Martin Kenny
Question:435. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on funding for the project to protect the corncrake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35197/25]
View answerWildlife Protection
Questions (435)
Written answers
Corncrake LIFE is a five year (2021-2026) €5.9m project improving the conservation status of one of Ireland’s most iconic farmland bird species.Led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, in collaboration with project partners, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Fota Wildlife Park, Atlantic Technological University and Údarás na Gaeltachta, the project works with farmers, land owners and local communities across counties Galway, Mayo and Donegal. The project is part funded by the EU under the Nature and Biodiversity Stream of the LIFE Programme with the balance of funding provided by my Department and the project partners.The project is widely renowned as an example of successful LIFE project implementation, having delivered a very significant increase in the national corncrake population within four years of its five year lifecycle.
There are currently 150 farmers and landowners active in the project covering more than 1,600 hectares in conservation and management measures under the results-based scheme. These measures have been incorporated into the national Agri-environmental programmes (ACRES) and together with direct project actions have restored a significant footprint of corncrake habitat.
The most recent survey from the NPWS shows an increase of 35% in the corncrake population in the past five years with a total of 233 calling male corncrakes recorded nationally in 2024. Already this year’s numbers are once again indicating a positive trend. These results are testament to the collaboration between farmers, landowners and the NPWS and the project has become a model for community-focused nature protection.
LIFE Programmes by their nature are time-limited Pilot programmes which explore best practice and ways of contribution to nature protection. Reflecting the success of the Corncrake LIFE project, I am pleased to reaffirm the 2024 NPWS commitment to continuing the work of the Corncrake LIFE project by its incorporation into the core NPWS programme, ensuring that the significant gains made in the breeding numbers are built on when the LIFE project itself concludes.
Water Services
Questions (436)
Joe Cooney
Question:436. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update of the application made in April 2024 on behalf of a community group water scheme (details supplied), under Measure A6 of the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2024 to 2026; if he will provide a timeline on the confirmation of funding bids in relation to Measure A6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35217/25]
View answerWritten answers
The current cycle of my Department's Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) covers the period to the end of 2026. Almost 900 applications for funding for individual projects were received under the MARWP from local authorities across the country.
Clare County Council submitted a number of applications including one under Measure A6 for the group water scheme mentioned in the details supplied.
As part of the application process, an independent Expert Panel is tasked with evaluating all applications received and reviewing each individual project, assessing the information provided in the application against the objective of the programme and make recommendations for my consideration and decision on their suitability of funding.
Given the large number of applications received and in order to allow work to begin on projects as soon as possible, it was decided to take a phased approach to funding approval.
In November 2024, funding of €47.1m for 256 individual projects was approved. The projects being funded will improve water services for households throughout rural areas of the country.
The applications received under Measure A6 - taking in charge of public group water schemes - were not part of the first phase of funding announced. However, the Expert Panel has now completed its evaluation of applications under this measure.
I expect to conclude my consideration of their recommendations shortly and make an announcement regarding funding.
Rental Sector
Questions (437, 439)
Conor Sheehan
Question:437. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will immediately commence section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, in order to restore rent-setting for local authority housing to a reserved function of elected councillors, as originally intended under the 2009 Act; the reason, in the absence of commencement, each local authority chief executive retains the power to set rents independently—without democratic input—leading to inconsistent policies across the country and a lack of transparency; his views on the recent Galway City Council case, where a proposed 3% rent increase and major reforms to the rent model were presented under executive function without councillor approval; if he will address concerns about these changes being introduced during a time of sustained inflation and hardship for low-income tenants; if the ongoing delay in completing the national rent scheme review still justifies withholding the commencement of section 31 of the 2009 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35236/25]
View answer
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:439. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when setting the weekly rent for social housing, the incomes sources (wages, gross or net, private pension, maintenance payments, social welfare payments, children’s allowance, carer’s support grants, fuel allowance, living alone allowance, and so on) that the AHBs and the councils are permitted to take into account when calculating the sum on which the differential rent formula applies; if there are different formulae for different AHBs or councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35251/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 439 together.
Local 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 authority rent schemes also contain hardship clauses which can be used to support households experiencing financial difficulties. Approved Housing Bodies (AHB), also called housing associations or voluntary housing associations are independent, not-for-profit organisations, and most set rents in accordance the relevant local authority scheme.
Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which has not been commenced, provides for the introduction of a national rent scheme and for the making of such a rent scheme to become a reserved function. My Department completed an initial scoping exercise to consider the introduction of a national local authority social housing rent model. This is a complex area and requires detailed and careful analysis and further work is required to consider the practical application of such a framework.
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 included and disregarded for rent assessment purposes are matters solely for individual local authorities and is an executive function. However, it should be noted that rent setting is considered indirectly by the elected members through the annual estimates process with differential rents comprising a significant portion of local authority revenue.
Building Energy Rating
Questions (438)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:438. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if lower BER ratings such as B or C could be considered for new builds, as it could reduce the cost of the development of new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35238/25]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) lays down requirements for the application of minimum energy performance requirements to new buildings and requires Nearly Zero Energy Building or “NZEB” performance for new buildings since 31 December 2020. This NZEB requirement typically equates to a BER of A2.
The construction of new dwellings to an ‘A’ BER rating ensures that as we deliver new housing we will also be providing quality sustainable homes with very low energy bills that are healthier and more comfortable, do not contribute to our carbon emissions, and ensure that homeowners pay the lowest cost over the lifetime of the building.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act requires Ireland to reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030. As A-rated dwellings are well insulated, renewable energy heat pumps can be installed which means there is no longer a need to install oil or gas (fossil fuel) boilers. This means the energy use of new dwellings will not increase Ireland's carbon emissions and makes it easier to achieve EU Climate targets.
A-rated dwellings provide significantly lower energy bills than homes built 20 years ago. Features like heat pumps, solar panels and high-quality insulation reduce energy costs. Banks recognise the value of A-rated homes, and many mortgage providers have a reduced interest rate for A-rated homes.
A-rated dwellings are much healthier to live in as they are warmer, better insulated, and typically have mechanical ventilation which improves indoor air quality.
Question No. 439 answered with Question No. 437.
Land Issues
Questions (440)
Conor Sheehan
Question:440. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to create a tracking system with the land registry to enable applicants to monitor the progress of their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35279/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
There is already a mechanism in place which enables applicants to monitor the progress of their applications. The status of all applications pending with Tailte Éireann which affect registered lands may be viewed by anyone on Landdirect.ie by searching for, and entering, the Folio Number of concern. The status provided will update as the application is progressed through the various stages of registration.
Additional details are provided to business account holders, in the main the solicitors acting on behalf of the applicant, who may search Landdirect.ie for the application number of concern to see the current status for all application types, including those seeking first registration of a property.
Applicants may be advised to contact their solicitors if they require further information regarding the current status of any application pending.
Departmental Communications
Questions (441)
Conor Sheehan
Question:441. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an updated list of all email and phone lines for use of Oireachtas Members within his Department, including all subsidiary bodies, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35287/25]
View answerWritten answers
A list of the email and phone numbers for the key offices within my Department is available on my Department's website at this link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/organisation-information/contact-the-dept-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies.
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Electoral Commission |
oireachtas@electoralcommission.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
Land Issues
Questions (442)
Claire Kerrane
Question:442. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications received for an exemption under residential zoned land tax due to actively farmed land in County Galway and County Roscommon. [35289/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under provisions introduced by the Finance Act 2024, a landowner whose land was identified on the final map for 2025 could make a request to the local authority to change the zoning of their land by 1 April 2025. Subject to certain conditions, upon making the request, the landowner could seek an exemption from the tax for 2025 from the Revenue Commissioners. The exemption provisions are set out in Section 653IA of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, and contain a restriction on claiming an exemption for land or part of the land subject to the change of zoning request which is subject to an extant or current planning application for residential development.
According to information received from relevant local authorities, Galway City Council received 6 change of zoning requests, Galway County Council received 10, while Roscommon received none. My Department does not hold information regarding claims made to the Revenue Commissioners on this matter, however subject to the aforementioned conditions, a maximum of 16 claims could be made, based on the amount of change of zoning requests received.
Septic Tanks
Questions (443)
Mattie McGrath
Question:443. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people who received a septic tank grant, per county, over the last three years; the number of tank inspections carried out in County Tipperary; how a person whose septic tank is not working can qualify for a grant to improve their septic tank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/25]
View answerWritten answers
The responsibility for the proper operation and maintenance of Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, lies with the individual property owner.
