in 2019 - méadú 14%;

40,252 teach a fuair cead pleanála 2019 - méadú 38%;

agus cuireadh isteach Fógraí Tosaithe le haghaidh 26,237 teach in 2019 -

méadú 17%.

Achoimre ar Mheasúnuithe ar Thithíocht Shóisialta in 2019

Déantar an Achoimre ar Mheasúnuithe Tithíochta Sóisialta ar bhonn bliantúil anois

agus úsáidtear é chun spriocanna a leagan síos do sheachadadh tithíochta sóisialta

faoi Atógáil Éireann. Is é cuspóir an mheasúnaithe líon na dteaghlach a dteastaíonn

tacaíocht tithíochta sóisialta uathu ar fud na tíre a shainaithint ar dháta sonrach gach

bliain chun beartas agus pleanáil a dhéanamh do na cineálacha cearta tacaíochta

tithíochta. Léirigh measúnú na bliana 2019 go raibh tacaíocht tithíochta sóisialta de

dhíth ar 68,693 teaghlach, amhail an 24 Meitheamh 2019. B'ionann é seo agus

laghdú 3,165 teaghlach nó 4.4% ar an measúnú roimhe seo i mí an Mheithimh 2018.

Ó foilsíodh Éire a Atógáil, laghdaigh an líon ó 91,600 go 68,693, ar ionann é sin

agus laghdú 25%.


42

An Scéim um Íocaíocht Cúnaimh Tithíochta

Is tacaíocht tithíochta solúbtha agus láithreach í an scéim Íocaíochta Cúnaimh

Tithíochta (ÍCT) atá ar fáil do gach teaghlach incháilithe ar fud an Stáit. Tá ról

ríthábhachtach aige maidir le tithíocht a fháil do theaghlaigh agus do dhaoine aonair

incháilithe. Ag deireadh 2019, bhí níos mó ná 52,500 tionóntacht ghníomhach á

dtacú faoin scéim ÍCT i 31 limistéar údaráis áitiúil, lena n-áirítear 17,025 tionóntacht

bhreise a socraíodh in 2019.

Chomh maith leis sin, faoi dheireadh 2019, d'aistrigh 16,020 teaghlach ó Fhorlíonadh

Cíosa go ÍCT ó thús na scéime. Tríd an mbeart seo, tá tacaíocht Stáit i bhfad níos

sláine á fáil ag na teaghlaigh seo anois, trína bhféadfaidís a bheith ag obair go

lánaimseartha gan a dtacaíocht a chailleadh, agus an t-athrú ar a dhálaí á léiriú i

gcoigeartú ar a gcíosa dhifreálaigh.

Cuireadh an tSeirbhís um Aimsiú Áiteanna ÍCT do Dhaoine gan Dídean ar fáil do na

húdaráis áitiúla ar fad i mí Eanáir 2018. Tugadh rogha do gach údarás áitiúil éarlais

agus réamhíocaíochtaí cíosa a íoc le haghaidh aon teaghlach atá i gcóiríocht

éigeandála do dhaoine gan dídean, nó a bhfuil baol láithreach ann go rachaidh siad

isteach i gcóiríocht éigeandála, chun cóiríocht a chinntiú tríd an Scéim ÍCT.

Tugadh tacaíocht d'os cionn 7,500 teaghlach trí mheán na scéime ÍCT do Dhaoine

gan Dídean i réigiún Bhaile Átha Cliath suas go dtí deireadh ráithe 4 in 2019. Ar fud

na tíre, b'ionann an figiúr comhfhreagrach agus 10,500 teaghlach.

Cuireann an Roinn maoiniú ar fáil do na spásanna Aimsithe Áiteanna agus, faoi

dheireadh 2019, cheadaidh an Roinn 20 spás Aimsithe Áiteanna.

Thug roinnt údaráis áitiúil le fios nach raibh siad ag lorg acmhainní breise chun

seirbhís Aimsithe Áiteanna a bhunú mar bhí siad sásta leis an tseirbhís easpa dídine

a bhí acu cheana.

Easpa Dídine

Ba dhúshlán mór í an easpa dídine go fóill in 2019 nuair a tháinig líon suntasach

teaghlach go dtí seirbhísí easpa dídine arís. Bhí 9,731 duine i gcóiríocht éigeandála i

Nollaig 2019. Ba í sin an chéad bhliain ó 2014, nuair a thosaíomar ag tuairisciú san

fhormáid reatha, a raibh líon iomlán na ndaoine gan dídean níos ísle ná mí na Nollag

roimhe sin.

D'oibrigh an Roinn go dlúth i gcomhar leis na húdaráis áitiúla chun áiseanna

cóiríochta éigeandála breise a sholáthar do dhaoine singile agus teaghlaigh agus

chun tacaíocht a thabhairt do theaghlaigh cóiríocht éigeandála a fhágáil agus dul

isteach i dtithe.


43

Le linn 2019, chuaigh 5,971 duine fásta agus a gcleithiúnaigh gaolmhara a bhí gan

dídean isteach i dtithe, arb ionann é sin agus méadú 16% ar 2018.

Ar aon dul le cuspóir Atógáil Éireann cóiríocht éigeandála oiriúnach a chur ar fáil do

theaghlaigh gan dídean, tháinig 33 mol teaghlaigh i bhfeidhm faoi dheireadh 2019.

Cuireann na háiseanna dírithe ar theaghlaigh sin leibhéal níos airde seasmhachta ar

fáil ná atá ar fáil in óstáin, fad atá áiteanna cónaithe oiriúnacha á n-aithint agus á

bhfáil. Sna moil sin, táthar ábalta tacaíochtaí níos déine a chur ar fáil sa chás go

bhfuil siad ag teastáil, cosúil le seirbhísí leasa, sláinte agus tithíochta.

Lean an Grúpa Idirghníomhaireachta um Easpa Dídine de mhaoirseacht a

dhéanamh ar an bhfreagairt ar easpa dídine ag Ranna agus Gníomhaireachtaí

Rialtais éagsúla a bhfuil baint acu le seirbhísí do dhaoine gan dídean a sholáthar. Ar

an nGrúpa, tá ionadaithe ón Roinn, na húdaráis áitiúla, an Roinn Sláinte, an Roinn

Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais, an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe,

Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, an Roinn Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige, an

Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna agus Tusla.

Cuireadh Fóram Comhairleach Náisiúnta um Easpa Dídine ar bun in 2019. Ar an

bhFóram, tá ionadaithe ó eagraíochtaí soláthraithe seirbhíse chomh maith le baill

den Ghrúpa Idirghníomhaireachta um Easpa Dídine. Bhí an chéad chruinniú ar siúl

in Aibreán 2019. Buailfidh an Fóram sin le chéile gach sé mhí chun fóram

rannpháirtíochta a chur ar fáil do Ranna Rialtais agus Gníomhaireachtaí Stáit a

bhfuil páirt acu i soláthar seirbhísí do dhaoine gan dídean agus na heagraíochtaí

neamhrialtasacha atá ag feidhmiú sa réimse sin.

Tugadh isteach Creat Caighdeán Náisiúnta um Cháilíocht (CCNC) do sheirbhísí

easpa dídine ar fud na tíre in 2019. Cinntíonn an Creat go dtugtar aghaidh ar

riachtanais na ndaoine gan dídean ar bhealach níos seasmhaí. Leis an gcreat,

déantar iarracht feabhas a chur ar chaighdeán na seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil do

dhaoine aonair, do theaghlaigh agus dá leanaí a úsáideann cóiríocht éigeandála.

Cuireadh an Creat i bhfeidhm go hiomlán i réigiún Bhaile Átha Cliath agus tá sé á

chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnithe d'fhonn é a chur i bhfeidhm go hiomlán in 2020.

Tá an Creat ceaptha chun a chinntiú go bhfuil na seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil do

dhaoine agus teaghlaigh gan dídean dea-eagraithe, comhordaithe, comhtháite agus

dírithe ar dhaoine a aistriú isteach i dtithe a luaithe is féidir.

Déanfar cinnte le cur i bhfeidhm an Chreata go soláthrófar seirbhísí ar

ardchaighdeán ar bhealach seasmhach ar fud na tíre. Is é an cuspóir deiridh go n-

íoslaghdófar an méid ama a chaitear i gcóiríocht éigeandála.

Rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach maidir le 'Tús Áite do Thithíocht' a sholáthar ar

fud na tíre.


44

Cuireadh socruithe soláthair seirbhíse ar bun i ngach ceann de na réigiúin riaracháin

um easpa dídine. Cuireann 'Tús Áite do Thithíocht' ar chumas daoine a bhféadfadh

sé go raibh siad gan dídean agus a bhfuil leibhéal ard riachtanas casta acu cóiríocht

dhaingnithe bhuan a fháil trí thacaíochtaí diana a chur ar fáil chun tacú leo a

dtionóntachtaí a choinneáil. Foilsíodh Plean Feidhmithe Náisiúnta do Thús Aite do

Thithíocht i Meán Fómhair 2018. Faoi dheireadh 2019, tugadh áit chónaithe do 412

duine faoi Thús Áite do Thithíocht, 172 duine aonair i gcaitheamh 2019 san áireamh.

Cuireadh maoiniú €165m ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla i bhfoirm maoiniú Státchiste i dtreo

seirbhísí do dhaoine gan dídean a sholáthar in 2019.

An Ciste Bonneagair Áitiúil um Sheachadadh Tithíochta a

Ghníomhachtú

Beart atá sa Chiste Bonneagair

Áitiúil um Sheachadadh

Tithíochta a Ghníomhachtú (an

CBÁSTG) atá in ainm is soláthar

tithíochta a ghníomhachtú trí

bhonneagar poiblí cumasúcháin

amach ón láthair a chur i

bhfeidhm.

Is féidir leis seo fáil réidh le baic

bhonneagair ríthábhachtacha

chun soláthar tithíochta a

chumasú ar phríomhláithreáin forbartha agus feabhas a chur ar inmharthanacht

gheilleagrach agus inacmhainneacht cheannaitheora i gcás tionscadail nua

tithíochta.

Foilsítear sonraí achoimre ar na tionscadail, a soláthróidh thart ar 20,000 teach thar

shaolré an chláir, ar shuíomh gréasáin Atógáil Éireann ar an nasc seo a leanas:

http://rebuildingireland.ie/lihaf/.

Suas go dtí deireadh 2019, críochnaíodh 2,162 áit chónaithe thar ocht láithreán, a

raibh 145 díobh ina n-aonaid Cuid V/Sóisialta agus 925 díobh ina n-aonaid Costais

Laghdaithe/Inacmhainne.

Tá dhá thionscadal an CBÁSTG go hiomlán críochnaihte agus tá ceann amháin

beagnach críochnaithe. Tá deich dtionscadal breise á dtógáil agus tá cead ag dhá

cheann dul ar aghaidh go dtí céim na tógála. Táthar ag súil leis go sroichfidh

tionscadail bhreise céim na tógála in 2020.

http://rebuildingireland.ie/lihaf/


45

Tithíocht Shóisialta a Chaighdeánú

Ar mhaithe leis an gcur chuige i leith dearadh tithíochta sóisialta a chaighdeánú ar

fud na tíre agus tithíocht ar ardchaighdeán agus luach ar airgead a bhaint amach.

Aithníodh dhá thionscadal, mar a leagtar amach thíos.

Riachtanais Fostóra

Bhunaigh an Roinn agus na húdaráis áitiúla grúpa oibre in 2018 chun sonraíocht

náisiúnta ardleibhéil a fhorbairt le haghaidh tithíocht shóisialta inacmhainne. D'eisigh

an grúpa doiciméad maidir le 'Riachtanais Fostóra' i Meán Fómhair 2019. Is é

cuspóir an doiciméid caighdeáin ghinearálta a leagan amach maidir le hábhair,

bailchríocha agus feisithe a chuirfear ar fáil i dtithíocht inacmhainne shóisialta, idir

thithe agus árasáin, arna maoiniú i bpáirt nó go hiomlán ag an Roinn. Tá sé dírithe ar

údaráis áitiúla agus Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta agus déanfaidh sé éascaíocht

ar sheasmhacht níos airde ar fud na tíre i gcás tithíocht shóisialta.

Leagann an doiciméad treoir amach freisin maidir le doiciméid tairisceana a ullmhú

le haghaidh costas is fearr agus rialú cláir.

Leaganacha Amach Caighdeánacha

Tá an Roinn ag ullmhú leaganacha amach caighdeánacha do thithíocht shóisialta

freisin. Tá sé beartaithe cúnamh a thabhairt i dtaca le costais a rialú ach treoir

ghinearálta maidir le dearadh eacnamaíoch agus leaganacha amach inmheánacha

samplacha a sholáthar. Léiríonn na samplaí conas is féidir cineálacha éagsúla tithe

agus árasán a dhearadh chun sprioclimistéir urláir na Roinne a shásamh (atá

leagtha amach i 'Tithíocht Ardchaighdeáin do Phobail Inbhuanaithe').

Tá leaganacha amach samplacha ann do láithreáin freisin. Léiríonn siad conas is

féidir costais talún agus seirbhísí in aghaidh na háite cónaithe a laghdú trí mheán

dearadh agus dlús éifeachtúil i bhforbairtí réasúnta idir 2 stór agus 4 stór (chomh

maith le hárasáin). Tá an dréacht-doiciméad beagnach críochnaithe agus táthar ag

súil leis go gcuirfear amach é le haghaidh réamhchomhairliúcháin le húdaráis áitiúla

in 2020.

Léasú Fadtéarmach ar Thithíocht Shóisialta

Díríonn an Scéim Fheabhsaithe um Léasú Fadtéarmach ar Thithíocht Shóisialta ar

infheisteoirí institiúideacha fadtéarmacha ar féidir leo soláthar ar scála mór. Síníodh

na chéad chonarthaí faoin scéim agus soláthraíodh na chéad aonaid in 2019. Ba

chéim thábhachtach chun tosaigh é sin don chlár léasaithe.

Leath an Roinn, le tacaíocht ón nGníomhaireacht Tithíochta, Fóram na gCleachtóirí

Léasaithe amach in 2019.


46

Tá sé mar aidhm aige oiliúint agus tacaíocht a chur ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla sna cláir

léasaithe. Próiseas dhá bhealach atá san idirghníomhaíocht agus, dá bharr sin, bhí

an Roinn ábalta na teimpléid chaighdeánacha le haghaidh doiciméid léasaithe a

bheachtú a thuilleadh thar gach scéim léasaithe chun na riachtanais atá ag údaráis

áitiúla agus na dúshláin atá roimh údaráis áitiúla a léiriú. Leathnaíodh ról na

Gníomhaireachta Tithíochta freisin chun tacaíocht lárnach a thabhairt d'údaráis

áitiúla chun an scéim a oibriú agus tugadh isteach seirbhís léasaithe ceann go ceann

chun comhairle dhlíthiúil agus theicniúil a chur ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla. Mar gheall ar

an leibhéal níos airde suime i léasú, ó earnáil na n-údarás áitiúil agus ó thaobh an

tsoláthair, soláthrófar níos mó tithe a bhfuil géarghá leo ar chonarthaí fadtéarmacha

25 bliain.

Íocaíocht agus Infhaighteacht (ÍF) agus Áis um Airleacan Caipitil i

gcomhair Leasaithe (ÁACL)

Rinneadh athbhreithniú foirmiúil ar na socruithe maoinithe Íocaíochta agus

Infhaighteachta (ÍF) agus an Áis um Airleacan Caipitil i gcomhair Leasaithe (ÁACL)

in 2018, agus ina dhiaidh sin cuireadh tús le cur i bhfeidhm na moltaí.

Aithnítear príomhról na hearnála Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta faoi Atógáil

Éireann agus tá maoiniú ÍF-ÁACL fós ina phríomh-mheicníocht soláthair chun na

spriocanna atá leagtha amach sa phlean sin a bhaint amach.

Bhí an t-athbhreithniú ag teastáil chun a chinntiú go mbíonn socruithe maoinithe

oiriúnach don fheidhm agus go bhféadann siad tacú le soláthar tionscadal, ach go

háirithe tionscadail tógála, chun luach ar airgead don Státchiste agus d'earnáil CCT

a uasmhéadú, agus chun feabhas a chur ar chomhoibriú idir CCTanna agus údaráis

áitiúla.

Tháinig na moltaí agus na próisis nuashonraithe i bhfeidhm i Ráithe 3 2019. Dhírigh

siad ar mhéadrachtaí buiséadaithe airgeadais, Innéacsú Íocaíochta ÍF moltaí maidir

le háiseanna comhchoiteanna a chur san áireamh, leasuithe ar phróiseáil costas

tionscnaimh, chomh maith le hathruithe nós imeachta agus riaracháin.

