Written Answers Nos. 271-282
271. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to support universal access to high-speed broadband during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73140/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future published in January 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that there are over 564,000 premises in the Intervention Area (IA) and design work has been completed for 100% of these. These are premises located in the Amber area on the broadband map which is available on www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/. The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
The NBP remains ahead of target having already passed the end of 2025 target of 425,000 with over 439,700 premises in the intervention area passed which is 78% of the premises in the IA and are connecting on average 4,500 premises to their fibre network per month.
NBI also advise that 450,950 premises, across all counties in mainly rural areas, can now order or pre-order broadband and over 158,050 premises are already connected.
Based on current plans and achievements, the Department expect to deliver the deployment of the NBP by the end of 2026, as per the Programme for Government commitment.
Further details are available on specific counties and areas which can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators Open Eir, Virgin Media and Siro in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State in the non-intervention area which is identified by the blue area on the broadband map map ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
The NBP along with the commercial fibre developments are working in tandem to reach near universal high-speed broadband coverage when the network builds are complete.
272. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to support broadcasting and media during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73141/25]
View answerIn 2025, I brought forward a number of legislative and funding measures to support public service media and the provision of public service content by the wider media sector.
In terms of legislation, Government approved the publication of two General Schemes:
• in April 2025, the revised General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill; and
• in July 2025, the General Scheme of the Media Regulation Bill.
The General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill gives effect to recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture in RTÉ and Article 5 of the EU European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). These reforms aim to enhance accountability, transparency and value-for-money in our public service media providers, RTÉ and TG4, and establish a new statutory framework to support the provision of public service content by the wider sector. The General Scheme will:
• improve the legislative underpinning for the corporate governance of RTÉ and TG4, including by assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ;
• reform the system under which Coimisiún na Meán assesses the performance of, and recommends funding for, RTÉ and TG4; and
• provide for the conversion of the existing Broadcasting Fund to a platform-neutral statutory Media Fund to be overseen by Coimisiún na Meán to provide funding for the production, archiving and distribution of public service content by the wider sector.
The revised General Scheme was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport for pre-legislative scrutiny and the Committee published their report with 85 recommendations on 17 September 2025. The recommendations are currently being considered, and the next step will be to finalise the drafting of legislation and bring the Bill to Government for approval and subsequent publication.
The General Scheme of the Media Regulation Bill will implement the key provisions of EMFA in Ireland and strengthen our existing protections for media pluralism and independence. The General Scheme will:
• modernise the existing media mergers regime under the Competition Act 2002 (as amended);
• introduce new rules to increase the transparency of state advertising; and
• designate a number of additional functions to Coimisiún na Meán, including the development of a media ownership database.
From a funding perspective, to support public service media:
• RTÉ were allocated €225m in public funding 2025 in accordance with Government decision July 2024, regarding agreed multi-annual public funding for RTÉ from 2025 to 2027; and
• TG4 were allocated €61.09m, including a €1.09m supplementary allocation approved earlier this month to enable the acceleration of a number of productions commissioned by TG4 for their 2026 schedule.
In 2025, €29.8m was made available for a range of media funding schemes operated by Coimisiún na Meán to support public service content provision, including public interest journalism, new audiovisual and audio programming and the digital transformation of content providers.
The Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes provided €5.7m in total funding earlier this year for the media sector, the vast majority of which was awarded to local print media. The establishment of these funding schemes marked the first time in the State's history that direct financial support has been made available to the print sector. A second funding round was announced in August which will make a further €6m available to the sector, with funding decisions to be announced by Coimisiún na Meán in due course.
The Digital Transformation Scheme and the News Reporting Scheme were each launched by Coimisiún na Meán in the second half of 2025.
The Digital Transformation Scheme is a targeted scheme aiming to incentivise investment in technology and services by public service content providers, accelerating the development of sustainable business models in the sector. It also aims to provide support for the appropriate training and up-skilling of existing staff within the sector. The Scheme will provide a further €3m to the wider media sector on a platform neutral basis.
The News Reporting Scheme will provide support for public interest journalism, focusing on news matters that are under-provided for or at risk of being under-reported. This Scheme includes €1m in open and contestable funding and a ring-fenced €3m for the commercial radio sector to support the production of news coverage that is independent, trustworthy and serves the public interest.
Coimisiún na Meán also launched a €3m fund to support the provision of news and current affairs content on commercial television in order to enhance media plurality and diversity and to the availability of high-quality, trusted public service content that informs and educates viewers.
