action plan for housing and homelessness also highlights some areas where we will need to intensify...

Third Quarterly Progress Report

May 2017

Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness

Contents

Foreword by Minister Coveney 3

Progress Overview 4 Introduction 4 Overview of progress to date 4

Housing market – current outlook 7 Key developments during Q1 of 2017 9

Delivery on actions due during Quarter 4 2016 11 Pillar 1: Address Homelessness 12 Pillar 2: Accelerate Social Housing 24 Pillar 3: Build More Homes 34 Pillar 4: Improve the Rental Sector 42 Pillar 5: Utilise Existing Housing 52

Looking forward – the next quarter 60

Glossary of terms 62

FOREWORD Simon Coveney, TD, Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local GovernmentWelcome to the third progress report on implementation of Rebuilding Ireland. This report sets out some important measures of where we have progressed to over the 10 months since I launched the plan in July last. It also highlights some areas where we will need to intensify our effort in the period ahead. For me, there are two key themes that come through in this latest report.

The first is around momentum. The second is around not being complacent.

In terms of momentum, the report clearly shows that even though the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan is just 10 months old, there is strong evidence that the supply effort is delivering. All output indicators are up, with planning permissions for 16,375 new homes granted in the 12 months up to end December 2016 (an increase of 26% year on year); Commencement Notices for 14,192 new homes submitted in the 12-month period to end March 2017 (a 38% increase in commencement activity year on year); and 15,684 ESB connections (a 19% increase, year on year).

This rebound in supply is a factor of various measures, including fiscal and policy measures such as the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, and is putting us on course to reach the sorts of supply levels we need to reach within a short few years, enabling us meet our social, demographic and economic potential.

We’ve also seen significant progress under the other pillars of the Action Plan. For example, under Pillar 1 we’ve delivered just over 3,000 sustainable exits from homelessness during 2016 (up 31% on 2015), put in place 206 additional beds in supported temporary accommodation in Dublin across 4 facilities and created 810 tenancies under the Dublin Region Homeless HAP pilot.

In terms of delivering more social housing (Pillar 2), this report shows that 19,055 households had their social housing needs met in 2016, 5,724 homes were built, refurbished, leased or acquired; 12,075

Second Quarterly Progress Report | May 2017 1

Foreword | continued

HAP tenancies were created, and a further 1,256 families were accommodated under RAS. These are impressive output levels and reflect significant effort from local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency and other stakeholders but I hope and expect that we will exceed all of them in 2017.

We also continued to focus on the rental sector (Pillar 4) with a further round of RPZ designations bringing protections and rent predictability to 57% of all tenants nationally. New accommodation standards are being introduced shortly, Minister Noonan’s group on the tax treatment of rental income will finalise its work in time for measures to be included in Budget 2018 and the RTB is powering up and taking on its new range of services for landlords and tenants.

Making better use of existing stock remains challenging (Pillar 5). The Repair and Leasing Scheme and Buy and Renew Scheme both have significant potential to bring vacant stock back into productive use in the coming years and I’m delighted to be in a position to provide funding of €140m over 5 years to bring up to 3,500 vacant private houses into social housing use by 2021 under the Repair and Leasing Scheme and €25m this year under the Buy and Renew Scheme to purchase private housing units for social housing use. To build on these and intensify our efforts to address the unacceptably high level of vacant stock at a time of acute need, I will shortly be introducing a vacant homes strategy that will contain a number of innovative measures to get more existing homes back into use and occupied as a matter of priority.

So a clear sense of momentum pervades this third progress report, momentum under each of the pillars of the Plan. All stakeholders should reflect positively on what has been achieved so far under the Plan by working together, taking a solution-focused approach and relentlessly pursuing the actions contained in Rebuilding Ireland.

However, we cannot allow the positive signs and growing momentum to allow even one moment of complacency: the housing challenge remains immense, households remain under extreme pressures, and demand still far outstrips supply. But the evidence is now there to show that Rebuilding Ireland is providing the solutions that are needed across all tenures. We have a plan that is working; we must continue to drive implementation without letting up to deliver on all of the actions.

Simon Coveney, TD Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness2

Foreword | continued

3Third Quarterly Progress Report | May 2017 3

28 units in Sheridan

Park, Tramore Road, Cork

City

PROGRESS OVERVIEWIntroductionThis is the Third Quarterly Progress Report published under the Government’s Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness (July 2016), covering developments and progress towards implementation of a range of actions across the 5 Pillars of the Plan in the first Quarter of 2017, while also looking forward to key priorities and outputs scheduled for delivery between now and the end of June 2017.

Rebuilding Ireland, together with the Government’s Strategy for the Rental Sector published on 13 December 2016, comprises 113 actions, for implementation by DHPCLG, local authorities, other Departments and State Agencies and a broad range of stakeholders, across five key pillar areas: Addressing Homelessness, Accelerating Social Housing, Building More Homes, Improving the Rental Sector and Utilising Existing Housing.

Progress achieved in line with all 113 actions is reported under these quarterly progress reports.

Overview of Progress to Date

Pillar Area & Key Objective

Key Responses now in place

Pillar 1: Address HomelessnessProvide early solutions to address the unacceptable level of families in emergency accommodation; deliver inter-agency supports for people who are currently homeless, with a particular emphasis on minimising the incidence of rough-sleeping; and enhance State supports to keep people in their own homes.

n Approximately 3,000 sustainable exits from homelessness during 2016 (up 31% on 2015).

n Homeless funding of €98m in place in 2017 to meet increased demand for homeless services and solutions.

n 206 additional beds in supported temporary accommodation now available in Dublin across 4 facilities.

n 810 tenancies were created for homeless households during 2016 under the Dublin Region Homeless HAP pilot.

n Rapid delivery homes- At end 2016, a total of 350 rapid build homes were

advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 rapid build homes having been delivered and occupied in 2016.

- Office of Government Procurement Framework Agreement in place to facilitate accelerated delivery during 2017 and 2018.


Progress Overview | continued



(Pillar 1 continued) n Abhaile – the national Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service – and the associated scheme of Aid and Advice for borrowers in mortgage arrears in place.

n Revised Mortgage to Rent Scheme in place to provide quick and accessible support for households in mortgage distress.

n Enhanced targeted supports available in response to specific needs, such as- family and child welfare supports for those living in

emergency accommodation;- people with mental health and addiction issues, - prisoners prior to release;- Tenancy Protection Service now available nationwide.

Pillar 2: Accelerate Social HousingIncrease the level and speed of delivery of social housing and other State-supported housing.

n 19,055 households had their social housing needs met in 2016- 5,724 homes built, refurbished, leased or acquired;- 12,075 HAP tenancies;- 1,256 families accommodated under RAS.

n Capital and current funding of €1.3 billion in place to meet social housing needs of up to 21,000 households in 2017.

n Housing Assistance Payment now available in all 31 local authorities and funding of €153m in place for 2017.

n Housing Delivery Office, Housing Procurement Unit and AHB Support Units established to advise and support LAs, AHBs and stakeholders in increasing and accelerating social housing provision.

n Streamlined approval process in place to accelerate the delivery of social housing projects.

n Choice-based letting rolled out nationally to streamline letting of social housing units.

Pillar 3: Build More HousesIncrease the output of private housing to meet demand at affordable prices.

n 14,932 homes connected to the ESB Grid during 2016, an increase of 18% on 2015 (12,666).

n 23 Major Urban Delivery Sites identified with the capacity to deliver 30,000 new homes in the medium term in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Limerick and Galway, to be prioritised for progressing by the Housing Delivery Office and Local Authorities.

n €226m Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund in place to fund 34 projects across 15 local authorities to open up high impact residential sites for development of 23,000 homes by 2021.

n Housing Land Map produced, mapping over 700 local authority and Housing Agency-owned sites (totalling some 1,700 hectares), as well 30 sites (c. 200 ha) owned by State or Semi-State Bodies with potential for housing developments, especially in urban areas.

n Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 enacted on 23 December, 2016.

5Third Quarterly Progress Report | May 2017

Progress Overview | continued



n Large-scale housing development proposals (100+ homes) to be submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála.

n Help to Buy Scheme for first-time buyers who take up a mortgage to purchase or self-build a new home and who can avail of a refund of income tax and DIRT paid over the previous four tax years up to a maximum amount of €20,000.

Pillar 4: Improve the Rental sectorAddress the obstacles to greater private rented sector delivery, to improve the supply of units at affordable rents.

n Strategy for the Rental Sector published in December 2016- Rent Pressure Zones designated capping rent increases

at 4% per annum for up to 3 years, now covering 57% of tenancies;

- Protections to ensure that the sale of ten or more units in a single development is conditional on tenants remaining in situ;

- Working group on taxation of rental providers established.

n Revised Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 in place to enhance the quality of rental accommodation.

n Residential Tenancies Board given stronger role and powers in service of tenants and landlords.

n Funding in place for a dedicated Student Housing Officer to work with USI, LAs and stakeholders in identifying additional rental capacity for students.

n Budget 2017 measures to support the rental sector- Mortgage Interest Relief restored from 75% to 80% (to be

restored to 100% over a five year period);- Living City Initiative extended to landlords;- Rent a Room ceiling increased from €12,000 to €14,000.

Pillar 5: Utilise Existing HousingEnsure that existing housing stock is used to the maximum degree possible - focusing on measures to use vacant stock to renew urban and rural areas.

n Repair and Leasing Scheme launched with funding of €140m over 5 years to allow LAs and AHBs to bring up to 3,500 vacant private houses into social housing use by 2021.

n Buy and Renew Scheme (€25m for 2017) to support LAs and AHBs to purchase and remediate private housing units for social housing use.

n Better management of social housing through rapid re-letting of vacant units (Voids) and introduction of Choice-Based Letting.

n €9m allocated in 2016 under the National Taking-in-Charge Initiative to assist in the process of taking 356 housing developments in charge.


Although we are still in the first year of implementation of Rebuilding Ireland there is strong evidence that the focus on increasing and accelerating supply is starting to work, as shown by the latest housing activity statistics as follows:

n Planning permissions for 16,375 new homes were granted in the 12 months up to end December 2016, an increase of 26% year on year;

n Commencement Notices for 14,192 new homes nationwide were submitted in the 12-month period to end March 2017, a 38% increase in commencement activity year on year.

n ESB connections of homes to the electricity grid during the 12 month period to end March 2017 reached 15,684 homes across the country, a 19% increase year on year.

