Written Answers Nos. 478-500
478. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the development of a successor scheme to the basic income for the arts pilot; to outline the measures that will be in place for current participants when the pilot concludes in August 2025 and while they await the successor scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31894/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists. I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I met recently with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) to hear its views on the scheme in detail. I understand the anxiety of pilot payment recipients in particular and intend to bring clarity on this situation in the coming weeks.
Evaluation of the pilot is continuous, as participants complete a survey every six months. My Department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme.
A further interview research paper, written by an independent researcher, was published recently. This paper collects the experiences of 50 BIA recipients, who have been interviewed by a sociologist. A cost-benefit analysis paper is also being prepared.
While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation. Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and the future of the BIA will be decided when the final results of the research are available which will provide the Government with the evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.
479. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he will provide the funding to rebuild the Buncrana Leisure Centre, County. Donegal; if he is aware of the serious impact on the community of 40,000 people living in Inishowen, from the closure of this key community amenity for over a decade. [32022/25]
View answerCapital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, is provided by my Department through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, which to date has allocated €28.9 million to 9 swimming pool projects.
In 2024, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applications. In parallel, funding towards design costs was allocated to the leisure centre project in Buncrana. This was done given the strategic importance of developing swimming pool infrastructure, in line with the National Swimming Strategy. The Department is progressing the drawdown of this funding with the Council.
Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy was published in August 2024 and it sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. The Working Group tasked with developing the Strategy consisted of representatives from my Department, Swim Ireland, Sport Ireland, Active Disability Ireland, Ireland Active and the local authorities.
The resultant Strategy includes an Action Plan containing over 50 actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
The public consultation that informed the development of the National Swimming Strategy suggested that existing swimming pool stock is insufficient and, as a result, a key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities. There is a specific action in the strategy to complete an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for swimming, is currently undertaking an analysis of the type and nature of swimming pool ownership in the country and will publish a report in this regard in the coming period. This report will be central to the future development of swimming pool facilities.
In support of the Strategy, additional funding of €500,000 was provided to Swim Ireland in 2024 for the deployment of swimming activators to work within local authority areas, focusing on increasing participation amongst under-represented groups and improving coaching supports and facilities. This additional funding will also be provided in 2025 and 2026 – totalling €1.5 million over three years.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan will be shared across Government Departments, State Agencies and other key stakeholders, including local authorities. In the coming period, Sport Ireland has established an oversight group of key stakeholders to give leadership, policy direction, prioritisation and mobilisation of resources to support, monitor and measure the Strategy’s implementation.
480. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider reviewing the eligibility criteria for the National Broadband Plan intervention area in light of ongoing broadband access issues in urban areas, where only a single provider offers broadband above the 30Mbps threshold, effectively limiting competition; if he will examine the impact of this lack of competition on affordability and consumer choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32057/25]
View answerThe State's target is to ensure gigabit capable broadband services are made available to all premises in the country by 2028 from at least one infrastructure provider. Once this infrastructure is in place, a significant number of retail service providers can then provide services to end users. This provides consumers with significant choice and is likely to drive competition. The Department is working with the commercial operators to identify areas where gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure is either unavailable or insufficient with a view to developing remedies so that all premises can avail of these services.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The criteria for eligibility to be part of the NBP intervention area was set at a 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload threshold that was drawn up as part of the mapping consultation in mid-2019 (this defined the NBP intervention and exclusion areas).
Alongside the NBP intervention, the Department is monitoring closely the national rollouts of open eir, Siro and Virgin media fibre networks. Open eir are currently in the process of upgrading 1.9 million premises located outside the intervention area to full fibre offering gigabit or greater (almost 1.4million premises are already upgraded).
ComReg latest report issued on the 12th June states that 86% of the premises nationally are now gigabit capable – this figure is increasing quarter-on-quarter - www.comreg.ie/media/2025/06/Quarterly-Key-Data-Report-Q1-2025.pdf.
481. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the supports provided by his Department for the operation of municipal art galleries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32083/25]
View answerMy Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist the development and to maintain arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for two specific grant schemes relevant to the collection and collation of local historical artefacts.
The Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme is a scheme of funding support from my Department for local, regional and specialised museums, with their own permanent premises, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital exhibition costs. The scheme provides grants for capital works which enhance the exhibition/display facilities within the museum or which promote access to the museum. The objective is to create a fund to assist museums in contributing to the national and local culture through exhibition programmes for both locals and visitors alike. This scheme operates on a matched funding basis, where 25% of the proposed costs must be provided by the applicant.
The aim of the Mobility of Collections scheme is the dissemination of the National Collections to regional museums and to support greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The Scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country. These schemes recently closed to applications, however organisations can register their interest with the Department for future applications.
Information on funding in respect of these supports for the years 2020 to 2024 is available on my Department's website at gov - Cultural Projects Funding (www.gov.ie). (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6acdc-cultural-projects-funding/) Funding for 2025 will be announced shortly.
Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to these organisations by local authorities. The Arts Council also provides supports through various funding awards such as Strategic Funding which supports key arts organisations, ensuring their sustainability and capacity to deliver high-quality arts experiences. It focuses on the delivery of excellent artwork, services, events and activities that provide more people with the opportunity to enjoy high quality arts experiences.
The Arts Council also provide Arts Centre Funding which invests in and supports the infrastructure of arts centres required to sustain and develop the arts in Ireland. It focuses on year-round production and dissemination of arts activities, events and services of the highest quality throughout the country.
Further information on all of these funding opportunities can be found on the Arts Councils website at the following link; Funding opportunities - The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon (https://artscouncil.ie/funding/funding-opportunities/)
482. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the basic income for the arts pilot scheme will be extended or expanded beyond its planned end date in August, in view of the vital support it has provided to those working in the arts sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32327/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists. I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I met recently with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) to hear its views on the scheme in detail. I understand the anxiety of pilot payment recipients in particular and intend to bring clarity on this situation in the coming weeks.
Evaluation of the pilot is continuous, as participants complete a survey every six months. My Department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme.
A further interview research paper, written by an independent researcher, was published recently. This paper collects the experiences of 50 BIA recipients, who have been interviewed by a sociologist. A cost-benefit analysis paper is also being prepared.
While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation. Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and the future of the BIA will be decided when the final results of the research are available which will provide the Government with the evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.
483. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department’s website employs analytics tools (details supplied) that track website traffic using UTM parameters (for example, utm_source); if so, whether any visits have been recorded with a specific parameter or similar identifiers indicating traffic from ChatGPT; and to provide the monthly number of such visits, if recorded, for each of the past 12 months, in tabular form. [32495/25]
View answerMy Department employs analytics tools to track website traffic and indicates traffic from ChatGPT for the period. Please see below the analytics specific to my Department that relate to this request.
|
11-30 June 2024 |
Jul 24 |
Aug 24 |
Sep 24 |
Oct 24 |
Nov 24 |
Dec 24 |
Jan 2025 |
Feb 25 |
March 25 |
April 25 |
May 25 |
1-11 June 2025 |
|
0 |
0 |
19 |
24 |
75 |
45 |
64 |
105 |
141 |
186 |
137 |
148 |
11 |
The analytics platform used by my Department changed in the last twelve months for operational reasons. For the period 11 June 2024 to 30 November 2024, analytics were supplied from Google Analytics 4 (GA4). For the period from 1 December 2024 to 11 June 2025 the analytics data is supplied from the current provider, Matomo.
484. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Minister if he will provide an update on the cultural capital scheme application of a group (details supplied). [32579/25]
View answerAt present, my Department does not have an application for funding from the group referred to by the Deputy.
The group previously applied for funding and was successful under Stream D of my Department's Cultural Capital Scheme. The grant was drawn down in full, by the group in April 2021. Stream D was set up specifically to assist arts and culture organisations to reopen safely after COVID-19 and help prevent its spread.