D'éirigh leis na moltaí sin a rolladh amach mar gheall ar theagmháil leanúnach le

páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla, lenar áiríodh an Ghníomhaireacht Tithíochta, Údaráis

Áitiúla, agus Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta, chomh maith lena gcomhlachtaí

ionadaíocha.


47

Tithíocht do Dhaoine faoi Mhíchumas agus Daoine Breacaosta

An Straitéis Náisiúnta Tithíochta do Dhaoine faoi Mhíchumas (SNTDM)

Comhstraitéis leis an Roinn Sláinte is ea 'An Straitéis Náisiúnta Tithíochta do

Dhaoine faoi Mhíchumas (SNTDM) 2011-2016'. Leagtar amach ann creat leathan an

Rialtais maidir le tithíocht a sholáthar do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas trí mheán

roghanna tithíochta príomhshrutha. Agus forbairt á déanamh ar an tiomantas i gClár

an Rialtais 2016 do na riachtanais tithíochta atá ag daoine faoi mhíchumas a

chomhlíonadh, athdheimhníodh ról SNTDM in Atógáil Éireann agus síneadh é go dtí

2020 chun go leanfaidh sé ar aghaidh a n-aidhmeanna a bhaint amach. Déanfar

athbhreithniú ar an Straitéis in 2020.

Déanann an Grúpa Monatóireachta ar Fheidhmiú (GMF) don Straitéis, ar a

bhfuil ionadaithe ar gach páirtí leasmhara, monatóireacht ar dhul chun cinn

dhá uair sa bhliain agus foilsíonn sé tuarascáil bhliantúil. Tá an cúigiú

Tuarascáil ar Dhul Chun Cinn maidir le feidhmiú na Straitéise ar fáil ar

shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne ar https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/policy/people-

disability/housing-people-disability

Tithíocht do Dhaoine Breacaosta -

Ráiteas Polasaí ar Roghanna Tithíochta

dár nDaonra atá ag Aosú

Comhráiteas is ea an ráiteas polasaí

'Roghanna Tithíochta dár nDaonra atá ag

Aosú' a fhoilsíonn an Roinn seo agus an

Roinn Sláinte i bhFeabhra 2019. Déanann

an ráiteas polasaí forbairt ar na

gníomhartha le haghaidh tithíocht daoine

breacaosta, mar a leagtar amach in Atógáil

Éireann agus an Creat Pleanála Náisiúnta.

Cuireann sé 40 gníomh atá follasach agus

faoi cheangal ama ar bun chun córas atá

bunaithe níos mó ar fhianaise agus níos

comhtháite d'fhonn tithíocht do dhaoine

breacaosta a mhapáil agus a sholáthar.

Baineann na gníomhartha le tacaíochtaí

sláinte freisin, más gá, chun na riachtanais

éagsúla a aithnítear sa taighde a shásamh.






48

Deontais um Oiriúnú Tithe

Díríonn na Deontais um Oiriúnú Tithe do Dhaoine Breacaosta agus Daoine faoi

Mhíchumas ar éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar na hathruithe atá riachtanach chun go n-

oirfeadh tithe do dhuine atá faoi mhíchumas fisiciúil, céadfach agus intleachtach nó

ag a bhfuil fadhb mheabhairshláinte agus chun cur ar chumas na ndaoine sin

fanacht ag maireachtáil go neamhspleách ina dtithe féin níos faide.

Tá an t-éileamh ar dheontais ard ó seoladh iad in 2007. Bhain thart ar 100,000 duine

breacaosta agus faoi mhíchumas tairbhe as an scéim agus, i go leor cásanna,

seachnaíodh iontráil róluath i gcúram cónaithe. Baineann an Stát tairbhe as sin trí

chostais san earnáil sláinte a sheachaint.

In 2019, bhain thart ar 10,011 teaghlach tairbhe as na deontais ar chostas

iomlán os cionn €69.5 milliún.

Fógraíodh buiséad méadaithe €73.75 milliún do na deontais in 2020.

Leagann an ráiteas polasaí 'Roghanna Tithíochta dár nDaonra atá ag Aosú'

béim ar thiomantas na Roinne don phróiseas iarratais a shruthlíniú agus dona

chinntiú gur féidir le hiarratasóirí deontais a fháil.

Bhuail an Roinn le gach ceann de na 31 údarás áitiúil agus le grúpaí páirtí

leasmhara le linn 2019 chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar riarachán mionsonraithe

na ndeontas. Rinne an t-athbhreithniú cuimsitheach sin eolas d'fhorbairt an phróisis

iarratais cuíchóirithe do na deontais ón Eanáir 2020, agus úsáidtear foirm iarratais

shingil anois le haghaidh na dtrí dheontas. I ndiaidh an nuashonraithe sin, beidh siad

níos áisiúla don úsáideoir agus níos inrochtana, agus cuirfear feabhas ar

sheasmhacht an chuir chuige ó thaobh cur i bhfeidhm de ar fud na tíre.

An Earnáil CCT a Rialáil

Foilsíodh Bille na dTithe (Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta a Rialáil) in Iúil 2019

agus achtaíodh ina dhlí é an 23 Nollaig 2019 Bunóidh an tAcht Rialálaí chun

maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar rialachas éifeachtach, bainistíocht airgeadais agus

feidhmíocht na gcomhlachtaí tithíochta deonacha agus na gcomhlachtaí

comharthithíochta. Go dtí go dtabharfar an rialachán reachtúil isteach, leanfar den

earnáil a rialáil tríd an gCód Rialacháin Deonach a riarann an Oifig Rialála

eatramhach.

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2019, shínigh 282 Comhlacht an Cód, gach ceann de na

Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta níos mó ar Leibhéal 3 san áireamh.


49

Iasacht Tithíochta Atógáil Éireann

Seoladh Iasacht Tithíochta Atógáil Éireann (ITAÉ) an 1 Feabhra 2018. Cuireann sé

ar chumas ceannaitheoirí céaduaire idir aois 18 agus 70 bliain nach féidir leo

morgáiste a fháil ó iasachtóir tráchtála, teacht ar airgeadas inbhuanaithe morgáiste

lena chur ar a gcumas áit chónaithe nua nó athláimhe a cheannach, nó tabhairt faoi

fhéintógáil, laistigh de phraghasraon oiriúnach.

Ní mór d'iarratasóirí a bheith i bhfostaíocht leanúnach ar feadh dhá bhliain ar a

laghad (saothraí príomha) nó bliain amháin (saothraí tánaisteach). I gcás iarratasóirí

aonair is é an teorainn ioncaim €50,000, agus é ag ardú go €75,000 do

chomhiarratasóirí.

Is féidir le hiarratasóirí suas le 90% a fháil, ag brath ar a gcumas aisíocaíochta, ar

chostas ceannaigh nó tógála tí go dtí uasluach €320,000 i Mórcheantar Bhaile Átha

Cliath, i gCorcaigh agus i nGaillimh agus €250,000 i ngach ceantar eile. In 2019, bhí

údaráis áitiúla ábalta an chéad tráinse de mhaoiniú blianachta ar ráta seasta a

thairiscint d'iasachtaithe incháilithe ag rátaí 2.0% agus 2.25% in aghaidh na bliana,

ar feadh cúig bliana is fiche agus tríocha bliain, faoi seach.

Bunaíodh an scéim de réir rialachán ceadaithe ag an Aire le toiliú an Aire

Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe, faoina bhfuil polasaí creidmheasa eisithe ina

bhfuil na critéir nach mór d'iarratasóirí cloí leo chun a bheith i dteideal iasachta

leagtha amach.

Cuireann an Ghníomhaireacht Tithíochta seirbhís tacaíochta lárnach ar fáil a

dhéanann iarratais ar iasachtaí a dhéantar leis na húdaráis áitiúla a mheas agus a

dhéanann moltaí do na húdaráis maidir le hiasachtaí a thairiscint d'iarratasóirí.

Fanann an cinneadh deiridh maidir le formheas ag leibhéal áitiúil an údaráis áitiúil

agus tá coiste creidmheasa bunaithe ag gach údarás áitiúil chun na críche sin.

Faoi dheireadh 2019, tarraingíodh 1,553 iasacht ag a bhfuil luach €268.7m anuas

faoin scéim.


50

Iasachtú ón nGníomhaireacht Airgeadais do Thithe

Soláthraíonn an

Ghníomhaireacht Airgeadais do

Thithe (GAT) airgeadas

fadtéarmach ar ráta seasta

d'údaráis áitiúla agus

comhlachtaí ceadaithe tithíochta (CCTanna) chun tithíocht shóisalta a chur ar fáil,

agus d'institiúidí ardoideachais chun cóiríocht do mhic léinn a chur ar fáil.

Mhéadaigh réamhíocaíochtaí iasachta na GAT le CCTanna níos mó ná faoi dhó, ó

€283m in 2018 go dtí €634m in 2019. Thacaigh na hiasachtaí sin le soláthar 2,561

teach nua. Tháinig méadú freisin ar cheaduithe iasachta ó €615m in 2018 go dtí

€694m in 2019.

Leanann an GAT de leas a bhaint as airgeadas fadtéarmach iomaíoch ar ráta seasta

agus ráta athraitheach ó Ghníomhaireacht Bainistíochta an Chisteáin Náisiúnta

(GBCN), an Banc Eorpach Infheistíochta (BEI), Banc Forbartha Chomhairle na

hEorpa (CEB), údaráis áitiúil agus grúpaí eile. Shocraigh an GAT Conradh

Airgeadais fadtéarmach nua leis an BEI le haghaidh €200 milliún i Nollaig 2019.

Níor méadaíodh méid na n-iasachtaí le húdaráis áitiúla chomh tapa le hiasachtaí le

CCTanna, ach tá ghlanfháil dhearfach ar iasacht sa phunann sin arís tar éis

d'údaráis áitiúil tosú ag tarraingt leibhéil shuntasacha mhaoinithe anuas le haghaidh

tithíochta. B'ionann ollairleacain in 2019 agus €343m.

In 2019, tharraing UCD an chéad iasacht ollscoile de chuid na GAT chun cóiríocht

nua do mhic léinn a fhorbairt anuas. B'fhiú an iasacht €60 milliún. Táthar ag súil leis

go bhfásfaidh an phunann seo arís in 2020 agus ina dhiaidh sin, mar a shroicheann

tionscadail céim na tógála.

Tuairisc an Phainéil Saineolaithe ar Bhloic Choincréite

Foilsíodh tuarascáil an Phainéil Saineolaithe ar Bhloic Choincréite i mí an Mheithimh

2017 agus bhí ocht moladh inti. Tá an Roinn ag déanamh dul chun cinn gníomhach

leis na páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha, agus í cur tús áite do Mholtaí 1 agus 2 a chur i

bhfeidhm.

Maidir le Moladh 1, d'fhoilsigh an an tÚdarás um Chaighdeáin Náisiúnta na hÉireann

(ÚCNÉ) prótacal caighdeánaithe an 13 Nollaig 2018 agus tá ‘C.É. 465:2018 -

Measúnú, tástáil agus rangú foirgneamh damáistithe ina bhfuil bloic choincréite le

hábhair dhíobhálacha iontu’ ar fáil ar www.nsai.ie.

http://www.nsai.ie/


51

Is féidir an caighdeán a úsáid chun an damáiste i réadmhaoin a mheas agus a rangú

nuair a mheastar go bhfuil na mianraí míoca nó an pirít sna bloic choincréite.

Roimhe seo, ní raibh aon bhealach coiteann ann d’innealtóirí nó d'úinéirí tí an

damáiste déanta ag bloic choincréite lochtacha a mheas, chun cinneadh a

dhéanamh ar an gcineál oibre feabhsúcháin, más ann dó, a d'fhéadfaí a dhéanamh.

Maidir le Moladh 2, tá an Roinn i dteagmháil le hInnealtóirí Éireann maidir le clár

innealtóirí inniúla a bhunú mar áis tagartha d'úinéirí tí/páirtithe a dhéanann an

damáiste difear dóibh.

I Meitheamh 2019, bhunaigh Innealtóirí Éireann clár den chineál sin atá ar fáil ar

https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/Communities-Groups/Find-a-

member/Specialist-Registers-and-Panels/IS-465-register-Concrete-Blocks-and-Mica

Liostaíonn an clár Innealtóirí Cairte a bhfuil an taithí, inniúlacht agus sainoiliúint

riachtanach dhíreach phroifisiúnta acu, i gcomhréir leis na ceanglais a leagtar amach

i C.É.465:2018.

I mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2018, cheadaigh an Rialtas i bprionsabal scéim deontas um

chúnamh airgeadais (na rialacháin riachtanacha san áireamh) a fhorbairt chun tacú

le húinéirí tí i gContae Dhún na nGall agus i gContae Mhaigh Eo na hoibreacha

feabhsúcháin riachtanacha a dhéanamh ar thithe a ndearnadh damáiste dóibh de

bharr bloic choincréiteacha lochtacha.

Cuireadh téarmaí agus coinníollacha iomlán na scéime i gcrích le linn 2019, i

gcomhairle le Oifig an Ard-Aighne agus an tAire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus

Athchóirithe. Oibreoidh agus riarfaidh Comhairlí Contae Dhún na nGall agus Mhaigh

Eo an scéim, a thiocfaidh i bhfeidhm go luath in 2020.

An tAcht um Réiteach Piríte, 2013

Déantar foráil leis an Acht um Réiteach Piríte, 2013 do chreat reachtúil a bhunú don

Bhord um Réiteach Piríte agus do scéim um leasúchán piríte a chur i bhfeidhm ag

an mBord le tacaíocht ón nGníomhaireacht Tithíochta. Scéim "rogha deiridh" is ea é

an scéim um leasúchán piríte d'úinéirí tí nach bhfuil aon rogha phraiticiúil eile acu

chun leasúchán a fháil agus tá an scéim teoranta ó thaobh cur i bhfeidhm agus

raoin. Leagtar amach na coinníollacha ar fad maidir le hincháilitheacht don scéim sa

scéim, atá ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin an Bhoird ar www.pyriteboard.ie

Fógraíodh €32 milliún faoi Bhuiséad 2019 chun oibriú na scéime um leasúchán piríte

in 2019 a mhaoiniú. Rinne an leithdháileadh sin éascaíocht ar leasúchán thart ar 512

áit chónaithe bhreise in 2019. Is ionann iomlán na n-áiteanna cónaithe a

críochnaíodh ó tugadh isteach an scéim den chéad uair agus 1,890 anois. Is léir

uaidh sin go dtuigeann an Rialtas an tábhacht a bhaineann le dul i ngleic le damáiste

suntasach d'áiteanna cónaithe príobháideacha.



https://housing.cloud.gov.ie/apps/eDocs/S/HCBSSBSU007/Files/HCBSSBSU007-005-2020/www.pyriteboard.ie


52

De réir na bhfigiúirí ó Nollaig 2019, fuarthas 2,592 iarratas faoin scéim um leasúchán

piríte. As na 2,592 iarratas a fuarthas, cuireadh 2,110 áit chónaithe san áireamh sa

scéim um leasúchán piríte agus tugadh fógra do na hiarratasóirí dá réir.

Bailíodh 110 iarratas breise agus atreoraíodh iad chuig an nGníomhaireacht

Tithíochta don Phróiseas Measúnaithe agus Bailíochtaithe, agus bhí 191 iarratas eile

ag céim tosaigh an Phróisis Mheasúnaithe agus Bhailíochtaithe. Níor éirigh le 181

iarratas faoin scéim.

Earnáil Chíosa

Achtaíodh an tAcht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe (Leasú), 2019 i mBealtaine chun

feabhas a chur ar shlándáil tionachta agus an cumhacht a thabhairt don Bhord um

Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe Príobháideacha (BTCP) an srian ar mhéadú cíosa i

gCriosanna Brú Cíosa (CBCanna) a fhorfheidhmiú ar bhealach níos fearr. Tugadh

cumhachtaí nua imscrúdaithe agus smachtbhannaí do BTCP chun aghaidh a

thabhairt ar iompar míchuí ag tiarnaí talún, cosúil le cíosanna a mhéadú go

mídhleathach nó deireadh a chur le tionóntachtaí. Cuireann an tAcht srian freisin ar

na díolúintí atá ann cheana ón srian CBC ar mhéadú cíosa agus tugtar isteach

cionta coiriúla i gcás ina méadaíonn tiarna talún cíosanna go mídhleathach. Beidh

gá le tionóntachtaí a chlárú gach bliain freisin.

