COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2022

HEADED ITEM NO. 4 D (ii) Minutes of the Housing SPC 8 September 2022

 

Minutes of South Dublin County Council Housing SPC Meeting held at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday 8 September 2022 at 5.30pm (Hybrid Meeting)

In attendance:

Cllr. J. Tuffy, Cllr. W. Carey, Cllr. L. Donaghy, Cllr. B. Lawlor, Cllr. K Mahon Cllr. S. Moynihan, G. Stockil (PPN) S. Harty (PPN) and B. Tyrell-Collard (ICTU).

Apologies:

Cllr. D. O’Donovan.

Officials Present:

C Ward (Director of Services), B. Pierce (Senior Executive Officer), N. Hanly (Senior Executive Officer), E. Leech (Senior Executive Officer), M. Murtagh (Administrative Officer), F. Keane (Senior Staff Officer) and Margaret Farrell (Clerical Officer).

The members of the committee presented agreed that the meeting would be chaired by Cllr. Tuffy in the absence of Cllr. O' Donovan and the meeting commenced at 5:30pm.

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting of the committee, held on 12th May 2022 were noted and agreed.

2. Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

3. Mid-Term Review of Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024

E Leech presented a report on the process undertaken for the required mid-term review of the Council's current Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019-2024, noting that the review is statutorily required.  The timing and timeframe for this review were stipulated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and the committee was advised that if it is agreed notto amend the TAP, DHLGH should be informed by 16thSeptember. However, following the review, if a local authority decides that an amendment to TAP is required, the amended TAP must be adopted by the Council within seven months of publication of notice of the intention to amend.  The public consultation process and submissions received were outlined and the committee was advised that the officials' recommendation to this committee and to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) is that there is no requirement to formally amend the current TAP based on data on allocations of standard social housing and Traveller accommodation to date, updates on plans for new developments and redevelopment of existing sites, and the lack of alternative opportunities for new Traveller accommodation.  This recommendation is underpinned by commitments to continue to progress plans for the delivery of new Traveller accommodation, to explore options for a transient site and to develop research relating to Traveller households in homelessness.

A discussion followed with contributions from Cllrs. Tuffy, Carey, Mahon, Lawlor and Moynihan and S. Harty (PPN) and responses from C. Ward and E. Leech after which it was agreed that the SPC would recommend to the LTACC that no formal amendment to the TAP is required.

4. Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements

E Leech presented a report on the requirement and options for Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements including details of the research undertaken by the SPC sub-committee established to develop the draft scheme for consideration by the committee.

There were contributions from Cllrs. Carey, Mahon, Lawlor and Tuffy, and G. Stockil that were responded to by C. Ward and E. Leech.

The committee then noted the report and agreed that the Draft Scheme be proposed to full Council for adoption. E. Leech advised that, in accordance with section 11 (7) of the Affordable Housing Act, 2021, the draft scheme is required to be submitted to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for review after which it could be brought to October Council Meeting for consideration by the Elected Members.

5. Housing Delivery Report (Pre-recorded)

A pre-recorded presentation by B. Pierce was made available in advance of the meeting outlining the current status of the housing delivery programme.  Questions and contributions from Cllrs. Mahon, Carey, Lawlor and Tuffy, and G. Stockil raised concerns about the status of various projects and supports to address increased project costs.  C. Ward responded to the queries and the report was noted.  It was requested by the Committee members that when the SPC meeting report goes to the Council meeting, the opportunity should be taken to raise the concerns of the committee in relation to the housing delivery challenges.

6. Allocations Report (Pre-Recorded)

A pre-recorded presentation by N. Hanly was made available in advance of the meeting detailing housing allocations in 2022 as well as profiling the housing list with information on homeless, medical, refusals of offers of accommodation and age friendly need.  There were contributions from Cllrs. Mahon and Carey, and S. Harty in relation to current levels of homelessness and the increase in the number of clients presenting with complex needs including addiction which C. Ward responded too and the report was then noted. 

7  Planned Maintenance/Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme

E Leech reported on the planned maintenance and energy retrofit programme and, following contributions from Cllrs. Carey and Mahon, G Stockil and S. Harty, the report was noted.

8. Items for Noting

Reports provided for the committee's information were noted in relation to the following:

a.) Housing Disability Steering Group Report

b.) Private Rented Dwelling Inspections, and,

c.) Housing Loans System Project.

9. Items Requested by Committee Members:

Reports provided in relation to agenda items requested by members of the Committee were noted for:

10. Any Other Business

C Ward asked the committee members to submit any requests for future agenda items to him or the Chair by email as required.

There was no other business and the meeting concluded at 7.09 p.m.