This group are welcome to make an application under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme. Grants of up to €50,000 are available to not-for-profit arts and culture organisations for capital projects that reduce their carbon footprint or provide additional capacity for artistic production. Full details for Stream E can be obtained at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media/publications/creative-arts-grants-and-funding/.
485. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the percentage of Exchequer funding that was provided to each State agency under the remit of his Department in 2024 for its capital and current funding, in tabular form. [32607/25]
View answerDetails of funding allocated to State Agencies under the remit of my Department are published in The Revised Estimates Volumes for the Public Service as published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Reform, and NDP Delivery and are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/the-revised-estimates-volumes-for-the-public-service/.
I would also advise the Deputy that a Further Revised Estimates Volume for 2025 is due to be published shortly by the Department of Public Expenditure, Reform, and NDP Delivery. This volume will account for the Departmental reconfiguration arising from the formation of Government after the General Election in November 2024, and will present the Agencies' allocations accordingly.
486. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects to fill the post of Chairperson for the National Concert Hall. [32608/25]
View answerThe current Chairperson of the Board of the National Concert Hall, Ms Maura McGrath, was appointed to a second five-year term with effect from 24 June 2021, as provided for in section 9.1.5 of the Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards.
My Department is currently liaising with Publicjobs (the Public Appointments Service) with the intention of advertising a competition to fill current and anticipated future vacancies on the Board of the National Concert Hall. This will include a number of ordinary Board member vacancies, and the role of the Chairperson when that becomes vacant.
487. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the costs incurred by his Department and bodies under its aegis from contracts awarded to communications and PR firms in 2024; the name of the contractor and a description of the work undertaken in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32635/25]
View answerI am informed that my Department, as then constituted, did not award any contracts to communications and PR firms in 2024. Regarding the bodies under my Department’s remit, these are operational matters for the bodies themselves.
It should be noted that my Department was re-configured as the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport at the beginning of this month.
488. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the process used within his Department when directors/chief executives of agencies in the aegis of his Department seek re-appointment or an extension to their term of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32754/25]
View answerMy Department complies with the relevant governing legislation and
- section 6.2 ("Reappointment of Incumbent CEOs") of the Guidelines for Appointments of CEOs of Non-Commercial State Bodies (2019) in relation to the reappointment of CEOs or Directions for a further and final term, and
- sections 1.6 to 1.11 ("Commercial State Bodies") of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies: Remuneration and Superannuation (2016) in relation to the reappointment of CEOs or Directors of Commercial State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
489. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has had any engagement with An Post in relation to section 8.22 of the Code of Practice in respect of any material acquisition or disposal of land, buildings or other material assets; and if so, the nature of that engagement.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32801/25]
View answerAs Minister, I have responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, to ensure the company is fully compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning An Post.
In accordance with section 8.22 of the Code of Practice, all State bodies are required to seek the approval of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in advance of any material acquisition or disposal of land, buildings or other material assets proposed by a State body. My officials engage with An Post in relation to various consent requests and An Post is aware of the requirement for compliance with the Code of Practice.
490. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of judicial review cases his Department has defended in each of the past ten years; the number in relation to which proceedings are pending or continuing; the number of cases which were lost and won, respectively, in the same period; the number of cases that settled in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32837/25]
View answerIn relation to the requested period up to October 2022, I would refer the Deputy to the responses to PQ 50765/22 of Thursday, 13 October 2022 (Dáil Number 224) in respect of the then Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and PQ 50755/22 of Thursday, 13 October 2022 (Dáil Number 177) in respect of the then Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The following table sets out the details requested by the Deputy in respect of the functions under my Department’s current configuration, in the period since October 2022.
|
Judicial Review Case |
Status |
Outcome |
|
Lighthouse Networks Limited trading as Lightnet -v- the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment |
Settled in June 2024 |
Case Won |
|
LOC8 -v- Eircodes and Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment |
Plaintiff’s case was dismissed in the High Court, as affirmed by the Court of Appeal on the plaintiff’s appeal. |
Case Closed |
|
Rateability exemption under section 15 of the Valuation Act, 2000 in respect of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) - Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal |
Ongoing |
N/A |
491. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a reason must be given by a person when making an objection to planning permission as was the case in the past (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31798/25]
View answerPublic participation is an important element of all substantive decision-making processes under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (Act of 2000). It is also a requirement under the UN Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation on Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Aarhus Convention) and the European Union Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU in relation to specific types of developments.
