Statement of Strategy 2021 2025 - Prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Statement of Strategy 2021 - 2025 Prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage gov.ie/housing
Contents Foreword by the Minister ............................................................................................ 1 Introduction by the Secretary General ........................................................................ 2 Mission, Values and Goals......................................................................................... 3 Our Mission ............................................................................................................ 3 Our Values.............................................................................................................. 3 Our Goals ............................................................................................................... 3 Supporting the Delivery of Our Goals ....................................................................... 27 Oireachtas Engagement ....................................................................................... 27 Challenges, Risks and Opportunities........................................................................ 28 Climate Action .......................................................................................................... 29 Public Sector Human Rights and Equality Duty ....................................................... 31 Appendices .............................................................................................................. 32
Foreword by the Minister
I welcome the publication of this Statement of Strategy for the period
2021-2025. The Strategy reflects the Department’s commitments in
the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, along with
other national strategies such as the Climate Action Plan and the
National Planning Framework.
It is an ambitious Strategy and sets out the strategic goals and objectives across Housing,
Water, Local Government, Planning, Met Éireann and Heritage. Key objectives for me
include the development and delivery of a new housing Strategy, ‘Housing for All’, with
affordable housing at its core. We will work with stakeholders and identify key actions to
address the challenges we face. We will also deliver a reformed social housing policy
resulting in a more effective social housing system.
We will continue to protect, enhance and restore water quality and water resources and
will implement water sector reform through the development and funding of Irish Water.
Government policy to enhance and develop local government will be supported and
advanced and we will ensure effective electoral management along with significant
electoral reform, including the establishment of the long-awaited Electoral Commission.
There will be a greater focus on strategic planning and sustainable development
throughout Ireland as a result of the delivery and review of the National Planning
Framework. This will enable us to accommodate projected future population and economic
growth with investment better aligned with spatial planning policy.
The provision of impact-based weather and climate services is another important objective
that will result in high quality weather and warning services that have a wide reach and
understanding across Irish society.
We must conserve, protect and manage our Heritage resources, maximising the benefits
for biodiversity, and as a support to local communities, regional economic development
and sustainable employment.
Covid-19 has affected the operations of the Department but it has also shown the
resilience and determination of staff to fulfil the Department’s goals. Our Department was
one of the leaders in the development and roll-out of the Community Call initiative that
linked local and national Government with the community and voluntary sectors. This
enabled the elderly and most vulnerable to receive assistance in a coordinated manner
throughout every community. As a Department we rely on the State bodies under our
aegis, along with local authorities, to enable us to deliver on our policies. Our work is
interconnected and challenging. I look forward to meeting those challenges alongside my
colleagues Minister Noonan and Minister Burke.
Together, with Departmental officials and colleagues in the agencies and local authorities,
we will work to deliver the ambitions of this Strategy.
Mr. Darragh O’Brien T.D.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage
1Introduction by the Secretary General
This Statement of Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for the
work of the Department in the five years ahead. The period covered by
this Strategy sees the welcome return of Heritage to the Department to
join our existing five programme areas.
The core of the Strategy is structured around six high-level strategic
goals, one for each of the programme areas as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume.
It sets out key objectives and actions as well as expected outcomes and indicators.
The Strategy is grounded in a number of ‘foundation’ plans and over-arching frameworks,
principally the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future but also the Climate
Action Plan, the Government’s housing strategy and the National Planning Framework
among others.
The Department has a broad and varied policy remit. Among the objectives for the period
covered by this Strategy are initiatives in relation to affordable housing purchase; a
continued focus on delivery of the National Planning Framework; the establishment of an
Electoral Commission; a new River Basin Management Plan; a National Flood Forecasting
System; and a review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
As we emerge from the shadow of Covid-19, our Department has shown that it has the
flexibility and the capacity to deliver in challenging circumstances. We will harness that
capacity and work closely with our external partners to achieve the goals in this Strategy.
Graham Doyle
Secretary General
2Mission, Values and Goals
Our Mission
The Department’s mission is to support sustainable development, with a particular focus
on strategic planning, the efficient delivery of well-planned homes in vibrant communities,
the sustainable management of our water resources, the nurturing of Ireland’s heritage
and the promotion of effective local government.
Our Values
Our values sit within the wider values and standards frameworks set out in the Civil
Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, the Code of Ethics, the Dignity at Work Policy
and the Civil Service Renewal Plan. They inform everything that we do in the Department
in delivering for the public:
• Integrity and professionalism
• Consistent high quality performance
• Openness and transparency
• Flexibility, responsiveness, innovation and learning
• Consultation and partnership
• Commitment to society and citizens
• Pursuit of effectiveness, efficiency and value for money
Our Goals
A. To provide a framework that ensures a sustainable housing system in Ireland with a
supply of good quality housing to match needs.
B. To provide a framework for the sustainable management of water resources from
source to sea.
C. To support and enable democratic, responsive and effective local government, effective
electoral management and high quality fire services and emergency management.
D. To ensure that planning and building in our regions, communities and maritime area
contributes to deliver sustainable and balanced development.
E. In the context of climate change and the impact of weather on Ireland, serve society
through the production and communication of reliable weather and climate information to
protect life and property and to further enhance Met Éireann’s role as the authoritative
voice on meteorology and climatology in Ireland.
F. To conserve, protect, manage and present our built, natural, archaeological heritage
and our biodiversity, for its intrinsic value, including to the environment as well as a support
to local communities, regional economic development and sustainable employment.
In pursuing our mission and goals, we will contribute to the implementation of the UN
Sustainable Development Goals alongside our partners in central and local government.
