Written Answers Nos. 508-527
508. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the cost to the Exchequer of the housing assistance payment in each of the years since its creation in 2014, in tabular form; and an estimation of the cost for each year from the last year for which final numbers are available until 2030. [37194/25]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on social housing delivery activity in all local authority areas on the statistics page of its website. Data in relation to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), including funding provided to end 2024, can be found on my Department’s website at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#housing-assistance-payment
Funding of €481.7m has been allocated for the HAP Scheme for 2025. Funding for future years is agreed on an annual basis as part of the annual Estimates process.
509. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address long waiting times for allocation of social housing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37195/25]
View answerMy Department does not hold data in relation to the average waiting time for social housing allocation. However, details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments. The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2024, is available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
Figure 2.8 and Table 2.8 provide details on the length of time households have been on the record of qualified households (the Waiting List).
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. This is demonstrated by the record level of investment which is being provided for the delivery of Housing in 2025, with overall capital funding available of €6.8 billion. The capital provision is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing need.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of Q4 2024, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
510. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to address record homelessness figures across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37196/25]
View answerAddressing homelessness is a priority for this Government. The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments to address homelessness, including ensuring that there is sufficient emergency accommodation for those who require it with special supports for children impacted by homelessness.
Funding of €303 million is available for the delivery of homeless services in 2025. This funding supports the provision of emergency accommodation and wrap around supports. In addition, capital funding of €25m will support the delivery of high quality transitional and emergency accommodation for households experiencing homelessness. A key focus of local authorities and their service delivery partners is to support households experiencing homelessness to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy.
Increased supply is key to addressing homelessness, 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 National Homeless Action Committee (NHAC), which I chair, is effective in providing an opportunity to exchange views and progress work in addressing homelessness. The primary objective of the Committee is to bring together key Government Departments, agencies and stakeholders, to oversee implementation of the homeless inter-agency measures committed to under Housing for All and to ensure for coherence and co-ordination of homeless related services in delivering policy measures and actions.
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, also commits to ensuring a holistic, cross Departmental approach to homelessness prevention and focussing social housing allocations on getting families out of long-term homelessness. My Department is currently drafting a New Housing Plan and included in this will be measures specific to child and family homelessness.
I am continuing to work closely with the National Homeless Action Committee to ensure that there is a continued focus by the various stakeholders on additional measures that we can take to eradicate homelessness. My Department will ensure sufficient funding is made available for all required homeless services to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
511. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of purchase orders processed by his Department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than for goods or services, for example, grants-in-aid or reimbursements, in line with reporting conventions. [37235/25]
View answerThe following table sets out the public procurement figures requested for my Department in 2023:
|
No. of procurement payments not included in the published report / No. of procurement payments excluded due to the value being <€20k* |
c.19,600 |
|
Total combined value of procurement payments above |
€29m |
|
No. of payments excluded because they are not procurement related |
c.21,000 |
* Procurement payments not included in the published report are those that have a value of <€20k.
512. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has ever conducted an analysis, audit, or review of local authority compliance with Circular Fin 07/2012 regarding the publication of purchase orders over €20,000; the last time such an analysis or audit took place; if all local authorities were found to be compliant at that time, and if not, to provide a list of local authorities that were not compliant; and the action that was taken in response to non-compliance. [37242/25]
View answerMy Department does not have direct involvement in executive functions carried out by a local authority, such as the requirement to publish purchase orders over €20,000. Under Section 149 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Chief Executive of a local authority is responsible for the executive functions of the local authority, and for that purpose to manage and control generally, the administration and business of the authority, subject to law. The Chief Executive is answerable to the elected members in respect of the performance of the local authority.
The Public Sector Reform Plan 2011, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, required that every purchase order for good or services by a government department or agency for €20,000 or over should be published online. Circular Fin 07/2012 Notice on Publication of Purchase Orders was issued from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government at the time, to inform the local authority sector of this requirement.
My Department has no role in conducting an analysis, audit, or review of local authority compliance with this requirement and does not hold the specific information requested. Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. More broadly, in accordance with sections 114 to 126 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS) carries out independent, external audits of all local government bodies, including local authorities. Each local authority's Annual Financial Statement is published on their website following completion of their audit by the LGAS.
513. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he plans to take in relation to the transfer of lands from commercial State bodies to expedite the development of suitable sites in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37270/25]
View answerThe Land Development Agency (LDA) is working with key landholders across the public and commercial State sectors to transfer lands that are surplus to their operational requirements and suitable for residential development to the LDA in a managed process.
The Land Development Agency Act 2021 requires the LDA to establish and maintain a Register of Relevant Lands and to furnish Government with a Report on Relevant Public Lands at two yearly intervals. The Register and Report facilitate and support the identification and assessment of the potential of relevant public lands for the provision of affordable and social housing both now, and in the future.
