Launch of Report: Evaluation Phase 1 of Dublin City Age Friendly Housing with Support Model

Launch of Report: Evaluation Phase 1 of Dublin City Age Friendly Housing with Support Model

Damien English, T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Development

Mansion House

4 May 2018

Opening Remarks

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to be with you for the launch of this report on age friendly housing.

The report, which Dr. Kathy Walsh set out for us so clearly this morning, contains the results of an evaluation of the first phase of the Housing with Support Demonstration project.

It is a key priority for Government under the Rebuilding Ireland Plan, with which I am very proud to be associated.

I would like to congratulate Dr. Walsh for her hard work in producing this valuable report on this important issue.

The evaluation of phase one and the toolkit that has been developed will provide a useful reference and guidebook for others who want to replicate this ‘housing with supports’ model in other parts of the country.

I would like to thank Dublin City Council, who generously provided the site for this project, on their lands in Inchicore.

Thanks especially to Brendan Kenny, Deputy Chief Executive and Céline Reilly, Executive Manager in the Council.

The provision of housing is not just about numbers of houses built. It is about how we plan for the future. What we plan today will have an immense impact on how well people will live in their homes in the years ahead.

A key objective of Rebuilding Ireland is to deliver housing that meets current needs while contributing to wider objectives. Rebuilding Ireland also recognises the importance of planning housing for an ageing population.

The fact that this project was brought forward as a pathfinder housing project was significant. It had to be based on best practice and cost effectiveness. as well as taking a cross departmental, interagency approach to housing initiatives for older people. I would like to acknowledge the cooperation between:

My own Department,

The Department of Health,

Dublin City Council,

The HSE,

Age Friendly Dublin,

The Irish Council for Social Housing,

The Approved Housing Bodies and The Housing Agency.

Thanks to all of you, we have a timely project for the future. This was delivered in no small part thanks to the steering committee and its effective chairing by Maurice O’Connell.

Reading the report, so many more people were involved. I want you to know that your work is very much appreciated.

I would like to acknowledge the older people who took the time and care to tell us exactly what is needed for your future independent living. Your evidence is the bedrock to the success of this phase.

Demographics

While Ireland is a relatively young country, one of the key challenges facing us in the years ahead is planning for and addressing the needs of our rapidly ageing population.

The ageing of our population represents one of the most significant demographic and societal developments that this country faces, with the number of people over the age of 65 expected to reach 1.4 million by 2041.

Across the same period, the number over the age of 80 is set to quadruple to 480,000. The implications for public policy in areas such as housing, health and planning are considerable.

Announcing Funding for Housing Adaptation Grants

With such statistics, it is fitting that as well as launching the Evaluation Report today, I am also announcing the 2018 funding that has been secured for the Housing Adaptation Grants Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability.

I am pleased to say that funding of €66.25m has been secured for the schemes in 2018. This is an increase of 11% on 2017.

Over 9,000 households benefitted under the Scheme last year, and with this additional funding, we aim to support the improvement and adaptation of 10,000 homes this year.

I am very aware of the social benefit accruing from these grants in terms of facilitating older people and people with a disability to remain living in their own homes for longer.

It is also very important that these grants can be readily accessed by those who need them. For that reason, my Department has liaised with local authorities to review the accessibility of the scheme and is now working to streamline the application process.

We are moving to a single application form to cover the three schemes:

1. the grants to assist people with a disability;
2. those to assist older people in poor housing conditions;
3. and the mobility aids funding.

This better application arrangement, along with an ‘Easy Read Guide’ to filling the form, will make the grants more accessible to those who need them.

Further consideration will also be given to increasing the funding over the coming years in line with the commitment in Rebuilding Ireland.

Government Policy on Older People

In recognising and valuing the achievement and benefits of our population living longer, we need to ensure that their quality of life is maintained and nurtured.

