Written Answers Nos. 190-212
190. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55693/25]
View answerMy Department is guided by relevant legislation, policies and the National Cyber Security Centre in respect of all matters related to the use or operation of AI. All applications and platforms used or operated by my Department must be in line with relevant policies and be consistent with advice provided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
I am advised by my officials that my Department does not make use of agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations, nor is it currently considering the use of agentic AI in any capacity.
191. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he will finalise the application process for applications for the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56020/25]
View answerI am delighted to have secured an allocation for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot as part of Budget 2026. While the detail of the future scheme will need to be agreed by Government, this is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
With an allocation of €18.27m in my Department’s 2026 Estimate, I look forward to the design and delivery of the successor scheme next year. Based on that allocation the scheme will support the practices of 2,000 artists in 2026 at €325 per week, with payment beginning in Q4 2026.
I can confirm that the BIA pilot scheme will end in February 2026, which is when the final pilot payment will be made to the current cohort of recipients. While eligibility is not yet finalised, a new cohort of recipients will be selected based on eligible applications for the successor scheme.
Stakeholder consultation and engagement with other relevant Government Departments on the design of the new scheme will continue to determine details such as the duration, eligibility and selection method, the details of which have not yet been decided.
I plan to bring proposals to Government and aim to publish details of the eligibility criteria and parameters of the successor scheme later this year once they have been agreed by Cabinet.
The research has consistently demonstrated both the positive impact the BIA has had for those in receipt of it and how difficult it is to work as an artist in Ireland given the income precarity prevalent in the sector. The BIA successor scheme will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
192. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will update the wind turbine guidelines; and when it is expected they will be published. [56042/25]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.
Further to this engagement, DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise remit, appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is now substantially complete.
My Department, in conjunction with DCEE, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development.
The evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Act 2024 and the recent revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF) reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose.
In addition to this work, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines as part of the review process. In this regard, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines as part of the SEA process whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines. Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.
My Department notes the commitment in the recently published Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future to prioritise the publication of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, having regard to international best practice and standards. In light of this commitment, my Department is working towards concluding the finalisation of review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, having regard to the intended public consultation and the impact of associated reforms and reviews including the revision of the NPF.
The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force, pending the finalisation of the review.
193. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason risk assessments for only two invasive freshwater fish species (chub and common carp) out of four listed in the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011) have been conducted by the National Biodiversity Data Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55544/25]
View answerThe contract for the detailed risk assessment work undertaken in 2014 was with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) co-partnered delivery of the work.
At the time, 42 of the species listed on the Third Schedule to the 2011 Regulations (SI 477/2011) were for risk assessment as they were known to be traded species (including Chub and Carp). For an additional 11 Third Schedule species, including Roach and Dace, an assessment of the extent of trade of those species was also conducted. It was found that Roach and Dace did not appear to be traded in Ireland, except for vacuum-packed Roach sold as frozen dead bait for angling.
As Roach and Dace did not appear to be traded species, they were not taken forward for detailed risk assessment (NAPRA Ireland).
Inland Fisheries Ireland undertook the risk assessments for the aquatic species (including the fish) and the NBDC did the terrestrial species. All drafted risk assessments were reviewed by external experts and were made available for public consultation including in-person consultation events. This website was established as a platform to share information about the work being done: Non-native Species Risk Assessment for Ireland (www.nonnativespecies.ie).
Further details relating to risk assessments for invasive alien species in Ireland are available on the website: www.invasives.ie.
194. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service continues to support the removal of invasive pike from the Owenriff system that straddles two SACs near Oughterard, County Galway in an effort to restore the ecosystem to its natural state, in order for Ireland to be in compliance with Article 6.2 of the EU Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55545/25]
View answerThe Owenriff lies between two special areas of conservation: Lough Corrib SAC (Site Code: 000297) which includes salmon, brook lamprey, river lamprey and sea lamprey in its qualifying interests, and Connemara Bog Complex SAC (Site Code: 002034) which also includes salmon in its qualifying interests.
Inland Fisheries Ireland are the competent authority for fin fish species under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. This agency is under the aegis of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and, as such I am not in a position to comment on the status of pike in Ireland.
NPWS are not currently undertaking any work to remove pike from the Owenriff system.
195. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when site data for Irish wetland birds surveys since 2021 will be made available online. [55567/25]
View answerThe Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) has an open and freely accessible online data platform where data collected under the programme can be readily viewed and downloaded. This platform currently hosts data from 2011/12 to 2019/2020, inclusive. Data from other years can be readily requested by submitting a data request form, details of which are available at the following website: https://irishwetlandbirdsurvey.ie/.