3Strategic Goal A: To provide a framework that ensures a sustainable housing system in Ireland with a supply of good quality housing to match needs
Objectives Actions Outcomes Indicators
1. Lead the 1.1 Engage with stakeholders across all relevant • Effective and cohesive measures to • Targets for investment and delivery
Development of Government Departments and Agencies as address the range of housing challenges
the “Housing for well as relevant industry and representative identified • Targets for housing and rental
All” Strategy and bodies standards
Action Plan • Identification and Cross Departmental
1.2 Identify key measures needed to support the agreement on the key actions needed to • Policies and Legislative Measures
development of social housing, rental and address housing and homelessness identified
cost rental and affordable sectors as well as challenges
• Roles and Responsibilities identified
the wider housing market in line with
Programme for Government commitments • Alignment with NDP and NPF Objectives
and in response to the specific needs of key
sectors such as those experiencing
homelessness, the elderly, people with
disabilities and members of the Traveller
community
1.3 Underpin measures with a robust evidence
base
1.4 Align measures with resource and capacity
availability set out in the National
Development Plan (NDP) investment
priorities and underpinning the National
Planning Framework (NPF)
1.5 Develop comparisons internationally where
appropriate
42. Support the 2.1 Set annual targets for individual local • Delivery of annual targets by local • Overall number of social homes
delivery of authorities and ensure effective delivery of authorities delivered
50,000 social programmes, in conjunction with the Housing
homes with an Delivery Coordination Office • Increased delivery of age-friendly housing • Percentage of social housing homes
emphasis on new and housing for people with disabilities delivered by local authorities
builds 2.2 Support delivery of age-friendly housing and
housing for homeless households and for • Housing mix delivered in accordance with • Percentage of social housing homes
people with disabilities need delivered by AHBs
2.3 Support appropriate mix of housing size in • Department of Housing, Local • Number of homes delivered under
accordance with the Summary of Social Government and Heritage 2021 Climate Capital Assistance Scheme
Housing Needs Assessments Action Plan (CAP) Actions
• Completion of CAP 2021 Actions
2.4 Implement the Energy Performance of • EPBD Regulations for Electric Vehicle
Buildings Directive (EPBD) and Climate Infrastructure • Completion of EPBD Regulations
Action Building Regulations
• Effective delivery of housing programmes • Number of social housing units
2.5 Ensure the effective operation of the Capital by AHBs delivered by CALF
Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) as a
vehicle to assist Approved Housing Bodies • Efficient and cost effective management of
(AHBs) to increase the supply of social CALF
housing
3. To provide for 3.1 Bring forward social housing reforms • The social housing system is more • Social housing reforms brought
social housing including a standardised differential rents effective forward during lifetime of Programme
reform and a scheme, support the use of Choice-Based for Government
robust evidence Letting in social housing and a review of the • State and local authorities are in a better
base for housing Tenant Purchase Scheme position to consistently measure housing • HNDA Tool rolled out to local
policy need and demand and plan accordingly authorities by Q2 2021
3.2 Continue to develop evidence bases for
housing policy, including through the • HNDA Guidance published by Q2
Housing Needs and Demand Assessment 2021
(HNDA) project
54. To support the 4.1 Ensure the effective operation of the Housing • Efficient and cost effective management of • Number of households supported by
adequate supply Assistance Payment (HAP) HAP to allow households to secure HAP
of and supports property to meet their needs
for rental 4.2 Ensure HAP levels are adequate to support • Number of MTR properties
accommodation vulnerable households while we increase the • Avoiding additional pressures on the rental
supply of social housing or social housing sectors • Number of households benefiting from
while ensuring
the MTR scheme
equity and
4.3 Strengthen and manage the Mortgage to • A broader understanding of the market
fairness for • Fewer disputes raised due to
Rent (MTR) scheme to ensure that it is through the further development of the
landlords and landlords’ and tenants’ awareness of
helping those who need it RTB Rent Index and the implementation of
tenants their rights and responsibilities and
Annual Registration
4.4 Resource and support the Residential any changes to the legislation that
Tenancies Board (RTB), re-examine the • Implementation of policies to incentivise may impact them
recommended policy options of the Working landlords to enter or to remain in the
Group on the Tax and Fiscal Treatment of residential property market • Rent index is based on better rental
Landlords data
• Improved security of tenure for tenants
4.5 Reform the Fair Deal scheme • Increase in, or stabilisation of, number
• Short-Term Letting Regulations enforced of landlords in the residential rental
4.6 Amend the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004- and implemented sector
2020
• Eligible households can avail of MTR • Increase in letting activity
4.7 Develop new funding methods for developing
Cost Rental housing • New Cost Rental Equity Loan Funding • Increase in long term leasing of
model for accelerated delivery of Cost dwellings
Rental homes by AHBs in place
• Properties formerly used for short-
term letting returned to the long-term
rental market
65. Provide Policy 5.1 Manage regional authority expenditure • Effective management of homeless • Number of units of accommodation
and Funding programmes and improve reporting and data budget and improved reporting data made available for families
Framework to to measure performance and outputs available
Address • Number of beds available for single
Homelessness 5.2 Develop a National Youth Homelessness • Increased supply of appropriate adults
Strategy emergency accommodation
• Number of individuals supported in
5.3 Support local authorities to provide • Increased numbers of individuals Housing First
emergency accommodation to ensure that accessing Housing First
there is sufficient high quality emergency • Number of households prevented
accommodation available to households • Increased numbers of households from entering emergency