Government policy in relation to housing for older people, as set out in the Programme for Government and Rebuilding Ireland, is to support older people to live with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Research has consistently shown that older people wish to ‘age in place’ close to their families, friends and in the community where they may have lived for many years.

In the past the traditional approach has been to keep older people in their own homes if they can manage, and if not, place them into high support accommodation, such as nursing homes.

It is really good to see more choice in housing types being planned to accommodate our ageing population. This project exemplifies the type of new offering that can be made available for older people in Ireland.

This policy approach is also seen as both contributing to a greater sense of wellbeing for older people and being cost effective. For many, living in adapted or specialist housing reduces reliance on health and social care services and can result in measurably improved health status.

It is important to acknowledge that housing policy for older people is broader and more complex than the mere provision of bricks and mortar.

Indeed, addressing the needs of older people requires a cross-Departmental approach and inter-agency co-operation. The provision of housing for older people, particularly as we look at the future needs of our ageing population, will require a good mix of housing and health policy.

St. Michael’s Estate Pilot Project under Rebuilding Ireland

The St. Michael’s Estate site in Inchicore has been identified as a “Housing with Support” pilot model under Rebuilding Ireland. It will deliver 52 homes.

It is intended to set a new standard for the future of housing provision for older people and to act as an exemplar for others to follow.

The project has been approved for funding of almost €15 million under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme with a contribution of €450,000 from the HSE towards additional communal facilities for the residents.

These homes are being future proofed even before they are built, with extra space in all the homes to allow for care staff and/or family overstays, whichever is the more appropriate as time goes by.

This project offers the opportunity for Circle AHB and Alone to design, build and operate a unique development. The new purpose-built housing units will have a range of on-site supports. My congratulations on winning the commission and I wish you every success in successfully delivering on the project.

The ‘Housing with Support’ model brings together a range of services and supports – principally relating to housing, community, social and care needs.

It enables older persons to live full lives in their own homes within their own community. It enables independence and reduces the need to move into long term residential care.

The overall aim is to develop a new model of housing for older people where the key components, physical environment and care supports are provided on-site, integrated into the community and are designed with older people at the core.

Phasing of the Project

Phase 1 of the project focused on the development of the concept and overall design; Phase 2 will provide the detailed design and build process.

It would be my wish and hope that this project will continue with all speed – funding is in place – and that building would commence as soon as possible so that we get to Phase 3, which will see residents move in and occupy the housing by 2020.

It is important that all the key stakeholders continue to work together on this project and drive it forward.

Concluding Remarks

The project we are discussing today is an important element of the Rebuilding Ireland Plan and is all the more significant for the cohort it seeks to support – our older people.

I hope the Inchicore project is the first of many such projects around the country and while I am delighted that Dublin City Council provided the site for this demonstrator project, I see no reason why others can’t replicate this model with private sites and funding.

I want to thank you all once for your efforts to date in turning this concept into reality and I look forward to the day when the homes in Inchicore are complete and occupied.

I want to especially single out the contribution of the chair of the Steering Group, Maurice O’Connell for mention. Maurice has shown a personal commitment to the project, over and above anything that could have been expected. His enthusiasm and drive for the project is infectious and in no small way has brought us to this day.

We have a good news story here and Maurice’s role in bringing housing, social and care supports together within a single scheme is to be commended. He and his Steering Committee deserve our heartiest congratulations.

In conclusion ladies and gentlemen:

• The groundwork is now complete.
• We now have a new practical model for housing in Ireland.
• I look forward to seeing the next two phases of this project completed; and
• Reaching the stage where people are moving into their new homes for what will be the next new adventure in their lives.

Well done and thank you.

ENDS

Minister English welcomes €2m Youth Capital Funding Scheme 2018

Thursday, 26th April 2018

Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, and Meath West Fine Gael T.D.
Damien English, has welcomed the recent announcement by his
Ministerial colleague Dr. Katherine Zappone of a €2m capital grant
scheme for targeted staff-led youth projects and services across the
country to fund small capital projects.