All of the key indicators confirm that housing activity is gathering momentum, albeit from a low base, and driven by the combined effect of strong supply side measures provided under Rebuilding Ireland, including, for example, the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, and the Help-to-Buy initiative, should continue to strengthen and result in higher levels of output in 2017 and beyond.

It is also worth noting that the ESRI in its Spring Quarterly Economic Commentary has forecast that housing completions will reach 18,500 during 2017.

The key overarching objective under Rebuilding Ireland is to ensure that the overall supply of new housing increases to some 25,000 homes annually by 2020. The graph at Figure 1 shows the rolling annual total of connections to the ESB grid by month up to March 2017, the latest date for which figures are available. Connections to the ESB grid have long been used as a proxy for the level of additional housing supply becoming available for occupation and are currently running at an annualised rate of 15,684 homes. This compares to a figure of 14,932 homes connected during 2016 and 12,666 in 2015. While the graph shows an encouraging positive trend, it also underlines the continuing challenge that faces the State, housing providers, funding institutions and all other relevant stakeholders in terms of adding to the momentum now in evidence so that housing supply reaches the target level of 25,000 homes per annum in the shortest possible timeframe. Increasing supply, across the social, private and rental tenures, in order to ensure that current and emerging housing needs are met, remains critical to the overall success of the Rebuilding Ireland programme.

HOUSING MARKET – CURRENT OUTLOOK


Housing Market – Current Outlook | continued

Dublin

National

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

Apr

May Jun Jul

Aug

Sept Oct

Nov Dec

Feb

MarJan

Feb

Mar Apr

May Jun Jul

Aug

Sept Oct

Nov Dec

2015 2016 2017

Jan

3,2454,399

13,18115,684

Figure 1: Monthly housing completions – 12 month rolling total

Source: DHPCLG/ESB



Throughout the First Quarter of 2017, DHPCLG and other Departments and Agencies have continued to build upon the strong implementation momentum in evidence since the publication of Rebuilding Ireland in July 2016 and have secured the following key achievements which will have a significant ongoing impact on our capacity to meet current and emerging housing needs:

n Current and capital funding of €1.3bn is in place to meet the social housing needs of 21,000 households as targeted during 2017, across the range of initiatives and support programmes. This represents a 39% increase on the €935m provided for in 2016. Through close engagement with local authorities, the Department is ensuring that projects are advanced as quickly as possible and that funding is drawn down in a balanced manner throughout the year. Expenditure to date in 2017 is advancing well and the indications are that the Department is well-placed to fully expend the funds available to it for housing purposes in 2017.

n Approvals for 34 projects across 15 local authorities under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) were announced on 28 March 2017. These projects will now receive funding that will see the investment of €226m in critical enabling infrastructure works between 2017 and 2019 to facilitate the scaling-up and accelerated development of housing on these key development sites across Ireland. The significance of this strategic investment is that it will pave the way for the delivery of some 23,000 homes from these sites by 2021, rising to 70,000 homes by 2027, as the sites are fully built out. Procurement and other preparatory works will be closely managed to avoid any delay on project timescales.

n The Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map, a comprehensive mapping database of publicly owned lands in key areas, has been developed by DHPCLG in conjunction with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other State bodies, with a view to identifying additional lands suitable for housing. The database is being made publicly available via the rebuildingireland.ie website and includes the following data-sets:

- residential zoned lands,

- Local Authority owned and Land Aggregation Scheme sites,

- publicly owned sites with potential for housing development,

- social housing construction programme sites, and

- private housing construction sites.

This mapping data-base will inform the Housing Development Lands Supply Management chapter of the new National Planning Framework and will provide an evidence basis for an active approach to strategic land management.

n The Housing Agency Acquisitions Programme is now operational utilising a €70 million rolling fund to purchase vacant properties from banks and investment companies for social housing purposes. To date the Housing Agency has had bids accepted on 330 housing units and over 130 contracts have been closed. In addition, the onward transfer of the units to Approved Housing Bodies is underway, which is crucial in terms of replenishing the revolving fund, thereby facilitating further purchases.

Key Developments



n The nationwide rollout of the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme has been completed with its introduction on 1 March 2017 in the administrative areas of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Eligible households in all 31 Local Authority areas can now avail of the scheme, with €153 million being made available for its operation in 2017. Progress to date this year under the scheme indicates that it is well on track to achieve its target of 15,000 additional tenancies for households this year.

n The Help-to-Buy Incentive Scheme aims both to assist those first-time buyers struggling to save for the deposit required to purchase a house, and to incentivise the building of additional housing stock. Availing of the incentive involves a two stage process. Stage 1 is the application stage, wherein prospective applicants can confirm their eligibility for the incentive and clarify the maximum amount of rebate they could potentially benefit from, based on their tax paid in a four-year period. Stage 2 is the claims stage, wherein applicants who decide to proceed with purchasing or building a qualifying property must provide documentary evidence of the relevant property transaction or their mortgage drawdown. As of 31 March 2017, Revenue had received 4,698 applications to stage 1 of the help-to-buy incentive. Of these, 1,006 stage 2 claims have been received of which 534 have been approved.

n Ministerial orders were made designating Maynooth, County Kildare and Cobh, County Cork as Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) with effect from 30 March 2017. The latest designations mean that some 57% of tenancies nationally are now located in Rent Pressure Zones, giving more than 186,000 households who currently rent their homes in these areas certainty about the maximum rental costs they will face over the next three years.

n The latest survey of Unfinished Housing Developments (UHDs) confirms that a further 248 developments have now been fully resolved in the twelve month since the previous survey. There are now 420 UHDs remaining, down from approximately 3,000 in 2010, representing an 85% decrease. A new feature of the recent survey has been the identification by local authorities of vacant and near complete units with potential for social housing purposes. Local Authorities will now actively engage with developers, receivers, etc. with the objective of securing 1,300 of these units for social housing purposes this year.


Progress Overview | continuedDELIVERY ON ACTIONS DUE DURING QUARTER 1 2017This section reports on progress on a total of 47 actions across the five Pillars which includes 38 actions outlined in Rebuilding Ireland and the Strategy for the Rental Sector, for which an outcome or substantial progress was required in Quarter 1 of 2017, and nine actions previously reported as incomplete during Quarter 4 of 2016.

The summary status of each action is given as:

Complete where delivery is on-time and complete

On Schedule where delivery during Quarter 1 of 2017 is complete and the ongoing implementation remains on schedule

Incomplete where delivery is behind schedule but will be completed in the near future.

A brief summary of the progress achieved under each action is also given.

Overall, of the 47 actions for which progress during the first quarter of 2017 is reported, 38 have been completed or progressed significantly, in line with commitments and timelines outlined in Rebuilding Ireland.

While 9 actions due for delivery by or before Quarter 1 remain incomplete or are behind schedule, in each case significant progress has been made and it is anticipated that each of these actions will be completed or be back on schedule by the end of 2017.

11Third Quarterly Progress Report | May 2017 11

Current ContextThe numbers of people in State funded emergency accommodation overseen by housing authorities in March are as follows:

n 4,909 adult individuals;

n 1,256 families are included in this total;

n 2,563 dependents are associated with these families;

n 7,472 people in total (adults and dependents).

During the course of 2016 housing authorities assisted in delivering just over 3,000 sustainable exits from homelessness into independent tenancies (e.g. into social housing, supported rental accommodation or AHB tenancy). This is a record level of exits from homelessness in a single year. By way of comparison, 2,322 sustainable exits were achieved in 2015, while the 2014 figure was 2,161.

While there have been ongoing increases in levels of homelessness, it is important to recognise the significant work being done by housing authorities and their delivery partners in the approved housing body sector in providing solutions.

A key and urgent priority under Rebuilding Ireland is the prevention of homelessness by supporting persons to stay in their existing homes. As part of this, a national awareness campaign was rolled out on tenant and landlord rights in December 2016. The Residential Tenancies Board ran a 3 week campaign consisting of a radio, digital and outdoor campaign. Building on previous awareness activity, the campaign focussed on increasing awareness of the RTB, while educating tenants and landlords in relation to their rental rights and Notices of Termination; increasing awareness of free mediation services; and preventing dispute through awareness and education.

It is intended that the long-term housing needs of homeless families will be met through housing supports, such as the enhanced Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, and general social housing allocations. The increases in Rent Supplement and Housing Assistance Payment levels from 1 July 2016, along with the recent rent predictability measures which include designated rent pressure zones, are playing an important role in terms of supporting families to remain in rented accommodation. HAP is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State. Under the Homeless HAP scheme, which is operated by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive on behalf of the 4 Dublin local authorities, enhanced rent limits are available to assist homeless households in securing tenancies and a Place Finder service has been provided to assist those households with sourcing accommodation. A similar Place Finder service will be available to homeless households in the Cork City Council area in the near future.

Address HomelessnessPILLAR ONE

Delivery on actions due during Quarter 1 2017 | continued


While measures to address the long term housing needs of homeless families are being delivered, Rebuilding Ireland has set a very clear target that, by mid-2017, commercial hotels will only be used for emergency accommodation in very limited or exceptional circumstances. Housing authorities are pursuing the delivery of additional and enhanced supported temporary accommodation that is more suitable for the short-term accommodation needs of homeless families, and more cost-effective, than commercial hotel arrangements. This includes:

n the procurement of properties that are suitable to serve as new family-focussed supported temporary accommodation;

n the reconfiguration of existing private emergency accommodation;

Supported temporary accommodation arrangements such as family hubs will provide homeless families with a greater level of stability than is possible in hotel accommodation while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning including on-site access to required services, such as welfare, health, housing services, and appropriate family supports and surrounds.

Through housing-led initiatives, permanent, stable and supported housing will be provided to long-term homeless individuals and regular users of emergency accommodation, thus reducing the reliance on emergency accommodation over time.

Under Action 1.12 of Rebuilding Ireland, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive is committed to tripling the target for tenancies under its ‘Housing First’ programme from 100 to 300. This Housing First programme is operated under a contract which is being delivered through a joint consortium of Focus Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust. Focus Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust have dedicated additional staff in 2017 to deliver on this action.

As well as strengthening the existing housing-led approach in Dublin, Rebuilding Ireland also commits to extending it to other urban areas, focusing on persistent rough sleepers and long-term homeless households. Consultation is ongoing with the relevant housing authorities, the HSE and other stakeholders with a view to having an implementation programme in place as soon as possible in order to extend the initiative initially to Cork, Galway and Limerick.