experiencing homeless prevented from entering emergency accommodation
accommodation
5.4 Support delivery of Housing First Programme • Numbers of adults and children exiting
to increase the numbers of homeless • Reduction in time spent in emergency Homelessness
individuals accessing a Housing First accommodation
tenancy
5.5 Increase homeless prevention measures
5.6 Support local authorities to introduce
measures to reduce the number of
households spending extended periods of
time in emergency circumstances
6. Support the 6.1 Promote sustainable communities, tenure • Development of sustainable social • Number of homes remediated for
Delivery of High diversity and proximity to services housing pyrite
Quality Homes
6.2 Develop the necessary regulatory and • Building Regulatory Advisory Body • Number of homes remediated for DCB
control systems including commitments established in Mayo and Donegal
under EU green deal objectives
• Effective engagement with EU on • Building Regulatory Advisory Body
6.3 Examine the issue of defective housing Construction Products Register established by 2022
6.4 Implement the Defective Concrete Blocks • Effective oversight of pyrite remediation • Report from the Independent Working
(DCB) Grant Scheme in the counties of Group on defective housing
Donegal and Mayo • Examination of defective housing and
potential measures to be taken completed • Publish standard internal layouts for
6.5 Oversight of Pyrite Resolution Board and social housing
Pyrite Remediation Scheme
76.6 Develop standard internal layouts for social • Report on creation of Building
housing Standards Regulator
6.7 Examine the creation of an independent
Building Standards Regulator
7. Support local 7.1 Implement a planned maintenance approach • Completion of regeneration and projects • Number of houses brought to required
authorities with a to housing stock within local authorities standard each year
range of • Introduction of improved stock
schemes and 7.2 Ensure that the current Department stock management system for social housing • Number of home grants provided
initiatives aimed improvement funding models support the
planned maintenance approach • Development of a roadmap for retrofitted • Number of homes completed under
at improving the
local authority social housing stock to regeneration projects
quality, safety, 7.3 Introduce minimum BER standards for achieve BER of B2/cost optimal
efficiency and • Number of local authority homes
retrofitted homes within the local authority performance by 2030
general completed under the National Retrofit
social housing stock as part of the National
maintenance of Programme
Retrofit Programme
quality housing
stock 7.4 Implementation of regeneration projects
across the country to help address the
causes of disadvantage
8. Deliver Capital 8.1 Support local authorities to deliver increased • Increased delivery of Traveller specific • Number of Traveller specific homes
Programme for levels of Traveller-specific accommodation housing delivered
Traveller
Accommodation 8.2 Establish a programme of work to implement • Implementation of recommendations of
the recommendations of the Traveller the Expert Group Report on Traveller
Accommodation Expert Review report Accommodation
9. To provide for 9.1 To fully transition from voluntary to statutory • The Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory • AHBRA formally established in Q1
development of regulation for the AHB sector Authority (AHBRA) is fully operational and 2021
effective policy regulating all AHBs
and statutory 9.2 To develop a long-term strategy for the AHB • Number of building professionals on
regulation sector • A streamlined AHB sector which can the Register
support housing delivery, provide tenant
9.3 Place Construction Industry Register Ireland
support and management services
(CIRI) on a statutory footing
• Statutory Register for Builders
9.4 Manage Building Control Act 2007 and
Construction Professionals Registers
8• Publication of Building Control (CIRI) Bill
followed by enactment of the Act by Q1
2022
10. Continue the 10.1 Ensure that lending policies and • Increased homeownership for creditworthy • Increasing the number of households
delivery of the operational guidance support the efficient borrowers unable to get finance from gaining homeownership through the
Rebuilding delivery of local authority mortgages commercial banks Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan
Ireland Home
Loan and • Maintaining low levels of arrears
maintain
oversight
of local
authority
lending policy
11. Support 11.1 Develop a new national Affordable Purchase • Legislation in place to allow the • Number of homes available for
Affordable Shared Equity Scheme for housing on introduction and operation of the new affordable purchase
Home private lands Affordable Housing Scheme and the local
Ownership and authority led affordable dwelling purchase • Number of homes available for Cost
Rental 11.2 Develop legislation to support affordable arrangements Rental
purchase schemes
• Sustainable development of housing • Drawdown of Cost Rental Equity Loan
11.3 Lead the policy development to introduce Funding
provided by the LDA, including climate
Cost Rental as a new category of housing in
resistant, low-carbon and affordable
Ireland • Drawdown of Affordable Purchase
housing
Shared Equity Scheme Funding
11.4 Assess and define how this new sector will
• State lands being offered for sale will
operate and expand, including providing • Level of drawdown in the Serviced
automatically be offered first to the LDA
legislation for this where required Sites Fund
• National Affordable Purchase Shared
11.5 Work with local authorities, AHBs and the
Equity Scheme (private developments) in
Land Development Agency (LDA) to
place and progress the local authority led
progress designated Cost Rental pilot
affordable purchase scheme (public lands)
projects
• Policy, funding and legislative basis in
11.6 Develop new funding methods for developing
place to facilitate development of Cost
Cost Rental housing
Rental sector in Ireland
911.7 Manage/Administer the Serviced Sites Fund • Project tenders approved and construction
Programme works commenced and completed
11.8 Manage/Administer the Local Infrastructure • Development of legislation and the wider
Housing Activation Fund Programme policy basis in place to facilitate a Cost
Rental sector in Ireland
10Strategic Goal B: To provide a framework for the sustainable management of water resources from source to sea
Objectives Actions Outcomes Indicators
1. Protect, 1.1 Ensuring full transposition and implementation • Improved compliance in drinking water, • Commission Infringement File Status
