Written Answers Nos. 86-105
86. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason there has not been an increase in central Government funding for Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35892/25]
View answerCentral Government funding of local authorities presents a complex picture, with transfers, both current and capital, coming from a wide range of Departments and Offices for a variety of purposes. Central Government grant funding to Kildare County Council has increased by more than 60% from €168.3m in 2018 to €271.9m in 2023, according to their audited annual financial statements. Across all schemes and funding sources, my Department alone has provided €164.9m in 2022, €218.6m in 2023 and €233.2m in 2024 to Kildare County Council.
As regards Local Property Tax, which makes up c.6% of the sector's locally raised income, a review of baselines was completed by a working group in 2023. Under the current LPT allocation model, every local authority has a minimum level of funding available to it, known as the baseline, and as a result of this review, Kildare’s baseline increased by €1.5m.
The working group, which included elected and executive representation from the local government sector, recommended that LPT baseline funding would be distributed in accordance with population, area, deprivation levels, an authority’s locally raised income, and the achievement of National Policy Priorities. The recommendations of the group were adopted in full. The application of the model identified that the baseline funding of some local authorities needed adjustment upwards according to the allocation criteria, and as a result, certain authorities saw a greater increase in funding than others.
It was the decision of the working group to apply the model on a ‘no-reductions basis’, and furthermore the then Minister decided that each authority received an increase of at least €1.5m.
Kildare County Council was one of the 18 authorities, that would not have achieved an increase under the model criteria and that benefited from the application of the recommendations that there be ‘no reduction’ and a ‘minimum increase’ for each local authority.
We are expecting that the legislation allowing for 2025 LPT revaluation to be passed shortly. It has been agreed by Government that any additional LPT yield generated as a result of the revaluation is to be retained by local authorities for their own discretionary use. The Department is currently considering the best mechanism to achieve this objective, and local authorities will be advised of their 2026 allocations as soon as possible after the legislation has passed.
Finally, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, a Local Democracy Taskforce has been established to reform and strengthen local government, and will meet for the first time on 26th June 2025. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce sets out an ambitious and detailed work programme, which is expected to give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector. One theme of the taskforce will be the funding of local authorities, and will include a consideration of ways to enhance fiscal autonomy on a local level. The Taskforce will deliver its recommendations to the Minister and the Government for consideration within 6 to 9 months,
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the homes in County Meath seeking inclusion in the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; the number of properties being assessed; the timeline for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35374/25]
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 scheme is now open to applications in five counties: Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo with comprehensive information of all aspects of the Scheme available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/8002e-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
When a local authority that is not designated under the Scheme determines through the established mechanisms that homes within their functional area have been damaged by defective concrete blocks, they can seek to have the scheme extended to include any such county or part of such county.
Section 5 of the Act contains details on this process. This statutory designation process can commence upon a request by a local authority or by myself, as Minister, to the Housing Agency. The Agency thereafter carries out technical testing of dwellings in a given local authority administrative area. As soon as practicable after the completion of any testing, the Housing Agency shall make a recommendation to me whether an order to designate the whole or part of a local authority's administrative area should or should not be made by the Government.
I understand that Meath County Council, in accordance with Section 5(7) of the Act submitted a request to the Housing Agency on 8 July, 2024 for inclusion in the scheme. The Housing Agency appointed a Chartered Engineer from their existing framework panel to assist in their investigations and consultations. The investigations (including concrete block sampling and testing) and consultations required under the Act started on a small number of dwellings in January 2025.
The assessment of damage and sampling of concrete blocks at a number of dwellings has now been completed by the Housing Agency and test results are due by the end of September 2025.
As soon as practicable after the completion of these investigations, the Housing Agency will make its report, including a recommendation to myself, as Minister, on this matter.
89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the 2024 annual report of the special advocate for survivors of institutional abuse, the consideration given to the creation of an additional housing need category pursuant to Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated regulations to include the category of ‘survivor’ being a survivor of institutional abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35846/25]
View answerThe allocation of social housing support to qualified households, including the prioritisation of certain categories of households, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with its allocation scheme made in accordance with Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011, as amended.
This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme which specifies, among other things, the manner of, and the order of priority for, the allocation of dwellings to households on the housing and transfer lists.
In their allocation schemes, local authorities may prioritise certain classes of households for allocation on the basis of their need. Local authorities may also reserve a certain proportion of dwellings for all or any of the following purposes: allocation to particular categories of households, particular forms of tenure, allocation to households transferring from other forms of social housing support.