In accordance with the Broadcasting Act 2009, €13.8m from licence fee receipts was allocated to the Broadcasting Fund for the Sound and Vision Scheme, which supports new audiovisual and audio programming.
To date in 2025, over €14.2m has been awarded across three separate funding rounds through the Sound and Vision Scheme, with approximately 90% of funding awarded to independent producers.
Sound and Vision operates a funding split of 85% for television and 15% for radio, taking into account the cost differential between television and radio production. Radio productions received funding of €2.14m in 2025 while television productions received €12.1m.
€740,000 was awarded to 19 community radio and television stations through a Social Benefit round, a major innovation in the Sound and Vision Scheme that provides essential support to the community media sector.
On 18 November 2025, the Government approved the allocation of €14m from the Shared Island Fund over 2026 - 2028 to support sustained cross-border journalism and more programming content, which will be distributed by Coimisiún na Meán.
Looking ahead to 2026, subject to Government approval, I intend to publish and progress both the Media Regulation Bill and Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill through the legislative process.
From a funding perspective, additional resources were secured in Budget 2026 and from the Shared Island Fund:
• funding for schemes to support the provision of public service content by, and the capacity of, the wider media sector will rise from €29.8m in 2025 to €40.1m in 2026;
• funding for RTÉ will rise from €225m in 2025 to €240m in 2026, in line with the multi-annual public funding commitment; and
• funding for TG4 will rise from €61.09m in 2025 to €65.4m in 2026.
In addition to continue to operate all the media funding schemes in effect in 2025, the funding allocated in Budget 2026 and through the Shared Island Fund will enable:
• an additional €1m for the News Reporting Scheme bringing the total available to €5m;
• €1m for the development of a Community Media Scheme reflecting the invaluable role that community media plays in community engagement, cohesion, and in the promotion of social inclusion in communities across the State;
• €4.6m in Shared Island funding, with a significant share of the investment going to dedicated Sound & Vision Scheme rounds, supporting high-quality content that highlights the culture, creativity and shared experiences of people across the island;
• an additional €1.465m in Exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme;
Furthermore, the Department was allocated €1.1m in Exchequer funding from Budget 2026 to help support the implementation of the National Counter Disinformation Strategy that was published in April 2025. The funding will support a number of actions related to media literacy, fact checking and research.
The suite of media schemes funded by my Department and operated by Coimisiún na Meán cater to all parts of the media sector, including through the provision of high-quality public interest journalism through the Local Democracy, Courts Reporting and News Reporting Scheme, supporting the ability of the sector to invest in digital skills and development through the Digital Transformation Scheme, and continuing to support new audiovisual and audio programming.
The Programme for Government acknowledges that local and national independent broadcasters perform a vital public service and deserve to have this recognised. In 2026, media funding schemes will continue to provide invaluable support to our local, regional and independent media organisations and the development of a dedicated Community Media Scheme will ensure the continued provision of essential support for local and community media and broadcasters nationwide.
273. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the proposals to reduce the access of children under the age of 16 to social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73214/25]
View answerEuropean Union Member States are examining the question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”.
Ireland is also considering its position on this matter. I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together and in that regard, it is important to note that the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen announced that she would establish an expert panel to examine the issue, including the implementation of Australia’s social media age restriction policy and advise her on the best approach for Europe in taking next steps on social media regulation.
However, it must be acknowledged that there are differing views across the EU on various aspects, for example, as to whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, if there is one, what age it should be, or whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
It should be noted that this is a separate matter to the question of age verification, which is vital to keeping children safe online. That is why my Department is working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his Office to look at practical technical solutions to age verification as part of the Government's Digital Wallet being developed using MyGovID. In addressing age verification, we must seek to ensure that there are trustworthy systems in place that are interoperable and respect users’ rights, including data protection rights. I am seeking the inclusion of a commitment to this effect in the Government’s updated National Digital Strategy which will be published shortly.
I will continue to work with all stakeholders, nationally and internationally, to ensure robust safety measures, including robust age verification, are in place to protect children and young people from inappropriate, harmful and illegal online content.
274. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which local authorities are being supported to integrate the findings of recent research on climate-driven rainfall extremes into planning and infrastructure decisions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72846/25]
View answerThe Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) were prepared jointly by my Department and the OPW and were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Guidelines provide for the incorporation of flood risk identification, assessment and management in the planning process. Planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála are required to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their functions under the Act.