Action No

Description of action Objective Timeline & Owner

1.1 (Part)

We will accelerate and expand the Rapid-Build Housing Programme to provide, in the first instance and as a priority, more suitable accommodation for families that are currently residing in commercial hotels, while more permanent tenancies are secured. Units delivered over and above the number needed for families in hotels will be used as standard social housing.

To provide 1,500 new units under this programme to move the existing group of families out of emergency accommodation in hotels as quickly as possible, and to limit the extent to which such accommodation has to be used for new presentations.

Q4 2016 – 200 units

Q4 2017 – 800 units

Status: IncompleteAt the end of 2016, a total of 350 rapid build homes were advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 rapid build homes being delivered and occupied at Poppintree, Ballymun. Work is underway at advancing a further 650 rapid build homes in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018.

In relation to the 350 rapid build homes that are advancing, the following are the 11 projects concerned:

George’s Place, Dun Laoghaire 12 homes

St. Aidan’s, Brookfield, Tallaght 71 homes

Poppintree, Ballymun 22 homes (occupied)

Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot 24 homes

Mourne Road, Drimnagh 30 homes

St. Helena’s, Finglas 39 homes

Belcamp, Dublin 17 38 homes

Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot 52 homes

Woodbank, Rathvilly, Finglas 18 homes

Wellview, Mulhuddart 20 homes

Pinewood, Balbriggan 24 homes

Of these projects, the following are currently underway and due for full completion this year:

n St.Helena’s Finglas, 39 homes;

n Mourne Road Drimnagh, 30 homes;

n Cherry Orchard, 24 homes;

n Belcamp, 38 homes;

n Wellview, 20 homes;

n Pinewood, 24 homes.

Dublin City Council is in negotiation with its contractors in order to accelerate delivery and ensure a phased handover of these rapid build homes.

Delivery Status of Q1 2017 Actions



Action No


1.1 (Part)

In addition, the Housing Agency will acquire 1,600 vacant housing units. (See also Pillar 5)

1,600 vacant units to be acquired.

2017-2020

DHPCLGDRHE HA

Status: On scheduleThe Housing Agency is actively and positively engaged with banks and investment funds in relation to its acquisitions programme. To date the Housing Agency has had bids accepted on 330 dwellings and over 130 contracts have been closed.

The process of selling acquired homes on to Approved housing Bodies is also underway. The proceeds from the transfer of housing units to AHBs will replenish the fund and allow the cycle of purchases and transfers to continue towards achievement of the target objective.


Status continued

Substantial progress will be made on the other projects and the next phase of over 140 rapid build homes in Dublin City and South Dublin will progress with the award of contracts and site mobilisation expected later in June 2017. Further projects, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, are to be brought forward during Quarters 2 & 3 2017.

In January 2017, the Office of Government Procurement established a multi-party procurement framework agreement for the provision of rapid delivery housing projects. Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and other Framework Clients may award contracts under the Framework Agreement in accordance with the rules set out in the Framework Agreement.

Work has commenced with local authorities from outside of Dublin in terms of advancing rapid build projects in other areas. A workshop took place in February 2017 to support all local authorities to advance rapid build projects.



Action No


1.4 We will continue to operate the Dublin Region protocol in relation to appropriate responses to child protection and welfare concerns among families in emergency accommodation and review its operation in December 2016, refining it as appropriate. The protocol arrangements will be extended nationally in 2017.

To support homeless families with child dependents and ensure that a robust referral procedure is in place.

2016-2017

DRHETusla

Status: On scheduleFollowing the review and revision of the protocol, arrangements are in hand for its extension to other regions on a phased basis throughout 2017. The Tusla Homelessness Liaison Officer is liaising with homelessness services across the country and will tailor the protocol to take account of local variations in terms of challenges and organisational arrangements. Galway City has established a Homelessness subgroup under the Children and Young People Service Committee and is currently advancing a draft protocol that will operate in the Galway region.



Action No


1.5 We will further strengthen supports and initiatives for families in emergency accommodation to mitigate the challenges that such parents and children face, including:

n Enhanced liaison on family support, child welfare and child protection, including Family Resource Centres;

n Access to early-years services;

n School Completion Programmes;

n Enhanced locally available practical supports for daily family life;

n Access to free public transport for family travel and for school journeys; and

n Practical supports and advice for good nutrition for those without access to cooking facilities.

To support homeless families with child dependents.

2016-2017

Tusla, DYCAHSE, DRHE,DHPCLG

Status: On scheduleDetailed progress under this action was previously reported in previous Quarterly Progress Reports published on 1 November 2016 and 7 February 2017. Further progress achieved during Q1 of 2017 includes the following :

n Enhanced family supports and local services: Progress continues to be made on the mapping of local supports and services in order to improve awareness of and access to supports and service gaps are being addressed as they are identified. Family Homeless Action Teams are being provided with this information resource as it develops, in order to inform service delivery, under the coordination of DRHE and Tusla. Agencies engaged in a service level agreement with Tusla have been contacted for feedback on supports offered to families which will further inform service delivery.

Children and Young People Service Committees (CYPSC) have been established in each of the 17 Tusla areas and all CYPSC coordinators are in place. They will contribute to greater inter-agency working and a co-ordinated approach in the area of homelessness. The Tusla Homelessness Liaison Officer has made contact with the 5 CYPSC coordinators in Dublin and attended a briefing session; they will be considering the best approach and response within their area. Tusla will be facilitating a briefing on the child and family support networks and Meitheal, the national early intervention practice model, with identified service providers through the DRHE.


Status continued

n Access to early-years services: DCYA has commenced the roll-out of a special provision under the current Community Childcare Subvention Programme, which will provide access to free childcare for homeless children under 5 years old. A flat rate of €110 per week per eligible child, was introduced in January 2017 to cover part-time childcare over 5 days per week and includes a daily meal for each child. The programme was initially rolled out across the Dublin Region, where 68 childcare services have applied to be a part of this programme and 52 children are now availing of the programme. DYCA is organising the national roll-out of this programme in liaison with stakeholders around the country. Nine local authorities (outside of Dublin) have agreed to support access to the programme thus far.

n School Completion Programmes: The Education Welfare Office (EWO) service continues to provide specific supports in the form of Home Schools Community Liaison (HSCL), where HSCL coordinators proactively engage with parents who are experiencing homelessness in relation to education and any other supports, and the Schools Completion Programme, which supports children experiencing homelessness, including newly homeless children, to continue their schooling. Children identified as not having a school placement are prioritised by the EWO in terms of sourcing an appropriate educational placement.

n Practical supports and nutritional needs: A draft report on food access and nutritional health among families residing in hotel accommodation in the Dublin Region, commissioned by Focus Ireland and co-funded by the DCYA and the Department of Health, is currently being finalised for publication. Access to community kitchens and meals on wheels services for families accommodated in the Ballymun area is currently being facilitated and DRHE plans to broaden this initiative to a wider area.

n Access to free public transport for family travel and school journeys: DRHE has finalised arrangements for the provision of LEAP cards to children of families living in hotel accommodation and the distribution of cards is underway.


Action No


1.7 We will work to ensure that young people leaving State care and at risk of homelessness are identified and catered for through appropriate housing and other supports for their needs.

To minimise homelessness among young people leaving State care.

2016 – 2017

DHPCLG, DCYA, Tusla,HSE

Status: On schedule Previous progress under this action was included the Second Quarterly Progress Report published on 7 February 2017, noting in particular that funding is in place under the Capital Assistance Scheme enabling AHBs to acquire residential units to accommodate young people exiting State care.

Work by Tusla and DYCA on the development of principles and criteria relating to funding proposals is currently being finalised.


Action No


1.9 We will provide a new facility in the Dublin Region to accommodate pregnant women who are homeless.

To provide emergency accommodation and support services specific to the needs of pregnant women who are homeless.

2017

DRHEDCYATusla

Status: On scheduleA new facility which will cater for 6 women is currently being completed at a property provided by DRHE. An existing facility with a further 6 places will be refurbished on completion of the new facility.

The service delivery model and the supports to be provided at the facilities have been agreed between the service provider and Tusla.


Action No


1.8 We will provide additional emergency refuge accommodation spaces for victims of domestic violence and we will provide policy and procedural guidance to housing authorities with regard to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence in securing new independent tenancies.

To reduce the number of victims becoming homeless and the length of time spent in emergency accommodation arrangements.

2016 – 2017

Tusla, DCYA, Cosc, DHPCLG

Status: On schedule The DCYA-funded capital programme for additional units of emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence is continuing with service providers in Clare and Galway currently engaged in capital projects. DHPCLG has issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities in relation to assisting victims of domestic violence with emergency and long-term accommodation requirements. The guidance sets out a summary of best practice for local authorities in relation to their housing remit and will ensure an effective and consistent housing response for victims of domestic violence.


Action No


1.12 We will triple the targets for tenancies to be provided by Housing First teams in Dublin.

To reduce the likelihood of released prisoners presenting as homeless.

2017

DRHE

Status: On scheduleFocus Ireland and Peter McVerry Trust consortium have been contracted to deliver Housing First in Dublin. 62 tenancies are in place to date in the Dublin City Council area. The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) has identified the next group of 50 individuals (long-term users of emergency accommodation) for transitioning and is liaising with Focus Ireland and Peter McVerry Trust to identify suitable accommodation units.

The scope of this initiative is being broadened to include people currently being accommodated in Supported Temporary Accommodation as well as entrenched rough sleepers.


Action No


1.15 We will improve mental health and primary care services for homeless persons using the existing allocation of €2m, and we will increase the allocation to €6m in Budget 2017.

To provide the most appropriate primary care and mental health services to those in homeless services and improve their ability to sustain a normal tenancy.

Q4 2016

DoH, HSE

Status: Incomplete The €2m in funding available in 2016 allowed for the provision of additional care and case management assessment and intensive addiction and mental health programmes across the Dublin Region for homeless people. These additional programmes will continue into 2017. In addition the HSE has identified a further €1.5m in 2017 to be used to meet the health needs of homeless persons. The €1.5m will have a full year cost of €4m which will bring the total additional funding being provided to €6m in 2018.


Action No


1.16 We will address the rehabilitation needs of homeless people with addiction issues, through the new National Drugs Strategy which is to be effective from January 2017.

To ensure that the drug rehabilitation pathway is linked to sustainable supported tenancy arrangements.

2017

DoH; HSE

Status: On scheduleThe Steering Committee overseeing the development of the new National Drugs Strategy is continuing its work and is on course to present its Report to the Minister for Drugs during Quarter 2 of 2017. Once approved by the Minister, the National Drugs Strategy is then expected to be submitted to Government.


