Written Answers Nos. 244-265
244. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will support Waterways Ireland in setting up and operating a CRM system for logging and dealing with queries raised with the organisation, similar to many local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36923/25]
View answerWaterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland as Sponsor Departments. Delegated expenditure limits for the body have been agreed by the Sponsor Departments, the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
A proposal to set up and operate a CRM system for logging and dealing with queries raised with the organisation is a matter for the Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland in the first instance. When a proposal exceeds the delegated expenditure limits, then prior approval of the Sponsor Departments must be obtained. Any such proposal would need to be considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure.
245. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the development levy waiver scheme will be extended for the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36691/25]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The Government recognised that measures needed to be put in place to help address cost and viability with a view to incentivising the activation of a pipeline of new housing commencements, and assisting in the delivery of supply as quickly as possible. The waiver scheme applied to all permitted residential development including multi-unit developments, self-build houses and one-off houses, student accommodation and sheltered housing.
The schemes initially applied for one year to all permitted residential development that commenced on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and that are completed not later than 31 December 2025. On 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions in respect of residential development commenced not later than 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced not later than 30 September 2024.
In April 2024, the final date for the completion of development works on qualifying houses under the schemes was extended from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
There are no plans to extend or re-introduce the waiver scheme.
246. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there will be a redrawing of local electoral area boundaries in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36693/25]
View answerSection 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority area into local electoral areas and to amend those areas. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries.
The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a ‘Local Democracy Taskforce’ with the local government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. The Taskforce will bring forward proposals which the Government will consider on matters relating to the structure, finance, functions and governance and accountability of local government.
The Taskforce has been established and I, together with my colleague, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, addressed the members of the Taskforce at its first meeting on 26 June 2025. I look forward to receiving and considering the recommendations of the Taskforce in due course.
247. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's analysis of the forecast effect on current spending on the HAP and RAS schemes as a result of the Government's proposed reforms to rent pressure zones; the extent to which an expansion of those schemes is likely due to increased rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36721/25]
View answerIn line with a commitment under Housing for All, my Department undertook a review of the private rental market, published in July 2024. One of the key recommendations was that a comprehensive examination of the current Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) system should be undertaken.
This review, carried out by the Housing Agency and submitted to my Department at the end of April, assessed the operation of RPZs since their introduction and their impact on the rental market, including the retention of landlords and attraction of new investment. The Housing Agency’s preferred recommendation was to modify current RPZ rent controls. The full report is available at the following link: www.housingagency.ie/publications/review-rent-pressure-zones-report
In response, the Government has approved a suite of measures to modify rent regulation and to strengthen tenancy protections and provide greater certainty for the rental sector. Legislation will be published later this year to give effect to these measures.
Rent increases nationally will be linked to inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, to protect tenants in times of high inflation, it is proposed to retain the cap on permissible rent inflation at 2% with limited exceptions. In order to stimulate investment and keep existing landlords in the sector, rents for new tenancies may be reset to market value, where the tenant leaves of their own volition, or breaches their tenant obligations.
Both HAP and RAS are demand led schemes and any additional expenditure requirements will be dealt with as part of the normal annual Estimates process. My Department remains fully committed to supporting these schemes and I will continue to work with the Minister for Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to ensure these schemes remain adequately resourced to meet demand.
248. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any initiatives proposed by his Department that seeks to protect the architectural heritage of Georgian Dublin, and the so-called Georgian core; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36732/25]
View answer250. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the conservation measures included in the recently published interdepartmental report on the recommendations of the Dublin City Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36734/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 250 together.
As set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act (2000), the planning authority - in this case Dublin City Council - has primary responsibility for the protection of architectural heritage within its functional area.
The mechanisms through which it can exercise this function include designating architectural conservation areas and protected structures, adding relevant objectives to development plans, and protecting character through the development control and enforcement processes. Planning authorities are supported in the exercise of these functions by my Department's National Built Heritage Service.
My Department is aware of the significance of the ‘North Georgian Core’ and the potential that the area possesses. With this in mind, and coupled with the commitments for the area that are outlined in the Programme for Government, my Department is supporting Dublin City Council with numerous initiatives to protect the architectural heritage of the area.
My Department has recently completed a survey of the condition of historic structures in Dublin's North Georgian Core. We will share the results of the survey with Dublin City Council's conservation section so that issues may be addressed through targeted conservation advice clinics or grants.
