Niamh Smyth
Question:552. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62765/25]
View answerHousing Provision
Questions (552)
Written answers
A Stage 3 proposal for this development was received in my Department on 21 October 2025. It is currently being reviewed by my Department's technical advisers and a response will issue to Cavan County Council shortly.
Housing Policy
Questions (553)
Conor Sheehan
Question:553. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish the Bill to introduce new housing reforms in the private rental market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62784/25]
View answerWritten answers
On 10 June 2025, the Government approved policy measures, including modifications to rent controls, to come into effect on 1 March 2026 in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The changes agreed will also provide significantly stronger tenancy protections and are finely balanced between the interests of tenants and the need for further private investment in the rental market across the country.
The modifications to rent controls have been informed by the findings of the Housing Agency review of Rent Pressure Zones and Potential Policy Options. This review was undertaken to assess the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) since their introduction and consider their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, including the retention of landlords and new investment. It was also to consider whether RPZs should continue without change or be removed, modified or replaced. The review involved engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, including investors, representatives of landlord and tenant advocacy groups, academics and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The review recommended a modification of rent controls. It also recommended allowing landlords to reset rents to market levels between tenancies and providing for stronger tenant protections to guard against economic evictions.
My Department consulted extensively with the Office on the Attorney General in relation to the proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025. On 14 October 2025, Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025. This legislation is now subject to priority legal drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. Department officials have been invited to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 18 November 2025.
A detailed communications campaign will be undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with the RTB, between the publication of the Bill, which is expected later this year, and the introduction of the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (554)
Conor Sheehan
Question:554. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department will publish its statement of strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62785/25]
View answerWritten answers
A draft Statement of Strategy has been prepared and submitted to me in accordance with statutory obligations. The draft is currently under consideration and will be submitted to Government for approval once finalised.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Questions (555)
Sorca Clarke
Question:555. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage of the capital budget allocation for the National Parks and Wildlife Service that has been spent in the first ten months of 2025; if he will provide same figures for the corresponding period in 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [62810/25]
View answerWritten answers
The percentage of the capital budget allocation for the National Parks and Wildlife Service spent in the first ten months of 2023, 2024 and 2025 is as follows:
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
% capital budget allocation spent to end October |
50% |
62% |
40% |
Housing Schemes
Questions (556)
Barry Ward
Question:556. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to housing support schemes; the actions he will take to address the concerns outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62837/25]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that my Department has responded to this individual's correspondence in relation to the affordability of rents in Cost Rental housing.
My Department’s primary role in the Cost Rental housing sector is in the formulation and implementation of national-level policy, and in the preparation of legislation and guidelines. The day-to-day operation of Cost Rental homes, and particularly matters such as receipt of applications and entry into tenancy contracts, are matters for the relevant Cost Rental landlord to manage.
All Cost Rental providers are obliged to make Cost Rental homes available in line with the provisions of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Regulations. All homes must be allocated to a tenant whose household falls within prescribed eligibility conditions. Where demand exceeds supply, the ordering of eligible applicants is randomised through a lottery, in order to ensure equal treatment regardless of time and date of application.
Since rents must cover costs on an ongoing basis, a Cost Rental landlord must be reasonably confident that a prospective tenant can afford to sustain rent payments every month over the long term. Therefore, under the current legislation, a Cost Rental landlord has final discretion on whether to enter into a tenancy agreement with any particular eligible applicant. This may involve assessment of the level of rent relative to someone's income, applying consistently and clearly an affordability metric chosen by the landlord.
Housing Schemes
Questions (557)
Barry Ward
Question:557. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the position regarding housing supports for persons who fall outside existing schemes, but do not make enough money to compete in the housing market in the context of unprecedented housing prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62838/25]
View answerWritten answers
Affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030. The plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, inter alia, the new Starter Homes Programme, delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
In addition to a keen focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, work to further extend the First Home and Help to Buy Schemes out to 2030, an increase in affordable tenancies and an expanded local authority delivered starter homes for purchase programme.
With a strong focus on deliverability, the Plan will enable housing delivery partners to accelerate the supply of new starter home supports, providing thousands of individuals and families with increased access to secure and affordable housing solutions nationwide.
A list of affordable housing supports in place is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, this includes information on the schemes below. A number of these schemes are aimed at first time buyers buying a home and can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme - Local authorities make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers who cannot afford to purchase a home at its open market value with a maximum mortgage and 10% deposit. The local authority takes a percentage equity share in the home equal to the difference between the open market value of the home and the reduced price paid. This means that if a home is purchased at a 20% reduction on the open market value, the local authority will have a 20% equity share in the home. For more information visit www.affordablehomes.ie.