Leasuithe eile san Earnáil Chíosa

Sa Straitéis don Earnáil Chíosa a foilsíodh i Nollaig 2016, leagadh amach sraith

bearta a thabharfar isteach chun caighdeán na cóiríochta cíosa príobháidigh a

áirithiú ach na caighdeáin infheidhme a neartú agus na córais chigireachta agus

forfheidhmithe a fheabhsú. D'aithin an Straitéis na rátaí ísle cigireachta agus na rátaí

ísle comhlíonta san earnáil chíosa, tríd is tríd, chomh maith leis an ngá le leibhéal

níos airde seasmhachta sa chur chuige i leith na rialacháin a chur i bhfeidhm ar fud

na n-údarás áitiúil.

Aithníonn an Straitéis an gá le hacmhainní breise a chur ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla chun

tacú le líon níos airde cigireachtaí a dhéanamh ar ionaid réadmhaoine agus

comhlíonadh níos fearr na Rialachán a áirithiú. Rinneadh socrú chun €2.5 milliún

maoinithe Státchiste a chur ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla in 2018 chun na críche sin, agus é

sin ag méadú go €4.5 milliún in 2019 agus €6 milliún in 2020.

Ar deireadh thiar thall, is é an aidhm an ráta cigireachta 25% ar ionaid réadmhaoine

ar cíos a bhaint amach gach bliain faoi 2021. Bhí líon na gcigireachtaí a rinneadh in

2019 níos mó ná dhá uair níos airde ná an líon in 2017. In 2017, tugadh faoi 19,645

cigireacht, agus é sin ag méadú go 28,806 in 2018 agus 41,018 in 2019. B'ionann

líon na n-áiteanna nach raibh comhlíontach ach a bhí comhlíontach ina dhiaidh sin in

2017, 2018 agus 2019 agus 3,329, 5,466 agus 7,145, faoi seach.


53

Treoir maidir le Feidhmíocht Fuinnimh Foirgneamh

Leagann Treoir an AE maidir le Fheidhmíocht Fuinnimh Foirgneamh ceanglais síos

ar leibhéal an AE go bhfeabhsódh Ballstáit feidhmíocht fuinnimh foirgneamh agus go

ndéanfaidís rannchuidí tábhachtach le hastaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa a laghdú.

Síníodh Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Feidhmíocht Fuinnimh Foirgneamh), 2019

agus achtaíodh ina ndlí iad an 29 Aibreán 2019.

Tugann na rialacháin nua seo caighdeáin maidir le Foirgnimh nach mór Neodrach ó

thaobh Fuinnimh de (NZEB) d'áiteanna cónaithe. Anuas air sin, leasaíodh Cuid F de

na Rialacháin Foirgníochta (Aerú) mar tá gá le córais níos éifeachtaí aeraithe i gcás

foirgnimh NZEB. Foilsíodh dréachtrialacháin bhreise chun bonneagar luchtaithe

feithiclí leictreacha a thabhairt isteach le haghaidh comhairliúchán poiblí.


54

Sprioc C - Creat don bhainistíocht inbhuanaithe ar acmhainní uisce ón bhfoinse go dtí an fharraige a sholáthar;

Samhail Mhaoinithe Nua d'Uisce Éireann

Bhí an tsamhail nua mhaoinithe d'Uisce Éireann,

trína seoltar an maoiniú Stáit ar fad d'Uisce Éireann

le haghaidh seirbhísí uisce tí trí Vóta na Roinne, fós i

bhfeidhm.

Tá maoiniú le haghaidh seirbhísí uisce tí á chur ar

fáil d'Uisce Éireann ag an Státchiste de réir vóta

bliantúil an Oireachtais agus aird á tabhairt don

chinneadh maidir le hioncam reatha ceadaithe ag an

gCoimisiún um Rialáil Fóntais (CRF). Agus an t-

ioncam reatha ceadaithe á shocrú aige, déanann an

CRF idirdhealú idir an earnáil tí agus an earnáil tráchtála. Tá an ghné a bhaineann

leis an earnáil tí le maoiniú ag an Roinn, seachas aon ioncam a thagann ón táille

úsáide iomarcaí. Ar an iomlán, cuireadh thart ar €1.2 billiún ar fáil chun costas na

seirbhísí uisce tí a chomhlíonadh in 2019, ar bhain €646m de le hinfheistíocht

chaipitil agus €562m de le costais oibriúcháin. Tugtar aird ar admháil agus

athbhreithniú na bpacáistí tuairiscithe airgeadais míosúla ó Uisce Éireann agus na

híocaíochtaí á bpróiseáil.

Iasachtaí Nua a Chur in Ionad Iasachtaí Tráchtála Uisce Éireann

In Aibreán 2017, moladh i dTuarascáil an Chomhchoiste Oireachtais um Maoiniú ar

Sheirbhísí Uisce Tí sa Todhchaí go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar shaoráid iasachta

tráchtála reatha Uisce Éireann agus go gcuirfí, más féidir, saoráid iasachta Stáit ina

áit trí shocrú leis an nGníomhaireacht Bainistíochta an Chisteáin Náisiúnta (GBCN).

Rinneadh é sin i ndiaidh cinneadh an Rialtais i nDeireadh Fómhair 2016 gur cheart

saoráidí fiachais cistithe Stáit a fhaightear ar chostas iomaíoch a chur in áit fiachas

eachtraigh Uisce Éireann, más féidir. In 2019, chinn an Rialtas fiachas nua a chur in

ionad tráchtála reatha Uisce Éireann agus foráil a dhéanamh d'iasachtaí amach

anseo. Tá Cinneadh an Rialtais á chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnithe mar seo a

leanas:

I gCéim 1 (curtha i gcrích i Nollaig 2019) cuireadh maoiniú cothromais Stáit arbh

fhiú €758m in áit fiachas reatha Uisce Éireann don earnáil uisce tí, mar a chinn

an tAire agus an tAire Airgeadais, trí mheán ranníocaíocht chaipitil an Aire

Airgeadais;


55

I gCéim 2, cuirfear saoráid iasachta Stáit in ionad fiachas reatha Uisce Éireann

don earnáil uisce tráchtála, trí mheán iasachta Príomh-Chiste ón Aire

Airgeadais, agus déanfar foráil do shaoráid iasachta an Phríomh-Chiste a

sholáthar d'Uisce Éireann le haghaidh riachtanais iasachta na hearnála tráchtála

amach anseo, agus déanfaidh an tAire agus an tAire Airgeadais cinneadh maidir

le méid riachtanach agus téarmaí eile na saoráide iasachta; agus

I gCéim 3, comhlíonfar riachtanais maoinithe caipitil oibre ghearrthéarmacha

Uisce Éireann amach anseo trí mheán saoráid iasachta faoi Sheirbhís Lárnacha

Cisteáin na GBCN, faoi réir na leasuithe reachtacha riachtanacha.

Scéim Ghinearálta Bhille na Timpeallachta Uisce (Astarraingtí)

Cheadaigh an Rialtas Scéim Ghinearálta Bhille na Timpeallachta Uisce (Astarraingtí)

agus cuireadh faoi bhráid an Oireachtais í le haghaidh scrúdú réamh-reachtach i

Nollaig 2019. Tá an reachtaíocht á tabhairt ar aghaidh chun go mbeidh Éire ag cloí

le Treoir Réime Uisce an AE agus chun an córas astarraingtí uisce atá as dáta agus

teoranta ó thaobh scóipe de, mar go bhfuil sé bunaithe ar reachtaíocht a achtaíodh

in 1942 agus 1964, a nuachóiriú. Déantar foráil leis an Scéim Ghinearálta do chóras

cláraithe, ceadúnaithe agus rialaithe le haghaidh astarraingtí uisce. Riarfaidh an

Ghníomhaíocht um Chosaint Comhshaoil na forálacha molta sa Bhille. Moltar sa

Scéim Ghinearálta go mbeidh córas trí leibhéal bunaithe ar riosca ann. Ceanglais

chéimnithe agus chomhréireacha a bheidh ann, bunaithe ar mhéid an uisce atá á

astarraingt, mar seo a leanas:

caithfidh na hastarraingtí cloí le Rialacha Ceangailteacha Ginearálta agus

caithfear socrú a dhéanamh chun go ndéanfaí an astarraingt ar bhealach

inbhuanaithe ó thaobh an chomhshaoil de;

beidh gá le hastarraingtí 25 méadar ciúbach in aghaidh an lae a chlárú leis an

GCC (mar atá an cás faoi láthair);

beidh gá le cead a fháil le haghaidh astarraingtí idir 250 agus 1,999 méadar

ciúbach in aghaidh an lae má tá an astarraingt i gceantar a mheasann an GCC

go bhfuil baol ann mar gheall ar an astarraingt, agus le haghaidh gach

astarraingt os cionn 2,000 méadar ciúbach in aghaidh an lae.

Tugadh isteach rialacháin lenar ndearnadh foráil do chóras chun astarraingtí uisce a

chlárú in 2018, agus bhí gá leis na hastarraingtí os cionn 25 méadar ciúbach in

aghaidh an lae a chlárú ar líne.

Faoi dheireadh 2019, cláraíodh 1,542 astarraingt ar an iomlán agus bhain an chuid

ba mhó díobh (1,028) le huisce óil. Bunóidh an Bille an clár sa reachtaíocht

phríomha.


56

Nuachóireoidh an Bille na forálacha d'astarraingtí ag Uisce Éireann agus grúpaí eile

agus déanfar foráil leis don chosaint riachtanach chomhshaoil a dhéanamh ar fhoinsí

uisce.

Claochlú Uisce Éireann

Tá clár claochlaithe ar siúl in Uisce Éireann bunaithe ar an

ngá chun athrú de réir a chéile a dhéanamh ar an

tseirbhís in imeacht ama agus leas a bhaint as deiseanna

chun éifeachtacht agus éifeachtúlacht níos mó. Mhol

Uisce Éireann go gcomhtháthófar a oibriúcháin go

hiomlán agus go gcuirfear deireadh leis na socruithe

oibriúcháin reatha i gcomhair seirbhísí uisce a sholáthar

trí chomhaontuithe seirbhíse le húdaráis áitiúla. Tá an

prionsabal d'údarás seirbhísí uisce náisiúnta amháin faoi

úinéireacht phoiblí i gcomhréir leis na moltaí déanta ag Comhchoiste an Oireachtais

ar Mhaoiniú sa Todhchaí do Sheirbhísí Uisce Tí, agus leis na leasuithe reachtacha

ar na hAchtanna um Seirbhísí Uisce.

D'iarr an tAire ar na páirtithe, is iad sin Uisce Éireann, earnáil an Rialtais Áitiúil agus

na ceardchumainn ábhartha, páirt a ghlacadh i bpróiseas chun creat oibriúcháin

agus struchtúir atá láidir amach anseo a fhorbairt. Leis an bpróiseas sin, a

fhaigheann tacaíocht ó Choimisiún um Chaidreamh san Áit Oibre, cuireadh tús le

sraith teagmhálacha in 2019 idir na páirtithe agus leanfar ar aghaidh leis in 2020.

Is é an cuspóir deiridh ná a chinntiú go mbeidh córais nua-aimseartha agus

éifeachtacha chun seirbhísí uisce agus fuíolluisce a sholáthar.

Uisce Éireann a Scaradh ó Ghrúpa Ervia

In Iúil 2018, chinn an Rialtas go mbeadh Uisce Éireann ina fhóntas rialáilte tráchtála

aonair atá faoi úinéireacht phoiblí a scarfar ón Ghrúpa Ervia le linn 2023.

Bunaíodh an Grúpa Stiúrtha Idir-Rannach i bhFeabhra 2019 chun maoirseacht a

dhéanamh agus tuairisciú chuig na hAirí ábhartha maidir le scaradh Uisce Éireann ó

Ghrúpa Ervia. Ar an nGrúpa Stiúrtha, tá ionadaithe ón Roinn, an Roinn Caiteachais

Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe, an Roinn Airgeadais, an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe

ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil, RÉNua agus Ervia, Uisce Éireann agus

Líonraí Gáis Éireann san áireamh. Bhuail an Grúpa Stiúrtha le chéile cúig huaire in

2019.

Ó bunaíodh é, cheap an Grúpa Stiúrtha Clár Oibre agus shainaithin sé gníomhartha

thar 6 réimse ar leith cosúil le Reachtaíocht/Dlí, Eagraíocht, Rialachas agus

Struchtúir, Acmhainní Daonna, Airgeadas, TF agus Áiseanna, agus Cumarsáid.


57

Leanfaidh an Grúpa Stiúrtha Idir-Rannach de mhaoirseacht a dhéanamh ar chur i

bhfeidhm an scartha in 2020.

Aistriú Sócmhainní Seirbhísí Uisce chuig Uisce Éireann

Déantar foráil leis an Acht um Sheirbhísí Uisce (Uimh. 2), 2013 don mhaoin údaráis

seirbhíse uisce (Cathair, Contae nó Comhairle Contae) a aistriú, trí Ordú Aire, chuig

Uisce Éireann. Éilítear leis an bpróiseas go ndéanfar aon talamh a aistreofar chuig

Uisce Éireann a aithint go glan soiléir ach tagairt a dhéanamh d'uimhir fóilió an

Údaráis Chlárúcháin Maoine.

In 2019, rinneadh ordú amháin lenar aistríodh 244 ionad réadmhaoine sócmhainne

seirbhíse uisce ó údaráis áitiúla chuig Uisce Éireann. Ar an iomlán, rinneadh 15

Ordú Aire, ó bunaíodh Uisce Éireann in 2014 go dtí deireadh 2019. Aistríodh thart ar

2,638 ionad réadmhaoine sócmhainne chuig Uisce Éireann anois. Díríodh ar

shócmhainní níos mó a aistriú. Dá bharr sin, aistríodh sócmhainní atá comhionann le

72% den acmhainn soláthair uisce agus 80% den acmhainn cóireála fuíolluisce

chuig Uisce Éireann faoi dheireadh 2019.

Lamháltas Úsáide Uisce agus Úsáid Iomarcach

Tugadh sainordú leis an Acht um Sheirbhísí Uisce, 2017 go dtabharfaí isteach táillí

ar úsáid iomarcach seirbhísí uisce ar aon dul le moltaí an Chomhchoiste Oireachtais

um Maoiniú ar Sheirbhísí Uisce Tí sa Todhchaí. Cheadaigh an Coimisiún um Rialáil

Fóntais an beartas nua muirearaithe le haghaidh úsáid iomarcach in Iúil 2019 agus

chuir Uisce Éireann tús le hé a chur i bhfeidhm in 2020. Is é cuspóir an mhuirir ar

úsáid iomarcach seirbhísí uisce daoine a spreagadh chun sceitheadh a chur ina

cheart agus uisce a chaomhnú.

Beidh lamháltas tairsí uisce de 213,000 lítear in aghaidh na bliana ag gach

teaghlach agus íocfaidh an Státchiste as sin. Lamháltas flaithiúil atá ann agus tá sé

1.7 uair níos mó ná meánúsáid úsáid tí in Éirinn. Socraíodh an muirear úsáide

iomarcaí ag €3.70 in aghaidh gach 1,000 lítear os cionn na tairsí, agus clúdaíonn sé

sin seirbhísí uisce agus fuíolluisce. Íocfaidh teaghlaigh a úsáideann ceann amháin

de na seirbhísí sin leath den mhéid sin. Socraíodh uasmhéid €500 le haghaidh billí

agus ní féidir níos mó ná sin a ghearradh. Féadfaidh teaghlaigh ina bhfuil cúigear nó

níos mó iarratas a chur isteach ar lamháltas breise de 25,000 lítear in aghaidh an

duine. Is féidir leo siúd a bhfuil riachtanas liachta acu iarratas a chur isteach ar

dhíolúine ó na táillí.

Beidh Uisce Éireann in ann teaghlaigh a dhealraíonn a bheith ag úsáid an iomarca

uisce a aithint ach monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar phátrúin bhliantúla úsáide de réir

an mhéid tairsí.


58

Tá sé beartaithe go n-eiseofar na chéad fógraí, a éilítear faoin reachtaíocht, le linn

2020 bunaithe ar úsáid le dhá mhí dhéag anuas go díreach roimh an bhfógra.

Ní mheasfar go bhfuil ach na custaiméirí sin a úsáideann an iomarca uisce le linn na

tréimhse sé mhí i ndiaidh eisiúint an fhógra ag úsáid seirbhísí uisce go hiomarcach

agus ní ghearrfar táillí as úsáid iomarcach seirbhísí uisce orthu ach ina dhiaidh sin.

Meastar nach dtiocfaidh 93% de chustaiméirí uisce tí faoi réim na táille úsáide

iomarcaí.