In Ireland, it is open to any member of the public to make an observation or submission on a planning application, with the associated fee, within a specified period and the planning authority is statutorily obliged to consider such submissions before making a decision on the application. The contents of a submission are not prescribed under legislation.
Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of any significant further information provided to the planning authority by the applicant and to be notified of the authority’s decision on the application. Furthermore, any person who made a submission on a planning application may appeal the planning authority’s decision on the application to An Bord Pleanála (the Board) or may make a submission to the Board in relation to an appeal of that decision.
The Board has discretion to dismiss an appeal where it is satisfied that the appeal is vexatious, frivolous or without substance or foundation, or where the appeal is made with the sole intention of delaying development or of securing the payment of money, gifts, considerations or other inducement by any person.
While I am satisfied that the current arrangements in relation to public participation in decision-making contribute significantly to the openness and transparency of the planning process, the Planning and Development Act 2024 addresses the potential for spurious planning objections and appeals. When these provisions are enacted later this year, statutory declarations will have to be submitted with all submissions or objections on planning applications, appeals and judicial reviews stating that it is not being done for the purposes of delaying a development or for receiving a payment. Requesting payment for not opposing a development will also be prohibited.
492. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a site has extensive growth of an invasive species, and the landowner deliberately and recklessly disrupts and spreads the contaminated soil onto neighbouring properties, public footpath road; other sites, then, what does it take for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to take action to investigate and enforce relevant legislation to prosecute such offenders. [31810/25]
View answer493. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policies in place that local authorities must comply with and enforce when a site with a planning application has significant non-native invasive species growth, specifically Japanese knotweed; the responsibilities of the planning authority for planning applications for such sites; the person or body responsible for ensuring that the planning application process complies with such policies; the measures must the planning authority adopt to monitor and evaluate that relevant policies are adhered to on the site (pre and post granting permission; and the person or body that is accountable when such policies are not upheld or not complied with. [31811/25]
View answer494. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a site has extensive growth of invasive species, the conditions or stipulations that must be applied to the granting of permission prior to commencement of construction such as, should a knotweed management plan be mandated prior to construction especially when an expert report submission advocates for one. [31812/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 492, 493 and 494 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species. In addition, in July 2024, my Department led on the introduction of the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 which further strengthen the existing legislative framework, including by placing restrictions on trade in invasive species.
Under this legislative framework, responsibility for dealing with invasive alien species is a matter for the landowner. Much of the work in tackling invasive plant species such as knotweed happens at local level and is carried out by local authorities in their areas through their own biodiversity action plans. My Department does not generally have a role in the management or eradication of invasive species on privately owned lands other than as the regulatory authority for the invasive alien species legislation.
However, under the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations introduced last year (SI 374/2024) it is an offence to:
(a) introduce into the State, (b) keep, including in contained holding, (c) breed, including in contained holding, (d) import into, export from or transport within the State, except for the transportation of species to facilities in the context of eradication, (e) place on the market, (f) use, exchange or offer for exchange, (g) permit to reproduce, grow or cultivate, including in contained holding, or (h) release into the environment,
an invasive alien species.
Furthermore, it is an offence to release a vector material into the environment.
Where there is a contravention of these Regulations, the authorities should be notified so that the matter may be investigated further.
Summary proceedings for offences under the Regulations may be brought by –
(a) the Minister,
(b) a competent authority in the State,
(c) a member of the Garda Síochána.
When considering an application for planning permission, a planning authority is required by law to consider the matters set out in Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This includes having regard to Section 34(e) relating to conditions for requiring the planting, maintenance and replacement of trees, shrubs or other plants or the landscaping of structures or other land. In making decisions in respect of a planning application, a planning authority must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by the Department.