The First Home Scheme provides finance to help first time buyers, self-builders or those making a fresh start to bridge the gap between a deposit and mortgage, and the price of a new home. The Scheme takes a percentage ownership of your home, which you can buy back later. For more information on the scheme visit www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for creditworthy first-time buyers and fresh start applicants who have been refused a mortgage from a commercial mortgage lender. The scheme is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. It also includes the purchase of homes through Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme. The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan is available at the following link: https://localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan is a Government backed mortgage and bridging loan for the purchase and renovation of vacant, derelict and non-habitable homes. The property must be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, whether derelict, non-habitable or simply vacant. For more information visit: https://purchaseandrenovationloan.ie/.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant 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. For more information visit www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
The Help to Buy scheme can help with a deposit for a new or self-build home for first-time buyers. It is a refund on income and DIRT tax paid in Ireland in the last four-years. The scheme comes within the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance. Information on Help to Buy is available at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx.
For those who wish to rent, the Affordable Housing Act 2021 introduced Cost Rental tenancies as a new form of long-term sustainable home rental targeted at middle-income households. Under the Cost Rental model, rents for homes are set to cover only the cost of financing, building, managing and maintaining the homes. State subventions can be used in order to reduce the initial capital cost and make this starting cost rent more affordable. The Cost Rental system offers prospective tenants the advantages of security of tenure, rents which are at least 25% below the rents charged for similar dwellings in the same areas and minimal rent increases, as rents can only increase in line with inflation.
To qualify for a Cost Rental home, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that their annual net household income does not exceed €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere, that they are not in receipt of any social housing supports, that they do not already own a property, that their household size matches the size of the property advertised, that they can afford to pay the cost rent for the home and that their household has only entered one application for a specific Cost Rental property. More information is available at https://affordablehomes.ie.
Vacant Properties
Questions (558)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:558. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether any funding that is made available for retrofitting local authority housing is intended for tenanted social homes; and if not, if it is exclusively for vacant social homes (details supplied). [62918/25]
View answerWritten answers
The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities are also legally obliged to ensure all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019.
Notwithstanding the legal obligation on local authorities in this regard, my department provides funding under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP). Works eligible under the EERP include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works. The selection of homes for inclusion in the programme is a matter for each individual local authority. That said, given the number of households in urgent need of a social home, and to ensure as quick a turnaround as possible of vacant stock, local authority retrofit programmes should focus first and foremost on tenanted properties.
Planning Issues
Questions (559)
Seán Crowe
Question:559. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to introduce legislation regarding planning permission for crematoria. [62940/25]
View answerWritten answers
Like all forms of development, unless they are specifically exempted, crematoria for human remains are required to obtain planning permission in the normal manner in accordance with section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the 2000 Act).
Where any party is unhappy with the decision of a planning authority in relation to an application for planning permission, such as a crematorium under section 34 of the Act, the decision may be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of the decision of the planning authority in accordance with section 37 of the Act of 2000.
It should be noted that under section 30 of the Act, I, in my role as Minister with responsibility for planning, am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Commission is or may be concerned.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (560)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:560. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if his Department will consider making funding assistance available to defective concrete block grant scheme applicants for storage and rehousing if the maximum grant cap of €462,000 for the remediation works is reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62949/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
The current scheme has in addition to the grant for remediation works, and within the overall maximum grant cap of €462,000, an additional grant of up to €27,500 for ancillary grants for alternative accommodation and storage costs and the cost of immediate repair works.
There are currently no plans to extend these amounts beyond the overall maximum grant cap provided. However it should be noted the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 contains an amendment that will allow scheme applicants who have reached the maximum scheme grant cap apply for ancillary grants while still ensuring the overall total payment remains with the schemes grant cap. This amendment will be a matter for the Oireachtas to consider.
Wastewater Treatment
Questions (561)
Niamh Smyth
Question:561. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a case for a wastewater treatment plant (details supplied) can be reviewed; if he will provide an update on the working group; the stage the works are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62952/25]
View answerWritten answers
An application under Measure A8 of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme was received from Cavan County Council for Milltown village. This application was assessed in full by an independent Expert Panel but was not recommended for funding, and the Council was advised of the reasons at the time.