My Department is partnering with Dublin City Council's conservation section to develop a walking trail of the Mountjoy Square-North Great George's Street Architectural Conservation Area. The walking trail is intended to raise awareness of the special character of the area and its built heritage.
In addition, my Department is funding Dublin City Council to undertake a research project to engage with key stakeholders in order to better understand the barriers to investment in conservation in the area and help design effective supports.
In regard to funding, you will be aware that several large projects within this area have received funding from my Department's Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF). These projects are as follows:
• Parnell Sq. Cultural Quarter Phase 1: URDF Allocation €60,443,467
• 15/16 Henrietta Street - Na Píobairí Uilleann - URDF Allocation €9,834,899
• Mountjoy Square Conservation Plan - URDF Allocation €2,726,25041
• Parnell Square - URDF Allocation €665,056
• 11 Parnell Square - URDF Allocation €3,862,500
Finally, conservation grants are available to owners under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), which are funded by my Department and administered in the main by the local authority. As well as supporting conservation works, my Department funds the provision of expert conservation advice in respect of vacant traditional houses through the Conservation Advice Grants stream of the HSF. Historic structures in Blessington Street, Dominick Street Lower, Gardiner Street Lower, Gardiner Street Upper and North Great George's Street were among those awarded funding in 2025. We hope to expand the funding available under these schemes in 2026, subject to the Estimates process.
The Report of the Interdepartmental Group on the Dublin City Taskforce notes the agreed mission to create 'a healthy, vibrant, always-on city that respects its heritage'. It goes on to outline a range of projects, including public realm works and the development of the Dublin City Library, the Abbey Theatre, and the Fruit and Vegetable Market, which will have a major positive impact on the conservation of the city's built heritage. As described above, Dublin City Council will have oversight of the conservation aspects of these initiatives in line with Part IV of the Planning and Development Act. In exercising this role the Council can draw on a wide range of financial and technical supports made available by my Department.
249. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the asks of the Irish Georgian Society in relation to the preservation and upkeep of Georgian Dublin; if he would consider meeting with this group to further these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36733/25]
View answerThe Irish Georgian Society is a valued partner to my Department. In recent years they have submitted proposals annually to the Department and have received funding to support the preservation and upkeep of Georgian Dublin.
This year they have received funding of €50,000. An example of some of the activities that are being supported are:
• The IGS Conservation Education Programme
• Conserving your Dublin Period House lecture series
• Obedientia Civium Urbis Felicitas*: Dublin’s Architecture & Planning Conference
My colleague, Minister of State, Chris O'Sullivan TD, met with the Irish Georgian Society in April this year. The meeting included a presentation on the work of the IGS; discussion of a forthcoming joint IGS / Dublin Civic Trust conference on rejuvenating Dublin (held on 7 May); and a number of other discussion points including the development of a centre for traditional skills training, donation of items to national collections, and the new Part 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
My Department works closely with the Irish Georgian Society on an ongoing basis, and endeavours to ensure that the Society's perspective informs the development of relevant policy and funding programmes. A further meeting with the Society is expected to take place in the near future.
251. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 111 of 25 June 2025 and 505 of 17 June 2025, the reason the reply issued did not provide the requested statistical breakdown of applications and approvals for each home ownership support scheme since their commencement, disaggregated by the variables (details supplied). [36774/25]
View answerFurther to the responses to Question Nos. 111 of 25 June 2025 and 505 of 17 June 2025, information collected as part of the application process for the various homeownership support schemes, such as age of applicants, household composition, residency status etc., is processed and held by the relevant scheme provider, authority or delivery partner.
The information requested is not compiled by my Department. My Department publishes quarterly programme-level statistics for affordable housing, but this information is not disaggregated by the variables requested. The information requested should be sought from the relevant scheme provider directly.
252. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update in respect of Bray Harbour; the amount of funding released to the project to date on an annual basis (details supplied). [36780/25]
View answerA key measure in Project Ireland 2040, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) programme is supporting significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework.
In 2021, as one of the successful applications under the URDF's second call for proposals, approval was given for a preliminary allocation of €7,140,000 towards Wicklow County Council's proposal for the regeneration of the Bray Harbour Area. This allocation represents the maximum 75% URDF support available based on the estimated costs of €9,500,000 at the time of the initial approval. The successful proposal includes the following works:
• A feasibility study to review the potential for a harbour wall extension, the need for dredging of the waterbody and the possible options for a marina in the harbour;
• amenity and public realm works including street lighting, paving and cycle provision;
• construction of a boardwalk around the edges of the harbour;
• upgrade of the Harbour Bridge crossing to incorporate segregated pedestrian/cycle connectivity;
• relocation of on-site boat storage.