Athchóiriú ar Tháillí Uisce Éireann as ceangail agus custaiméirí

tráchtála

Tháinig Beartas Muirearaithe nua ar Cheangail le haghaidh Uisce Éireann i bhfeidhm

an 1 Aibreán 2019 tar éis don Choimisiún um Rialáil Fóntais é a cheadú. Baineann

sé sin leis an gcostas a ghearrann Uisce Éireann as forbairtí nua a cheangal leis an

líonra uisce agus fuíolluisce poiblí. Tháinig na socruithe caighdeánaithe muirearaithe

nua in áit 57 córas muirearaithe éagsúil ar cheangail agus os cionn 900 muirear

difrúil a shocraigh údaráis áitiúla sular bunaíodh Uisce Éireann in 2014. Tá leibhéal

níos airde trédhearcachta agus cothroime ann anois ó thaobh socruithe muirearaithe

de.

Chomh maith leis sin, cheadaigh an Coimisiún um Rialáil Fóntais taraifí nua ar

sheirbhísí uisce agus fuíolluisce a sholáthar do chustaiméirí tráchtála Uisce Éireann

in 2019. Tiocfaidh na taraifí nua i bhfeidhm i gcaitheamh 2020. Tá idir shiopaí

miondíola beaga agus thionscail mhóra deantúsaíochta i gceist leis na custaiméirí

sin. Tiocfaidh an struchtúr taraife nua in áit na 500 ráta muirearaithe a ghearrtar i 44

limistéar ar leith agus beidh córas muirearaithe 4 bhanna nua ann ar fud na tíre. Ar

an iomlán, bainfidh na socruithe nua le thart ar 183,000 ceangal uisce tráchtála.

Athbhreithniú ar Fhóirdheontais do Ghrúpscéimeanna Uisce

In 2019, d'aisíoc an Roinn os cionn €29.2 milliún le húdaráis áitiúla le haghaidh

íocaíochtaí fóirdheontais a rinneadh le grúpscéimeanna uisce mar ranníocaíocht leis

an ngné tí de chostais oibriúcháin agus bainistíochta na ngrúpscéimeanna uisce

agus i dtreo costais údaráis áitiúla chun an scéim fóirdheontais a riar.

Cuid lárnach de cháilíocht agus iontaofacht soláthair uisce tuaithe atá á sholáthar trí

ghrúpscéimeanna uisce a choinneáil agus a fheabhsú is ea an fóirdheontas bliantúil.

Is aidhm eile é a chinntiú go gcaitear go cothrom le teaghlaigh a úsáideann soláthar

uisce phoiblí (Uisce Éireann) agus leis na teaghlaigh sin a bhraitheann ar

ghrúpscéimeanna uisce le haghaidh a riachtanais soláthair uisce tí, agus go dtugtar

an tacaíocht airgeadais chéanna do na teaghlaigh sin.


59

Tháinig rátaí fóirdheontais athbhreithnithe in éifeacht ón 1 Eanáir 2018. Go háirithe,

áirítear leis na rátaí athbhreithnithe feabhsaithe fóirdheontas nua a chuireann

fóirdheontas uasta de €331 in aghaidh an teaghlaigh ar fáil do scéimeanna beaga

nach bhfuil níos mó ná 100 áit chónaithe iontu atá sásta, ar mhaithe le soláthar uisce

níos inbhuanaithe a chur ar fáil dá mbaill san fhadtéarma, cónascadh le scéimeanna

eile chun go gcuíchóireofar iad.

Athchóiriú ar an Earnáil Uisce Tuaithe

i) Clár Uisce Tuaithe Ilbhliantúil

In 2019, d'aisíoc an Roinn os cionn €11.9 milliún le húdaráis áitiúla i gcomhair

caiteachais caipitil thar an ocht mbeart sa Chlár Uisce Tuaithe Ilbhliantúil 2019-2021

agus i dtreo costais údaráis áitiúla chun an clár a riar.

Cuireann an cur chuige ilbhliantúil seo, a tugadh isteach den chéad uair in 2016,

cinnteacht níos mó ar fáil ó thaobh maoinithe de i gcomhair riachtanais infheistíochta

tosaíochta agus tacaíonn sé le pleanáil agus forbairt inbhuanaithe cuí i gceantair

thuaithe. Tacaíonn sé freisin le cur chuige níos proifisiúnta ar bhainistíocht

sócmhainní chomh maith le cónascadh agus cuíchóiriú scéimeanna.

Ar deireadh thiar thall, cabhróidh sé le hÉirinn a tiomantais a chomhlíonadh faoi

Threoir Chreat Uisce agus optamú a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh riachtanais

cáilíochta uisce le Treoracha Uisce i ghrúpscéimeanna uisce ar bhonn leanúnach

fadtéarmach.

ii) Grúpa Oibre um Uisce Tuaithe

In Aibreán 2018, bhunaigh an tAire Grúpa Oibre um Uisce Tuaithe chun

athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar riachtanais infheistíochta atá ag seirbhísí uisce tuaithe.

Tá cur chuige dhá shraith ag baint le breithnithe an Ghrúpa Oibre.

In 2018, tugadh aghaidh i Sraith 1 ar chomhdhéanamh agus leithdháileadh

maoinithe i gcomhair an Chláir Uisce Tuaithe Ilbhliantúil do 2019-2021. Tugadh

moltaí ón nGrúpa Oibre maidir leis an gclár feabhsaithe nua ilbhliantúil, a bheidh

ar siúl go dtí 2021, chuig an Aire go déanach in 2018. Cuireadh tús leis na

moltaí sin a chur i bhfeidhm in 2019 agus cuirfear i gcrích iad in 2020 nuair a

achtófar an reachtaíocht riachtanach a bhaineann le toibreacha príobháideacha

aonair agus córais cóireála fuíolluisce tí. Cuireadh €75 milliún ar fáil faoin Phlean

Forbartha Náisiúnta don Chlár nua trí bliana.

In 2019, cuireadh tús le Sraith 2 ina ndéantar plé ar cheisteanna fadtéarmacha

maidir le rialachas, maoirseacht agus acmhainní don Earnáil Uisce Tuaithe

amach anseo. Beidh an obair sin ar siúl go fóill in 2020 agus táthar ag súil leis

go ndéanfar tuilleadh moltaí don Aire.


60

iii) Córas Faisnéise Geografaí (CFG)

Cuireadh córas clárúcháin nua bunaithe ar CFG i bhfeidhm ar bhonn píolótach le

haghaidh Grúpscéimeanna Uisce i Maigh Eo agus Gaillimh in 2018 agus 2019.

Rollfar amach é i limistéir údaráis áitiúil eile in 2020.

Cabhróidh an córas nua, ina bhfuil eolas caighdeánaithe úsáideach, le húdaráis

áitiúla a gcuid oibleagáidí maidir le clár soláthairtí uisce faoina ndlínse a

chomhlíonadh. Go fadtéarmach, cuirfidh sé achoimre náisiúnta ar ghníomhaíocht

grúpscéime uisce ar fud na tíre ar fáil.

Clár Ilbhliantúil um Réitigh arna Soláthar ag Forbróirí maidir le

Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce 2019-2021

D'fhoilsigh an Roinn tuarascáil maidir leis an Tionscnamh Náisiúnta um Ghlacadh ar

Láimh Nollaig 2018, torthaí agus moltaí san áireamh.

Áiríodh leis an tuarascáil comhairle maidir le clár comhordaithe glacadh ar láimh a

bhunú chun aghaidh a thabhairt, de réir a chéile agus ar bhealach inbhuanaithe, ar

eastáit a ghlacadh ar láimh ag a bhfuil Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce arna Soláthar ag

Forbróirí, is é sin ionaid phríobháideacha cóireála uisce nó fuíolluisce atá ag

feidhmiú nach bhfuil maith go leor. Príomh-mholadh maidir leis an mbonneagar sin

ba ea clár maoinithe ilbhliantúil a bhunú chun ceisteanna maidir leis an mbonneagar

sin a réiteach de réir a chéile. Tá €31 milliún ar fáil faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta

don tréimhse 2018-2021 chun na gríoch sin.

In Iúil 2019, sheol an Roinn an Clár Ilbhliantúil um Réitigh arna Soláthar ag Forbróirí

maidir le Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce 2019-2021. Chomh maith leis sin, in Iúil, d'iarr

an Roinn ar údaráis áitiúla a dtairiscintí a chur isteach chun maoiniú a fháil le

haghaidh tionscadail réitigh ina limistéir feidhme. Fógrófar maoiniú agus leithdháiltí

do na chéad tionscadail a fhaomhfar faoin gclár nua in 2020.


61

Plean Bainistíochta Abhantrach 2018-2021

In Aibreán 2018, d’fhoilsigh an tAire an

Plean Bainistíochta Abhantrach (PBA)

2018-2021 d’Éirinn. Leagtar amach sa

Phlean, a ullmhaíodh chun ár n-oibleagáidí

faoin Treoir Réime Uisce a chomhlíonadh,

na bearta a dhéanfaidh an Stát agus

earnálacha eile chun feabhas a chur ar

chaighdeán uisce in uisce dromchla,

aibhneacha, uisce inbhearach agus uisce

cósta na hÉireann sa tréimhse go dtí 2021.

Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Rialtas caighdeán

an uisce i 726 de na 4,829 dobharlach in

Éirinn a chosaint agus a fheabhsú le linn na

tréimhse sin.

Leagtar amach ann réimse cuimsitheach

agus uaillmhianach beart chun timpeallacht

uisce nádúrtha na hÉireann a chosaint. I

measc na bpríomhghníomhachtaí a

ndearna an Roinn maoirseacht orthu in

2019, bhí:

Feabhas a chur ar chóireáil fuíolluisce trí mheán infheistíocht leanúnach ag

Uisce Éireann mar chuid d'infheistíocht leanúnach thart ar €1.7 billiún i

mbonneagar fuíolluisce agus dul chun cinn ar thionscadail i 255 ceantar

uirbeach faoi dheireadh 2021.

Obair Chlár Uisce na nÚdarás Áitiúil chun brúnna ar chaighdeán uisce i 190

Réimse le haghaidh Gníomhaíochta a aithint agus bearta maolaithe agus

gníomhaíochtaí rannpháirtíochta sa phobal a chur i bhfeidhm.

An Clár Tacaíochta Comhairlí agus Inbhuanaitheachta Talmhaíochta. Is cur

chuige comhoibríoch é sin idir an Stát agus an tionscal déiríochta chun

éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar fheabhsúchán ar chaighdeán uisce. Tá 30

Comhairleoir Inbhuanaitheachta ar an gclár chun deachleachtas thar an earnáil

déiríochta a chur chun cinn.

Grúpa stiúrtha déanta suas de pháirtithe leasmhara agus saineolaithe

idirnáisiúnta atá freagrach as moladh a thabhairt maidir le conas is fearr is féidir

feabhas a chur ar ghluaiseacht iasc ag an bPairtín agus Ard na Croise ar

Abhainn na Sionainne. Tuairisceoidh an Grúpa Stiúrtha chuig an Aire in 2020.


62

Treoir uisce agus pleanála d'údaráis áitiúla a fhorbairt. Cabhróidh an treoir sin le

húdaráis áitiúla plé a dhéanamh ar na rioscaí do chaighdeán an uisce agus

cinntí á ndéanamh maidir le pleanáil agus forbairt.

An scéim deontais do Chórais Cóireála Fuíolluisce Tí a shíneadh chun tacú leis

na costais a bhaineann le dabhcha séarachais a fheabhsú i limistéir uisce le

Stádas Ard.

Clár nua um Dobharcheantair 'Blue Dot' chun líonra aibhneacha agus lochanna

iontacha a chruthú.

An tionscadal 'Waters of LIFE' a bhunú. Scéim é seo atá sceidealaithe le bheith

ar siúl ar feadh 7 mbliana agus atá á cómhaoiniú ag an Coimisiún Eorpach. Is é

cuspóir foriomlán an tionscadail tacaíocht a thabhairt d'fheidhmiú bearta a

chosnóidh agus a fheabhsóidh uiscí le stádas ard agus feidhmeoidh sé mar

thionscadal aonair a oibríonn go dlúth i gcomhar le hobair eile mar chuid den

Phlean Bainistíochta Abhantrach, mar shampla an Clár um Dobharcheantair

Blue Dot.

Plean Bainistíochta Abhantrach 2022-2027

Faoi láthair, tá an tríú Plean Bainistíochta Abhantrach (PBA) d'Éirinn, a chlúdóidh an

tréimhse 2022 - 2027, á fhorbairt ag an Roinn. Tá an plean sa tríú timthriall pleanála

anois. Tacóidh foilsiú tráthúil an phlean seo le gealltanas na hÉireann Treoir Réime

Uisce (TRU) an AO a chur i bhfeidhm. Soláthróidh an plean sin creatlach

comhordaithe le haghaidh feabhas a chur ar chaighdeán ár n-uiscí ach cur síos a

dhéanamh ar na príomhbhrúnna agus na príomhghníomhaíochtaí a théann i

bhfeidhm ar stádas uisce. Leagtar amach ann na cuspóirí comhshaoil atá le baint

amach suas go dtí 2027 agus aithnítear na bearta atá ag teastáil chun na cuspóirí

sin a bhaint amach.

I gcomhréir leis an TRU, déanfaidh an Roinn comhairliúchán pobail ag trí chéim

ríthábhachtach sa phróiseas bainistíochta abhantrach. Le linn 2019, chuir an Roinn

an chéad chomhairliúchán i gcrích maidir leis an gclár ama agus an clár oibre

dréachta don tríú timthriall.

Ba é an comhairliúchán maidir le Saincheisteanna Suntasacha a Bhaineann le

Bainistíocht Uisce an dara comhairliúchán i bhforbairt an phlean agus d'fhoilsigh an

Roinn é i Nollaig 2019. Agus an doiciméad comhairliúcháin dréachta á ullmhú lena

fhoilsiú, bhailigh an Roinn tuairimí tosaigh ó pháirtithe leasmhara éagsúla. Fuarthas

na tuairimí sin trí theagmháil dhéthaobhach, cosúil le cruinnithe leis an GCC, An

Fóram Uisce Náisiúnta agus LAWPRO, agus imeacht ginearálta do pháirtithe

leasmhara a bhí ar siúl i gCaisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath ar an 19 Samhain.


63

Nuair a foilsíodh an doiciméad i Nollaig 2019, cuireadh amchlár na hÉireann maidir

leis an TRU ar ais ar an mbóthar ceart. Roimhe sin, cuireadh moill ar an dara Plean

Bainistíochta Abhantrach a fhoilsiú.

Plean Oiriúnaithe Earnála um Athrú Aeráide maidir le Cáilíocht an

Uisce agus Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce

Chuir an Roinn, le cead ón Rialtas, foilsiú

an Phlean Oiriúnaithe Earnála um Athrú

Aeráide maidir le Cáilíocht an Uisce agus

Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce i gcrích. Tá an

Plean sin mar chuid de chur chuige uile-

Rialtais i leith aistriú i dtreo geilleagar atá

athléimneach ó thaobh aeráide. Tá an

Plean ar cheann de na chéad

chéimeanna tábhachtacha chun a

chinntiú go gcuirtear an t-athrú aeráide ag

croílár beartas uisce in Éirinn. Cuirtear i

láthair ann measúnú ar na príomhrioscaí

don aeráid amach anseo. Leagtar amach

sa phlean na bearta oiriúnaitheacha atá

ar fáil chun earnáil uisce atá

athléimneach ó thaobh aeráide de a

thógáil.

Tá go leor de na gníomhartha oiriúnaitheacha molta ar siúl cheana. I measc na

samplaí ar na bearta sin, tá an Plean Bainistíochta Abhantrach 2018-2021 d’Éirinn,

an Plean Náisiúnta um Acmhainní Uisce a fhoilseoidh Uisce Éireann go luath agus

bunú an Chláir um Uiscí Údaráis Áitiúil.

Déanfaidh an plean oiriúnaithe eolas do bheartais agus bearta a dhearadh, a

athbhreithniú agus acmhainní a chur ar fáil dó sin. Anuas air sin, tabharfaidh sé

treoir straitéiseach sna hearnálacha Cáilíocht an Uisce agus bonneagar seirbhísí

uisce. Breathnófar ar an bPlean mar dhoiciméad 'beo' agus déanfar é a mheasúnú

agus a athbhreithniú chun na dálaí socheacnamaíocha agus eolaíochta a chur san

áireamh de réir mar a athraíonn siad, trí mheán na meicníochtaí monatóireachta atá

ann cheana. Cumasóidh sé sin rianú agus athbhreithniú na dtosaíochtaí earnála fad

a dhéantar bearta oiriúnaithe agus maolaithe sna hearnálacha.