enhance and of all water related EU Directives and urban waste water and full compliance
restore water Regulations and resolve and close water with the Water Framework Directive • EPA Water Quality Reports - reporting
quality and water sector EU infringement cases on water of performance indicators on water
resource infrastructure, compliance and transposition • Water quality is protected from further quality (water quality indicators report;
deterioration and restored to at least good bathing water report)
1.2 Implementation of actions under the 2nd cycle status as appropriate
River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) and • Enactment of the Water Environment
launch a new revised and strengthened RBMP • Reduced impact from excess loss of (Abstractions) Bill
in 2022 nutrients to water
• New RBMP published in 2022
1.3 Implement the LIFE-IP Waters of Life • Improved awareness, knowledge,
programme to protect and restore high involvement and engagement of farmers, • Projects at River Basin scale
ecological status waterbodies at a river basin- the agri-food industry and local demonstrating viable measures to
scale demonstration project across a range of communities in water quality protection protect and restore water quality that
landscapes and restoration through better water can be used to design national scale
quality outcomes policy interventions
1.4 Expand programmes, including the Agriculture
Sustainability Support and Advisory • Robust framework for the control of water • ASSAP Operational Reports -
Programme (ASSAP) to protect and deliver abstractions operational indicators and outcomes
improvements in water quality linked to successful water quality
• RBMP launched with a comprehensive set measures
1.5 Support the Local Authority Waters of measures to protect, enhance and
Programme (LAWPRO) and expand the restore the status of surface waters and • LAWPRO Operational Reports -
Community Water Development Fund groundwaters operational indicators and outcomes
linked to successful water quality
1.6 Review the effects of the nitrates derogation • Timely delivery of River measures
on water quality, in conjunction with the Basin demonstration project
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
which will inform future policy in this area
112. Structure water 2.1 Review and work to improve the inspection • Improved awareness, knowledge and • Results in EPA Domestic Waste
and waste water regime for the 500,000 domestic waste water compliance of householders' operation Water Systems Inspection Reports
services around systems and incentivise upgrading works and maintenance of domestic waste water reporting of compliance indicators
Ireland’s needs, systems
the centrality of 2.2 Ensure that Irish Water progresses works to • Results in EPA Drinking Water Quality
customers, reduce the number of schemes on the EPA’s • Drinking water quality is protected, and Reports reporting of performance
the prioritisation Remedial Action List average lead exposure risk is reduced indicators on drinking water quality
of public health from public-side; risk profile is known and
2.3 Implement the National Lead (Pb) Strategy, as • Number of actions in National Lead
and the infringement case related to drinking
appropriate Strategy fully implemented or ongoing
environmental water is resolved
protection 2.4 Ensure that Irish Water develops Drinking • Increased uptake of the lead
• Actions in National Lead (Pb) Strategy are
Water Safety Plans to protect abstraction remediation grant
implemented with enhanced awareness of
sources and reduce public health risks
stakeholders' responsibilities
• Publication of Research project report
2.5 Commission a range of research projects to
• Increase the uptake of the lead
explore innovative ways of improving our
remediation grant
water infrastructure and reducing consumption
• Research knowledge on reducing water
2.6 Review the electricity requirements of water
demand and consumption
and wastewater treatment plants and carry out
a series of pilot projects to incorporate onsite • Research knowledge on reducing the
renewable energy generation carbon footprint at pilot plants that will
inform wider scale adoption at national
scale
123. Implement water 3.1 Support the development of Irish Water as • A stable operational framework for the • Publication in 2021 of a policy paper
sector reform enduring world-class publicly-owned, stand- future delivery of water services that setting out the Government's views
alone, regulated single utility for the meets the needs and expectations of and expectations on water sector
nationwide delivery of public water services citizens and is in keeping with the transformation
principles of social, economic and
3.2 Ensure funding of Irish Water under agreed environmental sustainability • Legislation enacted by end 2021 to
funding framework to make the necessary amend the Water Services Acts 2007-
investment in drinking water and waste water • Legislation enacted establishing Irish 2017 to reflect the enduring role of
infrastructure to ensure the continued Water in public ownership as a national, Irish Water separated from the Ervia
underpinning of the investment planned under stand-alone regulated utility, and Group
Project Ireland 2040 separated from the Ervia Group
• Compliance with EU Drinking Water
• Irish Water's Water Services Strategic and Urban Waste Water standards
Plan and Strategic Funding Plan in
support of National Development Plan • Number of Waste Water Treatment
Objectives are adequately funded; and Plants and Drinking Water Plants
reflect the regulatory decisions of the (new and upgraded)
Commission for Regulation of Utilities
• Kilometres of Water and Waste Water
Network (new and rehabilitated)
4. Reform of the 4.1 Support the Rural Water Working Group in • Future needs of the Rural Water Sector • Number of private wells (new and
Rural Water considering governance, supervision, and identified upgraded) grant-aided
Sector operation of rural water infrastructure
• Consumers in rural areas have access to • Number of septic tanks (upgraded)
4.2 Preparation of a new Multi-Annual Rural Water equitable services grant-aided
Programme on a national basis with
administrative procedures and guidance for • Improved drinking water quality in group • Reports produced in a timely manner
the period 2022-2024 water schemes, (where agreed) to address specific needs
4.3 Implement the institutional reforms identified
under Strand 2 of the Rural Water Working
Group
135. Support the 5.1 Preparation of a new Multi-Annual Developer • The progressible taking in charge of • Number of estates with Developer
