Latest news with #Housing
GMA Network
15 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
PIDS: 28% of Filipino families live in extended households
PIDS Supervising Research Specialist Tatum Ramos said 28.8% of households in the Philippines are no longer of a traditional nuclear type. More than one in four Filipino households are in extended or multifamily arrangements, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). PIDS Supervising Research Specialist Tatum Ramos said 28.8% of households in the Philippines are no longer of a traditional nuclear type. 'Households have been veering away from the typical composition of household head, spouse, and a child,' Ramos said. She explained that this is the case due to the growing role of shared economic survival strategies in household formation. Published in December 2024, 'Demographic Trends nd Housing Patterns in the Philippines' defines extended and multifamily households as a family arrangement where parents or siblings cohabitate with relatives outside the immediate family nucleus. The study showed that there is a decline in nuclear household arrangements from 71% in 1990 to 61% in 2020. Meanwhile, people living in extended and multiple family arrangements increased from 25% in 1990 to 29% in 2020. 'They have decided to join their relatives in a household to gain support in growing their own family or [to manage] living and housing expenses,' Ramos said. Data from the study revealed a significant link between wealth and the likelihood of living in extended or multifamily arrangements. 'On average, the difference in the probability of being in an extended and multifamily household given one unit increase in the wealth estimate is a 6.5% point increase,' Ramos said. She argued that instead of viewing extended or multifamily arrangements as problematic, it rather present adaptive social strategies as it offers resource-sharing opportunities.
Irish Independent
17 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Meath County Council awarded over €100,000 for biodiversity projects
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne, TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, TD. The funding comes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), a scheme established in 2018 to help local authorities implement biodiversity actions at local and regional levels. Since its creation, almost €11m has been distributed through the fund. Minister James Browne said: 'Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. He added: 'I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.' Minister Christopher O'Sullivan highlighted the range of work being undertaken: 'I'm really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.' Meanwhile Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer with Meath County Council, also welcomed the support. He said: 'We're delighted with the support received this year through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supporting people to create habitats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservation needs and adding to our state of knowledge on biodiversity in the county.' Among the projects funded in Meath this year are: County Meath Wetland Survey – Phase 1 County Meath Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Survey – Phase 1 Invasive Alien Species Project – Quagga Mussel in Lough Sheelin Invasive Alien Species Project – Common Cordgrass in the Nanny Estuary Recording Irish Mayfly – establishing conservation status The Hare's Corner – assisting landowners to create new habitats for biodiversity Commons of Lloyd Biodiversity and Conservation Agriculture Project Continuation of Barn Owl Conservation Project Development of the Woodland Bat Monitoring Scheme Community biodiversity initiatives and outreach support This funding is said to support the objectives of Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions For Nature, launched in January 2024. For the first time, the plan has been published on a statutory basis under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2023, requiring public bodies to integrate biodiversity into their policies and report on progress. By 2050, the plan envisions that 'Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford projects receive €74,639 in funding under the Heritage Council's 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, said: 'I am delighted to see so many excellent initiatives in Wexford supported through this grant funding. These groups conserve and protect our local heritage for generations to come to enjoy and I look forward to seeing the projects come to life through this funding.' The recipients of the funds are: Saltmills and St Kearns Community Group, €9,759, Kilanerin Tidy Towns, €9,050, Tara Hill Community Development Association CLG, €3,300, Ferns Community Development Association, €24,310, and Druimcree Historical Group, €7,425 (across multiple counties). The over €24,000 in funding awarded to Ferns Community Development Association will support it in its work to conduct a conservation survey and plan which will set out a route map in how to conserve, maintain and enhance the natural, archaeological and built heritage of the Ferns old historic graveyard. The Heritage Council is distributing more than €1.9 million through the Scheme this year to support 132 heritage initiatives across Ireland. These grants will enable local communities to conserve and celebrate Ireland's built, cultural, and natural heritage. The allocation follows a national call for applications in February, which attracted hundreds of proposals from heritage groups, volunteers, and community organisations across the country. Several initiatives funded will operate across Ireland. These include Bat Conservation Ireland, which has been awarded €15,583 for the second phase of its "Gardening for Bats" project; the Royal Dublin Society, receiving €19,491 for the preservation, digitisation, and cataloguing of the Lawrence Steele Egyptology Collection; and the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network, which has been granted €22,525 for its project on the oral histories of Irish show people. All funded projects can begin work immediately and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Previous recipients in Wexford have used this funding to restore architectural features, digitise local archives, and carry out conservation training — strengthening both the preservation of heritage and the local economy. Dr. Martina Moloney, Chairperson of the Heritage Council added: 'The Heritage Council is committed to empowering communities and ensuring that our shared heritage is preserved and celebrated by all. This scheme reflects that commitment, supporting a diverse range of projects—from conservation and skills training to research and interpretation—that might not otherwise receive funding. Initiatives like the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, Adopt a Monument, and Heritage in Schools show how local engagement and national support can combine to deliver real, lasting benefits.' "The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is a vital part of this approach, helping communities across Ireland protect the places, stories, and traditions that matter most to them.' Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, remarked: 'Through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, we are proud to support the work of local groups who care deeply about their heritage and who are taking meaningful action to protect and promote it. Whether it's restoring a local landmark, recording oral histories, or creating habitats for biodiversity, these projects have a tangible and lasting impact." 'They strengthen local identity, drive tourism, and create opportunities for learning, connection, and employment. We see time and again how this scheme brings people together and builds pride of place across the country,' she added.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Winnipeg councillors begin hearing on fourplexes, four-storeys zoning changes
Winnipeg councillors began a multi-day hearing on new zoning rules on Monday that would allow up to four units on residential lots across the city. The proposed changes would also allow construction fourplexes up to four storeys high within 800 metres of frequent transit routes. These projects would be permitted without the need for a public hearing, as long as they meet design standards like lot coverage and setbacks. Dozens of people registered to speak at the hearing, roughly evenly split between those in support and those in opposition. The hearing is expected to last multiple days, beginning with supporters like Michael Hems. "I believe that we need to just allow our housing stock to grow in a way that curbs urban sprawl, because to many Winnipeggers out there, they understand our infrastructure is crumbling," he said. Councillors agreed to make the changes to get more than $122 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Critics say the plan will take away the right of people to have a say on developments. Others argue that the changes will not lead to a significant increase in housing construction, because other factors such as the cost of materials and labour shortages hamper the industry. St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes says city staff have addressed some of his concerns, but not all of them. He and River Heights-Fort Garry Coun. John Orlikow won a vote earlier this year, rescheduling the hearing from March until June, to allow more time for public consultation. "That created, I think, a kind of a spirit of compromise," Mayes told reporters on Monday. "So, it's been respectful so far. We'll see. Tempers will rise at some point, probably mine included. But you know, so far so good, I think." Mayes says he still worries the minimum lot size for fourplexes with no back lane is too small. Mayor Scott Gillingham says the federal government has mandated the changes, and the city needs money for housing. "We have talked publicly and consistently about the fact that I think as of six months ago, the vacancy rate in Manitoba was below two per cent," he said. "It's very difficult to find housing in Winnipeg right now." Gillingham says other federal funding programs like the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Canada Public Transit Fund also make zoning changes a requirement. In total, he says more than $450 million in federal money depends on the city following through on its rezoning commitment. To qualify for the full funding, Winnipeg must issue building permits for 14,000 units by next year. Councillors are expected to vote on the zoning changes later this week, after all delegates have spoken.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte leaders consider regulation changes for street vendors
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte leaders discussed the ongoing conflict between traditional business owners and street vendors at Monday's Housing, Safety and Community Committee meeting. In the NoDa neighborhood, brick-and-mortar businesses expressed concerns as well as problems with lack of personal safety amid the ongoing 'turf war' between them and vendors. They also added that vendors were causing sidewalk and street obstruction. During a city council meeting on May 28, business owners spoke out against vendors, calling them a nuisance. But this is an issue that has been going on for years. While Monday's meeting was only informational, city leaders pitched possible solutions, including having a designated area for vendors, expanding permits to all vendors, and possibly raising the cost of fines. Committee members expressed support for requiring all vendors to have permits across Charlotte. 'I would recommend the permit be required everywhere just from a health and safety perspective. You can't have people cooking on the sidewalk, and there's no standard,' said Councilwoman Renee Johnson. Currently, street vendors are legal without a permit city-wide outside of the Congested Business District, except those in the Tryon Street Mall Vendor Program. Those vendors do require a permit. It's $160 a year to join the street vendor program. Many of the business owners who attended Monday's meeting voiced support for vendors to have a specific space to avoid taking up space on the narrow sidewalks of NoDa. Violations of the city's street-vending ordinance result in fines ranging from $10-$50. Nationally, Charlotte ranks among the cities with the lowest maximum fines. Committee members expressed support for raising the cost of fines to meet the standard of other major cities. So how soon could these changes be implemented? There are two City Council business meetings in June before the council takes a break in July. Councilwoman Victoria Watlington made a motion for staff to work on escalating fines up to $500 and a tracking system for those who are repeat offenders, and those who have a permit. Also, Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera made a motion for staff to develop a pilot program that addresses the concerns made by council members and business owners to be implemented 'as soon as possible.' Both motions passed unanimously. Staff will provide an update on when those changes will be implemented at the next business meeting. 'We want the community to know that we hear you,' Councilwoman Tiawana Brown said. 'And although we might not be able to move expeditiously on every subject that we get, this was one that warrants immediate attention because of safety and other concerns that the community has.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