The Guidelines are also cited in National Policy Objective 78 of the Revised National Planning Framework (2025) and in Regional Policy Objectives contained in the three Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. Local authority city and county development plans are required to be consistent with the policy objectives of the NPF and the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.
The Flood Risk Management Guidelines advocate for a sequential approach to development that incorporates flood risk assessment involving identification of flood zones and classification of the vulnerability of different types of development to flooding. In achieving the aims and objectives of the Guidelines, the key principles are to:
• Avoid the risk where possible,
• Substitute less vulnerable uses where avoidance is not possible, and
• Mitigate and manage the risk where avoidance and substitution are not possible.
Exceptions to restrictions on development are provided for through the use of a Justification Test at both the plan-making and planning application stages where an essential planning need must be demonstrated together with evidence that the risk can be sustainably managed.
The Guidelines require Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to be undertaken for statutory plans, such as city and county development plans, and the results of such assessments to be integrated into the adopted plan. The Office of the Planning Regulator has statutory responsibility for the independent evaluation and assessment of local authority development plans and, where it considers it is merited, may recommend that the Minister use his/her statutory function to direct changes to a plan to address identified issues including, for example, inappropriate land use zoning within areas at known risk of flooding. Thereafter the relevant statutory plan is a critical consideration in the assessment of any planning application. The assessment of individual planning applications remains to be carried out on a case-by-case basis by each planning authority and/or An Coimisiún Pleanála in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, including the development plan for the area and the 2009 Guidelines.
My Department is currently working with the OPW to develop further guidance on the consideration of the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk as part of the planning and development management process, and the application of the 2009 Guidelines.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published Ireland’s first National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) on 3 June 2025. The NCCRA provides government, business, communities and other stakeholders with the best available evidence and analysis to inform climate adaptation and resilience. In particular, the NCCRA will support the development of Sectoral Adaptation Plans as well as guiding the development of local authority adaptation plans and informing other national level adaptation responses.
With regard to flood hazard mapping, it should be noted that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is the national authority for the implementation of the EU Floods Directive and undertakes key steps of flood risk analysis and planning, including carrying out flood risk assessments, preparing flood hazard and risk maps and preparing flood risk management plans.
275. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether consideration was given to the establishment of a second bridge in Celbridge, County Kildare, as part of the National Development Plan Review 2025, given the congestion in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73061/25]
View answerA key measure in Project Ireland 2040, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is supporting a programme of significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework. In line with the agreed Programme for Government, and as set out in Delivering Homes Building Communities, the initial €2 billion allocation to the URDF has been extended by a further €500 million to 2030 under the updated NDP. Working alongside other funding streams, this additional funding will expand URDF-type investments to provide broader public investment to support regeneration and the development of sustainable communities.
While overall responsibility for roads policy and funding for the implementation of transport strategies is a matter for the Minister for Transport, the URDF provides part-funding to support certain applicant-led road projects, such as projects that enable the delivery of residential and mixed-use development.
In that context, approximately €10 million of URDF funding has been allocated towards Kildare County Council’s proposal for a Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road. This project involves the proposed delivery of a 2km link road, a second bridge over the River Liffey, the land purchase and construction of the bridge and 300m of road. It would provide essential infrastructure to support compact urban growth in Celbridge as well as enhanced connectivity between the town and Hazelhatch Train Station.
Following engagement with the Council and initial review of the Council's submission of a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for the project, which outlined a substantial increase in overall project costs, my Department recently met with the Council to discuss how best to progress the project. At this meeting, a revised proposal to utilise the approved URDF allocation to provide for further design work and some construction elements, including completion of the bridge, was discussed.
On foot of this meeting, my Department wrote to the Council on 11 November 2025 confirming provisional support for its proposal. This provisional support is subject to the Council forwarding a revised PBC submission detailing its proposed options for proceeding with the revised proposal. This submission will also set out options for delivery of the remainder of the original proposal.
My Department is currently awaiting this submission.
276. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the planning exemption for change of use from commercial to residential will be extended beyond 31 December 2025; when it will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73465/25]
View answer309. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to further extend the Article 10(6)(a) exemptions under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), which are due to end on 31 December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73121/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 309 together.
Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022, provides an exemption from the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of certain types of vacant commercial property into residential use, such as ‘living over the shop’ accommodation and conversion of vacant pubs, up to a maximum of 9 residential units. Article 10(6) of the 2001 Regulation sets out the provisions exempting change of use from vacant commercial units to residential units.