Owners must ensure that their systems are functioning effectively and do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Regular maintenance, desludging, and repairs, where necessary, are part of the owner’s obligations.
The policy of providing grant funding for remedial work to septic tanks, arises from the need to address damage being done to water quality in sensitive areas in particular. The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority to protect human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
Householders can avail of the grants if their DWWTS has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has been issued, or if located in designated areas where septic tanks are identified as a potential threat to water quality or human health and require remediation.
As regards details on the number of inspections of tanks carried out in individual local authorities, my Department does not collate this information. Each local authority has a Rural Water Liaison Officer who are best placed to provide the information sought and can be contacted directly in the local authority, in this case Tipperary County Council.
The table at the link below sets out the number of grants paid by my Department to each local authority from 2022 to date.
Departmental Meetings
Questions (444)
Alan Kelly
Question:444. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has met with a group (details supplied); and, if not, if he will do so in the coming months. [35319/25]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
Departmental Meetings
Questions (445)
Alan Kelly
Question:445. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list the dates and attendees of all meetings he and-or his Department officials have had with the Environmental Protection Agency since he took office. [35324/25]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
The dates and attendees of all meetings I or my Department officials have had with the Environmental Protection Agency since I took office are set out in the attached table. Where two or more meetings are noted for the same date this is because there were separate meetings involving different business units within the Division.
Through the course of my duties, and those of officials from my Department, there may be other instances of engagement at functions organised by other Departments or bodies which are not captured in the below table.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (446, 447)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:446. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of offshore renewable energy applications to An Bord Pleanála that have been met within the 18-week decision timeframe; the reason the timeframe was not met for the remaining projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35336/25]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:447. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that sufficient resources are in place at An Bord Pleanála to determine the outcome of offshore renewable energy applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35337/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.
An Coimisiún Pleanála is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
The Planning and Development Act 2024, includes a number of new provisions relating to An Coimisiún Pleanála, as part of a significant restructure. Part 4 of the Act will introduce statutory time periods for decision making for all consent processes, including, for the first time, for An Coimisiún Pleanála, when Part 4 is commenced later this year. This will bring increased certainty to the planning consent processes, for both the public and stakeholders involved in the delivery of key infrastructure such as housing and renewable energy.
Ahead of the commencement of Part 4, An Coimisiún Pleanála is working to the statutory timelines to ensure that these projects are considered and disposed of within the timeframe. So far this year six offshore renewable energy applications have been received, five are under current consideration and one has been determined within the 18 week decision timeframe.
For Coimisiún processes, timelines are being introduced for appeals as well as the various consents applications made directly to the Coimisiún.
It is important to acknowledge that a certain percentage of cases, due to particular circumstances, such as complexity, requests for further information from applicants for permission or further submissions from other participants including third parties, will not meet the 18 week target.
An Coimisiún has been working to address the backlog of cases currently awaiting a decision more quickly than before. Progress on addressing this backlog is reported to my Department on a monthly basis. The total number of cases on hand on 31 May was 1,352, down from 2,058 on the equivalent date in 2024, a reduction of 34% in one year. As recently as May 2023, the number of cases on hand was 3,616 (down 60%). This increased workload has been enabled by significant additional resources. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in An Coimisiúin.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Coimisiún Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie
Question No. 447 answered with Question No. 446.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Questions (448, 449, 450, 451, 452)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:448. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has engaged with phase 1 offshore renewable energy applications before submission of planning applications; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35338/25]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:449. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is standard policy for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to engage with phase 1 offshore renewable energy applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35339/25]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:450. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider mandating the National Parks and Wildlife Service to engage with phase 1 offshore renewable energy applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/25]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:451. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service working full-time on the delivery of offshore wind projects and applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35341/25]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:452. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the exact role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the area of offshore renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35342/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 to 452, inclusive, together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has a statutory consultation role under the Planning and Development Acts in respect of offshore renewable energy projects. As part of this role, NPWS provides submissions and observations to planning authorities and An Coimisiun Pleanála on issues related to potential impacts on nature conservation, including protected habitats and species, arising from such developments.