The latest major publication from the I-WeBS programme was published in 2019 and provides an update on the status and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Ireland up to winter 2015/16. See the link below for details:
www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM_106_Irelands_Wintering_Waterbirds.pdf.
An updated Irish Wildlife Manual publication for I-WeBS covering up to winter 2022/23 is currently being finalised and is expected to be published in 2025. Once published, the online data platform will be updated to include data up to winter 2022/23.
196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when local authorities will receive compensation for expenses incurred as a result of storm Éowyn; and if he can confirm that this compensation was committed to earlier in the year. [55646/25]
View answerMy Department undertakes the Lead Government Department role, as set out in the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) Framework (2017), in relation to the coordination of national level responses to severe weather and flooding emergencies, where warranted. My Department's National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management undertakes this role and works closely with local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Met Éireann.
Local authorities are designated as the lead agencies for coordinating a response to flooding and severe weather emergencies. All local authorities have an established Severe Weather Assessment Team in place, monitoring Met Éireann weather warnings, High Tide Advisories and the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) advisory warnings. Local authorities also have Severe Weather/ Flood Plans in place to support the response to weather emergencies.
Since 2009, my Department has made financial support of over €100 million available to assist local authorities in meeting the unbudgeted costs of clean-up and necessary immediate works, including for exceptional overtime payments, the hire of plant and heavy machinery, the purchase of materials required for the clean-up and the hire of contractors associated with significant severe weather emergency events.
This is in recognition of the exceptional nature of the activities carried out by local authorities in responding to these types of emergencies and the fact that the costs of these un-programmed activities could not be foreseen in annual expenditure planning. This practice is considered a vital enabler to underpin a rapid response by local authorities.
In the context of Storm Éowyn and the exceptional nature of the response and humanitarian assistance activities carried out by local authorities, clearly the costs of these activities were not budgeted for within existing resources. My Department is collating costs from all local authorities in relation to severe weather responses earlier this year and, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, will work with local authorities to address relevant unbudgeted costs.
It should be noted that funding the repair of public infrastructure is undertaken by the relevant Department in line with its sectoral responsibility. Capital costs associated with infrastructural damage, for example damage to the roads network and coastal protection infrastructure (where necessary), are funded under relevant sectoral arrangements.
197. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether applicants who previously owned a property that was either re-possessed or sold for a vastly reduced price as a result of the property downturn in 2008 can be considered as fresh start applicants in terms of a local authority home loans; and his views on whether this cohort of applicants deserve and need this form of assistance. [55648/25]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
An exemption to the First Time Buyer eligibility criteria may be applied under the Fresh Start Principle.
The following categories of persons may be eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan under the Fresh Start principle:
• Applicant(s) who previously purchased or built a dwelling, together with a spouse, a civil partner or a person with whom he or she was in an intimate and committed relationship may be eligible under the Fresh Start principle where this relationship has ended, and they have divested themselves of their interest in the previous property.
• Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but has been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, may be eligible to apply. However a separate assessment of creditworthiness will be conducted by the underwriters. This applies when the applicant has exited the insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings.
It should be noted that the assessment of eligibility under the Fresh Start principle can be complex as it must take into account the specific circumstances of each applicant. In relation to the scenarios cited, without complete information, my Department is not in a position to advise, although in general unless the repossession/sale was part of insolvency/proceedings it would not be considered a Fresh Start qualifying event.
The Local Authority Home Loan scheme is kept under constant review. However, there are no plans at present to expand the Fresh Start definition.
198. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the review of the coordinated response to storm Éowyn established to examine all aspects of the State response to the storm under section 6.15 of the Strategic Emergency Management Framework has been completed; if a report arising from the review has been published and the actions which are arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55656/25]
View answerStorm Éowyn was named by the UK Met Office Tuesday 21 January 2025, the fifth named storm of the 2024-25 windstorm season. Widespread red and orange weather warnings were issued across Ireland and the UK ahead of the rapidly strengthening storm. Ireland experienced one of its most damaging, dangerous and destructive weather events with gale force/storm force winds, including severe damaging and destructive gusts of over 183 km/h, a record for Ireland.
As the Lead Government Department for coordinating a response to severe weather, the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management, of my Department, co-ordinated the ‘whole-of-Government’ response to this severe weather event through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG).