Action No


1.17 A national awareness campaign will be rolled out, targeted at families and individuals worried about, or at risk of losing their homes.

To maximise awareness of the services and supports available.

Q1 2017

DHPCLG , DSP, RTB, LAs

DSP, LAs and Threshold

Status: Complete The national communications campaign for the Abhaile Service was jointly launched by the Tánaiste & Minister for Justice and Equality, and the Minister for Social Protection on 27 February 2017. The information campaign, managed by the Citizens Information Board, aims to reach those who are not engaging or have not been able to engage with their lender, inform them of the help available, and encourage them to avail of the Abhaile Service through MABS. The communications campaign includes radio, digital and outdoor advertising platforms at local and national level. The RTB separately ran a national awareness campaign directed at tenants and landlords in December 2016 which focussed on rental rights, termination notices, free mediation services and dispute prevention.


Action No


1.19 The Government will work with the Central Bank to ensure that the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears provides a strong consumer protection framework for borrowers struggling with their mortgage repayments.

In collaboration with the Central Bank, and based on an assessment of the restructuring options available to borrowers, work to ensure that distressed borrowers are facilitated to meet the terms of a sustainable restructuring arrangement and consequently to remain in their primary residence where possible.

Q1 2017

DoF, Central Bank

Status: Complete The Central Bank has confirmed that it considers the range of resources offered by banks to be broadly appropriate in balancing consumer protection imperatives, and maintaining a mortgage market for all borrowers, and a functioning banking system. This follows an assessment of sustainable restructuring solutions available across all lenders operating in Ireland completed by the Central Bank and its report on the matter was published on the website of the Department of Finance on 16 December 2016. In its report, the Central Bank examined the implementation of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA), the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) and the application of guidelines for sustainable mortgage arrears solutions in the context of its consumer protection, prudential and financial stability mandate. The Central Bank undertook an extensive programme of supervisory work to confirm that regulated entities were demonstrating compliance with the measures introduced for the resolution of mortgage arrears. No further refinement of the CCMA is envisaged at this time.





10 units at Oliver

Plunkett Hill, Fermoy

Current ContextPillar 2 is focussed on the delivery of an additional 47,000 social homes by local authorities and approved housing bodies through construction; refurbishment; acquisition and leasing over the lifetime of Rebuilding Ireland – for which a budget of €5.35 billion is in place – and more generally on accelerating the delivery of social housing and other State-supported housing to the broad base of people who require housing supports.

Finalised output figures show that 19,055 households have had their social housing needs met under the range of social housing schemes, ahead of the target of just over 17,000 households set for the year. The following is the breakdown of the final output figures for housing delivery in 2016:

Final Social Housing Output in 2016

Delivery Method 2016 No. of Homes

Delivered

Build 665

Refurbishment 2,308

Acquisitions 1,959

Leasing 792

RAS 1,256

HAP 12,075

TOTAL 19,055

In 2017, the target is to meet the social housing needs of 21,000 households for which total funding of €1.3 billion is in place across the range of capital and current funding programmes.

The latest Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report (Quarter 1 2017), based on Local Authority and Approved Housing Body developments funded by the DHPCLG, recently published on www.rebuildingireland.ie, shows a strong escalation of the social housing construction programme with some 1,600 new housing units added to the programme during Q1 2017.

The completion of the nationwide rollout of HAP, through its introduction on 1 March 2017 to the administrative areas of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, means that eligible households in all 31 Local Authority areas can now avail of the scheme, with €153 million being made available for its operation in 2017. Progress to date this year under the scheme indicates that it is well on track to achieve its target of supporting 15,000 additional households during 2017.

Accelerate Social HousingPILLAR TWO



Action No


2.1 We will substantially increase the delivery of social housing to 47,000 homes by 2021, with funding of €5.35 billion, particularly focusing on new direct-build projects by local authorities and AHBs.

To meet the social housing needs more quickly across the range of programmes and supports.

Ongoing to 2021

DHPCLG, LAs, AHBs

Status: On scheduleLast year’s expansion of the social housing construction programme saw 5,724 new social housing units delivered through build, refurbishment, acquisition and lease programmes, exceeding the 2016 target of 4,240 homes.

The latest Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report (Quarter 1 2017), based on Local Authority and Approved Housing Body developments funded by the DHPCLG, outlines in detail the current construction pipeline in place to deliver over 10,072 houses in 607 housing developments across the country over the coming years. Of these, 130 developments delivering 2,378 new-build social houses were on site at the end of Quarter 1 of 2017. The full Status Report is available at the following weblink— http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/social-housing-construction-projects-report-2017/.

Action No


2.2 We will review existing current and capital programmes on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are relevant and are meeting the needs of citizens.

To accelerate the delivery of housing and ensure that projects are advanced efficiently and effectively.

Ongoing to 2021

DHPCLG

Status: On scheduleComprehensive and focussed current and capital programmes, with strong governance arrangements are in place to drive and accelerate the delivery of social housing projects during 2017 and beyond. Mortgage to Rent, Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme and Housing Adaptation Grants are examples of where reviews of key programmes in line with citizen needs have been completed and actioned during Q1 2017.




Action No


2.3 We will accelerate the roll-out of the Housing Assistance Payments Scheme on a national basis to:

n Counties Cavan, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow by end-2016, and

n The Dublin Region, commencing from Q1 2017.

To ensure that HAP, and the support it provides towards employment, will be available to all households who can benefit from it.

Q4 2016 – Q1 2017

DHPCLG, DSP, LAs

Status: CompleteThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme was extended to the administrative areas of Dublin City Council, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal County Councils on 1 March 2017.

This means that the HAP scheme is now available to all households on local authority waiting lists in all 31 local authority areas across the State.

12,075 additional HAP households were supported in 2016 meeting the scheme’s RBI target for the year. At the end of 2016, 16,493 households were being supported by HAP.

In the first quarter of 2017, a total of 4,110 HAP tenancies have been set-up; 1,023 of these are Rent Supplement Transfer and DSP officials continue to work with the DHPCLG and local authorities in facilitating the transfer of long term rent supplement tenancies to HAP.



Action No


2.4 NTMA will work with the private sector to establish a funding vehicle capable of facilitating off-balance sheet investment in delivering social and private housing, through:

n acquiring properties for onward long-term leasing to LAs and AHBs, and

n activating new residential construction for the broader build-to-rent sector.

To deliver 5,000 social houses over a five year period.

Q1 2017 onwards

NTMADoFLAsAHBs

Status: IncompleteThe National Treasury Management Agency, through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), and a number of key Government Departments are examining the feasibility of establishing a funding vehicle, in conjunction with the private sector, which could facilitate investment in private, social and affordable housing for rental.

Key factors which must be addressed to facilitate ISIF involvement in such projects include: the commercial viability of proposals; Eurostat treatment of fund structures which receive a substantial proportion of their revenue from Government sources; and the ability to create off-balance sheet vehicles outside of the existing PPP model. Engagement with the other stakeholders in both the public and private sector, including with Eurostat, is ongoing.

While progress has been made, there are still considerable hurdles including commerciality and balance sheet treatment as identified in Rebuilding Ireland. In addition, as set out in A Strategy for the Rental Sector (December 2016), the commitment to affordable rental will now be focussed on kick-starting supply in Rent Pressure Zones using publicly-owned lands to leverage land value for the delivery of the maximum number of rental units targeting middle income households. Lands held by local authorities in RPZs will be brought to market on a competitive tendering basis with a view to this. ISIF and the NTMA will also consider this affordable rental policy approach in the context of the prospective fund’s commerciality and off-balance sheet treatment requirements. These hurdles must be overcome before any such proposals can be brought to a successful conclusion.



Action No


2.5 We will put in place a Housing Agency Fund of €70 million, with specific focus of engaging with banks and investment companies, primarily private equity funds, to acquire properties.

To deliver some 1,600 units by 2020.

2016 - 2020

DHPCLGHA

Status: On scheduleAs noted above under action 1.1 the €70m fund is now in place and the Housing Agency is actively acquiring housing units and is liaising with Approved Housing Bodies to bring these for social housing purposes. The proceeds from the transfer of housing units to AHBs will replenish the fund and allow the cycle of purchases and transfers to continue towards achievement of the target objective.

Action No


2.7 For each site in the Land Aggregation Scheme and linked to land management approaches, a Strategic Management Plan will be prepared to advance the asset to the development stage at the earliest opportunity.

To enhance land management and utilise land to the greatest extent possible.

Q1 2017

HADHPCLGLAs

Status: CompleteThere are 73 sites under the Land Aggregation Scheme encompassing c247 hectares. The local authority loans on these sites have been (or are being) redeemed by the Exchequer and the sites are owned and controlled by the Housing Agency. The development of these sites will be led by the Agency, in partnership with the relevant local authority and in agreement with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

These sites have now been fully mapped and information on their location and size are available through the following weblink http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/. The Housing Agency has produced an overarching Land Aggregation Scheme Strategic Development and Management Plan which includes a focus on the development potential of each specific site. Proposals for developments on 17 sites across 8 local authority areas are currently being advanced. LAs, AHBs and the NDFA, through its public private partnership scheme, are working with the Housing Agency to actively advance these proposals.

The Housing Agency is also working with relevant LAs to advance more of these sites through the most appropriate route to housing development based on the particular characteristics and circumstances of each site.




Action No


2.13 We will introduce an AHB Innovation Fund.

To support development of innovative financial models, including SPVs or mutual bodies, to enhance the potential combined contribution of the AHB sector.

Q1 2017

DHPCLGAHBs

Status: CompleteThrough the provision of resources and technical support, DHPCLG aims to facilitate and empower Approved Housing Bodies to test innovative ideas on new financial models and funding structures, such as SPVs or mutual structures, to further enhance the contribution of the sector to the delivery of additional social housing and to maximise the opportunity to leverage off-balance sheet funding opportunities.

In April 2016 the Department announced an Innovation Fund to support Tier 3 AHBs in their development of innovative financial models that would assist in improving the capacity of the sector and issued a call for proposals. Following an assessment of proposals received, funding of over €100,000 in total was approved for four approved Housing Bodies in respect of various innovative projects.

Action No


2.15 We will establish a Regulator for the AHB sector to oversee the effective governance and financial management of voluntary and co-operative housing bodies.

To safeguard public and private investment, rationalise and enable increased supply from the voluntary and co-operative housing sector.