As part of the response to the needs of smaller settlements, including rural and un-sewered areas, the Government has introduced a new developer-led model for delivering wastewater infrastructure. Under this new approach, developers may build wastewater treatment systems to Uisce Éireann specifications, and once completed to the required environmental and regulatory standards, these systems will transfer to the ownership of Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann is available to engage directly with developers on potential proposals and to provide technical guidance to support the delivery of such projects. This new model offers an alternative pathway for progressing wastewater solutions in settlements where public provision has not yet been delivered.
Local Authorities
Questions (562, 587, 598, 600)
Sorca Clarke
Question:562. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units completed and occupied in each local authority area to date in 2025; and the targets for completion by year end. [62967/25]
View answer
Barry Heneghan
Question:587. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of approved housing body units completed in Dublin for the past five years, by postal code, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63360/25]
View answer
Marie Sherlock
Question:598. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of direct-build local authority homes delivered and currently under construction, by local authority, between the years 2020 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63652/25]
View answerMarie Sherlock
Question:600. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of turn-key acquisitions of homes for social housing, by local authority area, between the years 2020 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63654/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 562, 587, 598 and 600 together.
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, on a local authority basis. Data on social housing delivery against targets is also published. This data is available to the end of Q2 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, such as turnkey or construction, 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 2 2025 and it includes details on social housing units completed since 2022. Data on social homes completed prior to 2022 can be found in previous CSRs. All CSRs are available at the following link:
[www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/].
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: [https://data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q2-2025].
The Housing Needs and Demand Assessment provides evidence-based insights into housing needs across all tenures analysing demographic trends, affordability data and housing stock pressures. This framework allows local authorities to make informed decisions about future housing requirements. Following a comprehensive Housing Needs and Demand Assessment, all local authorities developed and published their Housing Delivery Action Plans setting out their plans to deliver social and affordable housing during the period from 2022-2026.
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 (SSHA). The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2024, is available on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments.
My Department does not collate data on the level of occupation of local authority dwellings. Such information may be obtained from individual local authorities.
Statistics in relation to local authority social housing stock are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in the annual Local Authority Performance Indicator Report. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including the number of social housing units in local authority ownership at a given time. The most recent report, relating to 2024, is available on the NOAC website at the following link: [www.noac.ie/noac_publications/report-77-noac-performance-indicator-report-2024/].
The Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities aims to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030 including delivering an average of 12,000 new build social homes per annum in the period 2025 - 2030.
The updated National Development Plan has committed record levels of funding for new social and affordable housing, totalling almost €20 billion. In Budget 2026, the total Exchequer funding being made available for the delivery of housing programmes is €7.21bn, comprising €5.19bn in Capital Funding and €2.021bn in Current Funding. The Exchequer Capital provision of €5.19bn will be supplemented by Land Development Agency (LDA) investment (projected up to €1.6bn) and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) lending (projected over €2bn), resulting in an overall capital provision of over €9bn.
Local authorities are best placed to identify suitable sites for social and affordable housing delivery and bring forward proposals to my Department in line with local need. 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.
Health and Safety
Questions (563)
Paula Butterly
Question:563. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the process to resolve the asbestos issue within Tailte Éireann’s central filing repository; if he can provide an estimate of when this issue may be resolved; if he can provide an estimate of when Tailte Éireann may resume the admission of access requests for all pre-2006 instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62985/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022. Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
Tailte Éireann’s Central Filing Repository in Santry which houses filed Instruments has reopened and Tailte Éireann is accepting Copy Instrument requests for all Instruments. The recent closure led to service disruption for the Copy Instrument service in respect of access to Instruments dated pre-2006.
It is understood from Tailte Éireann that remedial works to remove asbestos and ensure safe access for Tailte Éireann's staff and all those accessing the facility continues to be carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) as accommodation provider. The works will be fully completed by 10 December 2025.
Tailte Éireann understands the difficulties the recent closure caused to customers and regrets any inconvenience. Tailte Éireann will provide further updates via its website: www.tailte.ie.
Derelict Sites
Questions (564)
James Geoghegan
Question:564. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the definition of a derelict property that guide councils in adding sites to the derelict sites register; if the criteria will change ahead of the introduction of the new derelict property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62987/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, of any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site. Section 8(5) of the Act, provides that "The register shall be kept at the offices of the local authority and shall be available for inspection at the offices of the local authority during office hours."