progressive Provided Water Services Infrastructure housing estates with Developer Provided Provided Infrastructure resolved, thus
resolution, of Resolution Programme on a national basis Water Services Infrastructure enabling these estates to be taken in
legacy stand- with administrative procedures and guidance charge by the local authority
alone Developer for the period 2022-2024
Provided Water
Services
Infrastructure in
housing estates
6. Ensure that 6.1 Implement the second cycle of the Marine • Marine waters maintain or achieve Good • Degree of achievement of GES in
Ireland has a Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) to 2022 Environmental Status (GES) across all 2023 and state of the environment
clean, healthy, and actively participate in the OSPAR descriptors assessed in the OSPAR Quality
diverse and Commission in the development and delivery Status Report in 2023
sustainably used of a strategy from 2021-2030 and a quality • National marine spatial plan includes
maritime area status assessment in 2023 MSFD environmental targets and • New MPA legislation enacted by 2023
while recommendations on MPAs
6.2 Publish expert advisory group report on • Degree of achievement of sub-targets
implementing
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and hold • An expanded, coherent and representative of UN SDG number (14)
relevant parts of
extensive public consultation on the process network of MPAs developed in close
UN Sustainable • Agree the UN biodiversity targets
consultation with all stakeholders
Development 6.3 Develop comprehensive legislation for the 2021 and complete negotiations on
Goal (SDG) identification, designation, and management of Biodiversity Beyond National
number (14) MPAs Jurisdictions implementing treaty in
2021
6.4 Develop a coordinated national approach to
United Nations biodiversity objectives and
targets on marine protection
7. Ensure 7.1 Develop appropriate coordination co-operation • Collaborative engagement with UK • Degree of achievement of GES in
transboundary mechanisms within the existing framework of administrations to ensure that shared 2023 and state of the environment as
co-operation on agreements and forge alliances with other marine waters achieve GES and the assessed in the OSPAR Quality
marine Member States equivalent under UK legislation and the Status Report in 2023
environment OSPAR Convention
issues 7.2 Ensure that the revisions to the Marine
Strategy Framework Directive due in 2023
address transboundary co-operation including
with third countries
14Strategic Goal C: To support and enable democratic, responsive and effective local government, effective electoral management and high quality fire services and
emergency management
Objectives Actions Outcomes Indicators
1. Develop policy 1.1 Develop an Electoral Reform Bill • Legislative provisions made for: the • Electoral Commission in place by
and systems establishment of an Electoral Commission; end 2021
to ensure 1.2 Provide the necessary support for the smooth the modernisation of the electoral register;
effective running of elections and referendums the regulation of online political advertising • Modernised electoral registration
electoral during election periods process in place by end 2023
1.3 Complete the modernisation process for voter
management
registration • Regulation of online political
and reform • Necessary supports in place to ensure
electoral events completed advertising arrangements during
election periods in place by end
• Simplified processes and procedures for 2021
electoral registration in place
• Numbers of electoral events held in
accordance with legislation
• Simplified registration form in place
by end 2021
2. To support 2.1 Examine the scope for devolving more powers to • Review completed of the implementation of • Policy paper prepared on potential
and advance local authorities through the legislative process to Putting People First - Action Programme measures to boost local
Government strengthen and enhance local democracy for Effective Local Government government leadership and
policy to accountability on conclusion of the
enhance and 2.2 Promote Municipal District-led leadership and • Analysis completed of Institute of Public Putting People First - Action
develop local engagement on a ‘Town Centres First’ approach Administration review of municipal districts Programme for Effective Local
government to the regeneration of towns and villages Government review
• Legislation in place to ensure consistent
2.3 Improve co-operation and municipal governance planning and development of urban areas • Provide best practice
for urban areas that extend beyond county lying within the administrative area of recommendations for the operation
boundaries by establishing a formal structure more than one local authority of Municipal Districts to the local
whereby the relevant local authorities will work
government sector by end 2021 to
together to plan for their development in a way • Each local authority will identify and
assist in the sustainable growth
that best serves the interests of the residents and develop plans for one "Decarbonising
and regeneration of communities
businesses located within them Zone"
and town centres
• Legislation enacted in 2021 providing for
mayoral elections in Limerick
152.4 Engage with local authorities to deliver on Action • The first directly elected mayor with • Legislation passed to allow for
165 of the 2019 Climate Action Plan to extend executive functions in place in Limerick to statutory cross-boundary co-
flagship low-carbon projects to other towns and 2029, thereafter with a 5 year term operation in the form of Urban
villages Area Committees by end 2021
• Legislative provisions to allow for
2.5 Introduce legislation to establish the office of plebiscites on directly elected mayors in • Each local authority to include an
directly elected mayor and to facilitate mayoral other local authorities in 2024 in place identified decarbonising zone in its
elections in Limerick county-specific climate action plan
• A robust, transparent and balanced
2.6 Ensure local government has an appropriate financial system operating at local level for • A mayoral election held in Limerick
funding model by considering further streamlining the benefit of citizens and councils in accordance with legislation
of the commercial rates system and supporting enacted
changes to Local Property Tax (LPT), specifically
a move to 100% local retention of LPT, as well as • A mayor of Limerick with significant
ensuring transparency for homeowners and new, additional functions
ratepayers on local authority expenditure
• New LPT allocation model
developed and implemented, with
all LPT spent in the area it is
collected