Following the conclusion of the response by the NECG, it is the responsibility of the Lead Government Department, under section 6.15 of the Strategic Emergency Management Framework to undertake a review and report to the Government Task Force (GTF).
A review of the coordinated response to Storm Éowyn was undertaken by my Department, examining all aspects of the response to Storm Éowyn, with a view to identifying the key lessons across all sectors and the implementation of recommendations. A Steering Group and two subgroups (Humanitarian Assistance and Critical Infrastructure & Essential Services) were formed with a membership of officials from across Government, utility and energy suppliers, Principal Response Agencies, the transport sector and local authorities. The focus of the review was on planning for future storms and strengthening resilience and coordination across all sectors.
A draft has now been submitted to the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning for review prior to submission to Government.
199. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a list of all reports commissioned by his Department that have not yet been published, from 2020 to October 2025. [55680/25]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Built and Archaeological Heritage Sectoral Adaptation Plan |
|
Environmental Impact Assessment Traffic Light Study - Environmental Impact Assessment Thresholds Review |
|
Report on Thresholds and Criteria in Respect of Projects Listed in Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU, as Amended by Directive 2014/52/EU (the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive) |
|
Water Quality and Water Services Infrastructure Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan |
|
Water Quality and Water Services Infrastructure Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment Repor |
200. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55701/25]
View answerMy Department does not currently use any Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies including agentic AI. My Department recently completed a proof of concept with EY on the viability of using AI, using Microsoft Co-Pilot on housing data. This was completed at no cost to the Department. The lessons learned from this pilot project will be utilised in the future. At present, my Department is finalising the AI policy that outlines the framework for the legal, secure and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Department.
201. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for information on the terms and the parties involved in the proposed action plan led by Wexford County Council and the time scales for agreed action (details supplied). [55708/25]
View answerIn relation to Lady’s Island Lake, my colleague, Minister of State, Christopher O’Sullivan along with Department officials have met with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) along with Wexford County Council, National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) and Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) to establish an oversight group for Lady’s Island. This group has met on multiple occasions and is led and chaired by Wexford County Council. Teagasc also recently joined. Minister O'Sullivan has requested that Wexford County Council urgently prepare a specific action plan to deal with the pollution at the lake, which will follow the framework and mechanisms within the Water Action Plan. Wexford County Council, who are leading this project, is in the final stages of developing an action plan for the area.
Lady’s Island Lake is a Priority Area for Action (PAA) under the existing Water Action Plan and therefore all mechanisms for undertaking scientific and compliance investigations, delivery of advice and implementing regulatory and supplementary measures under the Water Action Plan will be harnessed. Funding from my Department has already been provided to support a significant component of the action required through the provision of (i) National Agricultural Inspection Programme (NAIP) inspectors in the local authorities, whom are responsible for investigating farm compliance with the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Regulations; (ii) free advice and support for farmers under ASSAP, and co-funding is provided by DAFM and my Department for (iii) the implementation of supplementary measures through the Farming for Water EIP.
202. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans for the National Housing Agency to purchase a housing estate (details supplied) where all the tenants have received eviction notices to leave between February and June of next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55743/25]
View answer206. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a request for the tenant-in situ-scheme will be considered for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55808/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 206 together.
I understand the housing estate in question includes both private and social housing (Housing Assistance Payment) supported tenancies, with the majority of households renting privately.
In the first instance, and regardless of the type of tenancy, any household at risk of homelessness should engage directly with the housing department in their relevant local authority, which can advise them regarding their immediate and long-term accommodation options.
The Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) scheme is a support for tenants in private rental homes who are not receiving social housing support but are at risk of homelessness because a landlord has served a valid Notice of Termination because they intend to sell the property. In such cases, eligibility for support is assessed in the first instance by the relevant local authority. Potential suitable cases are referred thereafter to the Housing Agency (which administers and manages the scheme on behalf of my Department) for a decision to acquire a property or otherwise. Details on the scheme can be accessed via the Housing Agency’s website at: www.housingagency.ie/crtis.
Similar support may be available for social housing supported tenants under my Department's Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. The programme provides for the acquisition of homes with tenants in situ, as a last resort policy lever for local authorities, when all other options to accommodate a household in receipt of HAP or RAS, which has received a no fault Notice of Termination, have been exhausted and the household is at risk of homelessness. The acquisition of such properties is delegated to local authorities within the parameters of the Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. Accordingly, it would be a matter for Kerry County Council to determine, having explored all other options to prevent the relevant households becoming homeless, if the acquisition of the homes in question is a suitable option. The funding available this year, coupled with the flexibility to enter into commitments falling due in 2026, should be more than adequate to meet all potential tenant in situ and other acquisitions that can be completed this year.