State owned lands at ESB Networks in Carlow and at St. Canice's Hospital and Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny are included in the 2nd Report, published earlier this year, which is available on the LDA's website at the following link: lda.ie/public-lands/report-on-relevant-lands
My Department will make an assessment of relevant public lands identified in the latest Report. Some of the sites identified may be suitable to progress to design and planning and early transfer for housing delivery, subject to achieving statutory consents and agreement. Other sites may be more complex and in operational use. If suitable and prioritised, these sites may require further inputs, such as master planning, enabling works, and relocation of existing operations, before applications for statutory consents or development.
The Government is also currently considering options to accelerate this process, including an amendment to the LDA Act to provide for a statutory process whereby disposals of land may be directed by the Minister in certain circumstances and in a manner that will not impact on the financial stability or operational capacity of State bodies.
514. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when new rural planning guidelines will be published for Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37271/25]
View answerSince the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the planning system.
Updated Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being considered by my Department. The updated guidelines will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft Rural Housing Guidelines will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF. The guidelines will continue to allow county development plans to provide for housing in the countryside based on the considerations detailed in NPO 28 of the NPF, and will also highlight the need to manage development in certain areas, such as the areas around cities and larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid over-development.
While planning policy is a national, as opposed to an EU competence, due care is being taken to ensure the updated guidelines will not operate to conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, comply with EU environmental legislative requirements and have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. The draft planning guidelines will address these complex environmental and legal issues, while also providing a framework for the sustainable management of housing in rural areas.
When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the provisions of the development plan and any guidelines issued by the Minister, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect.
515. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average waiting time to get a decision from An Bord Pleanála in each of the years 2021 to 2024 and to date in 2025; the single longest time an application had to wait for approval in each of the years; his views on whether these delays are acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37272/25]
View answerThe information requested is not held by my Department
An Coimisiún Pleanála (the Board) 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 2024, 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 when commenced later this year, including, for the first time, for the Board/An Coimisiún Pleanála. 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.
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 statutory targets.
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
516. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will significantly increase the mortgage allowance scheme for those vacating a social house with a view to purchasing a property, as creating a strong incentive should free up additional social housing units. [37291/25]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 148 of 2 July 2025 which sets out the position in this matter.
517. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the taxpayer is funding An Bord Pleanála to assess the planning application for the now discontinued Sceirde Rocks Wind Farm Scheme (case reference 321697) in light of the correspondence the Department received on 25 April 2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37302/25]
View answerAn 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 2024, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and certain other Acts.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended the Minister shall not exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case(s) with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned. As such, my Department does not have any information in relation to the issue raised.
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.
518. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that rough sleepers, who are homeless people by definition, are not included in the "Monthly Homeless Report" produced by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37319/25]
View answerMy 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/
In the Dublin region, an official rough sleeper count is conducted twice yearly, in April and November, by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). The latest official Dublin Region rough sleeper count was carried out over the week of March 31st to 6th April 2025. A total of 121 unique individuals were confirmed as rough sleeping across the Dublin region over the week of the count. This is a decrease of 9.7% on the November 2024 count (134) and a decrease of 5.5% on the April 2024 count (128).
The purpose of the count is to gather information on the patterns of rough sleeping, identify chronic rough sleepers for the Housing First programme and identify the health services and/or accommodation needed to meet each individual’s need.
The Housing First approach to addressing homelessness places direct access to housing first and foremost for vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time, and those unable or resistant to accessing homeless services and who may then become habitual rough sleepers. These individuals often have complex high support needs such as mental or physical health problems, addiction issues or dual diagnosis (the presence of mental ill health and a substance addiction).
The Housing First National Implementation Plan was published in 2021 and includes a target to establish 1,319 Housing First tenancies by 2026. The implementation of the Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the criminal justice sector (the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service) and local authorities, in conjunction with NGO partners. The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, includes a commitment to create 2,000 Housing First tenancies to help eliminate long term homelessness. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities to continue to deliver the appropriate measures to support all individuals experiencing homelessness including those with complex needs and those rough sleeping.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that sufficient supports and outreach is provided to rough sleepers to encourage them to avail of the emergency accommodation that is available, and funding for all required homeless services will be provided this year.
519. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities have received clarity on the process for drafting of development plans given the potential changes to be introduced on implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024. [37370/25]
View answerThe Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted on 17 October 2024. Given its scale, the Act of 2024 is being commenced on a phased basis to facilitate the transition from arrangements under the current Planning and Development Act 2000 (Act of 2000) to the new legislative framework. A comprehensive Implementation Plan has been published that includes a detailed commencement schedule for the Act and a range of initiatives to support training and engagement for the planning sector. The Implementation Plan is a ‘living document’ that informs and guides the commencement and rollout of the Act of 2024 and it will be updated as required to remain relevant throughout the period of its implementation. This is available at gov.ie/planning.