A property can be placed on the derelict site register where it is deemed by a local authority to satisfy the criteria of a derelict site under the terms of section 3 of the Act:
3.—In this section “derelict site” means any land (in this section referred to as “the land in question”) which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of—
(a) the existence on the land in question of structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition, or
(b) the neglected, unsightly or objectionable condition of the land or any structures on the land in question, or
(c) the presence, deposit or collection on the land in question of any litter, rubbish, debris or waste, except where the presence, deposit or collection of such litter, rubbish, debris or waste results from the exercise of a right conferred by statute or by common law.
The intention to introduce a Derelict Property Tax was announced in Budget 2026 and it is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in 2026, which will include definitions for the purposes of the measure. This tax will, when it comes into effect, replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. Updating and maintaining their Derelict Sites/Property Registers will continue to remain the responsibility of local authorities, and Derelict Sites levies that remain outstanding when the new tax is introduced will remain as charges on the land and will be the responsibility of each local authority to collect.
Rental Sector
Questions (565)
James Geoghegan
Question:565. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he will review the affordability thresholds and criteria for single applicants to cost-rental housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62995/25]
View answerWritten answers
Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's housing strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, and that rents are not subject to the pressures of the open market.
The primary eligibility condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a maximum net annual household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC and superannuation contributions), which is currently €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere.
However, since rents must cover costs in order for the model to be viable, a Cost Rental landlord must be confident that a prospective tenant (whether a household or a single person) can afford to pay the rent every month over the long term. Therefore, a Cost Rental landlord has final discretion to consider the suitability for a tenancy of an eligible applicant and many use an affordability metric to determine what percentage of income could be used to pay for accommodation. The Department has issued guidance to landlords about how other factors such as rental history or savings may be relevant considerations, and about the importance of clearly communicating the reasons why an eligible application has not progressed to the offer of a tenancy.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, the parameters for Cost Rental eligibility are kept under review to ensure the scheme effectively targets the intended tenant cohort.
Departmental Staff
Questions (566)
George Lawlor
Question:566. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacancies which arose at principal officer level for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the number of these vacancies filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility; the number of internal competitions for principal officer grade run by his Department since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63028/25]
View answerWritten answers
Given the scale and diversity of functions and priorities, my Department does not maintain a fixed list of vacancies. According as posts are vacated, these are assessed against overall demand for resources meaning that the allocation of staffing is always directed towards the most critical areas. My Department keeps staffing matters under constant review in order to ensure that priority posts are filled in a timely manner and that resource allocations are balanced across the Department to meet key priorities as necessary. This approach is particularly important for roles as senior as that of Principal Officer. Priority posts are filled using the most suitable and available mechanism, and we must also have regard to officers on secondment or assignment to other bodies.
There have been 5 internal promotion competitions for the role of Principal Officer in my Department since 2010. Once established, an internal panel generally remains active for two years, or whenever the panel is exhausted.
I have listed the number of Principal Officer assignments made in the years since 2022 in the table below.
|
Year |
Internal Competition |
Open Competition |
Mobility |
|
2022 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
|
2023 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
|
2024 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
2025 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
Total |
2 |
8 |
13 |
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below:
|
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 |
Tourism Industry
Questions (567)
Catherine Callaghan
Question:567. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons with Fáilte Ireland registered, self-catering cottages, who already have planning permission as holiday accommodation will be required to apply for further planning permission under the proposed Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025 or is current planning permission sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63035/25]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024 and is applicable from 20 May 2026. This Regulation lays down harmonised rules on the collection and exchange of data on short-term rental services for member states, hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services, and online platforms that offer services to hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services within the EU.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in full alignment with the STR Regulation. The introduction of the STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short term lettings. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short Term Lettings in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland from 20 May 2026.
Holiday homes are properties, which have been purposely designed and constructed and approved as dedicated tourism accommodation complexes sharing communal facilities and would normally be subject to planning conditions in relation to their continued operation, management and maintenance as a commercial development rather than as a residential estate.
On 1 July 2019, new planning legislative reforms to regulate the Short-Term Letting sector came into effect. Homes or apartments which already have a specific grant of planning permission for use as holiday accommodation/ short-term tourism type letting are not impacted by the current regulations.
Following the approval received from Government on the 15 April to generally preclude new planning permissions for Short-Term Lets in large towns and cities, my Department is working to give effect to this decision. This involves a review of the current Planning Acts with a view to remove references to Rent Pressure Zones in respect of short-term lets.