Q1 2017

DHPCLGHA (as Interim Regulator)

Status: IncompleteThe General Scheme of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill was approved by Cabinet in September 2015 with a view to establishing an Approved Housing Bodies’ Regulator on a statutory basis. Pre-legislative scrutiny has taken place and drafting is underway. The legislation will be published by the end of the current Dáil session. The Regulator will be established once the Bill is enacted, with the interim Regulator remaining in place until then.


Action No


2.18 DHPCLG, in conjunction with DoH, is developing policy options for supported housing/housing with care so that older people have a wider range of residential care choices available to them.

To incentivise new supported living /assisted living arrangements which will meet the housing needs of certain older people.

Q3 2016 - 2018

DHPCLG, DoH

Status: On scheduleWork, in conjunction with DoH, in relation to the preparation of a policy statement on housing needs for older persons has continued and will be progressed further during Q2. The policy statement, which will be published during Quarter 3 2017, will be the first step in the broader process of seeking to ensure that older people are provided with appropriate accommodation options suited to their needs.

Action No


2.17 We will increase the target of the Housing Adaptation Grant drawdown to 10,000 homes in 2017 (up from 8,000 in 2016) and will streamline the application process.

To support the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with disabilities.

Q1 2017

DHPCLG

Status: CompleteFunding provision for 2017 will be €59.8m (combined total, including 20% contribution from each LA’s own resources in addition to available exchequer funds) and the target is to reach 10,000 homes. This compares with combined Exchequer/LA funding of €56.25m in 2016 when 8,010 grants were delivered (against a 2016 target of 8,000 grants). Following consultation with LA staff who implement the scheme and with disability representative groups and key stakeholders, the Department has introduced a streamlined application process. A single form now replaces the three forms that were previously in place for the various categories of grant aid available under the scheme.



Action No


2.20 We will work with the HSE and local authorities on all issues, including funding supports, for housing people who are transitioning from HSE accommodation and for clients of the mental health services living in community-based accommodation.

To support community-based living for people with disabilities.

Ongoing

DHPCLG, HSE, LAs

Status: On scheduleDHPCLG continues to engage with and support relevant stakeholders and funding of €1m again this year will see continued support for the HSE-led de-institutionalisation programme. Funding has also been agreed in principle for the cost of necessary tenancy sustainment supports in order to progress the transition of clients from HSE mental health services to community-based living, subject to satisfactory review of a Pilot project which is expected to be completed in Q3.


Action No


2.21 We will continue to support the DoH and HSE in the programme of transitioning people from congregated settings to community-based living through ring-fenced housing capital funding.

To provide €10m in 2016 to support community-based living for people with disabilities in congregated settings, with further funding for 2017 and 2018.

Continued out to 2020

DoH, HSE,DHPCLG

Status: On scheduleAt the end of December 2016, there were 2,600 people with a disability living in congregated settings. The HSE has prioritised the transition of 223 people from congregated settings in 2017 under its Service Plan. This is being supported by €20 million in capital funding from the Department of Health in respect of acquiring and refurbishing properties to accommodate individuals transitioning from priority institutions identified by the HSE.

DHPCLG is continuing to support this action through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). Ring-fenced funding of €10 million was available in 2016 but drawdown was slow, with €2.1 million allocated towards accommodation for 20 people who had moved out of congregated settings. A “Call for Proposals” will issue in Q2 2017 to local authorities requesting them to submit further projects to advance the provision of accommodation for people moving out of congregated settings in 2017. Revised guidelines, following necessary consultation with the HSE, will also issue in the light of experience in 2016 with a view to increasing take-up of available CAS funding in 2017.


Action No


2.22 We will extend the National Housing Strategy for People with Disabilities (2011-2016) beyond its timeframe of 2016 to continue delivery on its aims.

To support community-based living for people with disabilities.

Continued out to 2020

DHPCLG

Status: On scheduleImplementation of the National Housing Strategy for People with Disabilities, extended to 2020, continues. The Implementation Monitoring Group (IMG), which is overseeing implementation by the Housing Agency sub-group, will publish its Third Progress Report on the DHPCLG website by end Q2 2017. Details of current and emerging needs collated from City/County local Strategic Plans will also be published and it is hoped to develop the reporting mechanisms further in future years.





Drumlish near

Longford Town

Current ContextPillar three is focused on accelerating the delivery of housing in the wider housing market and provides for a suite of actions, dealing with funding and financing infrastructure provision; active land management; planning reforms; and construction and design innovation.

The recent launch of the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map provides an effective means of tracking and monitoring housing activity on the available supply of housing development lands. The mapping database includes details of over 700 local authority and Housing Agency owned sites totalling some 1,700 hectares, as well as 30 sites (200 hectares) owned by State or Semi-State Bodies, the latter in the Greater Dublin Area and other major urban centres. The map also shows the locations of 144 active sites, encompassing some 5,200 new dwellings which are under construction in the Dublin region. Further datasets, such as social housing construction projects and private housing construction projects, will be added to the mapping database over the coming months. The map can be accessed on http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/.

This mapping exercise is a vital initial, strategic step in the new State Housing Land Management Strategy being developed under Ireland 2040, the new National Planning Framework. In this context, the imperative now is to ensure that the State, and in particular Housing Authorities, do everything in their power to deliver quality mixed tenure housing from these sites. Already, Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council have brought forward 4 key sites that can deliver 3,000 greatly needed social and affordable homes. These sites are located in Kilcarbery (South Dublin); and Infirmary Road, Emmet Road, and Oscar Traynor Road (Dublin City). Opening up State-land for mixed-tenure housing in this manner is a major policy intervention and similar development opportunities across the local authority sector will follow during the lifetime of the Action Plan.

On the infrastructure front, funding approvals for a total investment of €226 million for 34 strategic infrastructure projects across 15 local authorities was announced under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund in March 2017. This will facilitate the investment in critical enabling infrastructure works between 2017 and 2019 that will in turn open up these key lands for scaled-up and early development. It is anticipated that this will pave the way for the delivery of 23,000 homes from these sites by 2021, rising to 70,000 homes by 2027, as the sites are fully built out.

Progress on 23 Major Urban Development Sites with the capacity to deliver 30,000 new homes in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway and Limerick, continues to be proactively overseen by the DHPCLG’s Housing Delivery Office. Comprehensive programme review structures are now in place based on formal collaborative arrangements that will identify and resolve site-specific issues and expedite delivery.

The above actions, in tandem with the planning reforms provided for in the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, will help to ensure a steady supply of development land and planning permissions to build on that land, so that housing providers can plan ahead effectively in response to current and emerging demands.

Build More HomesPILLAR THREE



INFRASTRUCTURE FUND




Action No


3.1 We will establish a €200m Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, seeking bids from local authorities in conjunction with housing providers in respect of enabling infrastructure for social, affordable rental and private housing delivery on large-scale strategic sites, with the potential to open up lands and deliver housing of the order of 15,000 to 20,000 units by 2019.

To relieve critical infrastructural blockages to enable the delivery of housing on key development sites.

To improve the economic viability and purchaser affordability of new housing projects.

Q4 2016 – Evaluation and finalisation of approved projects.

Q1 2017Onward – initiation of projects

DHPCLG

Status: On scheduleAn announcement was made by the Minister regarding the 34 infrastructure projects across 15 local authorities, which were approved for LIHAF funding on 28th March 2017. The infrastructure will be delivered by local authorities over the period 2017 – 2019. The Fund is composed of an Exchequer allocation of €150 million, matched by a €50 million contribution from participating local authorities. Detailed proposals are currently being developed with regard to the monitoring and review of approved LIHAF proposals and a comprehensive Grant Funding Agreement is being drafted and will detail the expectations for each proposal.


Action No


3.5 Within the context of the new National Planning Framework, we will prepare a national Land Supply Management Strategy, through which:

n Sites in LA and public ownership will be identified and mapped by a State Lands Management Group, with appropriate lands to be master-planned to deliver increased mixed-tenure housing, including social and more affordable housing,

To give a national framework to support the appropriate location of housing across the country.

To ensure an active and healthy supply and market for development land, to identify scope to use State lands for housing and to support co-ordinated mixed-tenure development on publicly owned lands.

Q4 2016 – Draft of NPF

DHPCLG, LAs, OPW, various Departments and Agencies


Action No


3.5 (cont’d)

n Local authorities will be supported in acquiring housing lands in key developable areas, and

n Strategic opportunities for urban renewal and regeneration will be identified for coordinated action across relevant public sector bodies.

Status: IncompleteDHPCLG, working closely with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other Government Departments and State bodies, published its Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map at the end of April, a comprehensive database of publicly owned lands in key areas with a view to identifying additional lands suitable for housing. Publicly available on the rebuildingireland.ie website, the mapped database includes details on residential zoned lands, LA owned and Housing Agency Land Aggregation Scheme sites, and publicly owned sites with potential for housing development. Further datasets on social housing construction programme sites, and private housing construction sites in the Dublin area will be added in the coming weeks.

This mapping will inform the Development Land Supply Management Strategy elements of the NPF and will also provide an evidence basis for a more pro-active approach to strategic land management.

Building on the extensive preparatory research and engagement over the past 12 months to inform the NPF, a multi-stranded initial public consultation process to kick off discussions around key issues and policy choices to inform the NPF opened in early February 2017. Over 3,500 submissions were received by the end-March closing date and these contributions and stakeholder submissions are informing the structure, content and principles of the NPF. Publication of the formal draft NPF and supporting analysis and environmental report remain on track for formal public consultation over the Summer.




Action No


3.9 We will support the development of on-line planning services for the local authority sector and An Bord Pleanála.

To give legislative underpinning as part of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016 and to actively support the roll-out of e-planning in the local authority sector and An Bord Pleanála.

Q4 2016 – enact Planning and Dev (Amdt) Bill 2016.

DHPCLG, LAs, ABP

Status: IncompleteEnabling provision for the introduction of e-planning (online submission of planning applications and appeals) was incorporated in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016, published in January 2016. The Bill was not progressed as intended in 2016 - due to priority being given to the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill 2016 – to give effect to certain urgent planning and housing related measures contained in Rebuilding Ireland.

It is now intended that the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016, which passed Dail Committee Stage on 12 April 2017, will be enacted by Summer 2017. Notwithstanding this delay, in parallel with advancing the primary legislation, we will progress the preparation of supplementary planning regulations to give full effect to the introduction of e-planning by Q4 2017, as originally scheduled.



39Third Quarterly Progress Report | May 2017Third Quarterly Progress Report | May 2017

22 units at

Fr Flanagan Terrace,

Sligo


Action No


3.10 We will implement a “root and branch” review of the planning system, particularly around forecasting, planning and delivering residential development and taking account of the work underway in relation to the development of the National Planning Framework (NPF).