An Implementation Oversight Group has been established and is meeting on a regular basis. It is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Act of 2024. A wide range of stakeholders and public bodies are represented on it, including local authorities, regional assemblies, An Coimisiún Pleanála, the Office of the Planning Regulator, state infrastructure/utility providers and the professional planning institutes. One of the key areas being examined is the commencement of Part 3 of the Act which deals, inter alia, with development plans
Chapter 5 of Part 3 of the Act of 2024 sets out the procedures which will apply to Development Plans once commenced. Development plans will have a 10-year lifespan rather than the current 6-year lifespan and will be more strategic in nature than under the Act of 2000. An interim review of the development plan will occur at year 5, in order to take account of wider changes since the plan was prepared and to allow for update, if required. This will provide more up-to-date and strategic plans; providing greater certainty that there is sufficient zoned land available at all times to align with the needs of the housing and economic development and again, providing greater certainty over a longer period for all stakeholders.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 is currently before the House. it includes proposed amendments to Part 3 of the Act of 2024 to help ensure that, in line with the approval of the revised NPF, updated housing requirements can be incorporated into the planning system as quickly as possible and local authorities will have clarity on the processes which will apply to development plans and on-going variations to development plans. The Bill provides, inter alia, that:
• Where the making of a development plan or a development plan variation has commenced under the Act of 2000 prior to the commencement of Part 3 of the Act of 2024, the making of the plan or the variation to a plan continues under the Act of 2000, notwithstanding its repeal.
• Where a plan is made under the Act of 2000 and continued in force under the Act of 2024, any subsequent variation of that plan under the Act of 2024 will be assessed with respect to the variation only rather than the criteria in the Act of 2024.
• Guidelines, Strategies and Plans made under the Act of 2000 and continued in force under the Act of 2024 on the commencement of Part 3 should be regarded in decision making processes under the Act of 2024.
It is intended to that this Bill will be enacted before the Summer recess.
520. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline, in light of concerns for individuals and businesses who use and operate on inland waterways, the progress made in relation to Waterways Ireland byelaws for the inland waterways; and if he will provide an update on these byelaws. [37424/25]
View answer523. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide on update on the new proposed River Shannon, Grand and Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation bye-laws; if Waterways Ireland has provided any update in relation to fees and charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37445/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 523 together.
Waterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.
Waterways Ireland undertook an extensive public consultation over two periods totalling 178 days between June 2023 and February 2024 on the proposed revisions to the Bye-laws.
More than 4,000 invitations to participate were sent to interested groups, public representatives, statutory bodies and the general public. Waterways Ireland held 10 public consultation meetings, facilitated 27 stakeholder meetings and received 1,799 submissions to its consultation. Waterways Ireland also addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on two occasions and the Public Accounts Committee on one occasion where the draft Bye-laws were discussed.
Having considered all contributions to the consultation, Waterways Ireland provided an initial draft of proposed revisions to the Bye-laws to my Department for consideration. Whilst acknowledging the comprehensive consultation undertaken, the dedication and effort that went into developing the proposals and the underlying imperative for the bye-laws to be updated, I requested that Waterways Ireland reflect further on the proposed fees and charges in light of inflationary and cost-of-living pressures on people day-to-day, and similar cost and pricing pressures in the leisure and tourism sectors.
Waterways Ireland has carefully considered its draft proposals in relation to fees and charges and I am pleased to say, has submitted a further revised draft of the Byelaws to my Department for detailed consideration and legal review. The outcome of this review will inform the next steps to be taken.
It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Byelaws has concluded.
521. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any financial support is available for housing extensions where household income is over the financial threshold to qualify for a sufficient local authority housing adaptation grant for disabled people to carry out necessary adaptations for disabled persons to continue to live at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37427/25]
View answerMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2025 has been increased substantially by €25 million to €99.5 million, or over €117 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department carried out a review of the Housing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme including a review of the Means Test, and the Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
The grants available operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. The schemes are means tested and grant assistance is available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, is up to €75,000 per annum. The household income approach is intended to spread the benefits of the grant scheme as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in operation of the scheme towards those with the greatest needs. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme.
522. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to revise the income eligibility limit for affordable cost rental in County Cork to match the household income limit that applies in Dublin, given the comparable cost of living and price of houses in both areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/25]
View answerCost Rental housing is a key tool in the Government's efforts to make rents more affordable and renting more secure. It is a new form of tenure in Ireland, established in 2021, where the tenant pays a rent which is set to cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the home. Cost Rental is targeted at people within the middle-income cohort, who do not qualify for social housing but who may be facing acute affordability pressures on the private rental market.