To ensure that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for Short-Term Lets, my Department is currently developing a National Planning Statement (NPS) for the Short-Term Letting sector to supplement and support the introduction of the STLT Bill. It will consider a variety of factors, such as existing planning legislation, the long term housing need in the local authority area, the location of the proposed short term let and balancing housing need with the potential impact on tourism and economic development.
Rental Sector
Questions (568)
Catherine Callaghan
Question:568. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Tinnahinch-Graiguenamanagh will not be affected by the proposed rent pressure zone planning regulations given it has a population of fewer than 10,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63036/25]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024 and is applicable from 20 May 2026. This Regulation lays down harmonised rules on the collection and exchange of data on short-term rental services for member states, hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services, and online platforms that offer services to hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services within the EU.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in full alignment with the STR Regulation. The introduction of the STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short term lettings. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short Term Lettings in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland from 20 May 2026.
Following the approval received from Government on the 15 April to generally preclude new planning permissions for Short-Term Lets in large towns and cities my Department is working to give effect to this decision. This involves a review of the current Planning Acts with a view to remove references to Rent Pressure Zones in respect of short-term lets.
To ensure that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for Short-Term Lets, the Department is currently developing a National Planning Statement (NPS) for the STL sector to supplement and support the introduction of the STLT Bill. It will consider a variety of factors, such as existing planning legislation, the long term housing need in the local authority area, the location of the proposed short term let and balancing housing need with the potential impact on tourism and economic development.
Housing Schemes
Questions (569)
Niamh Smyth
Question:569. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will examine their situation regarding the local authority home loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63046/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for creditworthy applicant 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. Applicants for the Local Authority Home Loan must be of good credit standing and have a satisfactory credit record.
To be eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan, an applicant must be in continuous employment for a minimum of two years as a single applicant. Employment can be PAYE and/or self-employment. Continuous employment does not need to be permanent, but continuous in nature. This means that an applicant may be in the same employment or in more than one employment over a two-year period, however the break from employment cannot have been more than four weeks.
Under the Local Authority Home Loan scheme social welfare payments are not generally considered as part of repayment capacity. However, certain long-term State benefit payments may be considered as repayment income only where the main income source is of an earned nature (i.e., more than 50% of the income that forms the full Home Loan application is from a source other than State benefits payments).
Long-term State benefit payments considered will be:
* State Pension (Contributory and Non-contributory);
* Widow’s/Widower’s Pension;
* Blind Pension;
* Invalidity Pension.
The long-term nature of the payment must be confirmed by the Department of Social Protection or other relevant Government Department. The One-Parent Family Payment is not taken into account as income for repayment capacity for local authority lending.
To support prudential lending, applicants must have a deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the market value of the property. Of this deposit, cash savings should provide no less than 3% of the market value of the property and applicants must provide bank or similar statements for a 12-month period immediately prior to making an application clearly showing a credible and consistent track record of savings. Gifts can comprise the remaining 7% of the market value of the property where their source is verified.
Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that the Minister's power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions should not be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned. I am, therefore, precluded from intervening in relation to individual cases.
Housing Provision
Questions (570)
John Brady
Question:570. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale and assessment criteria applied for the decision not to provide funding for the proposed social and affordable housing development at Rehills Land, Bray, County Wicklow; if she plans to engage with Wicklow County Council to progress much needed housing on this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63159/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department received a SHIP Funding Application from Wicklow County Council to construct 140 new social homes at the Rehills site in Bray Co Wicklow in June 2025.
Upon review, my Department stated its significant concerns about the high overall costs, particularly abnormal costs, primarily relating to the provision of a vehicular access bridge.
On 24 October 2025 my Department wrote to Wicklow County Council to inform them that their application for funding may not be approved in its current form. The letter also recommended that the council should liaise with the Housing Activation Office to explore alternative funding options for the bridge.
My Department also indicated that it is willing to consider a revised submission in respect of the housing element of the scheme separate from the vehicular access bridge and remain available to work with the council to develop a viable housing solution for the Rehills site.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Questions (571)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:571. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service conducted risk assessments or implemented mitigations to prevent the spread of the invasive demon shrimp (dikerogammarus haemobaphes) from the Shannon system to Lough Corrib SAC in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63188/25]
View answerWritten answers
Demon Shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) was first detected on 30 September 2025 in the Shannon River below Lough Derg. Its pathway of arrival is unknown, but it is likely to have hitchhiked on watercraft or angling equipment.
A species alert, urging water users to employ strict biosecurity measures, through the Check Clean Dry protocol, was issued by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. This alert is available to view on www.invasives.ie. I have also attached a copy of the alert for convenience.