An allocation scheme may also contain provisions for exceptional or emergency cases, allowing immediate housing outside of normal waiting list priorities, should circumstances warrant it. Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
90. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he is enabling local authorities to identify suitable sites for urban development zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35841/25]
View answerThe overall aim of the Urban Development Zone (UDZ) process under Part 22 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) is to provide for an updated and more flexible approach to the masterplanning and delivery of areas with significant potential for large scale development, including residential development, in tandem with the associated supporting infrastructure.
The UDZ process, when fully enacted, will replace the existing Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) process under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000. My Department recently issued Circular 2025/01 to the Local Authorities and other key stakeholders to notify them of the commencement of Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 22 of the Act of 2024. These legislative provisions set out the initial steps in a broader process concerning the designation of a candidate ‘urban development zone’ and ‘UDZ’, with details of the commencement set out in Planning and Development Act 2024 Commencement Circular No. 2025/01. Only Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 22 consisting of sections 597 to 600 came into operation from 9 June 2025. It is anticipated that the remaining Chapters of Part 22 (providing for matters such as candidate UDZs, planning frameworks, development schemes and UDZ designation) will come into effect alongside Part 3 of the Act of 2024 later this year.
Under Section 597 of the Act of 2024 a planning authority may identify sites in its functional areas where development may be of significant economic, social or environmental benefit to the State and be in the common good. Such sites are referred to as “suitable sites”. As set out in the circular, it is intended that the UDZ designation will be most appropriate for large-scale urban areas in single or multiple land ownerships, that could include public and/or private lands, which have good public transport links and where comprehensive regeneration and development opportunities exist. Given the significant scale of development proposed and the need to prioritise these areas for development, they are intended to be a focus for State investment, in particular in terms of infrastructure investment. UDZs will appropriately be located in areas which are under-utilised and are within or in close proximity to established settlements, in order to ensure that development responds to the compact growth objectives set out within the National Planning Framework.
91. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will instruct the county councils to have a pre-planning meeting with applicants that are applying for planning permission that will create employment. [33055/25]
View answerThere are already existing obligations for pre-planning meetings set out in planning legislation.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (Act of 2000), Section 247 provides that a person who has an interest in land and who intends to make a planning application may, with the agreement of the planning authority concerned (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), enter into consultations with the planning authority in order to discuss any proposed development in relation to the land and the planning authority may give advice to that person regarding the proposed application.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted in October 2024 and is in the process of being commenced. When commenced, under Section 90 of the Act of 2024 where a person who is eligible to apply for permission and intends to apply for permission requests a pre-application consultation meeting and provides the required documentation, the planning authority shall hold a consultation meeting with them.
93. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to review the housing assistance payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35788/25]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme continues to plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q4 2024, over 125,000 HAP tenancies had been set up since the scheme commenced, of which there were 53,742 households actively in receipt of HAP support. An average of 156 new HAP tenancies were set up each week in 2024, indicating that the scheme continues to support large numbers of households to secure a home in the private rental market.
Under the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned. Local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental costs being sought.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Local authorities can also apply a couple rate to a single person household, where required, in recognition of the shared one-bed need. Up to 50% discretion can be provided in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. It is a matter for the local authority to determine whether, and to what extent, the application of the flexibility is warranted.
My Department has reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review has highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continues to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. I believe a review of HAP limits is now required and I propose to initiate a review of the limits, subject to consultation and the agreement of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
A new Housing Plan is currently being developed and the HAP scheme will be considered in conjunction with all other social housing supports in that context.
94. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the engagement his Department has had to date with the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities regarding the possibility of establishing a compensation mechanism for domestic water users who are subjected to prolonged boil water notices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35865/25]
View answerMy Department has not engaged with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) on any compensation mechanism for Uisce Éireann's customers who are subject to boil water notices.
The CRU is statutorily tasked with protecting Uisce Éireann's customers in accordance with section 39 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 (as amended). As noted in my reply to Question No. 259 of 28 May 2025, the introduction of any specific compensation schemes, is primarily an operational matter for Uisce Éireann, operating under the regulatory oversight of the CRU.
97. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the State will consider buying lands at Aghavannagh which border the Wicklow Mountains National Park to expand the size of the national park to promote biodiversity, wildlife and tourism in the area. [35839/25]
View answerAs part of its role in protecting nature, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages the network of National Parks and Nature Reserves across the country. As part of this role, and in keeping with the aims of the Programme for Government, it occasionally purchases land for strategic and conservation purposes. Such acquisitions are always considered carefully on a case by case basis.