64

Grúpa Monatóireachta ar Aschuir

Bhunaigh an Roinn an Grúpa Monatóireachta ar Aschuir in 2018 chun a ról maidir le

forbairt beartais agus rialachas airgeadais Uisce Éireann a chomhlíonadh. Déanann

an Grúpa monatóireacht ar dhul chun cinn maidir le Plean Infheistíochta Caipitil

Uisce Éireann 2017-2019 a sheachadadh.

Is é cuspóir an Ghrúpa a chinntiú go bhfuil tuiscint chomónta ann ar na haschuir a

bhfuiltear ag súil leo ó Uisce Éireann (mar shampla, ó thaobh ionaid nua a

sheachadadh, soláthairtí uisce a bhaint den Liosta um Ghníomhartha

Ceartaitheacha, dul chun cinn maidir le sceitheadh etc.), agus aird á tabhairt ag an

am céanna ar róil reachtúla rannpháirtithe an Ghrúpa (is iad sin, an Roinn, Uisce

Éireann, an CRF, an GCC agus RÉNua).

Bhuail an Grúpa le chéile ceithre huaire in 2019. Ba é príomhfhócas an Ghrúpa

athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar dhul chun cinn Uisce Éireann de réir aschur

comhaontaithe le linn na bliana. Leagtar amach é sin ina Thuarascáil Bhliantúil don

bhliain 2019 a fhoilseofar i lár na bliana 2020.

An Fóram Uisce

Bunaíodh An Fóram Uisce ar bhonn reachtúla i mí Meithimh 2018, i gcomhréir leis

an Acht um Sheirbhísí Uisce, 2017. Tugann an Fóram deis do pháirtithe leasmhara

réimse ceisteanna a phlé agus a anailísiú maidir le cáilíocht uisce, ábhair imní faoi

uisce tuaithe, ceisteanna a bhfuil tionchar acu ar chustaiméirí Uisce Éireann agus

cur i bhfeidhm na Treorach Réime Uisce. Le linn 2019, an chéad bhliain oibriúcháin

iomlán a bhí aige, rinne An Fóram Uisce ionchuir i réimse leathan próiseas

reachtach agus comhairliúchán, lena n-áirítear iad siúd a bhaineann le Treoir Réime

Uisce, Uisce Éireann, agus na próisis timpeallachta uisce agus rialála faoin

gCoimisiún um Rialáil Fóntais.

Comhlacht Comhairleach Uisce (CCU)

Comhlacht Stáit neamhspleách is ea an Comhlacht Comhairleach Uisce (CCU) a

bunaíodh faoin Acht um Sheirbhísí Uisce, 2017. Is iad feidhmeanna an CCU

comhairle a thabhairt don Aire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil maidir le

bearta atá ag teastáil chun feabhas a chur ar thrédhearcacht agus cuntasacht in

Uisce Éireann, chomh maith le tuairisciú a dhéanamh gach ráithe chuig Coiste

Oireachtais a dhíríonn ar fheidhmíocht Uisce Éireann maidir lena Phlean

Straitéiseach Maoinithe a chur i bhfeidhm.

D'fhoilsigh an CCU a chéad tuarascáil ráithiúil in 2019.


65

Bhí 11 mhéadracht sa tuarascáil ar thomhais an CCU feidhmíocht Uisce Éireann dá

réir. Cuirfidh tuarascálacha ina dhiaidh sin méadrachtaí nuashonraithe ar fáil agus

díreoidh sé ar ábhair éagsúla a mheasann an CCU a bheith tábhachtach maidir le

feidhmíocht Uisce Éireann.

Muirthimpeallacht

Bunaíodh an Rannóg Muirthimpeallachta sa Roinn i Márta 2019 tar éis na

feidhmeanna ar leith a bhí ag an Aonad Comhairleach Uisce agus Mara agus ag an

Aonad Urthrá agus Muirthimpeallachta a thabhairt le chéile.

In Aibreán, cuireadh tús le hobair ar an dara timthriall den Treoir Réime um Straitéis

Mhuirí chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar mheasúnú leasaithe ar bhail na

muirthimpeallachta, Stádas Maith Comhshaoil a chinneadh agus spriocanna nua

comhshaoil a shocrú. Rinne an Grúpa Stiúrtha um an Treoir Réime um Straitéis

Mhuirí an obair sin a chomhordú agus eisíodh é le haghaidh comhairliúchán poiblí i

Nollaig.

Shínigh an tUachtarán An Bille um Micreachlocha (Toirmeasc), 2019 agus achtaíodh

ina dhlí é an 26 Nollaig 2019. Mar gheall ar an Acht sin, is cion é táirgí áirithe ina

bhfuil micreachlocha plaisteacha a dhéanamh nó a chur ar an margadh, cosmaidí,

táirgí cúraim phearsanta agus táirgí glantacháin tí agus tionsclaíocha san áireamh.

Cuireann sé cosc freisin le diúscairt i gcórais agus líonraí uisce saorga agus

nádúrtha.

In 2019, bhunaigh an tAire grúpa neamhspleách saineolaithe chun comhairle a chur

ar fáil agus moltaí a dhéanamh ar an bpróiseas atá ag teastáil chun líonra limistéar

muirí cosanta na hÉireann a shíneadh. Tuairisceoidh an grúpa i lár 2020. Ar an

ngrúpa tá saineolaithe faoi na téamaí seo a leanas: (i) Eolaíochtaí beatha agus

aigéin, (ii) dearcthaí eacnamaíochta, sóisialta agus cultúrtha, agus (iii) Rialachas

agus reachtaíocht.

Lean Éire de ról ceannasach a ghlacadh i gComhdháil Mara Réigiúnach OSPAR don

Atlantach Thoir Thuaidh. D'fhorbair an Coimisiún straitéis dréachta 10 mbliana lena

ghlacadh in 2020 nuair a bhí Éire ina cathaoirleach. Ghlac Éire le príomhpháirt in

obair OSPAR ar an tuarascáil maidir le stádas cáilíochta amach anseo (QSR2023)

agus maidir le hAigéadú na nAigéan. I Samhain, d'óstáil Éire cruinniú OSPAR an

fhómhair maidir le Bruscar Muirí a dhírigh ar an bPlean Gníomhaíochta Réigiúnach

maidir le Bruscar Muirí.


66

Sprioc D - Tacú le rialtas áitiúil daonlathach, freagrúil agus éifeachtach, le bainistíocht éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar thoghcháin agus le seirbhísí dóiteáin agus bainistíocht éigeandála ar ardchaighdeán, agus iad sin a chumasú.

Ag Tacú le Rialtas Áitiúil agus Rialtas Áitiúil a Fhorbairt

Tar éis cinneadh an Rialtais in 2018 na páipéir ar

Rialachas Bardasach - Ceantair, Bailte agus

Limistéir Toghcháin agus Struchtúir agus

Rialachas Údaráis Áitiúla a fhaomhadh, cuireadh

tús le hobair chun coistí reachtúla ceantair uirbigh

trasteorann a bhunú in áit teorainneacha a athrú.

Bainfidh an reachtaíocht mholta le haon limistéar a

shainítear mar 'limistéar uirbeach' atá laistigh de

limistéir riaracháin de níos mó ná údarás áitiúil

amháin agus ag a bhfuil daonra, de réir

Daonáireamh, idir 1,500 agus 100,000 aige agus sa chás go bhfuil an daonra i

ngach ceann de na húdaráis áitiúla lena mbaineann comhionann le 15% den iomlán

ar a laghad nó le 1,500 duine. I measc na n-ionad uirbeach a chomhlíonfaidh na

critéir sin ar an bpointe, tá Baile Átha Luain, Bré, Ceatharlach, Droichead Átha,

Cathair Luimnigh, Cúil an tSúdaire, agus Cathair Phort Láirge.

Cheadaigh an Rialtas forálacha chun Coistí Ceantair Uirbigh (CCUanna) a bhunú

agus cuireadh san áireamh ag Céim an Choiste den Bhille Rialtais Áitiúil 2018 iad.

Ach diúltaíodh don togra sa Seanad. Ardaíodh roinnt ábhar imní sa díospóireacht

san Oireachtas agus rinneadh na forálacha a athrú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na

hábhair sin. Bhí togra reachtach athbhreithnithe réidh le breithniú ag an Rialtas

nuair a lánscoireadh an Dáil go luath in 2020.

Leanadh ar aghaidh obair a dhéanamh maidir leis an athrú idir Comhairle Cathrach

Chorcaí agus Comhairle Contae Chorcaí in 2019. Ritheadh an tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil,

2019 agus tharla an t-aistriú dlíthiúil an 31 Bealtaine 2019 agus tugadh cuid de

limistéar riaracháin Chomhairle Contae Chorcaí do limistéar riaracháin Comhairle

Cathrach Chorcaí. Lean na húdaráis áitiúla, chomh maith leis an nGrúpa

Maoirseachta ar Fheidhmiú, pleanáil a dhéanamh chun freagracht airgeadais a

aistriú in 2020.


67

Rinneadh socrú freisin san Acht Rialtais Áitiúil, 2019 go reáchtálfar

pobalbhreitheanna ag an am céanna leis na Toghcháin Rialtais Áitiúil ar Dé hAoine,

24 Bealtaine 2019, ar mhéaraí dírthofa a mbeadh feidhmeanna feidhmiúcháin acu i

gCathair Chorcaí, Cathair agus Contae Luimnigh agus Cathair agus Contae Phort

Láirge. Ba é Luimneach an t-aon údarás áitiúil den trí údarás a chaith vóta ar son

méara dírthofa a bheith acu sa chathair mar diúltaíodh don phobalbhreith i

gCorcaigh agus Port Láirge de bheagán.

Ag Tacú le Cothromaíocht Inscne agus Éagsúlacht i Rialtas Áitiúil

Riar an Roinn scéim mhaoinithe freisin chun páirtithe polaitiúla a spreagadh níos mó

iarrthóirí ar mná iad sna holltoghcháin áitiúla in 2019. Tugadh isteach scéime ar leith

ach scéim bhainteach chun tacú le mná a sheasann mar iarrthóirí neamhspleácha.

Chomh maith leis sin, chuir an Roinn tacaíocht airgeadais ar fáil do roinnt

eagraíochta chun iarrthóirí ar mná iad, nó mná a bhfuil suim acu a bheith ina n-

iarrthóirí i dtoghcháin áitiúla, a chur faoi oiliúint agus chun a gcumas a thógáil. Roimh

na toghcháin áitiúla in 2019, thug an Roinn maoiniú don fheachtas 'Women for

Election' chun feachtas thar a bheith rathúil a chur ar siúl ar na meáin shóisialta chun

ról an chomhairleora i measc mná a chur chun cinn.

Chomh maith leis sin, thug an Roinn maoiniú do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na mBan

chun comóradh 120 bliain a dhéanamh ar rialtas áitiúil ach trí imeacht a óstáil.

Seoladh tionscadal píolótach chun éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar mhná i gceantair

thuaithe na hacmhainní agus oiliúint a fháil atá ag teastáil le haghaidh ról sa

pholaitíocht. Tugtar maoiniú do Longford Women's Link / 5050 North West le cúrsaí

oiliúna a chur ar fáil, chomh maith le feachtas cur chun cinn do mhná i gceantair

thuaithe roimh an toghchán. Tugadh maoiniú ar fáil freisin do Chomhairle Náisiúnta

na mBan chun tabhairt faoi thaighde chun bonn fianaise níos láidre a chothú i dtaca

leis na bacainní agus constaicí atá roimh mhná. Choimisiúnaigh Comhairle Náisiúnta

na mBan tionscadal taighde a thosaigh go díreach i ndiaidh na dtoghchán áitiúil in

2019 agus rinneadh scrúdú ar thaithí na mná atá ag iarraidh dul isteach i bpolaitíocht

áitiúil. Seoladh an tuarascáil i Samhain 2019 agus cabhróidh sé le heolas a

dhéanamh do chinntí beartais amach anseo. Is féidir cóip den tuarascáil a fháil ar

https://www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/women_beyond_the_dail_more_women_in_loc

al_government.

Thug an Roinn maoiniú freisin do Chomhairle um Inimircigh na hÉireann chun

taighde a dhéanamh ar thaithí na n-iarrthóirí ar inimircigh iad i dToghcháin Áitiúla

2019. Tá an tuarascáil le foilsiú in 2020. Eisíodh gairm mhaoinithe go déanach in

2019 chuig gach údarás áitiúil le haghaidh tionscnamh a chuirfidh leis an aidhm chun

ionadaíocht ban agus daoine aonair as cúlraí éagsúla i rialtas áitiúil a mhéadú in

2024 agus ina dhiaidh sin. Roghnaíodh cúig thogra dhéag as deich nÚdarás Áitiúla

éagsúla i Nollaig 2019 agus cuirfear tús leis na tionscadail in 2020.




68

Pleananna Corparáideacha Údarás Áitiúil

Is gné seanbhunaithe de chleachtas bainistíochta in údaráis áitiúla in Éirinn é

Pleananna Corparáideacha ilbhliantúil a ullmhú agus na socruithe bainteacha

monatóireachta agus athbhreithnithe a chur i bhfeidhm. Is é an Plean Corparáideach

an creatlach straitéiseach gnímh atá ag údarás áitiúil ar feadh thréimhse an phlean

(2019-2024). I Lúnasa 2019, tar éis próiseas comhairliúcháin le húdaráis áitiúla agus

Ranna eile, d'eisigh an Roinn treoirlínte nua chun tacú le húdaráis áitiúla nuair a

dhréachtaíonn siad a bPleananna Corparáideacha. Role and R

Athbhreithniú Neamhspleách ar Ról agus Luach Saothair Comhaltaí

in Údaráis Áitiúla

I Meitheamh 2018, coimisiúnaíodh Sara Moorhead S.C.chun athbhreithniú

neamhspleách a dhéanamh ar ról agus luach saothair Comhaltaí Tofa in Údaráis

Áitiúla. Cuireadh tuarascáil eatramhach isteach chuig an Roinn i Samhain 2018 agus

foilsíodh í ina dhiaidh sin.

Chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh maidir leis an athbhreithniú in 2019, rinne an Roinn

suirbhé ar chomhaltaí tofa sna húdaráis áitiúla ar fad agus lorg sí faisnéis airgeadais

ó gach údarás áitiúil. Rinne comhairliúchán leathan le comhairleoirí aonair,

eagraíochtaí ionadaíocha comhairleoirí, údaráis áitiúla, páirtithe polaitiúla agus

páirtithe leasmhara eile. Tugadh faoi scrúdú san oifig ar na córais luach saothair atá

ann d'ionadaithe áitiúla i ndlínsí eile freisin.

Cód Iompair do Chomhairleoirí

Leagtar amach i gCuid 15 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil, 2001 an creatlach eiticiúil le

haghaidh rialtas áitiúil agus leagann sé dualgas reachtúil ar gach duine sa tseirbhís

rialtais áitiúil caighdeáin chuí ionracais, iompair agus cúraim i leith leas an phobail a

chothabháil. Féadfaidh an tAire cóid iompair a eisiúint faoi Chuid 15 chun tuilleadh

treorach a chur ar fáil nó chun tacú le muinín an phobail i sláine an chórais rialtais

áitiúil a chaomhnú. Eisíodh an Cód Iompair den chéad uair in 2004. Rinneadh

nuashonrú air in 2019 chun forbairtí le 15 bliana anuas a chur san áireamh, cosúil

leis na meáin shóisialta, GDPR, brústocaireacht a rialú, etc.

Agus an Cód á athbhreithniú, thug an Roinn faoi chomhairliúchán reachtúil leis an

Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus leis an gCoimisiún um

Chaighdeáin in Oifigí Poiblí agus le hionadaithe ar chomhairleoirí agus údaráis

áitiúla. Foilsíodh an leagan nuashonraithe athbhreithnithe den Chód Iompair do

Chomhairleoirí i Meitheamh 2019. Éilítear ar chomhairleoirí dearbhú a shíniú gach

bliain le dearbhú gur léigh siad agus gur thig siad an Cód agus go mbeidh siad faoi

stiúir a phrionsabal.


69

Airgeadas Rialtais Áitiúil

Níor tháinig athrú ar an mbonn a úsáidtear chun Cáin Mhaoine Áitiúil (CMÁ) a

scaipeadh ar údaráis áitiúla in 2019. Coinníodh 80% de CMÁ go háitiúil chun

seirbhísí a chistiú agus rinneadh an 20% eile a leithdháileadh chun cistiú

cothromaithe a chur ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla ag a bhfuil bonn cánach maoine níos lú

mar gheall ar luachanna maoine éagsúla agus dlús maoine éagsúil ar fud na tíre.

Fuair údaráis áitiúla leithdháiltí CMÁ arbh fhiú €503 milliún iad in 2019.