To ensure a more effective, responsive and accessible planning system.

Q1 2017

DHPCLG

Status: CompleteThe Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 provides for the fast-tracking of planning applications for large-scale housing developments (100+ units) with planning applications being submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála. The new arrangements will be operational in June 2017.

During Q1 2017, the NPF (Ireland 2040) consultation process was launched on a national and regional basis and an extensive series of consultation events was held throughout Ireland. As part of this, a supporting issues paper, and all presentations made, invited submissions in respect of what might need to change, including in relation to improved planning and delivery of residential development and in relation to the planning system.

Technical work undertaken in Q1 in the context of the consultation process leading to the development of the new NPF (Ireland 2040) has also identified the likely spatial consequences of a continuation of current development trends. This comprehensive consultation and research process will inform future legislative, regulatory and/or governance change to deliver improved planning outcomes.



Action No


3.11 We will establish a competition to champion best practice, efficient and cost effective design and new approaches to both affordable and quality residential delivery.

To develop innovative systems for the delivery of affordable high quality residential development.

Q3/Q4 2016 – issue call for proposals and evaluate applications

DHPCLG

Status: On scheduleThe evaluation of proposed sites following a call for proposals in Q4 2016 is now complete and two sites have been identified for development. The format of the competition has been approved and notified in a press statement. Detailed competition briefs are now being prepared by the relevant local authorities whose sites have been selected, in conjunction with the DHPCLG, with a view to facilitating the delivery of sustainable mixed tenure communities at an affordable level on the two identified sites. The competition will be open to applicants in the second half of 2017.

Those sites not selected under this process will still be available for development as Joint Venture mixed tenure developments and DHPCLG also intends to work with other LAs who put forward proposals to assist in the development of schemes on these sites.



Current ContextSignificant progress has been achieved in Pillar 4 during Quarter 1 with the Minister designating a further 12 Local Electoral Areas as rent pressure zones in parts of counties Cork, Galway, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow in January.

Following the designation of Maynooth and Cobh as rent pressure zones in March, some 57% of tenancies nationally are now located in rent pressure zones. The practical effect of these measures is that more than 186,000 households who currently rent their homes in these areas now know exactly what maximum rent they will have to pay over the next three years.

In March the RTB launched the Rent Index Report for Quarter 4 2016. Following on from the introduction of Rent Pressure Zones at the end of last year, the methodology for producing the rent index has been revised and developed so that the RTB data can be used to calculate and monitor changes in average rents at the level of Local Electoral Areas. Up until now this has only been possible to do in a way that simply differentiates between Dublin and the rest of the country. The revised methodology is the result of close collaboration between the RTB and the ESRI, and provides significantly more detailed understanding of market behavior in the rental sector.

To facilitate Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) to borrow monies from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) for student accommodation provision, the HFA has met with the Universities to assess potential demand and timelines for delivery. In addition, the HFA has prepared specific loan documentation for HFA lending to HEIs, as well as developing a new credit assessment process specifically designed for lending to HEIs for student accommodation.

The Working Group on Tax and Fiscal treatment of rental accommodation providers has been established, which, chaired by the Department of Finance, includes officials from DHPCLG, the Revenue Commissioners and the Residential Tenancies Board. An analysis of available Revenue and RTB data has been undertaken and a public consultation initiated. An assessment of potential tax measures and changes will start shortly and the group will report early in Quarter 3.

Dublin City Council has brought forward a land initiative project covering the three sites at Infirmary Road, Oscar Traynor Road and Emmet Road and is seeking partners to deliver a mix of social, affordable and private housing on the sites, each of which is undergoing an economic appraisal. On February 9th Minister Coveney launched major infrastructure works on the Cherrywood site in Dublin costing €35m, a first step towards the delivery of over 1,300 new build-to-rent homes, which will start later this year.

The legal provisions for enforcement of RTB Determination Orders through the District Court have not been commenced as amendments to District Court rules have been deemed necessary. These rules have been drafted and will shortly be approved, allowing commencement in Quarter 2.

Improve the Rental SectorPILLAR FOUR




Action No


4.8 We will work with stakeholders to prioritise and progress viable projects to provide additional student accommodation in key urban areas.

To bring on stream proposals capable of delivering an additional 7,000 student accommodation places by end 2019, on or off campus, in addition to projects already committed to.

Q4 2016 – initial assessment

2017-2019DES, HEIs

Status: On scheduleA system has been established between DHPCLG/HEA/DES to monitor the progress of new student accommodation projects from initial project formulation through the planning process to construction and completion. A first quarterly report was compiled in January 2017 for activity to end of Q4, 2016 and confirmed that there had been 1,117 additional bed spaces of purpose-built student accommodation completed since the commencement of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan.

Importantly, potential was also identified nationally for an additional 8,670 student accommodation bed spaces to be developed by 2019 based on projects under construction and projects where planning permission has been applied for and/or already granted.

Innovations included in the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 in relation to fast tracking of planning applications to An Bord Pleanala and the availability of financing from the Housing Finance Agency are expected to further increase the delivery of student accommodation projects.

The DES-led Inter-Departmental Working Group on Student Accommodation continues to meet and provide a forum for stakeholder discussion.



Action No


4.9 We will establish dedicated delivery structures, such as AHBs in the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) sector to access Housing Finance Agency funding, and complete any required policy, regulatory or legislative changes necessary.

To provide additional funding mechanisms for the HEI sector, in conjunction with the HFA.

Q1 2017

HEIsDESHAHFA

Status: On scheduleThe Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 includes provisions enabling the Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) to access finance from the Housing Finance Agency specifically for student accommodation projects. The Commencement Order for the specific provisions is expected to be signed during Quarter 2 2017.

In preparation, the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has held introductory bilateral meetings with each of the seven Universities to assess potential demand and timelines to delivery. During the meetings the HFA outlined the choices available to the HEI’s as:

a) to establish AHBs to access finance from the HFA or, alternatively,

b) to borrow directly from the HFA.

In addition the HFA provided the Universities with information on the procedures to establish a new AHB. Feedback suggests that the HEI preference will be to borrow directly from the HFA. The HFA has also held joint meetings with HEI, DHPCLG and DES representatives to identify potential challenges and review timelines.

In terms of process the HFA has also:

1) Prepared loan documentation specific to HFA lending to HEIs for the development of student accommodation;

2) Prepared a loan application form to be completed by HEIs for new student accommodation financing; and

3) Developed a new credit assessment process specifically designed for lending to HEIs for student accommodation.



Action No


4.12 We will carry out an assessment of scope for provision of additional student accommodation on local authority or other publicly-owned lands.

To maximise the potential for student accommodation provision on suitable sites as part of mixed developments.

Q4 2016

DHPCLG, DES, LAs

Status: CompleteAn inventory of publicly owned lands has been assembled by DHPCLG in conjunction with Action 3.5 through engagement with government departments, state agencies, semi-state companies, etc. The information, including the mapping of the sites identified, was published in April 2017 and is available via the Rebuilding Ireland website. The Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and other members of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Student Accommodation have been formally notified of the availability of the public site information. A process of assessment with relevant stakeholders of the suitability of identified lands for housing, including student housing, will be undertaken as per Action 3.5 specifically in relation to the State Land Management Group. There has been a significant uptake in the provision of student accommodation during 2016/2017 by both Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and private developments and projected developments to 2019 are currently capable of meeting the student accommodation targets identified under Rebuilding Ireland.

Action No


4.17 Through engagement, we would encourage banks and landlord borrowers to agree sustainable solutions to buy-to-let arrears

Action 4 of Strategy for the Rental Sector (December, 2016)

To protect tenancies and ensure, where possible, that debt encumbered buy-to-lets are not lost to the rental sector

Ongoing

Banks and landlords

Status: On scheduleA total of 2,134 new restructure arrangements for Buy to Let (BTL) residential mortgages were agreed during the fourth quarter of 2016 (up from a low of 1,870 new agreements in the previous quarter) according to the latest available data included in the Central Bank’s Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossession Statistics: Q4 2016, released on 16 March, 2017. This report shows that there were 130,710 residential mortgages for BTL properties in place at end-December 2016, of which 25,218 mortgages (19%) were in arrears; 14,028 mortgages (11%) were in arrears of over 720 days. The numbers of arrears and long-term arrears cases have both decreased by over 3% compared to the previous quarter, although the overall proportion of BTL properties in mortgage arrears remains challenging.



Action No


4.19 We will improve the enforcement of Determination Orders issued by the RTB


To reduce losses to compliant landlords and tenants, improve incentives to register with the RTB and lower the perceived risks of investing in the rental sector

Q1 2017

RTB

Status: IncompleteSections 57 and 58 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015, provide for the transfer of the powers to enforce RTB determination orders from the Circuit Court to the District Court. This will considerably reduce the expense and most likely enhance the efficiency of enforcing a determination order. The District Court Rules Committee is currently drafting new court rules, which will be sent for concurrence by the Minister for Justice and Equality, following which sections 57 and 58 will be commenced.

The RTB has established a panel of over 80 legal practitioners to assist parties in taking enforcement proceedings. A training seminar on the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2015 will take place early in Q2 2017. This new model allows applicants to be in control of the process and take cases themselves. The RTB has also commissioned a Self-Enforcement Guide to proceedings in the District Court. The project has commenced and will be finalised once the new District Court Rules have been made and Sections 57 and 58 of the Act have been commenced.

In tandem with the above, the RTB actively engages with case parties seeking to settle their debt by means of alternative payment arrangements. While respecting the right of a party to seek compliance with the terms of a Determination Order, the RTB encourages parties to consider acceptance of arrangements for regular payment by instalment.

Action No


4.22 We will establish a Working Group on Tax and Fiscal treatment of rental accommodation providers


To examine and report on the tax treatment of landlords and put forward appropriate options having due regard to the role of landlords in a properly functioning rental market

Q1 2017 (establish working group)

DFin/ DHPCLG/ other stake-holders

Status: On scheduleThe Working Group, chaired by the Department of Finance and including officials from DHPCLG, Revenue and the RTB, has been established in line with terms of reference set by the Minister for Finance. A tax-focused public consultation was launched and ran for a period of 4 weeks, concluded on 7 April 2017 and the assessment of potential tax measures and changes is underway. A sub-group has been established to focus on analysis of available Revenue and RTB data. The Working Group will report to the Tax Strategy Group and to Ministers in Quarter 3.