Eligibility for tenancies in Cost Rental homes is primarily determined by the net household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC, and pension contributions) of applicants, which is assessed at the point of application. In August 2023 the Government increased the net household income limits to €66,000 for Cost Rental homes in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere. These limits were introduced across the Cost Rental sector from 1 August 2023 by the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Eligibility) Regulations 2023.
In line with the commitment in the new Programme for Government, my Department is keeping the parameters for Cost Rental income eligibility limits under review, in order to ensure that the scheme effectively targets these homes at the intended tenant cohort.
524. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what his department doing to ensure that The Apartment and Duplex Remediation Bill 2004 comes before the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for pre-legislative scrutiny in the Dáil autumn term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37449/25]
View answer539. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to amend the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011; if legislation to underpin the defects remediation schemes will be laid before the Oireachtas Housing Committee for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny before the end of 2025; and when the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill will be passed and commenced. [37810/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 539 together.
Under the Programme for Government, my Department will take responsibility for the Multi-Unit Development Act to streamline support for Owner Management Companies and improve oversight. A timeline for the transfer of this function from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is being advanced and engagement between the two Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
My Department is progressing the drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. Various issues requiring legal advice are currently under consideration. The Bill is included in the Government Legislation Summer Programme 2025 and I intend to seek Government approval to publish shortly. The General Scheme will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable.
525. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views regarding the retail planning guidelines; if there is a timeline in place for the review of the guidelines; if he is conscious of the fact that the current guidelines are proving to be an impediment to the maintenance and expansion of a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/25]
View answerThe Retail Planning Guidelines were issued as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act in 2012. Section 28 of the Act provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) are required to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their functions. The Guidelines aim to ensure that the planning system plays a key role in supporting competitiveness in the retail sector for the benefit of the consumer in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development.
The guidelines recognise that the retail sector is a key component of the national economy and aims to ensure that the planning system continues to play its role in supporting competitiveness and choice in the sector, while also promoting the vitality and viability of city and town centres.
Under the Guidelines, retail strategies are to be prepared at regional and local levels, which project future retail needs and requirements aligned to the settlement hierarchy established by the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and City and County Development Plans.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 Implementation Plan, published in March 2025, outlines the commencement schedule for the Act. Chapters 1 and 2 and Part 22 of the Act have commenced and came into effect from 9th June 2025. Part 3 of the Act, which includes the provisions relating to ‘National Planning Statements’ (NPS), which will replace Ministerial Guidelines issued under section 28 of the 2000 Act, is due to be commenced in mid-2025. Following the commencement of Part 3 of the Act, the conversion of existing Guidelines to National Planning Statements will be sequenced over time. In the interests of clarity all existing guidelines will continue to have effect until such time as they are replaced by NPS or revoked.
Having regard to the evolving nature of the retail industry and broader changes that are impacting on the role of city and town centres in recent years, it is envisaged that a review of the Retail Planning Guidelines will be included in the review programme.
In light of section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage shall not exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority may be concerned. Accordingly it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific case in question.
The Government is progressing a number of initiatives and investment programmes to support the regeneration of retail environments.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has established the Retail Forum to support retail business across the country. The purpose of the forum is to allow key issues of relevance to the sector to be discussed, with a view to identifying practical actions that could be taken by Government, or by industry itself, to support the sector with particular emphasis on achieving sustainable jobs growth.
Separately, significant progress has been made in delivering on the actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns.
526. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for details on possible costs for each local authority to employ an archaeologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37474/25]
View answerUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible.
The salary scale for an archaeologist in the local government sector is linked to the Executive Engineer Grade and ranges from €59,067 to €82,108. Full details of the current pay rates for Local Authority Staff are available on my Department's website at the following address: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/policies/local-government/#human-resources
527. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the publication of the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland in July 2024, the engagement that has taken place with his Department and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, local planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in relation to addressing the safety and regulation concerns now widespread in communities across the country where new electricity storage installations are proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37541/25]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981. The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), which is a section in my Department, supports fire authorities through setting general policy and national standards, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
The lead Government Department with responsibility for the Electricity Storage Policy Framework is the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment who have consulted with the NDFEM on development of the Framework.
With regard to the Planning function, as is outlined in Section 4.4.3 of the Electric Storage Framework;
Under Section 13 of the Fire Services Acts 198, Fire Authorities may advise a planning authority in relation to applications for planning permission for development and permission for the retention of structures, Section 34 (which relates to permission for development and for the retention of structures) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
When responding to the outbreak of fire in such facilities, fire services operate the National Incident Command System with Dynamic Risk Assessment to ensure safe firefighting operations at the scene of such fires.