Under the provisions of Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, the enforcement of development management is a matter for the planning authority, which can take action if a development does not have the required permission or where terms of permission have not been met. Under section 154 of the 2000 Act, a planning authority may issue an enforcement notice in connection with an unauthorised development requiring such steps as the authority considers necessary to be taken within a specified period.
Any development or construction undertaken on foot of planning permission, must be undertaken in compliance with relevant national legislation, including the legislative framework around invasive alien species.
495. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an appeals process is in place for homeowners who wish to appeal the awards they have received under the defective concrete block scheme, are appeals currently being assessed; the estimated timeline for appeals from the date of submission to the date of decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31836/25]
View answerThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.The Appeals Panel has been established to assess appeals made under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete (DCB) Blocks Grant Scheme. The Panel offers those affected by decisions made by the Housing Agency and Local Authorities an opportunity to have their cases assessed by an independent group of industry experts.
The points of appeal that are available to a DCB applicant include the validation stage by the local authority, the damage threshold determination made by the Housing Agency, the remediation option, and the grant amount approved and where a local authority refuse to make a grant payment pursuant to grant approval.
It should be noted that the Appeals Panel is statutorily independent in the performance of their functions of myself as Minister, my Department and of the Housing Agency. Timelines for the processing of appeals would be a matter for the Chair and the Panel. My Department provides limited administrative support during the initial stage of the process, in that appeals submitted by homeowners are forwarded to the Panel.
I understand that the Panel has begun the process of assessing appeals and it is expected the Chair of the Appeals Panel will issue notifications to appellants in due course.
496. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the Department has plans to classify additional rivers, lakes, and estuaries as 'Heavily Modified Water Bodies' (HMWBs); and if so, the measures that will be taken to restore and support their natural features, habitats, fish, and wildlife.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31850/25]
View answerThe Water Action Plan 2024 published by my Department sets out a roadmap to restore Ireland’s water bodies to ‘Good Ecological Status’ or better and to protect water from any further deterioration. This plan fulfils a legal obligation under the EU Water Framework Directive.
In some instances, water bodies have been physically modified in the past to serve a beneficial specified use to society. Examples include drinking water abstraction, a hydroelectric scheme, a flood protection scheme and a drainage scheme aimed at improving agricultural production. In such cases, the natural flow, form or function (hydromorphology) of the water body have been altered to the extent that it has impacted its natural aquatic ecology.
For such bodies the legal obligation to restore such bodies to “good status” is wholly impractical - the societal costs would far outweigh the benefits. It is for this reason that the Water Framework Directive provides that water bodies may be designated as Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs). The environmental objective for HMWBs takes into account the modifications necessary to provide the societal benefit of their specified use. This facilitates a further assessment of each water body so that it can achieve the best environmental outcome possible. This is known as Good Ecological Potential and is used as an alternative to Good Ecological Status.
It should be noted that the environmental objective for HMWBs is not a lower standard. It is a more accurate target, accounting for the modifications necessary to provide the societal benefit of their specified use, e.g. provision of drinking water or prevention of flooding. The purpose of designating water bodies as HMWBs is to provide certainty regarding the environmental objectives under the Water Framework Directive to be applied to those water bodies for management and regulatory purposes.
As a result of a robust scientific assessment undertaken in 2022 a list of 466 water bodies has been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency for designation as HMWBs. My Department has accepted this assessment and has canvassed the views of interested parties. A large number of submission have been received and are now being considered. A final decision on designation will follow this consideration.
Upon designation as a HMWB, the objective of Good Ecological Potential will need to be defined for each individual water body. This will be carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency after the designations are complete.
497. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his Department’s efforts to fulfil the Programme for Government’s commitment to establish a unit in the Housing Agency to regulate owners’ management companies to ensure effective governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31909/25]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government, my Department will take responsibility for the Multi-Unit Development Act to streamline support for Owner Management Companies and improve oversight.