In November 2023, Wicklow County Council submitted a Preliminary Business Case for the Bray Harbour proposal to my Department for consideration and approval as part of Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code (now replaced by the Infrastructure Guidelines).
Following a review of their submission it was agreed at a URDF Programme meeting with Wicklow County Council in April 2024 that the Council would give further consideration to how best to proceed with the various elements of the proposal and revert with a further submission to my Department. The Council resubmitted an updated Preliminary Business Case in that respect towards the end of 2024.
A reply to further clarifications sought by my Department was received in the last few days and is currently under consideration. A response will issue shortly. As the Bray Harbour proposal is at a very early stage in its advancement no funding has been drawn down to date from my Department.
253. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to compensation to individuals who are subject to‘cowboy’ builders under the Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36810/25]
View answerThe main objective of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 is to develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with the building regulations in the construction sector which will benefit consumers and the general public.
The Act provides for the establishment of a statutory register of competent providers of building works. Mandatory regulation is necessary to protect the public from the risks posed by defective buildings as it is the only way to ensure that builders can only take on work they are competent to complete and registered to undertake. Competence can be demonstrated and eligibility for registration can be achieved through qualifications or experience or a combination of both.
The Act provides for complaints against registered builders to be made on a number of grounds – in particular in relation to an entity providing building services in a category in which they are not registered. It provides for a range of proportionate sanctions to be imposed after investigation. Complaints in relation to building regulations will continue to be dealt with under the Building Control Act. Sanctions for non compliance with Building Regulations will be accordance with the provisions in that Act.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) was appointed in January 2023 as the statutory registration body for the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). The registration body have delegated responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the register within the parameters set out in the Act.
254. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated number of completed housing units nationally that cannot be occupied due to a lack of capacity in water infrastructure, both wastewater and water. [36812/25]
View answerUisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects and expenditures is a matter for Uisce Éireann, and is approved through its own internal governance structures. I have no role in relation to day-to-day capital or operational matters.
Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
255. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update in respect of a site (details supplied) and the funds he has granted to develop same. [36833/25]
View answerIn January 2025 my Department received a Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) application from Wicklow County council on behalf of Tuath AHB for the development of 17 units at Parnell Court, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
On 2 May 2025, my Department communicated with Wicklow County Council that they are unable to approve the proposed development due to the high costs of the proposed design and specification not representing value for money.
My Department has requested both Tuath AHB and Wicklow County Council to work within design, specification and cost expectations and to actively address concerns raised, and remain available to engage with Tuath AHB and Wicklow County Council in respect of the site.
256. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of all blueway projects currently being funded; and the funds released to date and status of each project to include completion date. [36834/25]
View answerThe development of Blueways in Ireland to date has been led by a range of organisations including Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The detailed information requested in relation to Blueways projects that are currently being undertaken by Waterways Ireland is not held in my Department. However, 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 Waterways Ireland is oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org.
257. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 551 of 24 June 2025, if it is his Department’s intention to allow further funding applications under measure A8 of the existing the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026; if not, if his Department will next progress such funding applications under a further iteration of the plan; if any update can be provided on the development of an updated Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36871/25]
View answerMy Department's current Multi-annual Rural Water Programme covers the period up to the end of 2026.
Under this cycle of the Programme, funding of more than €45 million is approved in principle for seven projects under measure A8 as a funding contribution to local authorities for projects to address the wastewater collection and treatment needs for villages without access to public wastewater services.
The measure was designed to support and deliver infrastructure in the selected locations but also for these projects to act as pilot schemes. The portfolio of projects approved funding are providing valuable insight into the technical, environmental, and cost challenges associated with delivering appropriate and sustainable wastewater solutions in small villages not served by Uisce Éireann.
The experience gained from these demonstration projects will inform a longer-term evidence based national policy.
258. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of appeals lodged that directly relate to a business’s valuation certificate, since the establishment of Tailte Eireann on 1 March 2023, on a quarterly basis; the average waiting times for these appeals; and if any appeals are outstanding since before the establishment of Tailte Eireann in March 2023, and since 2023 and 2024, in tabular form (details supplied). [36877/25]
View answerThe Valuation Tribunal is the independent statutory body with responsibility for hearing appeals against decisions of Tailte Éireann on the valuation and revaluation of commercial and industrial properties for rating purposes.