Furthermore, Waterways Ireland has commissioned assessment surveys of Lough Derg and Lough Ree to check for presence of demon shrimp. Also, eDNA analysis has being commissioned to test water samples taken from various sites in and outside of the Shannon catchment for the presence of demon shrimp via their DNA.
My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service is engaging with the relevant agencies and stakeholders and, pending the results of ongoing surveys, testing and monitoring, will carefully consider with them the next steps to mitigate the impact of this species on our waterways.
The discovery of this species in Ireland highlights how critical it is that all water users practice Check Clean Dry to help prevent the spread of invasive species and help protect our waterways.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Questions (572)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:572. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service will confirm the presence of invasive Canadian pondweed (elodea sp.) in Lough Corrib SAC, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63189/25]
View answerWritten answers
A database of records of invasive alien species in Ireland is maintained by the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC). The NBDC database (maps.biodiversityireland.ie) contains records of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis) present throughout the State, including in the Lough Corrib SAC since 1985.
This species was first recorded in Ireland in the late 19th Century and is considered widespread. It is included on the list of invasive alien species of national concern as outlined in SI 374 of 2024.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), which is under the aegis of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, is responsible for the management of our lakes and rivers. IFI carries out regular work to manage a range of invasive alien species in various locations, including in Lough Corrib.
Septic Tanks
Questions (573)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:573. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he currently has plans to review the eligibility for a grant for septic tanks for households outside of the high-status objective catchment area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63222/25]
View answerWritten answers
Grant assistance is available in specific circumstances to support householders where defective Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, present the greatest risk to the environment or to public health. The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority to protect human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
In particular, grants may be accessed where a system has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has issued, or where a dwelling is located within a designated area identified as being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of defective systems.
The operation and maintenance of DWWTS remains the responsibility of the property owner, who must ensure that their system functions effectively and does not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department is currently finalising a review of the grant support arrangements in light of evolving environmental objectives, including consideration of additional areas now identified as priority areas for action.
The outcome of this review will help ensure that the available resources continue to be used to best effect, delivering the greatest environmental and public health benefits for the funding invested.
Wastewater Treatment
Questions (574)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:574. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties in County Mayo that have had their DWWTS inspected under the national inspection plan, by year, for the past five years; and the number of advisory notices that have been issued as a result of these inspections to households. [63223/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not collate the data sought in the Question; this information is held by the individual local authorities.
The Environmental Protection Agency prepares and oversees the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems, while inspections are carried out by local authorities. My Department has no role in this operational process.
Grant assistance is available in specific circumstances, including where a system has failed an inspection and an Advisory Notice has issued. These schemes are administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department.
For County Mayo, the Rural Water Liaison Officer in Mayo County Council will be able to provide the most up-to-date and accurate figures.
Septic Tanks
Questions (575, 576)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:575. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households that septic tank grants have been issued to in County Mayo, by year, for the past five years, and broken down into those located in a prioritised area for action, a high-status objective catchment area, and those issued after an advisory notice has been issued to a household after failing an inspection under the national inspection plan. [63224/25]
View answerNaoise Ó Muirí
Question:576. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total value of grants issued to households in County Mayo under the septic tank grants scheme over the past five years, by year, in tabular form. [63225/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.
The table below shows the number and value of septic tank grants issued to households in County Mayo over the past five years under the National Inspection Plan (NIP), Priority Areas for Action (PAA), and High Status Objective Catchment Areas (HSOCA).
|
Year grant paid |
National Inspection Plan |
National Inspection Plan |
Priority Areas for Action |
Priority Areas for Action |
High Status Objective Catchment Areas |
High Status Objective Catchment Areas |
Total |
Total |
|
|
No. of grants |
Amount |
No. of grants |
Amount |
No. of grants |
Amount |
No. of grants |
Amount |
|
2025* (to 12 November) |
27 |
€238,378 |
0 |
€0 |
4 |
€48,000 |
31 |
€286,378 |
|
2024 |
13 |
€116,359 |
2 |
€16,330 |
3 |
€34,978 |
18 |
€167,666 |
|
2023 |
26 |
€123,212 |
0 |
€0 |
0 |
€0 |
26 |
€123,212 |
|
2022 |
5 |
€22,894 |
9 |
€39,378 |
0 |
€0 |
14 |
€62,272 |
|
2021 |
52 |
€222,004 |
0 |
€0 |
0 |
€0 |
52 |
€222,004 |
Question No. 576 answered with Question No. 575.