The Scheme is to support purchase of equipment and to fund small scale
projects including the upgrade of bathrooms and kitchens in youth
services.

Minister English stated: “I am delighted to welcome the launch of this
Scheme. As in previous years, I am confident the grants will assist in
improving the quality of the services to the benefit of young people
involved. In particular, they will improve the physical facilities,
many of which are in areas of disadvantage.”

Eligible local services will be invited by their Education and
Training Board (ETB) to apply for support.

Minister English continued: “The provision of €2m in grants
underscores the Government’s continued commitment to enhance the
quality of services which add such value to our communities. Investing
in Young People is a key priority for Government. This latest
announcement follows the €1.79m in current funding announced for
volunteer led youth clubs earlier this month whih will also be
administered by local ETBs.”

“In 2018 Fine Gael in Government, in partnership with the
Independents, will invest a total of €61.5m in current and capital
funding in clubs, services and supports for young people” stated
Minister English.

It is expected that the scheme will be open for applications by the
end of April 2018. Details will be on the Department of Children’s
website.

The Capital funding scheme is open to applications from Department of
Children and Youth Affairs funded projects under the Special Projects
for Youth Scheme, Youth Information Centres, Young People’s Facilities
and Services Fund and Local Drugs Task Force.

ENDS

Project Ireland 2040 launched today

‘Project Ireland 2040’, launched today, is a key element in how we plan
and build for the Meath/Westmeath and the Ireland of 2040 and beyond.  I am
delighted that encouraging local jobs near to where people live, and
providing vital infrastructure – both social and transport, are the
key drivers of this new investment plan. As one of the Ministers
responsible at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local
Government for the National Planning Framework , which forms a
crucial component of this plan, I welcome this jobs focussed and
sustainable vision.  This marks a major re-balancing of previous
failed Fianna Fail plans.

Some of the highlights of the plan include:

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Locally, in Meath West I welcome specifically the Rural Regeneration
and Development Fund. Investment projects in towns and villages with
populations of less than 10,000 in Meath and Westmeath will be in a
position to benefit from a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
which will invest €1bn in promoting rural renewal, to help towns,
villages and rural areas to grow in a sustainable way. Our larger Urban centres will also have access to an Urban Regeneration Fund.  This is good
news for many parts of rural Meath and Westmeath. Project Ireland 2040
also supports Gaeltacht areas across the country with increased
investment to enable the creation of 1,000 jobs every year in
Gaeltacht areas including Meath.

Social Housing

For social housing, the target up to the 2021 period is to deliver
approximately 26,120 additional social homes under this programme
across the Greater Dublin Region (Meath/Kildare/Wicklow). Over two
thirds of this will be through new build and a healthy pipeline of
activity is already in place with around 5,000 units completed, on
site or progressing through approval stages.  Of the 5,000 additional
social housing units in current delivery, specific examples would
include projects in Meath at Ratoath 17 homes, Kells 40 homes and
Connaught Grove, Athboy, 32 homes.

Dunboyne Rail and possible extension to Dunshaughlin and Navan

The National Transport Authority is required to review its Greater
Dublin Area Transport Strategy before the end of 2021. This review
will include a reappraisal of the project to extend the rail line from
Dunboyne to Dunshaughlin and Navan, taking into account the scale of
new and planned development along the route and will allow for its
consideration during the Mid Term Review of Project Ireland 2040.

Greenway

Projects ready to be delivered in 2018/2019 include the completion of
the Kildare and Meath sections of the Galway to Dublin Greenway. It is
expected that a number of new greenways projects will be funded and
delivered over the period of the National Development Plan, the
funding for which will be allocated on the basis of a competitive
bid-based approach. The goal of an iconic coast-to- coast greenway
from Dublin to Galway remains a priority for the Government and in
light of the development of the Greenways Strategy.