As the Valuation Tribunal is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions, my Department does not hold the information requested in respect of average waiting times for appeals. However, arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to Oireachtas members. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Valuation Tribunal in this regard is oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie.
259. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine the case of persons (details supplied); to advise on a land dezoning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36900/25]
View answerThe Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) applies to land zoned for residential development, or for mixed use purposes including residential development and which is ‘vacant or idle’, which in both cases also has the necessary services in place to support the development of housing. The tax was introduced in the Finance Act 2021 and came into effect on 1 February 2025. The aim of this tax is to increase the supply of land for building by activating land which has been zoned in a statutory land use plan adopted by a local authority and which is also serviced. The tax will be charged at 3% of the market value of the land every year.
Land, including land used for agricultural purposes which is zoned solely or primarily for residential use, that is judged by the relevant local authority to meet the criteria set out within the legislation will fall within the scope of the tax. It is important to note that, to come within the scope of RZLT, farmland must be both zoned for residential use and serviced. Where a property is liable to the Local Property Tax (LPT), it is not liable to RZLT.
Annual provision is made for a landowner with land identified on any annual draft map published on 1 February of a given year to make a submission between 1 February and 1 April to the local authority regarding the land, setting out why they consider that the land does not meet the criteria for inclusion within the scope of the tax. For example, if the land is not zoned for residential use, if the land does not have access to or there is no capacity for any of the six servicing criteria, or if the land benefits from an exclusion as outlined in the legislation. The local authority is required to assess any submission and inform the landowner of their decision to either remove or retain the land on the map by 1 July annually. If dissatisfied with the local authority decision, the landowner may appeal the determination to An Coimisiún Pleanála, again setting out why the land does not meet the criteria for inclusion for the tax.
Provision was made in the Finance Act 2024 for landowners to request the relevant local authority to change the zoning of the land, where their land appears on the RZLT annual final map published on 31st January 2025. Under Section 653I(1)(c) of Part 22A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 the request must have been made between 1 February and 1 April 2025 to the relevant local authority. Subject to certain conditions, upon making the request, the landowner could seek an exemption from the tax for 2025 from the Revenue Commissioners.
Local Authorities will consider these requests, having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, along with any relevant Section 28 guidelines issued by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Landowners are required to be notified of the decision to proceed or nor to proceed with a process to amend the land use zoning by 30 June 2025.
260. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of children who entered emergency accommodation in each region, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [36910/25]
View answer261. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families who entered emergency accommodation in the south-west region, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [36911/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of May 2025. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data/, and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation open data portal, data.gov.ie/.
My Department also publishes quarterly progress reports which are based on quarterly performance reports submitted by the nine regional lead authorities responsible for the administration of homeless services at local level. These quarterly performance reports include information on presentations to homeless services by single adult and family households who entered emergency accommodation. The most recent published data is in respect of Q1 2025 and the report is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data/
262. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of CPO applications made in each county to date in 2025, in tabular form. [36912/25]
View answerLocal authorities are empowered under a number of statutes to acquire land, by agreement or compulsorily, for the purposes of performing any of their functions. My Department does not hold data in respect of CPO applications made generally, apart from CPOs related to the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
Specifically, the number of derelict sites acquired within their functional area by local authorities under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) is submitted to my Department by local authorities as part of their annual return on the operation of the Act. The number of sites acquired under the Act by local authorities, both by way of compulsory acquisition or by agreement, in the most recent year 2023 available, is provided in the Table below. The returns are collected in Quarter 2 of the following year and accordingly my Department is currently engaging with local authorities on the returns for 2024.
|
- |
- |
2023 |
|
Local Authority |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
|
Carlow |
0 |
4 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
9 |
|
Cork County |
0 |
3 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
5 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
2 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
3 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick City & County |
0 |
29 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
7 |
|
South Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford City & County |
2 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
|
Totals |
3 |
78 |
263. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff currently employed in the vacant homes unit in his Department, by grade level. [36914/25]
View answerThere are currently eight staff assigned to my Department's Vacant Homes Unit, broken down by grade as follows.
|
Grade |
No. |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
264. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent on private planning consultancies in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [36915/25]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
265. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the tenant in situ scheme in Cork city. [36916/25]
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. €8.3m (42%). 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.