In light of the commercial sensitivity of these matters, and the strategic implications of bringing such considerations into the public domain, I am not in a position to comment on any individual site that is offered for sale.
100. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government has any plans to address the shortcomings of the enhanced defective block grant scheme which continue to have a significant impact on those affected by the defective concrete blocks crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35832/25]
View answerThe Remediation of Dwellings Damage by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) grant scheme and related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.
An Implementation Steering Group for the DCB Grant scheme has been in place since 2023. The Group comprises officials from the relevant local authorities, my Department, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer. This Group meets regularly (every 4-6 weeks) and keeps the operation of the scheme under review and is tasked with working through issues as they arise and making recommendations if further changes to the regulations or guidelines are needed. This group provides a useful forum for discussion and feedback on operational and emerging matters around the scheme and draws attention to issues faced by applicants. The most recent engagement took place on 22 May 2025, with the next meeting scheduled for 10 July 2025.
This regular stakeholder engagement is augmented by regular meetings with elected representatives and homeowner groups. I myself recently visited Donegal and met with the Council and various representative groups. Thus I am aware keenly aware of the issues of ongoing concern that homeowners have with the Scheme.
I received Government approval (on 4 June, 2025) for the priority drafting of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill which includes details of the wider group of relevant owners that can avail of the increases in the grant scheme cap and rates approved in October and November 2024. The Bill will also include other technical amendments to ensure the continued smooth operation of the grant scheme for homeowners. This process was usefully informed by the continuous engagement process that my Department has put in place since the current DCB Scheme launched in 2023.
The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) has been tasked with the review of the technical standard- I.S. 465:2018- that underpins the DCB Grant Scheme. Upon conclusion of the public consultation period the NSAI will finalise its review and publish the revised standard. As Minister, I am obliged to commence a review of the operation of the Act within three months of the completion of any review of I.S. 465:2018 by the NSAI. A report to each House of the Oireachtas of the findings and conclusions resulting from that review is required not later than three months after the completion of the review.
Section 51 of the Act mandates that I commence a review of the operation of the Act by June 2026 (three years after the Act's commencement) and make a report to each House of the Oireachtas regarding the findings and conclusions of such a review within a further 12 month period.
101. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will agree that persons (mostly women, but not exclusively) who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse face particular challenges navigating the housing crisis; if he will provide details of any specific supports in place to recognise this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35375/25]
View answerIncreased supply is key to meeting need and addressing the challenges in the housing market. Government is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver social, affordable and cost rental homes at scale and to continue accelerating housing supply across all tenures. Housing for All contains a suite of actions that have, and continue to, increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.
Government is committed to increasing supply with a record level of €6.8 billion in capital funding being made available for the delivery of Housing in 2025. The capital provision is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing need. This will allow us to build on the more than 10,500 new social homes which were delivered in 2024, through build, acquisition and leasing, including 7,871 new-build homes. Including HAP and RAS, 20,292 social housing solutions were delivered throughout 2024.
The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice working in conjunction with Cuan, the statutory DSGVB agency under the remit of the Department of Justice.
In 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The issuing of this 2017 policy and guidance was a significant action in the second national strategy on DSGBV 2016-2021, and has since played an important role in addressing the housing needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV, providing direction to local authorities in supporting victims of domestic violence. It covers a range of scenarios that may arise for victims of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports. These include provisions around the use of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme, or the Rental Accommodation Scheme, where a victim has a joint interest in the family home, or ownership of alternative accommodation, but would otherwise qualify for social housing support.
In June 2022, the Department of Justice published Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026 which is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency plan with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. As an action in this strategy, my Department committed to a review of the 2017 Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in relation to assisting victims of domestic violence with emergency and long-term accommodation needs in order to ensure continuing effectiveness and consistency in responses to assist victims of domestic violence. My Department is currently engaging with Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency in relation to this review and proposed recommendations arising from the review.
In terms of housing supports, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
It is a matter for the local authority to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority. Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned. Each application must be considered on its own merits and the individual circumstances taken into account. Local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need, which can include victims of domestic violence.
The HAP Place Finder service assists households in or at immediate risk of homelessness primarily by providing access to deposits and advance rental payments. These elements are the core financial supports and are available to prospective tenants in all local authority areas. To qualify for specific additional supports available to homeless households, a household must have been determined by the relevant local authority to be homeless within the meaning of section 2 of the Housing Act 1988. The operation of local homeless services, including the Place Finder Service, is a matter for each local authority.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Up to 50% discretion can be provided in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. It is a matter for the local authority to determine, whether, and to what extent, the application of the flexibility is warranted.
