Written Answers Nos. 475-498
475. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for clarification as to whether a body incorporated can apply for the vacant property refurbishment grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57034/25]
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.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is not available to registered companies, developers or undertakings and applications can only be made by named individuals.
There are a range of measures in place to address vacancy and support urban regeneration which can be availed of by companies and undertakings, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Living City Initiative and planning exemptions for the conversion of certain commercial properties into residential use.
476. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of the 60 positions for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, announced by the previous Minister on 4 May 2022 for the Strategic Action Plan, that have been filled. [57071/25]
View answerRecruitment in the current market has presented challenges. However, through sustained effort and collaboration my Department has successfully attracted and appointed skilled and committed professionals across a range of disciplines. This achievement reflects the strength of our recruitment strategy and the growing recognition of this Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as an employer of choice in the conservation and heritage sector. These additional resources have been instrumental in supporting the delivery of our organisational goals and in advancing out mission to protect, conserve and enhance Irelands natural heritage.
Our skilled teams are working collaboratively to address key priorities in conservation, biodiversity management and heritage protection whilst working with the EU through Projects like LIFE and SNaP, implementing key EU laws such as the Habitats and Birds Directives in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and Nature Restoration Law.
Since the NPWS transferred to my Department in September 2020, the staffing headcount has grown from 350 at the end of December 2020 to 588 at the end of September 2025, an increase of 68%. This increase includes the posts outlined in the NPWS Strategic Action Plan, along with addressing other emerging priority work areas. Resource levels across Administration, Professional/Technical and Industrial posts have increased.
The expansion of our workforce demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening the NPWS, ensuring that it is well equipped to deliver on the objectives set out in the strategic plan and to safeguard our natural environment for future generations.
477. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff currently working in the National Market Surveillance Office. [57072/25]
View answer478. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff are currently working for the National Building Control Office. [57073/25]
View answer479. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of construction product types the NMSO and NBCO are responsible for. [57074/25]
View answer480. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of the staff working for the NMSO and the NBCO who work for both offices, that is, the number of staff simultaneously working for both offices. [57075/25]
View answer481. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given that the NMSO was facing a national emergency according to two newspaper articles (details supplied) if the NMSO is now satisfied that they have sufficient staff to carry out their duties properly in the national office. [57076/25]
View answer482. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the NMSO is satisfied that their staff in local authorities are competent to carry out MSO activities with regard to concrete construction products. [57077/25]
View answer483. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he and the NMSO is satisfied that the NMSO will prevent any more new builds from having defective concrete going forward. [57078/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482 and 483 together.
The Construction Products Regulations ((EU) No 305/2011 (CPR) and (CPR (EU) 2024/3110) set out rules for the marketing of construction products, including concrete blocks, cement and aggregates for concrete, in the EU.
Each Member State is responsible for regulating for its own market surveillance activities in accordance with the specific requirements of the CPR and the broader overarching requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011.
Under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No.225 of 2013), each of the building control authorities (local authorities) have been designated as the market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the CPR, within their administrative areas.
In 2020, Dublin City Council (through the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office, NBCMSO) was appointed as the competent authority for the carrying out of market surveillance functions on a nationwide basis. For further information and detail annual strategies see https://nmso.nbco.localgov.ie/about-national-market-surveillance-office.
Building control authorities liaise with NBCMSO national market surveillance unit to support compliance with the CPR and to determine appropriate action on enforcement matters, as they arise.
The National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office (NSCMSO) is a shared service hosted by Dublin City Council. It provides oversight, support and direction for the development, standardisation and implementation of building control as an effective shared service in the 31 Building Control Authorities, through the five pillars of training, inspections; compliance support; Information System - Building Control Management System (IS-BCMS) and market surveillance.
There are currently 35 product areas set out in Annex IV of the CPR, including Aggregates, Masonry products etc., which fall under the remit of NBCMSO as a National Market Surveillance Authority.
In respect of staffing, under 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. As such information on staffing and recruitment would be available directly from Dublin City Council.