ENDS

Minister English announces new social housing scheme for Navan

8th January 2018

Damien English, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government today (Monday) announced approval to the construction of over 40 units in Farganstown, Navan, Co. Meath. Funding of €11.2 million is being provided by the Department for this project, which is part of a wider development. 

Meath County Council have received approval for funding of €4.26 million under Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF), also from the Department, for the provision of an access road for Farganstown which will enable the delivery of these social housing units and a further 360 private housing units.  The grant agreement for the LIHAF project was signed by the Minister in December 2017.

Minister English welcomed the project which, importantly, will advance in tandem with the LIHAF infrastructure works. 

Rebuilding Ireland, Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness has put in place the necessary funding to accelerate the delivery of social housing, with a greater emphasis now being placed on direct build activity for local authorities and approved housing bodies. 

Minister English acknowledged progress nationally with the construction status report to Quarter 3 2017 showing significant growth in the area of new build activity with over 770 schemes, which will deliver some 12,300 associated units in the pipeline. 

In Meath in particular he said “there are already 14 projects in the construction pipeline, which will deliver in excess of 243 units at an estimated cost of €50 million, which along with this project will bring Meath County Council’s current pipeline to over 280 units”. Local Authorities have been asked to continue to add to their pipeline of construction projects.

In Budget 2018, €1.9 billion has been secured for housing programmes, representing a 46% increase over 2017.  This investment will ensure that the housing needs of 25,500 households will be met next year, 4,420 more households than in 2017. 

“My Department and I will be continuing to engage proactively with all local authorities including Meath County Council and with approved housing bodies to expand further the programme of projects in the weeks and months ahead” concluded Minister English.

ENDS

€30,000 for 4 Meath based Animal Welfare groups

Damien English, Meath West Fine Gael T.D. and Minister for Housing and Urban Development, has welcomed funding awards of €30,000 for four Meath based animal welfare organisations recently.

According to Minister English, these local organisations provide a vital service throughout the County in protecting animal welfare. The organisations that will benefit from the Government announcement include: Dogs in Distress Ltd, Ash Hill, Dunboyne, (€11,000), Last Hope Animal Charity, Navan, (€10,000), Leinster Horse & Pony Rescue, Navan Road, Trim, (€4,000), and Mollies Animal Rescue, Duleek (€5,000). The payments will be made with immediate effect, meaning a positive start for animal welfare in Co. Meath in the New Year.

Minister English stated: “These local organisations contribute greatly to protecting animals in Meath, by providing sanctuary for in many instances surrendered, abandoned and at risk animals and the funding being awarded is evidence of Fine Gael in Government’s on-going commitment in the area of animal welfare and is a recognition of the important role played by these organisations in safeguarding animals particularly pet and companion animals.”

He continued: “I join with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in acknowledging the work of the welfare organisations locally and nationally. I take this opportunity to thank their staff and volunteers, especially over the Christmas and New Year period when many of them will have to work especially hard.”

Additional funding for Seniors Alert Scheme in Meath West after applications quadruple nationally – English

Additional funding is available for the Seniors Alert Scheme in Meath West following an upsurge in applications nationally for the free personalised alarms for people over 65, local Minister for Housing and Urban Development Damien English T.D. has said. He is urging local older people to sign up and avail of the funding.

The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.

Minister English’s colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, initially allocated €2.3 million for the Seniors Alert Scheme in October. The rate of applications for personal alarms quadrupled nationally in November after Minister Ring widened the eligibility criteria for the scheme and launched a nationwide publicity campaign, leading the Minister to also allocate an additional €400,000.

Minister English, the Fine Gael T.D. for Meath West said “It’s very positive to see a good uptake for this scheme nationally, but we need to see more older people in Counties Meath and Westmeath be made aware of it and to avail of this important scheme.

“We need to make sure that as many of our older people avail of this scheme as possible, which is why I am encouraging everyone reading this to get the word out there as widely as possible.