In addition to the above supports, a new protocol was established in 2020 when the Minister for Social Protection agreed to make rent supplement more accessible to victims of domestic violence. This measure aims to ensure that they are not prevented from leaving their homes because of financial or accommodation difficulties.
102. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will instruct local authorities to end the practice of including carer’s allowance as income in the differential rent scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35792/25]
View answerLocal authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved administration of rent schemes and different approaches are taken to rent setting across local authorities. Accordingly, decisions regarding the sources of income, such as Carer's Allowance, included and disregarded for rent assessment purposes are matters solely for individual local authorities. I have no role in this regard.
103. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timelines for the national rollout of supports to address derelict buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35850/25]
View answerAddressing vacancy, tackling dereliction and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government. To address this, a number of structures have now been established including a dedicated Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, a full-time Vacant Homes Officers and Town Regeneration Officers in local authorities, and the publication of a ‘Vacant Homes Action Plan’ to draw together a number of related measures across relevant Government Departments.
In addition, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Activation Programme was also launched by my Department in April 2023. The Programme supports a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to the re-use of vacant and derelict properties. It also includes guidance for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers, including under the Derelict Sites Act, to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful. Support and guidance on implementation of the Programme is being provided to local authorities by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department and by the Property Optimisation Unit in the Housing Agency.
My Department is also supporting local authorities through the €2 billion Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which is funding critical regeneration and infrastructure projects across the country in our town and cities. In particular, Call 3 of the URDF provided a €150 million revolving fund for local authorities to enable them, where appropriate, to acquire long term vacant or derelict properties in URDF-eligible towns and cities and bring them back into long term use as homes or for other purposes.
Launched in February 2024, the €120million EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF) also supports tackling dereliction through the Town Centre Heritage Revival (THRIVE) scheme and is administered by the Southern Regional Assembly and Northern & Western Regional Assembly. In particular, five urban centres were awarded nearly €32 million in grant funding for the renovation, restoration and reuse of publicly owned vacant and derelict heritage buildings under Strand 2 of THRIVE.
In addition, my Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act and invited local authorities to make initial submissions on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. Discussions on the review are ongoing and it is intended, in the context of related policies, legislative amendments and funding schemes that have been developed since the review commenced, in addition to the increasing challenges associated with dereliction, to now further consider the potential to improve the legislation and related supporting mechanisms.
104. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on discussions between his Department and Cork City Council regarding the tenant-in-situ scheme. [35547/25]
View answerThe clear focus of Government is to increase the supply of new build social and affordable homes. This is key to addressing the housing challenge and in particular preventing and ultimately eliminating long term homelessness, and that unquestionably must be the priority for all local authorities including Cork City Council.
My Department is continuing to provide substantial financial support to local authorities to acquire second-hand properties for priority categories of need including tenants-in-situ who have been in receipt of supports under HAP or RAS and who had received a Notice of Termination. The other priority categories for second-hand acquisitions are properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; one-bedroom properties to deliver on Housing First targets; and specific housing required for people with a disability or the elderly.
Over the last three years, my Department has provided funding for second hand acquisitions for a number of priority categories, including Tenant -in -Situ, demonstrating a clear commitment to respond to shorter-term pressures that can arise. This year we are providing €325 million to local authorities for second-hand acquisitions, this gives them the flexibility to respond to these acute situations, while we continue to support their construction programmes. Of that €325m, €8m has been set aside as a contingency that will be used as necessary to round off a local authorities allocation later in the year if the amount remaining to them is insufficient to meet the full costs of an additional acquisition or approved refurbishment costs.
Cork City Council has been given an initial capital funding allocation of €20 million for their acquisitions activity this year of which they have drawn down c. €8.2m (41%). Nationally to date in 2025, local authorities have recouped approximately 30% of the total funding allocated.
As was the case in previous years, local authorities are best placed to determine the most appropriate way to prioritise which acquisitions to pursue within the priority categories for second hand acquisitions, based on needs within their area, including tenant in situ, at the same time supporting anyone who is in threat of homelessness via their Tenancy Sustainment and Placefinder services.
My Department continues to engage with all local authorities including Cork City Council to address any challenges which have emerged in order to ensure that tenant in situ acquisitions can continue in 2025 where no other solutions exist for the affected households.