Regulations providing for an extension until 31 December 2028, of the exemption for conversion to residential use set out under S.I. No. 75 of 2022, were before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing on 09 December 2025. Following the anticipated receipt of positive resolutions of both Houses of the Oireachtas, as required under section 262(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I, as the Minister of State with responsibility for Planning, will sign the regulations into law at the earliest opportunity once finalised.
277. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review correspondence regarding the multi-unit residential development refund scheme for water/wastewater connection charges (details supplied); if there are plans to extend this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72589/25]
View answerOn 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of the development contributions in respect of residential development commenced not later than 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and wastewater connection charges in respect of residential development commenced not later than 30 September 2024. The date for the completion of development works on qualifying houses under the schemes was extended from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
It is not proposed to extend the terms of the scheme again beyond that already approved by Government.
278. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of proposals to develop a national park at the Blackstairs Mountains on the Wexford/Carlow border. [72617/25]
View answerThrough the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) my Department manages an extensive network of natural heritage sites including 8 National Parks.
Our National Parks are state-owned lands, managed for nature conservation by the NPWS, or in some cases, the NPWS along with other public authorities, with a significant degree of sustainable visitor access and engagement. The NPWS does not own or manage any lands within the Blackstairs Mountains, where most of the uplands are peatland habitats held in commonage by local farmers. The Blackstairs Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC), however, for the protection of the qualifying interest habitats wet heath, dry heath and also a small area of alluvial woodland, does provide a high degree of nature conservation protection and local NPWS staff actively monitor the SAC for potentially damaging activities including illegal fires and scrambler and quad bike use.
As set out in the Programme for Government, I recognise the importance of continuing to support the ongoing expansion and resourcing of our National Parks. To this end, the NPWS occasionally purchases land for strategic and conservation purposes where suitable land at a reasonable price, and providing strategic value to habitat conservation or public access, becomes available. Such acquisitions are always carefully considered on a case by case basis and in line with public procurement requirements. In light of the commercial sensitivity and the strategic implications of bringing these considerations into the public domain, I would not comment on any individual site that is offered for sale.
279. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Government's overall coordination of emergency response to Storm Bram, including communications with local authorities in Longford and Westmeath. [72624/25]
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’s 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.
The Crisis Management Team of the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management with Met Éireann, had been monitoring the evolution of Storm Bram since Friday 5 December. Storm Bram was named by Met Éireann 8 December, 2025. Met Technical Briefings were attended by local authority severe weather assessment teams, the principal response agencies, government departments, utilities and relevant agencies on Sunday 7th, Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th December.
All local authorities stood up their severe weather teams, deployed their flood mitigation measures, cleared gullies/ culverts and had teams in place to respond as required. Safety messaging regarding high winds, floodwaters and staying away from exposed coastal areas were pushed out through all channels. The public were urged to be aware of local conditions, take necessary preparedness steps and to stay away from exposed coastal areas.
In the aftermath of Storm Bram, most local authorities experienced impacts with trees down, road closures and some localised coastal flooding. At the peak, ESB Networks reported circa 58,000 customers without power. It was reported that power was fully restored by 10th December. There was minimal impact on Uisce Éireann’s water and waste water network.
280. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline current regulations governing fire safety standards in caravan parks and mobile home parks, and whether reforms are being considered. [72631/25]
View answer281. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the most recent update to any guidance on evacuation routes, spacing requirements and emergency planning for caravan parks. [72632/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981 & 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Fire authorities have powers under the Fire Services Act, 1981 & 2003 to carry out inspections of some premises. Section 18(2) of the Act prescribes that the “person having control” over premises “take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises, and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire." Under section 13 of this act Fire Authorities may also advise a planning authority in relation to the functions of the planning authority which relates to permission for development.
My Department, through the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) has issued guidance - “A Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Traveller Accommodation” - that includes information on fire safety in caravans, addressing means of escape, minimum spacing recommendations and pre-incident planning among other fire safety matters.
The NDFEM has developed also a “Fire Safety in Caravans” leaflet for caravan owners, copies of which are provided to fire services for distribution to members of the public.
The aforementioned leaflet and guidance along with other fire safety advice can be found at www.fireireland.ie. The most effective fire safety measure in any domestic setting is a working smoke alarm that is tested regularly.
282. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of housing and local authority service provision in County Longford and Westmeath compared with the national average. [72687/25]
View answerStatistics in relation to local authority performance are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in the annual Local Authority Performance Indicators Report. These reports provide a range of information in relation to housing; roads; water; waste/environment; planning; fire services; library/recreation services; youth/community; corporate; finance and economic development. 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/
In addition, 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. 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/