“All you have to do is make contact with your local Seniors Alert group. You can find out about your local group by logging on to http://www.pobal.ie or phoning 01 5117222.

“The community groups that are supporting its delivery are providing a valuable service and deserve great credit.

“This measure exists with the support of local voluntary groups and if users feel in danger or require immediate assistance they can activate the device which will alert designated members of their community who can then assist them.

“There is free personal monitoring of the alarm for the first 12 months after which the person pays a small fee. This measure contributes greatly to the safety and wellbeing of senior citizens in their homes.

“This funding for Meath West seniors demonstrates this Government’s commitment to the safety of older people in our community,” the Minister for Housing and Urban Development said.

“The best New Year’s resolution you can make is to get an older relative or neighbour to sign up for free a personalised alarm, or help them to do so.

“I want to urge people to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours at this time of year. The Winter months can be a challenging time for some older people. Small gestures can make a big difference for someone who is living alone. Reaching out to an older person in your community can help brighten up their New Year, whether it’s popping in for a chat, or lighting the fire or bringing someone some food.”

ENDS

Families across Meath West get help with the cost of medication in 2018 – English

Families across Meath West will benefit from a reduction in prescription charges in the New Year, local Minister for Housing and Urban Development Damien English T.D. has siad.

It was announced in Budget 2018 that the charge will reduce from €2.50 to €2 per item from January 1^st, 2018 and there will be a reduction in the monthly cap from €25 to €20.

The Meath West Fine Gael T.D. and Minister said: “I am delighted that families across Meath West and all across Ireland will benefit from reduced prescription charges in the coming weeks.

“The new measure means all medical card holders will only pay €2 per item, with a maximum cost of €20 a month.

“This means Meath West Medical Card holders under the age of 70 will save up to €60 in 2018 from the reduction in the prescription charge”.

And in another boost for families, more savings will come into force from January 1^st on the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS).

“This year local families will also save up to €120 a year in medication costs with a reduction of €10 in the monthly threshold for Drug Payment Scheme

“Budget 2018 provided for a reduction in the DPS monthly threshold from €144 to €134, with effect from January 1^st.

“The DPS is intended to protect people and families who don’t have a medical card against excessive health costs, through a monthly cap on approved medicine costs. It also applies to those who have a GP visit card.

“Reducing the cost of medicines for families is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and, building on the progress in 2017 where Fine Gael in government reduced the prescription charge for over 70’s, we are delighted to now be in a position to further reduce the cost of medicines from the 1st of January 2018.

“In line with the Sláintecare recommendations, and subject to available resources, it is our intention to build upon these initiatives in future years and continue to reduce the cost of medicines for families.

“Fine Gael in Government is committed to supporting you and your family and building a sustainable future,” Minister English concluded.

ENDS

English welcomes news of €47,000 for new Meath Sports Partnership project

Friday, 15th December 2017

Meath one of 11 Counties to benefit from Urban Outdoor Adventure
Initiatives under Dormant Accounts Fund

Meath West Fine Gael T.D. and Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal
Damien English has welcomed news from the Department of Rural and
Community Development and the Department of Transport, Tourism and
Sport, that Meath Sports Partnership is to benefit from €47,000 in
funding under the Dormants Accounts Fund.  Meath is one of 11 Counties
chosen to benefit from ‘Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives’.

The successful Meath Sports Partnership project is a kayaking
programme that will run in Navan and Trim. The project seeks to create
new opportunities for traveller community with training provided to
participants in kayaking. There will be investment in equipment
necessary for this project. Equipment will be also utilised by local
clubs, schools, and youth groups and on other programmes after this
initiative is complete. “This means it is an investment both now and
for the future for Navan, Trim and Meath” stated Minister English.

ENDS

Minister English welcomes €28.8m Minor Works Grant for Primary Schools

117 Meath Primary Schools to receive money, 77 in Co. Westmeath

Local Meath West T.D. and Minister for Housing and Urban Development
Damien English T.D. has welcomed the news from the Minister for
Education and Skills, that the Minor Works Grant will be paid to all
primary schools throughout Meath West and the country next week.