Action No


4.23 We will request local authorities in whose area rent pressure zones have been designated to use publicly owned sites for the provision of rental accommodation


To kick-start supply in rent pressure zones with a specific focus on leveraging site value to accelerate supply for middle income households

Q1 2017

DHPCLG/ LAs

Status: On scheduleTo date, Dublin and Cork cities and a further 14 areas, covering 57% of all tenancies nationwide, have been designated as rent pressure zones. The challenge now is to address the supply deficit that exists in these areas through the comprehensive set of measures set out in Rebuilding Ireland. The recently published mapping database contains over 700 local authority sites, covering almost 1,500 hectares, purchased for housing purposes and will inform the Housing Development Lands Supply Management chapter of the new National Planning Framework and provide an evidence basis for an active approach to strategic land management.

Meanwhile, local authorities are already focussing on activating projects of scale. A major housing project at Kilcarbery has been approved by South Dublin County Council and will see up to 1,000 social and affordable homes built as part of a joint venture with a private investor. Dublin City Council, under its Housing Land Initiative, has advertised 3 development sites in prime urban locations for development proposals. The sites at Infirmary Road; Emmet Road; and Oscar Traynor Road, will deliver some 2,000 new-build, high quality social and affordable homes.



Action No


4.26 We will continue to develop a supportive regulatory and policy framework for “build to rent” through appropriate guidelines and use of pathfinder sites


To increase new supply of private rental stock through “build to rent” schemes

Ongoing

DHPCLG/LAs

Status: On ScheduleAs set out in A Strategy for the Rental Sector (December 2016), the commitment to affordable rental will now be focussed on kick-starting supply in Rent Pressure Zones using publicly-owned lands to leverage land value for the delivery of the maximum number of rental units targeting middle income households. Lands held by local authorities in RPZs will be brought to market on a competitive tendering basis with a view to this. Two local authorities have made important early progress in this regard – as noted under action 4.23 above, South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council have recently brought sites to the market for development as part of a joint venture with private investors.

In addition, Minister Coveney, on 9 February, 2017, launched a €35m investment in major infrastructure works at Cherrywood, Dublin, a first step towards the delivery of over 1,300 new build-to-rent homes — to start later this year — on this key Dublin site that will supply 7,000 new homes when fully complete.

DHPCLG is also currently chairing an industry working group on Construction Costs which will report at end Q2 2017 providing a strong evidential basis for any consideration of the need for policy adjustment in respect of apartment viability, including ‘build to rent’.

The Department of Finance is currently engaged in a public consultation process around the tax treatment of the private rental sector.



Action No


4.27 We will work with the financial sector (the banking sector, the Ireland Strategic Infrastructure Fund & Housing Finance Agency) to increase awareness of and support investment opportunities in the rental market, including measures to support investment in the upgrade of vacant stock as part of the National Vacant Housing Re-use Strategy


To support wider investment opportunities in the rental sector, including, where appropriate, through specific credit availability

Q1 2017

DHPCLG/ DFin/ BPFI/CBI

Status: CompletePotential mechanisms for investment in social and affordable housing were the focus of a high-level event jointly organised by the Department of Housing, Planning Community and Local Government and the European Investment Bank which took place in Dublin on 22nd March 2017. The event brought together key officials from the EIB, along with prominent leaders in the field of housing provision in Ireland, including key Government Departments, the Housing Finance Agency, local authorities, approved housing bodies, the National Treasury Management Agency, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, the National Economic and Social Council and the Housing Agency. The main purpose was to exchange ideas on how to enable increased off-balance sheet financing for social and affordable housing, and to identify key issues of relevance in seeking to develop further models with the potential to access EIB funding. The event represented the first sector-focused engagement of this type by the EIB in Ireland.


Action No


4.30 We will examine the treatment under the NHSS’s (Fair Deal) financial assessment of income from the rental of a person’s principal private residence where they move into long-term residential care


To explore the potential for vacant accommodation to be brought into active use

Q1 2017

DHPCLG/DoH

Status: CompleteThe Department of Health has examined the issue in consultation with the relevant Departments and agencies. Work in conjunction with DHPCLG and the Housing Agency is on-going to establish the number of potential vacant properties where people have moved into long-term residential care. Options for changes to the treatment of rental income in the financial assessment under the Fair Deal Scheme, which would require legislative change, are also being explored. It is intended that this matter will now be addressed conclusively in the context of the Vacant Housing Re-use Strategy which will be finalised in the coming weeks.



Action No


4.42 We will ensure that the RTB is adequately resourced as its role evolves

Rental Strategy 29

To ensure that the RTB can plan for the provision of quality services to landlords and tenants over a medium term horizon, taking account of existing and new functions

Ongoing

DHPCLG/ DPER/RTB Strategy

Status: On scheduleFunding for the Residential Tenancies Board has been agreed and it has been allocated exchequer funding of €2.8m for 2017.

In conjunction with DHPCLG, the RTB has developed a revised workforce plan and is in the process of revising its 5 year financial plan to fully incorporate the commitments and actions in relation to RTB functions contained in the Strategy for the Rental Sector. A full review of the RTB’s funding model will be undertaken in the coming months.

Action No


4.38 We will work with relevant partner bodies to improve planning and housing policy knowledge and understanding of the rental sector


To inform policy development and understanding of trends in rental markets and the impacts of policy measures

Ongoing

DHPCLG/ RTB/HA/ ESRI/ CSO

Status: On scheduleThe National Statement of Housing Supply and Demand 2016 and Outlook for 2017 – 2018 published by the Housing Agency in February 2017, includes an in-depth analysis of the rental sector. The report is available at the following weblink – file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/IE/H38UM4U5/Housing-Supply-Demand-Report-2017-WEB-(2).pdf.

The Housing Agency has also analysed local rental markets in the context of proposals that certain Local Electoral Areas around the country be considered as Rent Pressure Zones.

The recently published RTB Q4 2016 Rent Index examines the rental data gathered from the previous quarter and the report has been greatly expanded to include more localised geographic information, based on analysing rent for each of 137 Local Electoral Areas. This index, compiled by the Economic and Social Research Institute, covers every private rental property registered with the RTB and informs policy regarding the rental market, and in particular the designation of RPZs. It is a valuable resource for tenants, landlords, estate agents, central government, local authorities and others.


51

Current ContextOne of the key commitments in Pillar 5 (under Action 5.1) is to develop a National Vacant Housing Re-Use Strategy, informed by Census 2016 data, that will help to achieve optimum occupancy of the existing housing stock across all forms of tenure, whether social or private housing. A key objective will be to compile a register of vacant units across the country, identify the number, location and reasons for longer-term vacancies (i.e. over 6 months) in high demand areas, and set out a range of actions to bring vacant units back into use. This Strategy will also link to other key Government initiatives such as the National Planning Framework, include measures to ensure the optimal use and development of Ireland’s existing built-up areas and drive the renewal of areas in need of regeneration.

The 2016 Census – see infographic below – recorded 183,312 vacant or empty homes in Ireland (not including holiday homes) which broadly represents just over 9% of Ireland’s housing stock, down from just over 11% in 2011 but still much higher than what would be considered a normal level of vacancy of 5-6%.

Preliminary analysis of vacancies carried out by some local authorities, in specific urban areas, during the preparation of this Strategy suggests that the true level of vacancies targeted for re-use may be somewhat lower than those recorded in the Census, particularly in larger urban areas where there are more short-term vacancies between lettings or properties being sold. In responding to the housing vacancy situation, the initial priority in addressing vacancy needs to focus on areas of high housing demand, particularly in cities and larger towns.

Using the Census 2016 figures as a baseline, there were just over 79,000 vacant dwellings identified in the five cities and across towns with a population of over 5,000 people, with the remaining 104,000 vacant properties located in smaller towns and villages and rural areas where demand is likely to be much lower. While vacancy rates are proportionately lower in many of our cities and towns, the actual numbers are significant enough that even a relatively modest percentage being re-occupied would make a big difference in increasing stock availability, particularly in the short term.

Within this overall figure of 79,000 units in our larger urban areas and towns, a priority is to quickly understand the scale and potential proportion of these properties that can quickly be brought back into use by using the range of policy levers and the resources available, and to set an ambitious but achievable overall target for bringing vacant homes back into use between now and 2021. If we were able to mobilise and motivate a third of vacant property owners in the larger urban areas to re-use them through renting them or selling them on, we could potentially add over 25,000 properties to the housing stock, equivalent to one year’s estimated annual yield to meet average annual housing demand, and at the same time bring our overall vacancy rates down to a more normal level.

On this basis the Housing Agency, working in consultation with other stakeholders, has now brought forward work on the Vacant Housing Re-Use Strategy as required in Q1 2017.

Utilise Existing HousingPILLAR FIVE



The work undertaken by the Agency is informed by international good practice, research, and by the experiences gained from local authority pilot programmes to identify vacant homes and bring them back into use. In this regard, two significant measures are already in place under Pillar 5 to incentivise increased use of vacant housing:

(i) the Repair and Leasing Scheme launched with funding of €140m over 5 years to allow Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to bring up to 3,500 vacant private houses into social housing use by 2021; An additional €26m is being provided to fund the accelerated national rollout of the scheme in 2017, which brings the total amount of investment available this year to €32m; This additional funding will mean that 800 vacant properties can be brought back into use as new homes for families on Local Authority waiting lists.

(ii) the Buy and Renew Scheme is also being introduced, with €25m in funding for 2017, which will enable local authorities and approved housing bodies to purchase and remediate private housing units for social housing use; This is expected to enable 150 units to be secured for social housing purposes in 2017.

DHPCLG is now finalising the Vacant Housing Re-use Strategy, in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies with a view to bringing forward a readily implementable action-orientated strategic plan for consideration by Government in June 2017.

Figure 2 : CSO Infographic summarising the Census 2016 Housing Profile



54 Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness

Cherry-wood

Build-to-Rent

Action No


5.1 We will develop a National Vacant Housing Re-Use Strategy, informed by Census 2016 data, to

n compile a register of vacant units across the country,

n identify the number, location and reasons for longer-term vacancies (i.e. over 6 months) in high demand areas, and

n set out a range of actions to bring vacant units back into use.

To ascertain the extent of vacant units with a view to informing policy measures to incentivise the bringing into productive use for housing purposes.