Chomh maith leis sin, fuair údaráis áitiúla maoiniú €86m ón Roinn chun tacú leis na

costais phárolla bhreise a bhaineann le scaoileadh na mBeart Airgeadais Éigeandála

ar Mhaithe le Leas an Phobail agus toradh carnach na gComhaontuithe Náisiúnta Pá

a chomhlíonadh, suas go dtí Comhaontú Cobhsaíochta na Seirbhíse Poiblí agus é

sin san áireamh.

Lean an Roinn de mhonatóireacht agus maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar fheidhmíocht

airgeadais na n-údarás áitiúil le linn 2019. Áiríodh leis sin athbhreithniú a dhéanamh

ar na príomhtháscairí airgeadais ina dtuarascálacha airgeadais (Buiséid agus Ráitis

Bhliantúla Airgeadais) agus obair a dhéanamh le húdaráis áitiúla chun aghaidh a

thabhairt ar cheisteanna a théann i bhfeidhm ar a gcúrsaí airgeadais.

Rátaí Tráchtála

Rith an tOireachtas An tAcht um Rátaí Rialtais Áitiúil agus Nithe Eile, 2019 agus

achtaíodh é an 11 Iúil 2019. Is é cuspóir an Achta ná bailiú rátaí a nuachóiriú, ar

foinse an-tábhachtach mhaoinithe é d'údaráis áitiúla. Áirítear leis forálacha a

nuashonraíonn nósanna imeachta bailiúcháin agus a dhéanann éascaíocht ar

scéimeanna tarscaoilte rátaí a thabhairt isteach.


70

Méara Dírthofa ag a bhfuil Feidhmeanna Feidhmiúcháin

Rinneadh foráil san Acht Rialtais

Áitiúil, 2019 do

phobalbhreitheanna a reáchtáil i

gComhairle Cathrach Chorcaí,

Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae

Luimnigh agus Comhairle

Cathrach agus Contae Phort

Láirge.

Reáchtáladh na

pobalbhreitheanna sna trí údarás

áitiúla lena mbaineann ar an 24

Bealtaine 2019, an lá céanna ar a

raibh na toghcháin áitiúla ar siúl, agus níor ritheadh an togra ach i gComhairle

Cathrach agus Contae Luimnigh.

Faoi Alt 44 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil, 2019, éilítear ar an Aire Tithíochta, Pleanála

agus Rialtais Áitiúla tuarascáil ina bhfuil tograí reachtacha maidir le méara dírthofa

ag a mbeadh feidhmeanna feidhmiúcháin do Luimneach a ullmhú agus a chur faoi

bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais, taobh istigh de dhá bhliain tar éis na pobalbhreithe.

Cuireadh grúpa comhairleach um fheidhmiú, ar a bhfuil ionadaithe ar na

príomhpháirtithe leasmhara i Luimneach, is é sin an Chomhairle toga agus

bainistíocht Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Luimnigh, le chéile go déanach in

2019. Is é an ról atá acu comhairle a thabhairt maidir leis an mandáid a thug muintir

Luimnigh a chur i bhfeidhm.

Athruithe Teorann Rialtais Áitiúil

Achtaíodh an tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil, 2019 an 31 Eanáir 2019 agus ceadaíodh leis

aistriú cuid de limistéar riaracháin Chomhairle Contae Chorcaí chuig limistéar

riaracháin Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaí. Déanann sé sin éascaíocht ar fhorbairt

bhreise laistigh de theorainn nua don Chomhairle Cathrach. Ag an am céanna,

déantar forbairt ard-dlúis a spreagadh agus an riosca a bhaineann le sraoilleáil

uirbeach a laghdú.

Áirítear leis an limistéar Cathrach níos mó anois Baile an Chollaigh, Carraig

Ruacháin, An Bhlarna, Gleann Maghair agus aerfort Chorcaí. Mhéadaigh daonra na

cathrach ó 125,657 go dtí 205,000 agus déanann an limistéar níos mó éascaíocht ar

an ráta fáis a ndírítear air do Chathair Chorcaí atá sa Chreat Pleanála Náisiúnta

Thionscadal Éireann 2040, is é sin go mbeidh 105,000 duine níos mó ar a laghad sa

chathair faoi 2040.


71

Rialachas Calafort ag Údaráis Áitiúla

De bhun Bheartas Náisiúnta Calafort 2013, inar moladh gur cheart calafoirt

ainmnithe a bhfuil tábhacht réigiúnach ag baint leo a aistriú chuig struchtúir

rialachais níos cuí faoi stiúir údaráis áitiúla, chuaigh an Roinn i dteagmháil leis an

Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt agus Comhairle Contae Loch Garman

chun a chinntiú go n-aistreofar an fhreagracht as calafort Ros Mhic Thriúin chuig an

gComhairle i Lúnasa 2019.

Soláthar Foirne Údaráis Áitiúil

Bhí thart ar 29,174 post coibhéis lánaimseartha in údaráis áitiúla ag deireadh 2019.

Stiúrthóireacht Náisiúnta um Bainistíocht Dóiteáin agus Éigeandála

Díríonn príomhról na Stiúrthóireachta Náisiúnta um Bainistíocht Dóiteáin agus

Éigeandála (SNBDÉ) ar sheirbhísí dóiteáin arna soláthar ag údaráis áitiúla a

fhorbairt agus maoirseacht a dhéanamh orthu. Bhí príomhról ag an Stiúrthóireacht

freisin maidir le gach gné de shocruithe bainistíochta éigeandála a cheapadh agus a

fhorbairt in Éirinn ó bunaíodh é in 2009.

Thug an SNBDÉ tacaíocht d’údaráis áitiúla chun sábháilteacht dóiteáin a bhaint

amach agus ardchaighdeán leanúnach i seirbhísí dóiteáin dá gcuid pobail in 2019.

Aisíocadh maoiniú caipitil de €12.2 milliún ar an iomlán le húdaráis áitiúla le linn

2019 i gcomhair Stáisiúin Dóiteáin, Trealamh Seirbhíse Dóiteáin agus Feithiclí

Seirbhíse Dóiteáin. Rinne an SNBDÉ bainistiú agus comhordú ar chláir leithne

traenála um Shábháilteacht Dóiteáin agus chuir an SNBDÉ iad ar fáil do Sheirbhísí

Dóiteáin le linn 2019. Rinne an SNBDÉ bainistiú agus comhordú freisin ar

ghníomhaíochtaí cur chun cinn maidir le Sábháilteacht Dóiteáin in 2019 i gcomhréir

leis an gCreat-Bheartas Náisiúnta “Pobail a Choinneáil Sábháilte”. Anuas air sin,

rinneadh dul chun cinn maidir leis na moltaí ón Tascfhórsa Ardleibhéil um

Shábháilteacht Dóiteáin 2017-18 le linn na bliana. Rinne an Tascfhórsa

athmheasúnú ar ghnéithe áirithe de shábháilteacht dóiteáin in Éirinn (tar éis an

dóiteán tragóideach ag Grenfell Tower i Londain).

Maidir le Bainistíocht Éigeandála, d'ullmhaigh an SNBDÉ tuarascáil athbhreithnithe

maidir le himeachtaí adhaimsire in 2017/18, a foilsíodh in 2019. Déanann an

tuarascáil na himeachtaí agus an fhreagairt a thaifeadadh agus sainaithníonn sé

pointí foghlama chun feabhas breise a chur ar an bhfreagairt ar mhóréigeandála.


72

Bainistíocht Toghcháin

Chuir an Roinn tacaíocht reachtach agus oibriúcháin ar fáil do na toghcháin áitiúla

agus toghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa; pobalbhreith ar caoileadh pósta agus

pobalbhreitheanna ar mhéaraí dírthofa (i gCorcaigh, Luimneach agus Port Láirge) i

mBealtaine 2019; chomh maith le ceithre chorrthoghchán Dála i Samhain 2019.

Cuireadh Teimpléid le haghaidh Páipéar Ballóide, a chuireann ar chumas vótálaithe

dalla agus lagamhairc vóta a chaitheamh go neamhspleách, ar fáil den chéad uair

ag na Toghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus na toghcháin áitiúla, na

pobalbhreitheanna agus na corrthoghcháin Dála.

Achtaíodh an tAcht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa (Leasú), 2019 chun

foráil a dhéanamh do chumraíocht nua na dtoghcheantar bunaithe ar thrí fheisire

déag a thoghadh ar Pharlaimint na hEorpa ag na toghcháin ar an 24 Bealtaine 2019.

Méadú dhá Fheisire a bhí i gceist mar gheall ar aistarraingt na Ríochta Aontaithe ón

Aontas Eorpach.

Le linn na bliana, d'oibrigh an Roinn go dlúth i gcomhar le hOifig na nDréachtóirí

Parlaiminte agus an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála maidir leis an mBille

um an Naoú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Toghcháin Uachtaráin), 2019 a

fhorbairt. D'fhoilsigh an Tánaiste an Bille i lár Mheán Fómhair 2019. Moltar sa Bhille

go leasófaí an Bunreacht chun an ceart vótála i dtoghchán na huachtaránachta a

thabhairt do shaoránaigh taobh amuigh den Stát freisin. Bunaíodh Coimisiún Reifrinn

trí ordú an Aire ar an 26 Meán Fómhair 2019 chun an t-ábhar a mhíniú, feasacht ar

an reifreann a chur chun cinn agus toghthóirí a spreagadh chun vóta a chaitheamh

sa reifreann beartaithe.

Rinne an Roinn dul chun cinn suntasach in 2019 i dtreo Coimisiún Toghcháin

d'Éirinn a bhunú. Is comhlachtaí poiblí iad coimisiúin Toghcháin a bhfuil sé de

chúram orthu roinnt feidhmeanna toghcháin a dhéanamh. Ar an 17 Iúil 2019,

cheadaigh an Rialtas Coimisiún Toghcháin a bhunú ar bhonn reachtúil a

thabharfaidh na feidhmeanna sin le chéile i gcomhlacht poiblí neamhspleách

tiomnaithe. Cheadaigh sé freisin Scéim Ghinearálta an Bhille um Choimisiún

Toghcháin a dhréachtú. D'fhorbair an Roinn é sin sna míonna ina dhiaidh sin agus

cheadaigh an Rialtas é ar an 17 Nollaig 2019. Leagtar amach sa Scéim Ghinearálta

na struchtúir eagraíochta, rialachais agus cuntasachta a dhéanann foráil do

Choimisiún Toghcháin neamhspleách a bheadh freagrach go díreach don

Oireachtas. Déantar foráil leis do shainchúram tosaigh an Choimisiúin Toghcháin,

lena n-áireofar feidhmeanna toghcháin reatha, Clár na bPáirtithe Polaitiúla, an

Coimisiún Reifrinn, an Coimisiún um Thoghlaigh agus Coistí um Theorainneacha

Toghlimistéar Áitiúil san áireamh.


73

Déantar foráil freisin leis an Scéim Ghinearálta d'fheidhm nua taighde agus

chomhairleach a dhéanfaidh eolas don Rialtas agus don Oireachtas agus iad ag

breithniú leasú ar an dlí toghcháin. Anuas air sin, bheadh feidhm oideachais do

vótálaithe nua ag an gCoimisiún trína bhforbróidh an Coimisiún na modhanna chun

feabhas a chur ar rannpháirtíocht inár bpróisis dhaonlathacha.

Má chomhaontaíonn an Rialtas nua í, cuirfear an Scéim Ghinearálta ar aghaidh

chuig an gComhchoiste Oireachtais um Thithíocht, Pleanáil agus Rialtais Áitiúil le

haghaidh scrúdú réamh-reachtach.

Rinneadh dul chun cinn ar an obair chun an próiseas clárúcháin toghthóirí a

nuachóiriú in 2019. Tabharfaidh an tionscadal sin éifeacht do na bearta a mbeidh

córas clárúcháin toghthóirí atá níos éifeachtúla agus níos éasca le húsáid ann dá

mbarr. Beidh sé níos éasca ar dhaoine úsáid a bhaint as an gcóras agus níos éasca

ar riarthóirí é a bhainistiú. Beidh sé níos sábháilte ó chur isteach inmheánach nó

seachtrach freisin.

I Nollaig 2019, tar éis comhairliúchán poiblí leathan, a bhfuil sonraí faoi ar fáil ar

https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/register-electors/modernisation-

electoral-register-ireland-summary-report, cheadaigh an Rialtas sraith tograí beartais

chun an próiseas clárúcháin vótálaithe a nuachóiriú agus chun Scéim Ghinearálta

Bhille a dhréachtú chun éifeacht a thabhairt don tionscadal nuachóirithe. Má

chomhaontaíonn an Rialtas nua í, cuirfear an Scéim Ghinearálta ar aghaidh chuig an

gComhchoiste Oireachtais um Thithíocht, Pleanáil agus Rialtais Áitiúil le haghaidh

scrúdú réamh-reachtach.

I measc na dtograí beartais, tugadh isteach clár rollach a uasdátófar ar bhealach

leanúnach; úsáid a bhaint as Uimhreacha Seirbhís Pearsanta Seirbhíse Poiblí

(USPSanna) chun céannacht a aithint; clárú aonair ar líne a thabhairt isteach;

forálacha do roinnt sonraí agus meaitseáil sonraí; bunachar sonraí lárnach a chur le

chéile; foirmeacha agus próisis a shimpliú; daoine 16/17 mbliana d'aois a chlárú

roimh ré; forálacha do chlárú anaithnid do dhaoine i mbaol agus daoine gan seoladh

seasta; agus an clár atheagraithe a chealú.




74

Sprioc E - Freastal ar an tsochaí trí fhaisnéis aimsire agus

aeráide iontaofa a tháirgeadh agus a chur in iúl chun saol

agus maoin a chosaint agus chun a thuilleadh feabhais a

chur ar ról Met Éireann mar ghuth údarásach maidir le

Meitéareolaíocht in Éirinn.

Lean Met Éireann den Straitéis 10 mbliana “Éire a Ullmhú don

Aimsir agus don Aeráid” a chur i bhfeidhm ach a chinntiú go

ndéantar cothabháil agus forbairt leanúnach ar bhonneagar

meitéareolaíochta chun na riachtanais athraithe ó thaobh seirbhísí

uisce agus aeráide a chomhlíonadh.

Seirbhísí Aimsire agus Aeráide

Lean Met Éireann ag obair i gcomhar leis na seirbhísí náisiúnta

meitéareolaíochta san Íoslainn, an Danmhairg agus an Ísiltír chun

córais tuair uimhriúil aimsire a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn

comhpháirteach ar Ríomhaire Ardfheidhmíochta a fuarthas ar bhonn

comhpháirteach. Gheofar an Ríomhaire Ardfheidhmíochta trí mheán an

chomhoibrithe ar a dtugtar 'United Weather Centres West' a bheidh ag feidhmiú faoi

Eanáir 2023.

Cuireadh feabhas ar chumas agus feidhmíocht na réamhaisnéisí nuair a cuireadh an

Córas Tuair Ensemble agus an scéim um thrasiompar frasaíochta radair i bhfeidhm

le linn 2019.

Thug Met Éireann comhairle meitéareolaíoch agus tacaíocht do Ghrúpa

Comhordaithe

Éigeandálaí Náisiúnta roimh agus le linn eachtraí adhaimsire in 2019.

Leathnaíodh an clár faireacháin meitéareolaíochta agus comhshaoil ag Réadlann

Dhairbhre agus cuireadh ionstraimíocht bhreise isteach.

Seirbhísí Eitlíochta

Tá tionscadal de chuid Met Éireann ar siúl chun a chinntiú go gcloíonn seirbhísí

meitéareolaíochta le Rialachán maidir le Ceanglais Chomhchoiteanna agus tá sé

beartaithe go gcuirfear i gcrích é in 2020. Choinnigh Met Éireann an t-ainmniú mar

sholáthraí Seirbhíse Meitéareolaíochta na hÉireann le haghaidh seirbhísí Aguisín 3

ICAO in 2019.


75

Réamhaisnéis Náisiúnta Tuile

D'oibrigh an Rannóg Réamhaisnéise Tuile i Met Éireann go dlúth i gcomhar le hOifig

na nOibreacha Poiblí maidir le córas náisiúnta nua réamhaisnéis tuile a fhorbairt.

Lean Met Éireann agus Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí ag obair in 2019 ar thionscadal

chun an tsamhail réamhaisnéise tuile abhann is fearr ó thaobh oibriúcháin de a

roghnú don Ionad Réamhaisnéise Tuile (IRT), an ghné oibriúcháin den Rannóg

Réamhaisnéise Tuile.