The National Building Control and Market Surveillance Steering Group within the County and City Management Association (CCMA) governance structures provides strategic oversight and governance including agreement of the work programme, ensuring the availability of adequate resources and funding, and monitoring/reporting on progress and budgets to support the NBCMSO. The issue of resources for market surveillance within the local government sector is currently under consideration by the steering group.
In addition, my Department has agreed an Memo of Understanding with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE)/Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), to provide geological services and expertise to support market surveillance of construction products emanating from the extractive industries sector in Ireland, and advance research and standards development for relevant aggregate and concrete products, in the context of legacy defects in construction products from quarries.
Separately, to support compliance, my Department published ‘A Guide to the marketing and use of Aggregate Concrete Blocks to EN 771-3 in Ireland’ in 2022. This Guide provides guidance to economic operators (manufacturers, importers and distributors) on the marketing of aggregate concrete blocks to EN 771-3 standard. It also outlines the responsibilities of specifiers, designers, builders, certifiers and end users for compliance with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2024.
My Department has also requested relevant stakeholders (Construction Industry Federation, Irish Concrete Federation, Solas and HomeBond) to collaborate on the development of a programme of training to raise awareness and support compliance with the CPR and Building Regulations in respect of masonry construction. The training programme is intended for those who are actively involved in the construction industry including, but not limited to, specifiers, architects, designers, project managers, site managers, engineers, assigned certifiers and tradesmen.
Ireland is also actively participating at European level in the revision of European standards and is sharing its experience regarding technical issues associated with the harmonised technical specifications and regulatory needs.
Finally, work is also underway to establish a building standards regulator to strengthen the oversight role of the State with the aim of further reducing the risk of building failures and enhancing public confidence in construction-related activity. The objective is to ensure that this regulator has sufficient breadth of scope, effective powers of inspection and enforcement, and an appropriate suite of sanctions.
484. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the vacant buildings owned by his Department or by agencies under the remit of his Department in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W, including, the address and size in square meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57114/25]
View answerI can confirm that my Department owns no vacant buildings in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6w.
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 addresses are set out in the table below:
485. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that his relevant Department officials participate in the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group (details supplied), established to address the range of problems affecting victims of the defective concrete block crisis and given the need to restore a normal and functioning housing market in the affected counties. [57143/25]
View answer491. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that his relevant Department officials participate in the Multi- Stakeholder Working Group including representative groups (details supplied) established to address the range of problems affecting victims of the defective concrete block crisis, given the need to restore a normal and functioning housing market in the affected counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57230/25]
View answer493. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that his relevant Department officials participate in the Multi- Stakeholder Working Group including representative groups (details supplied) established to address the range of problems affecting victims of the defective concrete block crisis, given the need to restore a normal and functioning housing market in the affected counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57235/25]
View answer509. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that his relevant Department officials participate in the Multi- Stakeholder Working Group including members (details supplied) established to address the range of problems affecting victims of the defective concrete block crisis, given the need to restore a normal and functioning housing market in the affected counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57425/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 485, 491, 493 and 509 together.
I can confirm that officials in my Department attended the quarter 3 DCB Stakeholder Forum meeting on 25 September. Attendance at future meetings of the Group will continue to be considered where appropriate.
Furthermore an Implementation Steering Group for the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant scheme has been in place since 2023 with a sub-group of this group also established to discuss financial aspects of the scheme. The work of this sub-group resulted in updated guidance for local authorities that facilitated the earlier payment of certain costs incurred by applicants to the grant scheme.
My Department remains fully committed to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the views of relevant stakeholders can, and are being heard. A Homeowner Liaison Officer works with homeowner groups and my Department to ensure that the concerns of these key stakeholders are heard and dealt with. My Department meets regularly with elected representatives in affected counties as well as with representative bodies on specific issues as and when the need arises.
486. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legislation and regulations relevant to the spreading of sewage sludge on farmland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57192/25]
View answerThe application of sewage sludge and biosolids to land is regulated under S.I. No. 148 of 1998 – Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 as amended by S.I. 267 of 2001, which is within the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The timing of the application of organic fertilisers to land, and the amount of nutrients permitted to be applied, are regulated under S.I. 113 of 2022 - the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water) Regulations 2022, as amended, (GAP Regulations), the responsibility for which lies within my Department. The GAP Regulations implement the regulatory measures included in the Fifth Nitrates Action Programme, and the public consultation on the draft Sixth Nitrates Action Programme, which is to be in place from January 2026, will open shortly.
487. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to tackle dereliction and vacancy in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57211/25]
View answerAddressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for Government.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, set out the various actions being taken to return vacant properties back into use as homes across the country, including Wexford. In March, I published the 2025 Progress Report which shows the significant progress that is being made and it is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/.
One of the key measures in the Action Plan supporting the refurbishment of older, vacant and derelict buildings for housing is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The grant can provide up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for use as homes and up to €70,000 where the property is derelict.
To end of Q3 2025, in Wexford County Council, 525 applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant have been received, with 385 approvals and 117 grants paid, to a total value of €6.45 million.
The Programme for Government, "Securing Ireland’s Future", includes a range of commitments to continue our work in tackling vacancy and dereliction and supporting town centre living. These measures are currently being considered in the context of the forthcoming National Housing Plan.
I firmly believe that the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions taken will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
488. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether Carlow County Council has applied for funding from the Traveller Accommodation Unit for Traveller-specific accommodation and a Traveller liaison officer; if so, the response from the Department to these specific requests; and if the funding was denied, the reason. [57218/25]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
Traveller-specific accommodation is focused primarily on the provision of group housing schemes and halting sites, and also includes the acquisition of and refurbishment of properties and the provision of mobiles and caravans through the Caravan Loan Scheme.
My Department approved an application by Carlow County Council in 2025 for the refurbishment of a local authority owned property to be used as Traveller-specific accommodation to the value of €148,000. In addition, my Department informed the local authority that a pre-application relating to another property was not within the scope of the Traveller Accommodation capital budget.
My Department has no application on hand from Carlow County Council to fund a Traveller Liaison Officer post.
489. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration can be given to extending the dates for spreading slurry (details supplied). [57219/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations 2022 (SI 113 of 2022, as amended). Under these Regulations the closed period for applying slurry to land now commences on the 1st of October annually.
In 2022 my Department, following consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the scientific criteria that must be considered before granting any extension to the slurry spreading season. Due to the increased risk of loss of nutrients to water at this time of year, these criteria are designed to only apply in justified exceptional circumstances.
The weather in 2025 has been good, with the warmest and sunniest spring on record with rainfall below average everywhere providing good slurry spreading conditions. The summer months have also provided good opportunities for slurry spreading with indications it may be the warmest summer on record with rainfall levels nationally close to, or slightly below, average.
To secure a sustainable future, there is now a significantly increased focus on water quality across the entire agri-food sector. Part of these efforts relate to improved timing of nutrient application to align with the crop's needs and maximising the value of the nutrients present in organic manures. As articulated by Teagasc, slurry should be spread when the potential for nitrogen losses is low and the uptake of nutrients by a growing crop is high. These conditions typically occur in the Spring, and not the Autumn, where reducing sunshine hours increasingly limit growth and increase the risk of nutrient loss.
Farmers have been making great strides in implementing actions at farm level to improve water quality and the Government is providing strong incentives to support this work which is underpinned by science. It is important that this national effort to improve water quality continues. The relevant scientific criteria do not support an extension to the slurry spreading deadline this year.
490. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the €34 million in Budget 2026 being allocated to support the Traveller community, including for the delivery of new accommodation, and repair and maintenance work. [57221/25]
View answerBudget 2026 provides an allocation of €34 million for the delivery of accommodation and supports for the Traveller Community. The Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services (REV) will be published later this year providing further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department, including for Traveller accommodation.
492. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding for Traveller accommodation applied for by each housing authority per year from 2024 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57232/25]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist local authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
The capital drawdown for each local authority in 2024 and 2025 (to date) is set out in the attached table.
494. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to holding a joint meeting of emergency service agencies/bodies to implement a plan for providing streamlined access for emergency services to gated housing complexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57258/25]
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 Acts, 1981 & 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
The Fire Services Acts1981 & 2003, section 28, gives extensive powers to fire authorities to enter any lands or buildings for the purpose of dealing with an emergency.
It is recommended that access for the Fire Service is unobstructed and the Fire Authority should be given appropriate information to gain access easily. Persons in Control of premises may need to liaise with their local fire service to inform them appropriately so that they are able to gain access.
Regional Communication Centre operators are trained to elicit detailed information directly from emergency callers to ensure rapid access at the scene of a fire service emergency.
495. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of all reports, including consultancy reports commissioned by his Department from 1 January 2024 to date in 2025, that could be categorised as not for external publication or marked for internal use only; the cost of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57294/25]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Title |
Company |
Cost (Including VAT) |
|
Analysis of Costs in the Local Government Sector of Delivering Services on Behalf of Central Government |
AON Consulting
|
€32,500 |
|
Cost Overview for Recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Report 2025 |
Atkins Realtis |
€11,214 |
|
1. Annaghmore East Bog – Stratigraphy Report 2. Coolnacartan Bog - Stratigraphy Report 3. Summary Report on Turf Cutting on Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation |
Bord na Móna |
€4,028,023[1] |
|
Independent Review on the Next Steps for the Development of a National Operational Flood Risk Identification, Flooding services in Ireland |
Cooper Resilience and Deltares
|
€70,000 |
|
Assurance Mapping of Financial Controls Report |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd |
€38,745 |
|
Kerry Caves and Artificial Underground Sites Safety Assessment 2024 |
C. Bunce |
€2,500 |
|
Kerry Caves and Artificial Underground Sites Safety Assessment 2025 |
C. Bunce |
€500 |
|
Updated Report of the Expert Group on the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme Northwest and Midwest Regions and Review of Scheme Threshold |
DBFL Consulting Engineers Ltd
|
€4,400
|
|
Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara - Structural Integrity Report: Roche's Cottage |
D. Moynihan |
€1,968 |
|
Caher Bat Hibernaculum Site Suitability Report |
D. Moynihan |
€3,787 |
|
Caher Derelict Cottage Structural Condition Assessment |
D. Moynihan |
€1,599 |
|
Droumcarban Lesser Horseshoe Bat Roost Building Structural Condition Assessment |
D. Moynihan
|
€1,968 |
|
Valentia Tetrapod Access Track Condition Assessment |
D. Moynihan |
€4,043 |
|
Sliabh Bloom – Appropriate Assessment Screening Report |
EcoÉireann |
€2,048 |
|
Indoor Air Quality Assessments 2025 |
Environmental Services Ireland |
€16,703 |
|
Clerk of Works Report, Skelligs |
Envirco Ltd |
€40,740 |
|
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Criteria for Housing Procurement |
EY |
€44,323 |
|
Analysis of Local Authority Debt and Gearing
|
Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants |
€61,156 |
|
To Examine the Effect of Various CALF Funding Scenarios on Debt Levels in Certain Approved Housing Bodies
|
Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants |
€60,006 |
|
Title |
Company |
Cost (Including VAT) |
|
To Assess the Overall Financial Impact of the P&A-CALF funding model on the Approved Housing Bodies Sector |
Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants |
€123,000 |
|
Rossbeigh Spit Coastal Habitat Mapping and Condition Assessment |
JBA Consulting |
€31,885 |
|
Socio-economic Impact Assessment of the Living Bogs Project |
KPMG |
€19,870 |
|
Skellig Michael Audit of Biosecurity Review |
MKO |
€3,143 |
|
Production of Comparative Data With Respect to Fire Safety Provisions |
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Limited |
€53,321 |
|
Production of Smoke Movement Analysis in Buildings Containing Flats |
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Limited |
€130,534 |
|
ICT Audit 2024 Phase 1: DHLGH Cyber Security Risk Assessment Report (December 2024) Phase 2: DHLGH Penetration Testing Report (December 2024) Retest: DHLGH Penetration Retest Report (July 2025) |
PFH Technology Group
|
€29,213
|
|
Met Éireann Penetration Test 2025 Phase 1: MÉ Cyber Security Risk Assessment Report (March 2025) Phase 2: MÉ Cyber Security Penetration Testing Report (May 2025) |
PFH Technology Group
|
€28,044
|
|
ICT Audit 2025: Internal Network Penetration Test Report |
PFH Technology Group |
€11,685 |
|
To Examine the Possibility of using a Special Purpose Vehicle as an Option to Address the Concerns of Rising Debt Levels in Approved Housing Bodies |
PwC
|
€49,200 |
|
CHARTER Project - Final Independent Quality Assessment |
Research Services Frisk |
€8,860 |
|
Independent Audit of Results Based Payment Scheme (RBPS) (Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP) |
Selkie Consulting |
€39,975 |
|
Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara - Review of Blasket Island Seal Populations |
University College Cork |
€305,945 |
|
Pollardstown Fen Arborist Survey |
Veon Ltd
|
€2,214 |
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
496. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review HAP limits for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57324/25]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme continues to plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. 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.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit, and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single person households. Discretion can be increased up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits for Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin. The additional discretion available to homeless households recognises the difficulty this cohort of households face in sourcing and securing properties in a highly competitive rental market. It is a matter for the local authority to determine whether the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis and also the level of additional discretion applied in each case.
My Department has reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review has highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continues to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. As such, I have recently approved the commencement of a review of HAP rent limits. My Department is now in the process of setting the parameters of this review. It is intended that the review will consider the existing rent limits with a view to providing sufficient support to assist eligible households to access and maintain tenancies.
497. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount that has been allocated to each local authority under each programme for the delivery of social and affordable housing in 2025, including any loans; of this, the amount that has been drawn down to date; and of this, the amount that has been spent to date, broken down by local authority and funding stream. [57329/25]
View answerSocial and affordable Housing is delivered through a range of Local Authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes. Capital expenditure on the delivery of new social homes is also supported by current funding provided through the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP).
In 2025, Government has allocated almost €7.5 billion in capital investment for Housing, inclusive of Land Development Agency investment and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) lending. The 2025 capital funding is supplemented by €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing needs.
My Department does not provide specific allocations to local authorities, rather funding for housing programmes is made to the local authorities as programmes and projects advance and relevant claims fall due for payment.
The funding provided in 2025 (to end September) to local authorities in respect of the main capital housing delivery programmes is set out in the attached table. In addition to the funds channelled to local authorities, my Department also provides funding to other bodies, for example, the Housing Agency, for the management and operation of a broad range of housing programmes, including for the delivery of social and affordable homes.
In relation to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), Limerick City and County Council provides a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. My Department does not recoup individual local authorities in respect of HAP rental payments in their administrative areas but rather recoups all landlord costs via the HAP SSC.
With regard to loans, 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. The borrowing of money by a local authority is governed by Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001. The decision to borrow is a reserved function of the local authority (i.e. the decision can only be made by elected members of a local authority). The borrowing must also be sanctioned by the appropriate Minister. As part of Ireland’s obligations under the Maastricht Treaty regarding general government deficit and debt and the requirements of the revised Economic Governance Framework, the total value of non-mortgage borrowing undertaken annually by the local authority sector is limited by a requirement that the sector remain neutral in terms of the General Government Balance (GGB). Annual borrowing capacity is determined by an analysis of the amount of principal to be paid on non-mortgage loans in that year. The limit on borrowing capacity for non-mortgage loans for 2025 is €118 million.
Local authorities are not provided with individual allocations from the annual borrowing capacity. Applications for loan sanction are received from local authorities and processed by my Department as they are received.
To date in 2025, Ministerial sanction of €10m has been provided for borrowing by Longford County Council for the purpose of social and affordable housing. This amount has not yet been drawn down. A further €10m and €2.2m has been sanctioned in 2025 for borrowing by Dublin City Council and Monaghan County Council respectively for cost rental housing projects. Of these sanctions, €2.2m has been drawn down by Monaghan County Council in 2025.