NPWS has engaged extensively with the Phase 1 offshore renewable energy projects, providing detailed input and advice as part of the statutory planning process. This engagement is ongoing and will continue, as appropriate, for each project as they proceed through the planning system.
As Minister, I am precluded from making further comment on these individual projects as they are currently under active consideration within the planning process.
I would also note that NPWS has been appropriately resourced to ensure that it can address offshore renewable energy projects referred to it in a timely and comprehensive manner, in line with its statutory responsibilities.
Question No. 449 answered with Question No. 448.
Question No. 450 answered with Question No. 448.
Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 448.
Question No. 452 answered with Question No. 448.
Commercial Rates
Questions (453)
Conor Sheehan
Question:453. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if protections will be added for family home bed and breakfasts not to become commercially rateable properties, allowing them to maintain their family home status and be protected in legislation as non-commercial properties for the purpose of local authority rates, as has been the unofficial position since foundation of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35363/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act). The making of valuations for rating purposes are the sole responsibility of Tailte Éireann, and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.
Under the Act, all property is rateable unless it falls into one of the exempt categories listed in Schedule 4 of the Act. The Act is very specific about the range of exemptions that can be applied, and Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4.
There is no specific exemption for premises providing Bed and Breakfast / Guest Accommodation. There are currently no plans for Government to amend the Valuation Acts in this regard. However, it is important to note that as a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties based on their individual facts and circumstances by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Act.
All Tailte Éireann assessments of valuation are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and in keeping with accepted valuation methodologies, best practice internationally and valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher courts and reflect, among other things, the use and occupation of the particular property.
The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. Any individual/case-specific questions should be directed to the relevant local authority.
Turf Cutting
Questions (454)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:454. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average processing time for a cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35395/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was established in 2011 for domestic turf cutters affected by restrictions on turf cutting on designated raised bogs. The scheme is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or accommodation, where feasible, on a non-designated bog, together with a once-off payment of €500 on signing a legal agreement with the Minister.
The qualification criteria for the scheme, administered by my Department include that:
• The applicant must have had a legal interest/ownership or a turbary right in one of the 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation or 36 raised bog Natural Heritage Areas encompassed by the scheme on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from that property on that date.
• The applicant must have been cutting turf on the said land in question during the qualifying five-year period up to 31 December 2011 and the turf resource has not been exhausted.
Each application received under the CTCCS is individually assessed and processed by my Department. Applications can vary depending on the quality of documentation provided. Additional information may be requested to support the application such as evidence of legal title. Applications may also need further investigation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to assess if turf-cutting took place in the qualifying period of the scheme. This may involve undertaking a turf extraction assessment, carried out by Bord na Móna or an on-site visit by NPWS.
My Department is currently working to process a tranche of 531 new applications received since the announcement of the closure of the scheme in September 2024 as well as processing annual payments to over 2200 applicants who are already qualified for the scheme.
Once an applicant is deemed qualified under the scheme it generally takes one to two weeks for the persons payment to be processed and cleared. An applicant can contact my Department directly for an update with regard to their individual application.
Housing Provision
Questions (455)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:455. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state the number of social homes delivered via buy-and-renew in 2024; and the average cost of the delivery of these units to the Exchequer. [35402/25]
View answerWritten answers
Local Authorities (LA's) and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB's) are supported by my Department to purchase and renovate vacant/derelict properties to be upgraded as new, value-for-money social homes.
The Buy & Renew Scheme allows LA's and AHB's to acquire and refurbish such properties and since it was introduced in 2016, in excess of 950 properties have been delivered under this arrangement, as new social homes.
In 2024, 37 units were returned to use as new social homes at an average cost of €283,364 per unit. This figure represents the amounts paid out to date by my Department and is subject to change as further claims for refurbishment works are received.
The Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) and Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) which are the main capital programmes that support LA's and AHB's in the development of social housing, also provides them with full funding to acquire and renew/re-model existing vacant/derelict properties, effectively obsolete properties in need of more substantial capital investment, with a view to the delivery of new build social homes.
Given the opportunities this creates for LAs and AHBs to respond to more significant dereliction in town centres, I am pleased to see an increasing use of these options, noting there is no cap or restriction on the extent to which this approach may be used by local authorities, other than the individual projects being reasonable value for money.