• Legislation to modernise the
commercial rates system brought
forward and systems to support
these changes developed and
rolled out in local authorities
• 31 financially sustainable local
authorities requiring minimal
additional financial support
16Strategic Goal D: To ensure that planning and building in our regions, communities and maritime area contributes to deliver sustainable and balanced development
Objectives Actions Outcomes Indicators
1. Delivery and review 1.1 The development, monitoring and review of • Greater focus on strategic planning • Delivery of NPF targets and objectives
of the National national planning policy, legislation and and sustainable development
Planning Framework guidance, including review of the NPF by 2024 throughout Ireland to accommodate • The publication and implementation of
(NPF) to achieve a projected future population and new and updated legislation and
more sustainable 1.2 Working with stakeholders to operationalise economic growth with investment guidance that are reflected in local
pattern and form of the NPF better aligned with spatial planning planning policy on a rolling annual basis
spatial development policy
1.3 Implement and monitor the strategic alignment • Consistency across national policies in
that is aligned with
of spatial planning and investment terms of alignment with the NPF,
public investment to • Operational planning system which
meets the ongoing requirements at including NDP review (2021) to be
support more 1.4 Engage with and provide, as appropriate,
national, regional and local levels monitored annually as part of the Project
balanced regional ongoing technical support to local authorities
Ireland 2040 process
development to assist in the development and management
• Enable the development of
of projects approved under the Urban • Consistent regional and local spatial
improved planning practice across
Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) planning policies with public investment
all relevant stakeholders including
promotion of best practice and the aligned with targeted population and
1.5 Provide advice, technical support, expertise
highest professional standards in housing growth, to be assessed through
and guidance on a broad range of planning-
the operation of the Irish planning the local development plan process and
related matters to all stakeholders
system resultant growth outcomes
1.6 Maintain a review of the planning system,
• Contribute to the regeneration and • Progress towards NPF targets, including
focusing particularly on forecasting, access to
rejuvenation of cities and large more than 50% of growth to take place
planning services and planning for sustainable
towns enabling more residential and outside Dublin and the Eastern Region
development
mixed-use development to be and an average of 40% of housing
1.7 Identify and facilitate partnership between all delivered nationally to be on greenfield or infill
stakeholders to bring vacant homes back into sites
use
• Progress towards delivery of a
1.8 The development of proposals for urban land programme of high quality
activation, including land value capture transformational URDF projects that are
qualitatively assessed to have positive
impact on urban areas throughout the
country
171.9 Develop and roll-out of Housing Supply • Achievement of targets set for each local
Targets and Housing Need and Demand authority on the number of vacant homes
Assessment for local authorities that can be brought back into use
1.10 Leading, in conjunction with colleagues in • Reversing vacancy and dereliction and
Department of Rural and Community increasing development activity,
Development, on the development and population, jobs and footfall in Ireland’s
implementation of the ‘Town Centres First’ towns
policy
• Development of national rural housing
1.11 Establish City Delivery Boards to co-ordinate policy through updated ministerial
and drive development in each of the five guidance that can be implemented
cities, to activate strategic areas and achieve consistently at a local level to support
effective density and consolidation rural housing need in accordance with
EU objectives
• Successful rollout of online planning
portals to the 31 local authorities and the
deployment of a new online portal by An
Bord Pleanála
2. Develop and 2.1 Oversee finalisation and implementation of • Regional marine spatial plans in • National Marine Planning Framework
implement a Marine the National Marine Planning Framework place for all of Ireland’s maritime finalised and sub-national marine spatial
Planning System area. A modern, robust maritime plans developed by 2022
and Framework. 2.2 Lead the delivery of the Maritime Area planning system is established
Support the long- (Planning) Act 2021 – a key enabler of • Maritime Area (Planning) Bill 2021 is
term and sustainable Ireland’s decarbonisation programme • Increased community awareness of enacted and implemented
development of the marine planning and local
2.3 Development of Coastal Partnerships, where • Coastal Partnerships established and
maritime area stakeholder engagement on sub-
regional and local marine planning is devolved governance system in place by 2022
ensuring protection national marine plans to enable
to local communities, incorporating best
of marine community-led local marine plans
practice from other jurisdictions as well as
biodiversity, development of the existing skills and • National marine spatial and
supporting coastal
strengths of the local community investment plans aligned and
communities and
working together to develop the
encouraging 2.4 Ensure there is alignment between the
coastal and maritime area
investment National Marine Planning Framework and the
Marine Development Plan, Harnessing Our
Ocean Wealth
183. Enable the Land 3.1 Enact the LDA Bill and resource financing • The delivery of sustainable • LDA to be established as a commercial
Development through Ireland Strategic Investment Fund communities including climate state body by mid 2021
Agency (LDA), An resistant, low carbon housing by the
Bord Pleanála (ABP) 3.2 Oversee the LDA in meeting all its objectives LDA • Ongoing assembly of a land bank to
and the Office of the as provided for under the Programme for ensure a supply of development land to
Planning Regulator Government 2020 - Our Shared Future • LDA empowered to provide homes support delivery of affordable housing
(OPR) to deliver on for affordable purchase, cost rental
3.3 Ensure that ABP and the OPR have the • Register of Public Land to be completed
their mandates and social housing
powers, capacity, guidance and resources to and available on LDA website by end