Finally, Section 35A of the Residential Tenancies Acts (known as the ‘Tyrrelstown amendment’) provides that where a landlord proposes to sell 10 or more units within a single development at the same time, the sale is subject to the existing tenants remaining in situ, other than in exceptional circumstances. The ‘Tyrrelstown amendment’ seeks to promote security of tenure in the interest of the common social good.
In any event, where there is a question regarding the validity of a Notice of Termination, tenants can refer a dispute to the Residential Tenancies Board for resolution.
203. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the number of housing units realised in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford that have availed of the vacant homes refurbishment grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55745/25]
View answerThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
My Department publishes data on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes the number of applications, approvals and the total number and value of grants paid per local authority. This data also includes a breakdown of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Derelict Property Top-up Grant for every quarter. The Q2 2025 grant statistics were published on 18th July 2025 and can be accessed at the following link: [Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics].
204. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units completed by county, for the years 2022 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55799/25]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in each local authority. This data is available to the end of Q1 2025 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/.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments, their location and their funding programme that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 1 2025. The Q1 2025 CSR and all previous versions of the CSR are available on the Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, Approved Housing Body etc. at this link: opendata.housing.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q1-2025 The Q2 2025 Construction Status Report is currently being compiled.
Data for Q2 2025 is currently being collated and will be published shortly.
205. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of approved housing assistance payment tenancies in County Kildare from 2022 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55802/25]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. Under HAP, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. At the end of Q1 2025, almost 127,000 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were 52,657 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
The table below provides a breakdown of the total number of active HAP tenancies in Kildare County Council from 2022 to end Q1 2025, in addition to the number of new HAP tenancies set up in each year.
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Q1 2025 |
|
Active HAP Tenancies |
2,032 |
1,799 |
1,732 |
1,757 |
|
HAP Tenancies Set up |
324 |
429 |
413 |
112 |
207. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of individual sites that were subject to core I-WeBS counts in each of the years 2011 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55923/25]
View answerThe Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) is Ireland’s national programme for monitoring population trends of wintering waterbirds and the habitats they use. The survey has been running for over 30 years. The I-WeBS count surveys are completed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), by professional staff of the survey service provider (under contract) and by a network of skilled volunteers.
During the period from winter 2011/2012 to winter 2015/2016, a total of 631 sites received at least one I-WeBS core count. During the period from winter 2016/2017 to winter 2022/2023, a total of 486 sites received at least one I-WeBS core count. The number of I-WeBS sites counted under I-WeBS each winter season may vary due to a range of factors, including weather, flooding, access, and the availability of volunteers and NPWS staff.
208. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current estimate for housing completions in 2025 and 2026; the variance between those estimates and the published Housing for All targets; the latest national and regional house-price-to-earnings ratios; and his Department’s assessment of the impact of non-indexation of the standard rate income-tax band on affordability for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55976/25]
View answerIncreasing the supply of new homes is key to meeting need and addressing many of the challenges currently facing the housing market. A continued increase in supply will help dampen house price growth further and ease affordability challenges.
Supply has increased significantly in recent years. Some 140,000 new homes have been delivered since July 2020, with 92,400 of these delivered between 2022 and 2024 inclusive, exceeding the combined target for the period by 5,400 or so.
While my Department does not forecast new home completions in any year, new dwelling completions data are published by the CSO on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://data.cso.ie/table/NDQ05.
Recent data show some 15,141 new homes completed in the first half of this year, up 20% year-on-year and the highest H1 completions figure since the data series began in 2011. 32,717 new homes completed in the 12 months ending Q2 2025 an increase of 5% on the same period last year and the highest rolling 12-month completions since the data series began. As such, we expect delivery in 2025 to sustain the recent uplift in supply.
My Department does not collect nor analyse income data in the manner requested. Notwithstanding, the data shows that first-time buyer (FTB) activity remains robust, with 18,529 purchases by FTBs in the year to end July, up 6% year-on-year and up 41% on the year to July 2020. The latest Banking and Payment Federation report shows more than 122,800 FTB mortgages drawn down in the five years to end Q2 2025, while rolling 12-month drawdowns for FTBs increased almost 6% year-on-year to almost 26,900.