All primary schools will receive a flat rate Minor Works Grant of
€5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs
pupil attending a special school or special class. The grant is worth
€6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school.
There are 117 Primary Schools in Co. Meath, and 77 in Co. Westmeath.

Schools can use the grant for a variety of school works, including
improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or
replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of
standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of
floor coverings and window blinds, and the purchase of IT related
equipment.

Minister English said:

“I am pleased to announce that a 2017/2018 Minor Works Grant will
issue to primary schools throughout Meath West next week.  I am aware of
the importance of the Minor Works Grant to schools. I would like to
take this opportunity to pay tribute to the excellent work done by
Boards of Management on a voluntary basis as well asa by School
Principals in using the Minor Works Grant effectively to improve
school infrastructure and upgrade the furniture and equipment
available for teaching and learning.”

ENDS

Meath Enterprise Week Business Conference and Expo

Speech by Damien English T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Development

for Meath Enterprise Week Business Conference and Expo 

Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim

Thursday, 16^th November 2017

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY PLEASE

Ladies and Gentlemen, entrepreneurs of County Meath, it is a great pleasure to be in Trim for the 4^th Annual Meath Enterprise Week Business Conference and Expo.

I would like to pay tribute to Gary O’Meara and his team at Meath Enterprise for continuing with this showcase event that brings together the very best of Meath Entrepreneurship under one roof.

This year’s conference theme of ‘Collaboration, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ encapsulates the essence of what it takes to bring an idea for a product or service from inception right through to the market.

But it is the ‘Innovation’ aspect of the expo that excites me the most. Innovation is nothing new to Meath.

Innovation is not just driven by bright ideas, innovation is driven by entrepreneurs, who take great ideas and bring them to life as new products, new services and new businesses.

Five thousand years ago Meath was at the cutting edge of innovation in Europe. The best Scientists and Engineers in Europe, in the world, were working to build the megalithic structure at Newgrange.

That building was precisely aligned to flood the inner burial chamber with light at dawn on the shortest day of the year and demonstrates just how innovative and skilled our remote ancestors were.

The factors which led to the creation of Western Europe’s first innovation hub in Meath, location and connectivity, a highly skilled workforce and a great quality of life, are still present in the county.

In point of fact they are stronger than ever.

My vision for Meath, a vision shared by Meath Co Council, Meath Enterprise and business in Meath is that Meath will not just be a great county to live in, but a great county to work in & to invest in.

And the Boyne Valley Food Innovation District is absolutely critical to making that vision a reality.

I think the secret to success for the Food Innovation District is collaboration. And the same is true for your success in business.

Collaboration within industry, between businesses and with academia and researchers can help unlock the full potential of what you are offering and deliver real impact for Meath and for job creation in the county.

It is through your success over the past few years in business that has seen more jobs created in Meath.

The national unemployment rate is now at 6%, and it continues to drop.

4 out of 5 jobs created in the last 12 months have been outside Dublin.

There are now approximately 85,000 Meath people in work

927 Meath jobs supported by the Local Enterprise Office (2016)

8,732 Meath Jobs in Meath Business supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Uduras na Gaeltachta (2016)

Thousands upon thousands of jobs created by small business in Meath.

I want to thank you for your work, for developing your business and for your dedication to job creation in Meath.

I want to thank Meath Enterprise, Meath LEO, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and all the State Agencies for working with you when needed.

I would like to leave you with a quote from Ewing Marion Kauffman

“All of the money in the world cannot solve problems unless we work together. And if we work together, there is no problem in the world that can stop us”

I have no doubt that if work together we will drive your business, our county and the Boyne Valley Region well on its way to being at the cutting edge centre of innovation & job creation in the 21^st Century.

Together we will make Meath a great place to live, work, and build a brighter future for our children.

ENDS