Q1 2017

HALAsDHPCLG

Status: Complete Preparatory work on the National Vacant Housing Re-Use Strategy has been prepared by a working group chaired by the Housing Agency and also comprising DHPCLG and Local Authority representation. The work, which is informed by international good practice, research, and by the experiences gained from local authority pilot programmes to identify vacant homes and bring them back into use, has been submitted to the Minister for consideration. Following a review by the DHPCLG, in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies, it is intended that definitive proposals for a readily implementable action-orientated Vacant Housing Re-use Strategy will be brought forward for consideration by Government in June 2017.


Delivery on actions due during Quarter 1 2017 | continuedDelivery on actions due during Quarter 1 2017 | continued



Action No


5.5 We will review the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme following its first year of operation.

To ensure that local authorities have sufficient discretion to limit the disposal of certain types of social housing in short supply, that the scheme is attractive for social housing tenants, and that it has sufficient potential to raise new funds for housing development.

Q1 2017

DHPCLGCCMAHA

Status: Complete DHPCLG has completed its review of the Tenant Incremental Purchase Scheme. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations. The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. Following consultation with relevant Departments on implementation arrangements, it is intended that definitive proposals will be brought to the Minister in June 2017.

Action No


5.6 The Housing Agency will be directly funded with €70 million in capital Exchequer funding to find and acquire suitable portfolios of vacant properties for social housing directly from financial institutions and investors.

To complement, but not displace, ongoing purchasing activity by local authorities and AHBs.

2017-2020

By 2020 – delivery of 1,600 units.

HA; LAsAHBs

Status: On scheduleAs noted above under action 1.1, the €70m fund is now in place and the Housing Agency is actively acquiring housing units and is liaising with Approved Housing Bodies to bring these into use for social housing purposes. The proceeds from the transfer of housing units to AHBs will replenish the fund and allow the cycle of purchases and transfers to continue towards achievement of the target objective.


Action No


5.9 We will review planning legislation to allow the change of use of vacant commercial units in urban areas, including vacant or under-utilised areas over ground floor premises, into residential units without having to go through the planning process.

To facilitate the speedy delivery of homes in urban and rural settings.

Q4 2016

DHPCLG

Status: IncompleteThe review of planning legislation to allow the change of use of vacant commercial premises into residential use without having to go through the planning process – effectively classifying it as exempted development for planning permission purposes – was not progressed as intended, due to the priority attached to the enactment of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 in Q4 2016. The Department is currently progressing the drafting of the necessary revisions to the planning regulations to give effect to this action. It is intended that the new regulations, which will require the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas, will be made before the Oireachtas Summer recess.




Action No


5.11 A Ministerial-led Urban Renewal Working Group will bring forward proposals for new urban regeneration measures which will complement the existing regeneration programme and projects under the Social Housing Capital Programme, and strengthen alignment with Social Inclusion and RAPID programmes across local authorities.

To support existing initiatives and explore potential synergies around the revitalisation and improvement of city, town and village centres, including addressing the problem of dereliction in many urban centres.

Q4 2016

DHPCLG, LAs

Status: IncompleteA Working Group, chaired by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Mr Damien English TD, has been established and aims to bring forward proposals for renewal/regeneration of cities, towns and villages across Ireland. It has met three times, and aims to bring forward its proposals further to the publication of the Government’s Capital Estimates 2018.

A Revamped RAPID programme is being designed at present and is due to be rolled out early in 2017. The programme will provide small-scale seed financing for capital and small-scale infrastructure projects of a regenerative nature in disadvantaged areas, including in provincial towns.

It is intended that the measures proposed by the Urban Renewal Working Group will be complementary to, and integrated with, relevant actions in the Action Plan on Rural Development as launched in January 2017 by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ms Heather Humphreys TD.



Action No


5.13 We will align the social housing investment programme and ongoing work in resolving unfinished housing developments in order to target opportunities for strategic acquisition and redevelopment of brownfield development sites, drawing on a further 2016 National Housing Development Survey.

To complete the process of resolving the legacy of unfinished housing estates nationally, in conjunction with the Housing Agency and local authorities.

Q1 2017

DHPCLGHALAs

Status: CompleteThe report of the seventh survey of progress on tackling the issue of unfinished housing developments was published in March 2017 and can be accessed at the following weblink - file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/IE/APRL60AC/Progress-Report-on-UFHDs-2016-(final).pdf.

The Annual Progress Report on Unfinished Housing Developments 2016 was published on the 21st March 2017 and shows that in 2016 some 248 developments were resolved. There are 420 developments remaining, down from approximately 3,000 in 2010, representing an 85% decrease. South Dublin County Council is the first local authority area to have zero unfinished developments and 2017 will see other local authorities following suit.

Of the 668 developments surveyed, local authorities have indicated that there are approximately 2,000 units currently being used for social housing purposes either through Part V commitments, Approved Housing Bodies and long term leasing arrangements.

In response to the Government’s Action Plan – Rebuilding Ireland, local authorities were asked to indicate the number of vacant units that had social housing potential within the unfinished developments surveyed this year. Up to 1,300 potential units were indicated in total. The 1,300 units identified as having potential for social housing purposes will now be further examined and where suitable will be delivered for this purpose. The Department’s Architect Advisers will review the potential for delivery of these units for social housing at quarterly technical meetings held with each local authority. A variety of programmes are available to local authorities for the delivery of potential units including direct social housing purchase, the CALF and CAS funding programmes available to Approved Housing Bodies, and direct leasing where appropriate.


LOOKING FORWARD – THE NEXT QUARTERThe following are some of the key actions across the five Pillars that will progress significantly in the second quarter of 2017.

Pillar 1: Address Homelessness Meeting the Long-Term Needs of Homeless HouseholdsProgress will be seen in the next quarter as supply increases through the ongoing ramping-up of the Social Housing Capital Programme; expansion in the number of households supported through the HAP and Homeless HAP schemes; and the ongoing acquisition programme underway by the Housing Agency.

Moving Households out of Hotel Emergency Accommodation The next quarter will see huge progress toward the objective that, by mid-2017, hotels will only be used for emergency accommodation in limited circumstances. While the on-going combination of HAP tenancies and social housing allocations are making a large contribution in helping to meet this target, a number of new Supported Temporary Accommodation facilities are being put in place (family hubs) which will provide homeless households with a greater level of stability than is possible in hotel accommodation, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. A number of these facilities will open in the next quarter.

Pillar 2: Accelerate Social Housing Mapping Data on Social Housing Construction ProjectsSocial Housing Construction Projects (Q1 2017), the latest quarterly update on progress with the social housing construction programme was published recently on www.rebuildingireland.ie. Maps for all active social housing projects will shortly be published on the mapping database which can be accessed via the website providing transparent, up-to-date information on individual projects and facilitating proactive oversight of the overall construction programme.

Smart Ageing Universal Design CompetitionThis competition set out to stimulate and promote innovation in the design and delivery of housing solutions for older people. It has proved a success attracting some 60 entries and the winning entry will be announced at the end of June.


Pillar 3: Build More HomesConstruction Cost StudiesA working group on construction costs, chaired by DHPCLG, and including representatives from the Housing Agency, NAMA and industry stakeholders is currently undertaking a detailed analysis of housing delivery input costs with a view to identifying where economies can be achieved. The findings of the working group will be published when its report is finalised next month and will inform policy decisions in relation to the development of both multi-storey apartment schemes in urban areas and traditional housing/duplex homes in suburban locations. An independent report by the Housing Agency based on its own international comparison of delivery costs will also be published.

Pillar 4: Improve the Rental SectorRTB One-stop Shop for Tenants and LandlordsThis online portal for tenants and landlords will be operational by mid-year via the RTB’s website, providing timely, accessible and impartial information on the rights and responsibilities of all actors in the rental sector. This will ensure a better understanding of the overall regulatory framework and of the role of the RTB.

National Student Accommodation StrategyDES, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is preparing a National Student Accommodation Strategy which is currently at an advanced stage. The Strategy will set out a broad policy framework for the development of appropriate on-campus and off-campus student accommodation in response to specified needs and having regard to delivery mechanisms and the availability of suitably located and affordable sites.

Pillar 5: Utilise Existing HousingVacant Housing ReuseFollowing publication of the Vacant Homes Reuse Strategy later this month, the DHPCLG, LAs and key stakeholders will intensify the concerted actions required at central and local levels to bring vacant housing back into use. Early actions will focus on examining the detailed Census 2016 information and other relevant data on vacant units to identify those vacancy hotspot areas where there is high demand for accommodation and devise plans to bring suitable properties back into use as quickly as possible, as well as expanding take-up under the Repair and Lease and Buy and Renew Schemes.

Differential Rents for social housingThe review of the range of differential rents across local authorities is advancing well and will be completed to target in quarter 2. This is a key step in ensuring that housing supports, including HAP, are fair and sustainable and responding to needs in the most effective way.


GLOSSARY OF TERMSAbhaile The Mortgage Arrears Resolution ServiceAHB Approved Housing Body

BPFI Banking and Payments Federation Ireland

CAS Capital Assistance SchemeCBI Central Bank of IrelandCCMA City and County Management AssociationCCMA Code of Conduct on Mortgage ArrearsCosc The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based ViolenceCSO Central Statistics OfficeCYPSC Children and Young People Service Committees

DCYA Department of Children and Youth AffairsDES Department of Education and SkillsDHPCLG Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local GovernmentDIRT Deposit Interest Retention TaxDoF Department of FinanceDoH Department of HealthDRHE Dublin Region Homeless ExecutiveDSP Department of Social Protection

EIB European Investment BankESB Electricity Supply BoardESRI Economic and Social Research InstituteEurostat Statistical Office of the European UnionEWO Education Welfare Office

HA Housing Agencyha HectaresHAP Housing Assistance PaymentHEA Higher Education AuthorityHEI Higher Education InstitutesHFA Housing Finance AgencyHSCL Home Schools Community LiaisonHSE Health Service Executive

IMG Implementation Monitoring GroupISIF Ireland Strategic Investment Fund


LA Local AuthorityLAGS Land Aggregation SchemeLIHAF Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

MABS Money Advice and Budgeting ServiceMARP Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process

NDFA National Development Finance AgencyNHSS Nursing Home Support SchemeNPF National Planning FrameworkNTMA National Treasury Management Agency

OPW Office of Public Works

RAS Rental Accommodation SchemeRPZ Rent Pressure ZoneRTB Residential Tenancies Board

SPV Special Purpose Vehicle

TD Teachta Dála, a member of Dáil ÉireannThreshold The National Housing CharityTusla Child and Family Agency

UHDs Unfinished Housing DevelopmentsUSI Union of Students in Ireland

Glossary of terms | continued


action plan for housing and homelessness also highlights some areas where we will need to intensify...

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