Forbraíodh Straitéis Cumarsáide don tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Réamhaisnéise agus

Rabhaidh Tuile. Is é aidhm na straitéise eolas tuile a scaipeadh go héifeachtach ar

na páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha. Chabhraigh Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí agus go leor

páirtithe leasmhara eile den tseirbhís lena forbairt, ionadaithe ar údaráis áitiúla san

áireamh.

Bonneagar

Cuireadh tús le tionscadal nuachóirithe an Líonra Radair agus tá cleachtadh

suntasach scóip ar siúl. Cuireadh roinnt tionscadal suntasach TF i gcrích a chuir

feabhas ar éagsúlacht agus athléimneacht an bhonneagair atá ag Met Éireann.

Áiríodh leis sin an t-aistriú chuig timpeallacht fhíoraithe nua, an córas cúltaca do

chórais thar a bheith tábhachtach a uasghrádú agus nasc deshnáithín

leathanbhanda a chur i bhfeidhm ag láithreán Met Éireann i nGlas Naíon chun

feabhas a chur ar éagsúlacht agus athléimneacht.

Taighde

I gcomhar le páirtithe, lean Met Éireann den pháirt a ghlacann sé i dtionscadail

taighde a fhorbairt agus a mhéadú chun tacú le seirbhísí eitlíochta agus seirbhísí

aeráide a fhorbairt. Cuireadh Clár Met Éireann um Ghairmeacha Taighde ar bun in

2019.


76

Eolas Corparáideach

Rialachas Corparáideach

Tá an Roinn tiomanta do na Prionsabail Rialachais seo a leanas:

Tacaíonn dea-rialachas le cultúr a chinntíonn iompar le macántacht, tiomantas

láidir chun luachanna eiticiúla, agus meas ar riail an dlí;

Cinntíonn dea-rialachas comhréireacht, próisis comhairleoireachta poiblí

éifeachtacha agus cumarsáid chuimsitheach le geallshealbhóirí náisiúnta agus

idirnáisiúnta;

Cabhraíonn dea-rialachas tosaíochtaí agus aschuir a shonrú i dtéarmaí leasa

eacnamaíocha agus don sochaí agus chun polasaithe agus idirghabhálacha

riachtanacha chun optamú a dhéanamh ar na tosaíochtaí agus aschuir sin a

bhaint amach;

Ciallaíonn dea-rialachas acmhainn na Roinne a fhorbairt, lena n-áirítear cumas

na foirne ceannasaíochta, bainistíocht agus foireann;

Ciallaíonn dea-rialachas rioscaí agus feidhmíocht a bhainistiú le córais

inmheánacha stuama um rialúcháin agus cleachtais bainistíochta ar

fheidhmíocht; agus,

Ciallaíonn dea-rialachas dea-chleachtais trédhearcachta, tuairiscithe,

cumarsáide, iniúchta agus mionscrúdaithe a chur i bhfeidhm chun cuntasacht

éifeachtacht a sheachadadh.

Socraíonn Creat Rialachais Corparáideach na Roinne, a bhí réadtiomnaithe i

gcomhréir le Clár Athnuaite Seirbhíse Sibhialta, conas a chuirtear na prionsabail sin i

bhfeidhm agus tá sé ar fáil i suíomh gréasáin na Roinne.

Iniúchadh Inmheánach

Chríochnaigh Aonad Iniúchta Inmheánaigh na Roinne trí iniúchadh agus sé

athbhreithniú/scrúdú leantach le linn 2019. D’eagraigh Coiste Iniúchta na Roinne

ceithre chruinniú le linn na bliana.


77

Dualgas Earnála Poiblí um Chomhionannas agus Cearta an Duine

Cuireann alt 42 den Acht Cearta Daonna na hÉireann agus Coimisiún

Comhionannais 2014 freagracht ar gach comhlacht poiblí comhionannas a chur

chun cinn, idirdhealú a chosc agus cearta daonna a chosaint do gach ball foirne

agus custaiméirí araon.

Tugtar Dualgas Earnála Poiblí um Chomhionannas agus Cearta an Duine ar an

bhfreagracht sin agus is oibleagáid dhlíthiúil é. In 2019, lean grúpa oibre

inmheánach na Roinne d'aghaidh a thabhairt ar chur i bhfeidhm ár Dualgas Earnála

Poiblí um Chomhionannas agus Cearta an Duine. I dtaca leis sin, rinne an rannóg

Acmhainní Daonna measúnú ar an Roinn mar fhostóir i Samhain.

Gealltanais maidir leis an nGaeilge

Bhí an Roinn fós tiomanta in 2019 do sheirbhísí a sholáthar i nGaeilge agus/nó go

dátheangach dá custaiméirí, mar a leagtar amach inár Scéim Gaeilge 2017 - 2020,

agus do na hoibleagáidí reachtúla atá ann de bhun Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla,

2003.

In 2019, d'aistrigh an Roinn 113 doiciméad, idir thuarascálacha, phreaseisiúintí agus

dhoiciméid bheartais, go Gaeilge. Lorg an Roinn aighneachtaí faoin Scéim Ghaeilge

nua i Samhain 2019.

Saoráil Faisnéise agus Rochtain ar Fhaisnéis ar an gComhshaol

In 2019, fuair an Roinn 309 iarraidh Saorála Faisnéise. Ceadaíodh 88 iarraidh díobh;

ceadaíodh 98 i bpáirt; diúltaíodh do 70; chuaigh 13 in éag de bharr neamhíoc táillí;

tarraingíodh 39 siar agus aistríodh 1 ceann amháin. Anuas air sin, fuair an Roinn 14

iarraidh faoi na Rialacháin maidir le Rochtain ar Fhaisnéis ar an gComhshaol.

Ceadaíodh 2 iarraidh díobh; ceadaíodh 6 i bpáirt; diúltaíodh do 5 agus aistríodh 1

ceann amháin.

Seirbhís Ardchaighdeáin do Chustaiméirí

Tá an Roinn seo tiomanta don chaighdeán is airde seirbhíse a thabhairt dá

custaiméirí. Tugann ár gCairt Custaiméirí agus Plean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhís

do Chustaiméirí breac-chuntas ar an gcaighdeáin seirbhíse ar féidir leat a bheith ag

súil leis nuair a dhéanann tú teagmháil linn ar an bhfón, ar ríomhphost, sa phost nó

go pearsanta. Tá sé d'aidhm ag an Roinn gach fiosrú a réiteach taobh istigh de 15

lá, mura bhfuil cúiseanna áirithe ann gan é sin a dhéanamh. In 2019, fuair an Roinn

556 fiosrú inár mbosca ríomhphoist seirbhís ardchaighdeáin do chustaiméirí. De réir

anailís ar na fiosruithe, réitíodh 90% de na fiosruithe sin taobh istigh de 15 lá.


78

Tá sonraí faoinár gCairt agus Plean ar fáil ar

www.housing.gov.ie/corporate/customer-service/quality-customer-service.

1 Níor ceadaíodh, tarraingíodh siar nó aistríodh an chuid eile de na ceisteanna.

2 Is ionann é sin agus iomlána ó Oifigí na nAirí agus Oifigí na nAirí Stáit.

3 Is ionann é sin agus iomlána ó Oifigí na nAirí agus Oifigí na nAirí Stáit.

Ceisteanna Parlaiminte 2017 2018 2019

Ceisteanna a Fuarthas 3,575 3,638 3,286

Ceisteanna a Freagraíodh1 3,349 3,307 2,776

Cineál Ceiste a Freagraíodh:

Ó bhéal 432 401 411

I scríbhinn 2,917 2,906 2,365

Díospóireacht ar Cheisteanna Cúrsaí Reatha

185 185 134

Cúrsaí Tosach Feidhme

75 83 89

Uiríll agus Cuirí

Uiríll2 3,946 3,749 3,515

Cuirí3 633 1,077 896

http://www.housing.gov.ie/corporate/customer-service/quality-customer-service


79

Acmhainní Daonna - WELL, Ár Straitéis Daoine

Seoladh An Straitéis Daonna i gcomhair 2018-2020, ‘WELL’, ag

an 100ú cruinniú de Choiste Comhpháirtíochta na Roinne an

12 Iúil 2018. Tá os cionn 50 gníomh ar leith sa straitéis thar

an ceithre cholún/théama, is iad sin Folláine,

Rannpháirtíocht, Foghlaim agus Forbairt agus

Ceannasaíocht. 2I measc na ngníomhartha a leathadh

amach in 2019:

Cruinnithe 'halla baile' curtha ar bun mar imeachtaí

timthriallacha agus cruinnithe ar siúl i ngach áit dhá uair in

aghaidh na bliana

Plean Gníomhaíochta um Rannpháirtíocht curtha le chéile mar fhreagairt ar

Shuirbhé ar Rannpháirtíocht Fostaithe na Státseirbhíse 2017

Líonra Foirne LADT+ curtha ar bun

Searmanas bronnta bliantúil RÉALTA ar siúl chun an fhoireann a aithint

Tionscnaimh sláinte agus folláine faoi stiúir na foirne

Clár meantóireachta leabaithe san eargraíocht

Tá leagan dréachta den Aip 'creat gairme agus cumais', ag a bhfuil naisc le

cnuasaigh post san eagraíocht, á fhorbairt ag foghrúpa den ghrúpa feidhmithe

F&F

Seoladh líonra na bPríomhoifigeach Cúnta

Páirtíocht Ghnó leabaithe san eagraíocht


80

Líon na mBall Foirne

B'ionann líon na mball foirne sa Roinn ag deireadh 2019 agus 782.21 post coibhéis

lánaimseartha. Earcaíodh agus tugadh ardú céime do 168 ball foirne trí mheán

bealaí éagsúla in 2019, ardú céime inmheánach agus comórtais oscailte san

áireamh.

Lean baill foirne de leas a bhaint as raon scéimeanna cothromaíocht oibre is saoil,

mar a leagtar amach thíos:

Líon ball foirne

Saoire Thuismitheoireachta 77

Saoire Staidéir 33

Comhroinnt Oibre 96

Bliain oibre níos giorra 79

Sos gairme 11

Saoire chúramóra 4

Oiliúint agus Forbairt

Tugtar tacaíocht do gach ball foirne leas a bhaint as deiseanna forbartha a aithnítear

tríd an gCóras Bainistíochta agus Forbartha Feidhmíochta (CBFF), córas a úsáidtear

mar phríomhuirlis chun tacú le feidhmíocht fheabhsaithe eagraíochta agus baineadh

amach ráta comhlíonta 81% in 2019.

Tacaíonn ár gcleachtais oiliúna agus forbartha le baill foirne feidhmíocht reatha agus

amach anseo a fheabhsú ach tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh na scileanna, an t-eolas

agus na cáilíochtaí atá ag teastáil i lucht saothair iomaíoch a fháil.

Mar chuid den Tosaíocht F&F inár Straitéis Daoine, táimid ag cothú cumais agus

acmhainne trí oiliúint ábhartha agus chuí a sholáthar thar gach grád sa Roinn agus i

ngach láthair na Roinne.

Trínár gclár leabaithe Meantóireachta, táimid ag tacú le baill foirne fad a fhorbraíonn

siad scileanna agus tréithe criticiúla ionas go mbeidís éifeachtach i ról an mheantóra

nó ról an dalta a fhaigheann meantóireacht.


81

Tugtar tacaíocht do bhail foirne a thugann faoi oideachas foirmiúil in ábhair a

bhaineann lena gcuid oibre trínár Scéim um Aisíoc Táillí agus struchtúir thiomnaithe

foghlama. Cinntíonn ár Scéim um Aisíoc Táillí go mbíonn rochtain ag an bhfoireann

ar bhallraíocht i gcomhlachtaí creidiúnaithe agus proifisiúnta, de réir mar is gá.

In 2019, thug baill foirne faoi staidéir i réimsí cosúil le tithíocht, dlí, airgeadas,

staidreamh, bainistíocht acmhainní daonna agus eacnamaíocht, ar réimsí iad a

aithníodh mar thosaíochtaí do riachtanais ghnó na heagraíochta.

Printíseachtaí san Earnáil Phoiblí

Tá an Roinn ag glacadh páirte sa chlár píolótach

náisiúnta don Phrintíseacht TFC, don Phrintíseacht

d'Fhorbróir Comhlach Gairmiúil Bogearraí, agus don

Phrintíseacht d'Innealtóir Líonra Comhlach.

Chomh maith leis sin, tá an Roinn ag glacadh páirte

sa Phrintíseacht náisiúnta do Theicneoir

Cuntasaíochta san Earnáil Phoiblí.

Seirbhísí Roinnte Bainistíochta Airgeadais na Státseirbhíse

Níor aistríodh an Roinn chuig Seirbhísí

Roinnte Bainistíochta Airgeadais (SRBA) na

Státseirbhíse in 2019 mar gheall ar

chinneadh a rinne an Oifig Náisiúnta um

Sheirbhísí Comhroinnte (ONSC) seoladh

SRBA a chur siar in 2018 chun go ndéanfaí

athbhreithniú iomlán ar an dearadh córais.

Lean an Roinn ar aghaidh tacaíocht a

thabhairt don ONSC maidir leis an tionscadal

SRBA ach cúnamh a thabhairt don athbhreithniú ar an dearadh córais in 2019.

Íocaíocht Pras

In 2019, d’íoc an Roinn 89.15% de na sonraisc go léir laistigh 15 lá féilire, agus

99.16% de gach sonrasc laistigh 30 lá féilire.

Maidir leis an mbliain ar fad, ghearr an Roinn táillí úis ar íocaíochtaí déanacha arbh

fhiú €742 iad. B'ionann luach na n-íocaíochtaí malla go léir mar chéatadán de gach

íocaíochtaí sonraisc in 2019 agus 0.52%. I dteannta le hús ar íocaíochtaí déanacha,

íocadh costais cúitimh ar luach €2,630 in 2019.


82

AGUISÍNÍ

AGUISÍN 1: Gníomhaíocht Reachtaíochta in 2019

Achtanna Oireachtais Ábhartha in 2019

An tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil 2019 (Uimhir 1 de 2019)

An tAcht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa (Leasú), 2019 (Uimhir 7 de 2019)

An tAcht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe (Leasú), 2019 (Uimhir 14 de 2019)

An tAcht um Rátaí Rialtais Áitiúil agus Nithe Eile, 2019 (Uimhir 24 de 2019)

An tAcht um Micreachlocha (Toirmeasc), 2019 (Uimhir 52 de 2019)

Acht na dTithe (Comhlachtaí Tithíochta Ceadaithe a Rialáil), 2019 (Uimhir 47 de

2019)

An tAcht um Thionóil Saoránach, 2019 (Uimhir 25 de 2019)

Ionstraimí Reachtúla in 2019

I.R. Uimh. 6/2019 - An tOrdú um Thoghlimistéir Áitiúla agus Ceantair Bhardasacha

Chontae Lú (Leasú), 2019


Chontae Chill Mhantáin (Leasú), 2019


Chontae na Mí (Leasú), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 12 de 2019 - Na Rialacháin fán Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000

(Forbairt Dhíolmhaithe), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 20/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Rialtais Áitiúil 2009 (Tosach Feidhme),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 23/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Comhshaoil (Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha),

2011 (Tosach Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 24/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Rialtais Áitiúil, 2001 (Tosach Feidhme),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 25/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Rialtais Áitiúil, 2019 (Lá Aistrithe), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 27/2019 - An tOrdú um Thoghlimistéir Áitiúla Chathair Chorcaí, 2019


83


Chontae Chorcaí, 2019

I.R. Uimh 68/2019 - An tOrdú um an gCoimisiún Reifrinn (Bunú), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 75/2019 - Na Rialacháin um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa 2019

I.R. Uimh. 76/2019 - Na Rialacháin Toghcháin (Leasú) 2019

I.R. Uimh. 77 de 2019 - Na Rialacháin um Chuspóirí Comhshaoil an Aontais

Eorpaigh (Uiscí Dromchla) (Leasú), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 81/2019 - Na Rialacháin fá Acht na dTithe (Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha),

2009 (Cuid 5), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 104 de 2019 - Na Rialacháin fá Acht na dTithe (Cúnamh Airgeadais),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 117 de 2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na

hEorpa (Leasú), 2019 (Tosach Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 118/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Thoghcháin Áitiúla (Síntiúis agus

Caiteachas a Nochtadh), 1999 (Tréimhse chun Caiteachas Toghcháin a Áireamh),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 121/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Chathair

Luimnigh Thoir), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 122/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil na hUaimhe),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 133/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Leasú), 2018

(Tosach Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 134/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Cuid IIB),

2000 (Lá Bunaithe), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 137/2019 - Rialacháin na dTithe (Caighdeáin maidir le Tithe ar Cíos),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 153/2019 - Na Rialacháin Toghcháin (Forlíonadh do Chlár na

dToghthóirí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 154/2019 - An tOrdú um Chomhairleoir Speisialta (An tAire Tithíochta,

Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil) a Cheapadh, 2019

I.R. Uimh. 156/2019 - An tOrdú um Thoghlimistéir Áitiúla agus Ceantair

Bhardasacha Chontae Thiobraid Árann (Leasú), 2019


84

I.R. Uimh. 157/2019 - An tOrdú um Thoghlimistéir Áitiúla agus Ceantair

Bhardasacha Chontae Chiarraí (Leasú), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 162/2019 - Na Rialacháin um Phobalbhreith ar Mhéara Dírthofa, 2019

I.R. Uimh. 183 de 2019 - Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Feidhmíocht Fuinnimh

Foirgneamh), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 196/2019 - Na Rialacháin Toghchán (Teimpléad an Pháipéir Bhallóide),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 214/2019 - Na Rialacháin um an Acht Toghcháin, 1992 (Alt 165), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 220/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na

hEorpa (Leasú), 2019 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 235 de 2019 - Na Rialacháin fán Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000

(Forbairt Dhíolmhaithe) (Uimh. 2), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 236/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe (Leasú),

2019 (Tosach Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 263 de 2019 - Na Rialacháin um na Rialacháin Foirgníochta (Leasú ar

Chuid F), 2019


2019 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 287/2019 - Na Rialacháin um an Acht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe, 2004

(Foirm Fhorordaithe), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 292 de 2019 - Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Feidhmíocht Fuinnimh

Foirgneamh) (Uimh. 2), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 308/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Bhaile Átha

Fhirdhia), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 309/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil an Inbhir

Mhóir), 2019


an Rí - Órán Mór), 2019


Luain), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 312/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Dhún

Dealgan - Cairlinn), 2019


85

I.R. Uimh. 313/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Dhún

Dealgan Theas), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 314/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Mhainistir

Fhear Maí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 315/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Ghuaire),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 316/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil an Ghoirt -

Cinn Mhara), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 317/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil na Gráige -

Cúil an tSúdaire), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 318/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil

Cheanannais), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 319/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Chill

Chainnigh), 2019


Luimnigh Thuaidh), 2019


Luimnigh Thiar), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 322/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Mhainistir na

Corann), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 323/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Phort

Laoise), 2019


Troim), 2019


Phort Láirge Thoir), 2019


Phort Láirge Theas), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 340/2019 - An tOrdú um Thithíocht, Pleanáil agus Rialtas Áitiúil

(Feidhmeanna Aire A Tharmllgean), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 353/2019 - Na Rialacháin um an Acht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe, 2004

(Foirm Fhorordaithe) (Uimh. 2), 2019


86


2019 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 3), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 355 de 2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Rátaí Rialtais Áitiúil agus Nithe

Eile, 2019 (Tosach Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 417/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Thionóil Saoránach, 2019 (Tosach

Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 418/2019 - Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Measúnacht Tionchair

Timpeallachta agus Gnáthóga) (Alt 181 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 478/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil

Cheatharlach), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 479/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Mhaigh

Chromtha), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 481/2019 - Na Rialacháin Toghcháin (Leasú) (Uimh. 2), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 482/2019 - Na Rialacháin um Thoghcháin an tSeanaid (Baill Ainmliosta)

(Foirmeacha Forordaithe) (Leasú), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 483/2019 - Na Rialacháin um Thoghcháin an tSeanaid (Baill Phríomh-

Scoile) (Nithe Forordaithe) (Leasú), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 484/2019 - An tOrdú um an gCoimisiún Reifrinn (Bunú) (Uimh. 2), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 510/2019 - An tOrdú um Acht um Sheirbhísí Uisce, 2017 (Tosach

Feidhme), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 558/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Luachála, 2001 (Comhairle Contae an

Chabháin) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 559/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Luachála, 2001 (Comhairle Contae

Fhine Gall) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 560/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Luachála, 2001 (Comhairle Contae Lú)

(Teorannú Rátaí), 2019


Mhuineacháin) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019


Thiobraid Árann) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 563/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Luachála, 2001 (Comhairle Contae na

Mí) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019


87

I.R. Uimh. 564/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Luachála, 2001 (Comhairle Contae Loch

Garman) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 565/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht Luachála, 2001 (Comhairle Contae Chill

Mhantáin) (Teorannú Rátaí), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 598/2019 - An tOrdú um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Tithíocht) agus um an

Acht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe, 2016 (Alt 4), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 644/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Bhealach

Conglais), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 645/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil an Chóibh),

2019

I.R. Uimh. 646/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil Bhaile an

Phoill), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 647/2019 - An tOrdú Creasa Brú Cíosa (Toghlimistéar Áitiúil an

Leathrois), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 648/2019 - Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Tionscnamh ó na

Saoránaigh), 2019

I.R. Uimh. 680/2019 - An tOrdú um an Acht um Sheirbhísí Uisce (Uimh. 2), 2013 (An

Lá Dílsithe Maoine), 2019


88

AGUISÍN 2: Foilseacháin in 2019

Leagtar amach na príomhfhoilseacháin a chuir an Roinn le chéile le linn 2019 thíos:

Torthaí na dToghchán do Pharlaimint na hEorpa 2019

Torthaí Reifreann - 1937-2019

Dréacht-Chreat Náisiúnta maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí

Ráiteas Polasaí maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí

Tuairisceán an Tascfhórsa ar Sholáthar Tithíochta a Chomhordú, Ráithe 3 2019

Acht na dTithe (Comhlachtaí Tithíochta Ceadaithe a Rialáil), 2019 - Ceisteanna

Coitianta

Acht na dTithe (Comhlachtaí Tithíochta Ceadaithe a Rialáil), 2019 – Nóta

Straitéis Cibearshlándála 2019 - 2021

Forbhreathnú ar an Scéim Deontas le haghaidh Bloic Choincréite

Tuarascáil Feidhmíochta Ráithiúil ar Easpa Dídine - Ráithe 4 2019

Tuarascáil maidir le hEaspa Dídine - Nollaig 2019

Vótáil in Olltoghchán 2020 – Ceisteanna Coitianta

Ordachán ón Aire - Straitéis Réigiúnach Spásúlachta agus Eacnamaíochta Thionól

Réigiúnach an Oirthir agus Lár Tíre 2019 - 2031

"Pobal Inbhuanaithe a Thógáil" – Tuarascáil ar an gCleachtadh Scóipe maidir le

hInse Chór/Cill Mhaighneann

Tuarascáil Athbhreithnithe ar Imeachtaí Adhaimsire 2017 - 2018

An Clár Toghthóirí in Éirinn a Nuachóiriú - Achoimre ar an Tuarascáil ar an

gComhairliúchán Poiblí

An Clár Toghthóirí in Éirinn a Nuachóiriú - An Tuarascáil ar an gComhairliúchán

Poiblí

Tuarascáil Stádais ar Thógáil Tithe Sóisialta, Ráithe 3 2019

Achoimre ar Mheasúnuithe Tithíochta Sóisialta 2019 (AMTS)

Treoir maidir le Sábháilteacht Dóiteáin i gCóiríocht do Thaistealaithe atá ann


89

Tuarascáil Ráithiúil ar Dul Chun Cinn maidir le hEaspa Dídine - Ráithe 3 2019

Tuarascáil maidir le hEaspa Dídine - Deireadh Fómhair 2019

An Tascfhórsa ar Sholáthar Tithíochta a Chomhordú do Bhaile Átha Cliath -

Tuarascáil Ráithe 2 2019

Conclúidí an Aire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúla maidir leis an

Athbhreithniú ar an bPróiseas Forbartha Straitéisí Tithíochta - Deireadh Fómhair

2019

Oibriú an Phróisis Forbairt Straitéisí Tithíochta 2017-2019 - Tuarascáil an Ghrúpa

Athbhreithnithe, Meán Fómhair 2019

Tuarascáil maidir le hEaspa Dídine - Meán Fómhair 2019

Cáilíocht an Uisce agus Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce - Plean Oiriúnaithe Earnála um

Athrú Aeráide

Maoiniú an Chrannchuir Náisiúnta – 2018

An Tionscal Foirgníochta - Bí Ullmhaithe do Bhreatimeacht "Gan Mhargadh" –

Ceisteanna Coitianta

Cuntasaíocht in Údaráis Áitiúla in Éirinn – Cód Cleachtais agus Rialacháin

Chuntasaíochta - Iúil 2019

Tuarascáil Ráithiúil ar Dul Chun Cinn maidir le hEaspa Dídine (Aibreán-Meitheamh

2019)

Treoirnóta d'Údaráis Áitiúla maidir le Ligean Gearrthéarmach a Rialú

Tuarascáil an Ghrúpa Oibre maidir le Ligean Gearrthéarmach

Plean Gníomhaíochta maidir le hÉifeachtúlacht Acmhainne

Tuarascáil an tSainghrúpa Athbhreithnithe maidir le Cóiríocht do Thaistealaithe - Iúil

2019

An Tascfhórsa ar Sholáthar Tithíochta a Chomhordú do Bhaile Átha Cliath -

Tuarascáil Ráithe 1 2019

Doiciméad Treorach Teicniúla L – Breosla agus Fuinneamh a Chaomhnú – Áiteanna

Cónaithe

Córas Aeraithe d'Áiteanna Cónaithe a Shuiteáil agus a Choimisiúnú - Cuid F 2019 a

Chomhlíonadh

Doiciméad Treorach Teicniúla F – Aerú (2019)


90

Tuarascáil ar áireamh barrmhaith ó thaobh costais de agus anailís ar bhearnaí a

fhorbairt le haghaidh foirgneamh in Éirinn faoi Threoir 2010/31/AE maidir le

Feidhmíocht Fuinnimh Foirgneamh (athmhúnlú) - Foirgnimh Neamh-chónaithe

(2019)

Plean Feidhmithe an Choiste Mhaoirseachta ar Athrú Teorann Chorcaí a Fheidhmiú

Pobalbhreitheanna ar Mhéaraí Dírthofa - Ceisteanna Coitianta

An treoir maidir leis an bpobalbhreith ar mhéara dírthofa do Chathair agus Contae

Phort Láirge ag a mbeadh feidhmeanna feidhmiúcháin

An treoir maidir leis an bpobalbhreith ar mhéara dírthofa do Chathair agus Contae

Luimnigh ag a mbeadh feidhmeanna feidhmiúcháin

An treoir maidir leis an bpobalbhreith ar mhéara dírthofa do Chathair Chorcaí ag a

mbeadh feidhmeanna feidhmiúcháin

Méaraí Dírthofa ag a bhfuil Feidhmeanna Feidhmiúcháin

Fógra ón Aire do Chomhairle Contae Shligigh de bhun alt 177AB(3) den Acht um

Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000 maidir le Tagairt Chlárlainne PL18/210 – Uasghrádú

Molta Ionad Cóireála Uisce Loch Tailt (IROPI)

Aighneacht chuig an gCoimisiún Eorpach de bhun Alt 177AB(5) den Acht um

Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000 maidir le Bearta Cúitimh a Ghlacadh de réir mar a

cheanglaítear in Airteagal 6(4) de Treoir ón gComhairle 92/43/CEE (an 'Treoir maidir

le Gnáthóga') i dtaca le Comhairle Contae Shligigh Tagairt Chlárlainne PL18/210 –

Uasghrádú Molta Ionad Cóireála Uisce Loch Tailt

Foilseacháin Bhreise ó Met Éireann in 2019

Ráitis Mhíosúla maidir leis an Aeráid agus Aimsir

Imeachtaí comhdhála, tuarascálacha eolaíochta, caibidlí leabhair agus foilseacháin

eile ó bhaill foirne Met Éireann.

Gleeson E, Whelan E [eagarthóirí], Nicole Beisiegel, Frédéric Dias, Eadaoin

Doddy, Lisette Edvinsson, Emily Gleeson, Edward Graham, Ludvig Isaksson,

Frank McDermott, Kristian Pagh Nielsen, Semjon Schimanke, Conor Sweeney,

Per Undén, Jonathan Webb, Eoin Whelan, Liam Woods, ‘MÉRA Workshop

Proceedings’, Met Éireann, 2019-12-15

Clancy C., Daly C., Darcy R., Gleeson E., Hally A., Whelan E. Nuashonruithe

Met Éireann. ALADIN-HIRLAM Newsletter 12: 67-75, 2019

Ailt Irise acadúla ag baill foirne Met Éireann a ndearnadh athbhreithniú piaraí orthu:


91

Falzoi, S., Gleeson, E., Lambkin, K., Zimmermann, J., Marwaha, R., O’Hara, R.,

Green, S. agus Fratianni, S. (2019), Analysis of the severe drought in Ireland in

2018. Weather, 74: 368-373. doi:10.1002/wea.3587

Blunden, J. agus D. S. Arndt, Eagarthóirí, 2019: “State of the Climate in 2018”.

Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 100 (9), Si–S305,

doi:10.1175/2019BAMSStateoftheClimate.1. Ábhair scríofa ag S. Spillane

Frogner, Inger-Lise, Ulf Andrae, Jelena Bojarova, Alfons Callado, Pau Escribà,

Henrik Feddersen, Alan Hally et al. “HarmonEPS – the HARMONIE ensemble

prediction system”, Wea. Forecasting, doi:10.1175/WAF-D-19-0030.1

Emily Gleeson, Colm Clancy, Laura Zubiate, Jelena Janjić, Sarah Gallagher,

Frédéric Dias: “Teleconnections and Extreme Ocean States in the Northeast

Atlantic Ocean” http://hdl.handle.net/2262/86149

Foilseacháin Bhreise ón gCoimisiún Náisiúnta Maoirseachta agus

Iniúchóireachta agus Comhlacht Comhairleach Uisce in 2019

Coimisiún Náisiúnta Maoirseachta agus Iniúchóireachta

Suirbhé ar Shásamh Údarás Áitiúil 2019 - Iúil 20

Tuarascáil ar Tháscairí Feidhmíochta na nÚdarás Áitiúil 2018 – Meán Fómhair

2019;

Straitéis agus Creat an Chláir Oibre a Fhorbairt 2020-2022 - Samhain 2019;

Clár Oibre Ilbhliantúil 2020-2022 - Samhain 2019;

Tuarascáil Dearbhaithe Cáilíochta maidir le Cód Caiteachais Phoiblí in Údaráis

Áitiúla 2018 – Nollaig 2019.

Comhlacht Comhairleach Uisce

Tuarascáil Ráithiúil an Chomhlachta Chomhairligh Uisce 1 2019

Foilsíonn an Comhlacht Comhairleach Uisce a thuarascálacha ar a shuíomh

gréasáin, www.wateradvisorybody.ie

http://www.wateradvisorybody.ie/


92

AGUISÍN 3: Comhairliúcháin Phoiblí ar tugadh fúthu in

2019

Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir le Saincheisteanna Suntasacha a Bhaineann le

Bainistíocht Uisce don tríú timthriall den Phlean Bainistithe Abhantraí d'Éirinn 2022-

2027

Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir leis an Treoir Réime um Straitéis Mhuirí (2008/56/EC) -

Airteagal 17

Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir le Treoirlínte leasaithe um Fhorbairt Fuinnimh Gaoithe

Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir le Scéim Ghinearálta an Bhille um Thithíocht agus

Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2019

Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir leis an Athbhreithniú ar Rialacháin Foirgníochta Cuid L

(Breosla agus Fuinneamh a Chaomhnú) agus Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh

(Feidhmíocht Fuinnimh Foirgneamh)

Scéim na Gaeilge 2020-2022: Iarratas ar Aighneachtaí

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an Dréacht-Chreat Náisiúnta maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an leasú in 2019 ar Doiciméad Treorach Teicniúla C, 1997

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an athbhreithniú ar na forálacha pleanála a bhaineann le

Forbairtí Tithíochta Straitéisí

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an treoir bhreise le Doiciméad Treorach Teicniúla B, 2006

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an Ráiteas Polasaí maidir le Pleanáil Mhuirí

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an Dréacht-Phlean Oiriúnaithe Earnála um Athrú Aeráide

maidir le Cáilíocht an Uisce agus Bonneagar Seirbhísí Uisce

Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir le moltaí chun an Próiseas Clárúcháin Toghthóirí a

nuachóiriú

Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar Anailís Tionchair Rialála maidir le Coimisiún Toghcháin a

Bhunú

Comhairliúchán Poiblí Comhshaoil Trasteorann maidir leis an Stáisiún Núicléach

Wylfa Newydd, Inis Món, An Bhreatain Bheag Thuaidh, Ríocht AontaithePublic

Consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues for the third cycle River

Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027

tithiocht.gov.ie

An Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil

Documents

Annual Report of the Department of Housing, … Laid...An eventful year on the elections front, 2019 saw the Department managing local authority and European Parliament elections in