Government is focused on continuing to bring forward measures that will increase the supply of new homes, which is key to meeting need, moderating price increases and address affordability in the market. In this regard, the recently revised National Planning Framework is a major step forward, and will help increase capacity and accelerate home building across the country, while the new Housing Activation Office will work to address barriers to the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development.
The new Planning Design Standards for Apartments will allow greater flexibility vis-à-vis the size and mix of apartment types to help increase apartment viability, facilitate increased supply, and address affordability challenges.
A next call for expressions of interest under the Croí Cónaithe Cities scheme has been issued and is currently under assessment – the scheme will help activate the thousands of planning permissions for apartments in our cities.
Further measures to stimulate development activity will be considered in the context of the new national housing plan, which Government aims to publish in the coming weeks.
209. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total SEEP funding requested by Cork City Council under the NWQR in 2025; and the total amount allocated. [56030/25]
View answer210. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department reviews SEEP funding requests by Cork City Council on a project-by-project basis and allocates individually, or whether an overall allocation is provided. [56031/25]
View answerThe Cork North West Quarter Regeneration (CNWQR) Masterplan was published in 2011, with a proposal to carry out wholesale demolition of the housing stock in Knocknaheeny. Knocknaheeny is the subject of significant social housing capital funding as part of the CNWQR. Over €85m has been allocated to projects that are either completed or on-site under the CNWQR programme. The current CNWQR programme runs until 2028, and it is envisaged that projects will be on-going until this date.
Additional funding for Cork City Council has also been provided to support a Social Economic and Environment Plan (SEEP) Programme, to address the physical regeneration of housing and to support wider community infrastructure projects, and social and economic interventions which seek to address the causes of disadvantage in communities.
This is funded on an annual basis with an overall allocation of €450,000 in 2025. It is a matter for the Council to shortlist the most appropriate projects, that fit accordingly with the objectives of the social housing regeneration programme, in terms of revitalising the area and the built environment.
211. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families in each county currently receiving the working family payment that will qualify for the fuel allowance following Budget 2026, in tabular form. [55621/25]
View answerFor September 2025, 49,917 people were receiving Working Family Payment with 3,729 of these in households where Fuel Allowance is currently awarded on another claim. Exact numbers and breakdowns of Working Family Payment recipients who will benefit from the extension of Fuel Allowance to the Working Family Payment will be available when the measure comes into effect in 2026. The county breakdown of September 2025 recipients of Working Family Payment is set out in the table below along with the percentage breakdown.
|
County |
WFP recipients September 2025 |
WFP recipients September 2025 (%) |
|
Carlow |
716 |
1.4% |
|
Cavan |
1,024 |
2.1% |
|
Clare |
1,128 |
2.3% |
|
Cork |
4,676 |
9.4% |
|
Donegal |
2,429 |
4.9% |
|
Dublin |
12,721 |
25.5% |
|
Galway |
2,292 |
4.6% |
|
Kerry |
1,565 |
3.1% |
|
Kildare |
2,302 |
4.6% |
|
Kilkenny |
953 |
1.9% |
|
Laois |
1,072 |
2.1% |
|
Leitrim |
344 |
0.7% |
|
Limerick |
2,107 |
4.2% |
|
Longford |
660 |
1.3% |
|
Louth |
1,873 |
3.8% |
|
Mayo |
1,340 |
2.7% |
|
Meath |
2,063 |
4.1% |
|
Monaghan |
938 |
1.9% |
|
Offaly |
850 |
1.7% |
|
Roscommon |
702 |
1.4% |
|
Sligo |
691 |
1.4% |
|
Tipperary |
1,732 |
3.5% |
|
Waterford |
1,466 |
2.9% |
|
Westmeath |
971 |
1.9% |
|
Wexford |
2,091 |
4.2% |
|
Wicklow |
1,088 |
2.2% |
|
Unknown |
123 |
0.2% |
|
Total |
49,917 |
100.0% |
212. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families and of children, in each county that will benefit from the back-to school clothing and footwear allowance extended to two-and three-year-olds following Budget 2026, in tabular form. [55622/25]
View answerThe Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn.
As part of Budget 2026, BSCFA was extended to children aged 2 and 3 years. It is estimated that this will support an additional 35,000 children.
BSCFA is a means-tested payment and aims to assist those families most in need. Providing this expansion of the scheme will support families with younger children who most need it during a time of increased costs.
As the scheme operates from June to September each year, it is not yet possible for the Department to provide a breakdown of the number of families and children, in each county, that will benefit from the extension of BSCFA to children aged 2 and 3 years.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