carry out their statutory functions efficiently • Establishment of the Register of 2021
and effectively Relevant Public Lands by the LDA
• LDA work with local authorities to
develop strategic sites
• The 3 planning agencies (OPR, ABP
and LDA) will support Ireland's plan
led planning process founded upon
transparency, objectivity, evidence
gathering and proper public
engagement in policy development
and decision making
• Proper oversight by the OPR over
the systems and procedures used
by planning authorities and ensuring
public confidence in the delivery of
planning outcomes
4. Operation of the 4.1 Process applications for consent under the • Delivery of managed and compliant • Number of foreshore consent
foreshore Foreshore Act foreshore application system applications brought to a conclusion
consenting regime in
respect of 4.2 Estate management of the foreshore property • Number of foreshore litigation cases
developments and portfolio
activities on the
4.3 Manage foreshore litigation involving the
foreshore
Minister as plaintiff or defendant
195. Lead the 5.1 Ensure legislation and guidance is updated, • The planning system is compliant • Number of EIA portal notifications
development, manage the Environmental Impact with the State's EU and international uploaded
implementation and Assessment (EIA) Portal and transboundary obligations and public participation
guidance for EU EIA consultations rights are protected in domestic and • Transboundary EIA consultations
Directives, UN transboundary EIA procedures managed
obligations and 5.2 Input into the establishment of a new
Environmental and Planning Law Court • Legislation and guidance documents
planning legislation
progressed
relevant to the
5.3 Having an appropriate legislative and policy
planning system framework for planning in Ireland which is • Number of domestic and CJEU
effective, efficient, streamlined and environmental planning litigation cases
transparent managed
5.4 Coordinate and manage environmental
planning litigation on behalf of the Department
in domestic courts and the Court of Justice of
the European Union (CJEU)
20Strategic Goal E: In the context of climate change and the impact of weather on Ireland, serve society through the production and communication of reliable weather
and climate information to protect life and property and to further enhance Met Éireann’s role as the authoritative voice on meteorology and climatology in Ireland
Objectives Actions Outcomes Indicators
1. Expand and 1.1 Develop Met Éireann’s impact- • High quality impact-based weather • High quality NWP system forecast capability
develop the based weather and warning services and warning services
delivery of and Numerical Weather Prediction • Expanded impact-based forecast services
authoritative (NWP) systems which underpin • Standardised national climate
projections for Ireland and • Enhanced digital delivery of developed pollen/hay
impact-based them
associated climate services fever information services
weather and
climate services 1.2 Run climate models for Ireland and meeting the Irish adaptation
• Completion of high resolution regional climate
support Irish society in preparing for sector’s climate information
simulations
future weather and climate through requirements
translating climate information into • Standardised climate projections provided
specific sectorial services • A wide reach and understanding of
Met Éireann’s weather, flooding • Value added climate services and associated policy
1.1 Exploit a wide range of and climate services across Irish guidance available
communications pathways, to bring society
weather and climate impact-based • Number of climate science training events provided
services information to all of Irish
society and develop societal • Met Éireann’s website and app is expanded and
understanding of weather, upgraded
hydrological and climate risks through
• Number of weather services and warnings delivered
education
via multimedia platforms
• Increased engagement with information provided via
Met Éireann's media platforms
• Outreach activities expanded on-line
• Delivery of new graphics production system to
support weather and climate information services
212. Establish a new 2.1 Establish a Flood Forecast Centre • Catchment fluvial (river) models for • The development of 36 Catchment Hydrological
national flood (FFC) in conjunction with the Office all of the Irish Hydrometric Areas models
forecasting of Public Works (OPW) as Stage 1 and the introduction of a National
system of a National Flood Forecast Coastal Flood Model (NCFM) • The introduction of a NCFM into Met Éireann's
Warning Service (NFFWS) operational suite of forecast models
• Implementation Plan for Stage 2
2.2 Move the FFC to an operational • Successful completion of an Irish version of the Flood
footing Early Warning System
2.3 Produce plan for Stage 2 of the • Production of an implementation plan for Stage 2 of
NFFWS in conjunction with OPW the NFFWS
2.5 Development of the Irish Flood • Introduce Ground Water Flooding, Pluvial Flooding
Integrated Communication System and sub-catchment modelling into the FFC
and develop a network within the local
authorities
3. Maintain and 3.1 Ensure Met Éireann’s • Reliable weather and climate data • Development of a program of modernisation of the
develop meteorological infrastructure and for Ireland synoptic surface observing network instrumentation
expertise and national climate monitoring network and infrastructure
skills and meet the evolving requirements of • Expansion of ICT, infrastructure,
meteorological weather and climate services aeronautical services and remote • Availability of synoptic weather observations at
infrastructure sensing capabilities temporal resolution of 10 minutes
required to 3.2 Further integrate third party
observations to enable more • Fully compliant aeronautical • Installation and expansion of key infrastructure
deliver on Met
efficient and effective weather and weather services certified under EU
Éireann’s • Expansion of climate monitoring to include relevant
climate service delivery and Regulations by the Competent
strategic goals Essential Climate Variables
continuously improve the quality of Authority and designated by
observations and forecast services Department of Transport as MET
• Enhanced flood forecasting capabilities
in consultation with aviation users Air Navigation Service Provider
• Expansion of Weather Observations Website and the
3.3 Commence project to modernise • Modernisation of radar network
implementation of World Meteorological Organisation
and enhance the rainfall radar through the installation of a national
Integrated Global Observing System
network network of 5 weather radars.