It is a matter for each local authority to maximise local income sources and manage its own spending, in the context of the annual budgetary process.
|
Local Authority |
€m |
|
Carlow |
21.43 |
|
Cavan |
25.71 |
|
Clare |
37.01 |
|
Cork City |
140.68 |
|
Cork County |
94.34 |
|
Donegal |
38.38 |
|
Dublin City |
302.97 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
95.13 |
|
Fingal |
244.55 |
|
Galway City |
42.38 |
|
Galway County |
39.11 |
|
Kerry |
39.19 |
|
Kildare |
96.98 |
|
Kilkenny |
40.64 |
|
Laois |
41.22 |
|
Leitrim |
9.99 |
|
Limerick City & County |
55.28 |
|
Longford |
6.15 |
|
Louth |
83.42 |
|
Mayo |
34.55 |
|
Meath |
108.34 |
|
Monaghan |
23.87 |
|
Offaly |
13.05 |
|
Roscommon |
13.59 |
|
Sligo |
29.70 |
|
South Dublin |
140.10 |
|
Tipperary |
25.36 |
|
Waterford City & County |
37.42 |
|
Westmeath |
36.13 |
|
Wexford |
59.49 |
|
Wicklow |
52.85 |
498. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount that has been allocated to each local authority to retrofit homes in 2025, including any loans; of this, the amount that has been drawn down to date; and of this, the amount that has been spent to date, broken down by local authority and funding stream. [57330/25]
View answerUnder the 2025 Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP), €90 million is available to local authorities to retrofit a minimum of 2,500 social homes to a B2 BER rating post works. While work under the 2025 programme is still progressing, I expect the target to be achieved this year. Full details of delivery under the 2025 EERP, including progress against target, will be available early in 2026.
Targets per local authority (units), and the respective works and project management funding (PMF) allocations, are detailed in the appended table.
Target No. of Units and Project Management Fund
|
Local Authority |
2025 EERP Preliminary Allocation (Units) |
Funding |
PMF |
|
Carlow |
70 |
€2,380,000 |
€142,800 |
|
Cavan |
54 |
€1,836,000 |
€110,160 |
|
Clare |
46 |
€1,564,000 |
€93,840 |
|
Cork City |
116 |
€3,944,000 |
€236,640 |
|
Cork County |
169 |
€5,746,000 |
€344,760 |
|
Donegal |
166 |
€5,644,000 |
€338,640 |
|
Dublin City |
315 |
€10,710,000 |
€510,320 |
|
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
84 |
€2,856,000 |
€171,360 |
|
Fingal |
94 |
€3,196,000 |
€191,760 |
|
Galway City |
45 |
€1,530,000 |
€91,800 |
|
Galway County |
67 |
€2,278,000 |
€136,680 |
|
Kerry |
80 |
€2,720,000 |
€163,200 |
|
Kildare |
44 |
€1,496,000 |
€89,760 |
|
Kilkenny |
38 |
€1,292,000 |
€77,520 |
|
Laois |
48 |
€1,632,000 |
€97,920 |
|
Leitrim |
20 |
€680,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Limerick |
50 |
€1,700,000 |
€102,000 |
|
Longford |
50 |
€1,700,000 |
€102,000 |
|
Louth |
140 |
€4,760,000 |
€285,600 |
|
Mayo |
23 |
€782,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Meath |
41 |
€1,394,000 |
€83,640 |
|
Monaghan |
101 |
€3,434,000 |
€206,040 |
|
Offaly |
40 |
€1,360,000 |
€81,600 |
|
Roscommon |
43 |
€1,462,000 |
€87,720 |
|
Sligo |
37 |
€1,258,000 |
€75,480 |
|
South Dublin |
83 |
€2,822,000 |
€169,320 |
|
Tipperary |
71 |
€2,414,000 |
€144,840 |
|
Waterford |
100 |
€3,400,000 |
€204,000 |
|
Westmeath |
60 |
€2,040,000 |
€122,400 |
|
Wexford |
120 |
€4,080,000 |
€244,800 |
|
Wicklow |
85 |
€2,890,000 |
€173,400 |
|
TOTAL |
2,500 |
€85,000,000 |
€5,000,000 |