A timeline for the transfer of this function from the Department of Justice is being advanced and engagement between the two Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
As part of the transfer, my Department will consider any resources required to enable the work, both within my Department and in the Housing Agency.
498. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the report of AHB Strategic Forum has been finalised; if has considered its contents; if he will publish the report and its recommendations; if he will outline the proposed next steps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31955/25]
View answerThe Approved Housing Body Strategic Forum process was established in late 2023 under Housing for All, with a mandate to examine the strategic challenges facing the sector, to work with key stakeholders to co-create a compelling vision for the sector's role in Ireland’s housing system in the decade(s) ahead and to identify a policy reform roadmap to underpin this vision.
Led by my Department, the AHB Strategic Forum (AHBSF) undertook a comprehensive national process of structured engagement throughout 2024, including a series of workshops involving over 150 stakeholders as well as a broad consultation (from which 32 submissions were received), so that a breadth of AHBs, Local Authorities, and other key agencies could share insights and make valuable contributions to inform the Forum's work. The AHB Strategic Forum drew on the valuable analysis and recommendations of the Housing Commission report and also commissioned international research into comparable not-for-profit housing models across four European jurisdictions.
Following an in-depth assessment of these various strands of work, my Department has now completed a detailed report setting out the future vision for the sector, underpinned by a set of guiding principles and a suite of policy development recommendations that set out a roadmap for sectoral reform.
In the coming weeks, I will consider the content of this report and the sectoral reform recommendations of the Strategic Forum, as a valuable and timely input in to the development of the forthcoming National Housing Plan (the successor plan to Housing For All). Key areas identified for AHB Sectoral reform include strengthening capacity and resilience, supporting strategic consolidation and financial sustainability, aligning delivery with emerging public housing needs, and progressing climate and energy performance goals.
The AHB sector has been a valued and essential partner throughout this process, and the sector's continued development will be central to meeting our national housing objectives.
499. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of all capital plans for the development of fire services within County Kildare. [31968/25]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.In December 2020, Minister Darragh O’Brien announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project;
• value for money offered by the proposal; and
• the totality of requests from all authorities.
The 2021 - 2025 Programme was projected to see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire appliances. Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority; that is why, in October 2023, then Minister O’Brien announced the allocation of an additional 40 new fire appliances at a cost of €20.8m.
Kildare County Council identified a new fire station at Maynooth as their number one infrastructural priority for inclusion on the fire services 2021 – 2025 Capital programme. Kildare County Council were approved to accept the preferred tender of €4.4 million, fully funded through my Departments Fire Service Capital programme for the construction phase of a new three bay fire station incorporating environmentally friendly features, including the installation of PV panels, air-to water heating systems, as well as insulation of doors, windows, roof, floor and walls to improve conservation of energy in March 2024. I understand this project is progressing well with a forecast date for completion in 2025.
To date under the 2021 – 2025 Fire Services Capital Programme, Kildare Fire Service has received approximately €2.875 million in capital funding to,
• support their priority infrastructural project at Maynooth;
• new equipment to support enhanced response to structural fire, road traffic and Hazmat incidents;
• funding for the purchase of fire service support vehicles;
• funding for the allocation of a new Class B fire tender under the 2021 – 2023 Office of Government Procurement (OGP) framework.
Kildare Fire Service has also received funding approval of approximately €790,000 to support the planned purchase of new road traffic collision cutting equipment for each of the six Kildare fire service brigades and a further allocation of a new Class B fire tender under the 2023 – 2025 OGP Framework, scheduled for completion and delivery in July 2026.
My Department will be identifying new priority fire service infrastructural projects for the period 2026 – 2030 in the coming months. My Department will work closely with Kildare County Council to progress identified priority infrastructural projects, within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding.
500. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a list of all land purchased by the National Parks and Wildlife Service over the past five years, including the number of acres; the price paid for each parcel of land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31975/25]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department purchases land for conservation purposes under various schemes (Peatlands, LIFE etc.) and on a case by case basis to expand and support the National Parks and Nature reserve network. A list of such lands purchased since 2020 is provided in the table below.