Improved rainfall volume and • Complete ICT migration and managed service project
intensity measurements and modernisation of Meteorological Messaging
System (MMS)
• Installation of 5 new weather radars
223.4 Retain designation as Ireland’s • Enhanced predictive capability, • Move to dual-polisation radar technology
meteorological service provider for knowledge transfer and expertise
International Civil Aviation through co-operation with the • Quantitative Precipitation Estimation products to
Organisation (ICAO) Annex 3 international community and enhance flood forecasting capabilities
services. Maintain Aviation Services increased exchange of high quality
• Upgrade of satellite reception systems
Division ISO 9001 accreditation satellite, observational and other
data • Modernisation of observation data storage and
3.5 Enhance support for high impact
quality control systems
weather events through
strengthened remote sensing • Development of ground-based remote sensing
capability networks
3.6 Continue to participate in • Increased High Performance Computing capacity
international meteorological
through the United Weather Service collaboration
Organisations
• Aviation Modernisation Automation Project (AMAP),
3.4 Continuously improve the quality of
METCOM MMS and Meteorological Self Briefing
observations and forecast services in
upgrade project milestones achieved
consultation with aviation users
• Monthly aviation verification scores meet or exceed
ICAO targets
• AMAP weather observing systems cleared for
operational use by the Regulator
• Certified accreditation to required industry standards
• Increased forecasting capability through collaborative
activities
4. Further 4.4 Continue Met Éireann's Research • Implemented Research and • Increased participation in national and international
development of Programmes through the Scholarship Professorship research programmes
Met Éireann development of a research funding Programmes
Research plan and new schemes
Programme • Expanded Research fellowship and
call programmes and developed
research collaboration and funding
opportunities
23Strategic Goal F - To conserve, protect, manage and present our built, natural, archaeological heritage, and our biodiversity, for its intrinsic value, including to the
environment as well as a support to local communities, regional economic development and sustainable employment
Objectives Actions Outcomes Indicators
1. To promote North- 1.1 Oversight of Waterways Ireland • Effective co-operation of • Number of North South Ministerial Council meetings
South co-operation, through monitoring committee Waterways Ireland and held
particularly in the meetings Department for
context of Waterways Infrastructure (NI) and • Quarterly meetings held with Waterways Ireland
Ireland 1.2 Facilitate, support and assist in effective liaison between
advancing the strategies and goals key stakeholders
of Waterways Ireland
2. To conserve, protect 2.1 Build on existing skills to ensure • Supports for the • Number of conservation measures undertaken in
and manage our high standards of planning, employment of skilled National Parks/Nature Reserves
heritage resources, management and protection and experienced
maximising the competencies are achieved conservation • The satisfactory conservation status of habitats and
benefits for professionals, species across the country
biodiversity and as a 2.2 Protect, restore and conserve craftspeople and
heritage sites • Number of appropriate community projects funded
support to local tradespersons across
and completed
communities, regional the country
2.3 Manage and present our Parks
economic • Number of structures protected and projects assisted
and Reserves network as areas of
development and • Increased engagement
biodiversity / environmental
sustainable across society in • Number of days of employment created
significance and as high value
employment biodiversity matters
recreational amenities • High level of adherence to conservation and
leading to appropriate
2.4 Implementation of the Climate protection of our natural protection
Change Adaptation Sectoral Plan habitats and species
• Percentage of actions in the NBAP that are fully
2.5 Improved support for research • Prepare data information implemented or fully ongoing; 4th Plan drafted
indicators for relevant
2.6 Progress the delivery of actions reporting streams
within the 3rd National Biodiversity
Action Plan (NBAP) 2017-2021
and draft the 4th NBAP for
publication in 2022
243. To ensure greater 3.1 Implementation and review of the • Increased community • Number of schools and pupils involved in the Heritage
awareness, National Raised Bog Special Areas awareness of the in Schools Scheme
appreciation and of Conservation Management Plan immense inherent value
understanding of of Ireland's heritage and • Number of events and participants at National
Ireland's rich heritage 3.2 Promote greater awareness of biodiversity as an Heritage Week
for its intrinsic value Ireland's rich natural heritage important contributor to
• Number of local authorities employing a Heritage
and as a cultural, national health,
3.3 Promote cultural, educational and Officer
educational and wellbeing, economic
recreational amenities for
recreational amenity growth and stakeholder • Feedback on visitor experience at heritage sites
individuals and communities
and also as a buy-in to its protection
valuable resource for 3.4 Support an inclusive Citizens’ • Number of public engagements and awareness
business and Assembly to examine and propose • Increased activity during measures supported
Ireland’s green image solutions to the biodiversity National Heritage Week
emergency and prioritise any and the Heritage in • Number of workshops held to support local authorities
legislative reforms recommended Schools Scheme
• Development of guidance for public authorities
by the Citizens’ Assembly
• High level of engagement with stakeholders
• Number of hectares of raised bog restored
• Number of amenities developed
• Percentage of conservation target achieved
• Level of carbon emissions halted/reduced
• Reduction in the number of bog plots being cut in
raised bog Special Area of Conservations (SACs) and
Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs)
• Two new raised bog SACs and 25 new raised bog
NHAs designated
• Number of applicants receiving annual payments
under the raised bog Cessation of Turf Cutting
Compensation Scheme
254. To ensure effective 4.1 Effective discharge of regulatory • Adherence to our • Number of infringement cases brought by EU
development and and statutory functions including national, EU and Commission and what stage in the infringement
implementation of enactment of Bills to ensure international process; resources allocated to deal with specific
appropriate policies, modern and robust legislative commitments, thereby cases
legislation, actions to framework for the better protection protecting our reputation
comply with EU, of Ireland's heritage and avoiding financial • Number of successful prosecutions by NPWS under
national and damage Wildlife Acts
international heritage 4.2 Launch a new National Heritage
Plan - Heritage Ireland 2030 - • Development of • Number of court cases, including EU, against the
obligations
which will provide a framework for appropriate EU and NPWS/Department
heritage for the next decade national legislation
• Number of statutory instruments produced
4.3 Review the remit, status and • Publication of Heritage
• Number of Ministerial directions and restoration
funding of the National Parks and Ireland 2030
Orders issued, as required
Wildlife Service (NPWS), to ensure
that it is playing an effective role in • Publication of the NPWS
• Progress of World Heritage Tentative List and
delivering its overall mandate and Review
Implementation of World Heritage Sites Management
enforcement role in the protection Plans
of wildlife
• Progress of Bills through Oireachtas
4.4 Meet all international heritage
obligations • Number of nominations and designations to UNESCO
4.5 Progress further UNESCO • Progress in implementation of Heritage Ireland 2030
designations for Irish sites
• Timely transposition of EU Directives
26You can also read
