Written Answers Nos. 283-304
283. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the district heating exploration within the Maynooth Town Centre Renewal (URDF Call 2; €1.9 million), including the technical findings and decision gate progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72705/25]
View answer284. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the Harbourfield Park project within the Maynooth Town Centre Renewal (URDF Call 2; €1.9 million), including the dates for Part 8, tender and commencement on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72706/25]
View answer285. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has approved any cost re baselining for the Maynooth Town Centre Renewal to address inflationary impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72707/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 283 to 285, inclusive, together.
In 2021, following the second call for proposals under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a provisional allocation of €1,908,750 in URDF support was announced for Kildare County Council's successful proposal – Maynooth Town Centre Renewal – Strengthening the Grid. Comprised of 5 individual projects, the proposal will support the preparation of a Masterplan and the preparation of Key Town Renewal projects. The current approved allocation for the overall proposal is €1,921,696.09.
In relation to the current status of the projects please see the following table:
|
Project Title |
Description of Works |
Project Type |
Status |
|
Maynooth Town Renewal Masterplan (TRMP) |
Preparation of a TRMP to increase town centre living |
Technical Assistance |
Approval Gate 3 - Final Business Case approved and work has commenced on the Masterplan. |
|
District Heating Exploration project in the historic grid town centre |
Funding towards Feasibility Study to determine potential for district heating scheme serving commercial and residential community |
Technical Assistance |
Approval Gate 3 – Final Business Case has been submitted. Queries have issued to the Council with a response awaited. |
|
Harbourfield Park |
Funding towards design and planning stages only. |
Technical Assistance |
Approval Gate 3 – Final Business Case submission currently under consideration and a response will issue to the Council in due course. |
|
Potential Pilot Project – participatory urban design |
Funding towards consultation with stakeholders and community during design process - may include development of online platform |
Technical Assistance |
Approval Gate 3 – Final Business Case submission awaited from the Council. |
|
Development of Key town renewal projects |
Funding towards the progressing key reactivation and urban renewal projects to be identified in the completed Maynooth Town Centre Renewal Plan, to ‘shovel ready’ stage. |
Technical Assistance |
Strategic Assessment Approved. Upon completion of the Maynooth TRMP, the Council will need to send in an Approval Gate 1 Preliminary Business Case submission on the priority projects identified through the Masterplan for further development. |
In relation to the overall costs of the proposal, any increases in costs on URDF projects, are dealt with as part of the Approval Gate submissions for individual projects. Responses will issue to the Council in due course where any additional URDF support has been sought.
It should be noted that while my Department works closely and communicates regularly with Kildare County Council in respect of their URDF Programme of works, responsibility for the advancement of their supported projects through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for Kildare County Council. Accordingly, queries regarding the technical details of projects should be directed to the Council.
286. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether capital will be provided under the URDF or its successor to deliver the priority projects identified in the Leixlip Town Renewal Masterplan, including streets, public realm and site assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72708/25]
View answer303. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the establishment of the Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund to replace the URDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73051/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 303 together.
The agreed Programme for Government included a commitment to establish a new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund to:
• invest in infrastructure, acquire land, assemble sites, de-risk sites;
• support the development of new transport orientated development towns as necessary; and
• continue and expand URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) investments in project to regenerate the public realm.
In that respect, 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 National Development Plan (NDP). Working alongside other funding streams, this additional funding will expand URDF-type investments to provide broader public investment to support urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities.
The detailed arrangements for the implementation of this additional funding stream are currently under development following the completion of the NDP Review process. Further details should issue to the local authorities in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the existing €2 billion URDF continues to drive delivery of the 132 successful applications for funding. It comprises of approximately 430 individual projects which are currently progressing through the various stages of the project lifecycle, along with a dedicated programme of acquisitions in each local authority to address long term vacancy and dereliction.
My Department will work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the URDF. However, responsibility for the composition of any current and future applications for URDF funding, such as those in Leixlip, and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion will remain, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority.
287. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how the Town Centre First policy and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) can be combined with the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to advance town centre projects from plan to implementation, with clear key performance indicators and phasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72709/25]
View answerThe Government’s ‘Town Centre First’ (TCF) Policy Approach was launched by my Department and the then Department of Rural and Community Development in 2022, and since then, a range of supports and measures to encourage more people to live, do business and visit our town centres have been introduced.
Using the Town Centre First approach, town centres are developed so that they become viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live and work in and to visit, while also supporting the retail and economic role of our towns. A network of Town Regeneration Officers in the local government sector assist the delivery of Town Centre First initiatives. These officers lead the local efforts, and collaborate with their colleagues and stakeholders to ensure an integrated approach is taken.
The Town Centre First policy lays the foundation for each town to develop their own plan-led path forward through a tailored Town Centre First Plan which is underpinned by a clear diagnosis of local strengths and challenges. This TCF Plan is driven by the local community and businesses as part of a Town Team who are be supported by Town Regeneration Officers and technical expertise within each Local Authority.
26 ‘Pathfinder’ towns were identified to prepare the first phase of TCF Plans and these were launched in February 2024. Further TCF Plans have been completed and are under preparation across the country in towns of varying sizes. These community based plans are identifying regeneration projects and initiatives for subsequent appropriate funding applications and delivery – projects for tackling vacant sites, creating community parks and river walkways, boosting SME and tourism, renovating historical landmarks, and attracting more people to live and work in our town centres.
Town Centre First and wider town generation is currently being supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) with new regeneration investment funding in towns of over a €650m committed under the URDF programme. These capital projects focus on improvement to town centres and their environments such as public realm improvements, pedestrian infrastructure and amenities. Details of these projects are available at: [URDF Tracker] The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) operated by the Department of Rural and Community and the Gaeltacht is providing similar support for the implementation of Town Centre First projects for smaller towns and settlements nationally.
THRIVE (Town Centre First Heritage Revival) Scheme is a grant scheme of c. €120million for local authorities which is co-funded by the Government and the European Union and delivered under Ireland’s two ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Regional Programmes. The THRIVE Scheme provides funding for the preparation of Town Centre First Plans, strategies and project development work in towns (c. €5 million in total) to enable future capital funding applications to be made to Government for the identified projects in these plans. THRIVE also supports town regeneration through direct capital funding of €115 million in total for the implementation of identified heritage-related projects in town centres – with 19 projects currently being funded across the country.
Further details are available at:
www.nwra.ie/erdf/schemes/thrive/
southernassembly.ie/erdf-priority-3/thrive/
288. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the funding routes available for towns in Kildare north which have comparable regeneration needs but historically sat outside the URDF large town thresholds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72710/25]
View answer289. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund will explicitly include towns in Kildare north, or whether the RRDF and Town Centre First will be the primary route; and to outline the timeline for access (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72711/25]
View answer299. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the eligibility under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Calls 1, 2 and 3; the amounts allocated, profiled and drawn down to date; the key milestones achieved for towns in Kildare North (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73046/25]
View answer304. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether towns that have URDF masterplans but limited capital and towns outside the URDF's historic thresholds will be eligible for site assembly, public realm and enabling infrastructure under the new fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73052/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 288, 289, 299 and 304 together.
A flagship element of 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 cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan.
The URDF applies to the five cities and their metropolitan areas, larger towns with a population of more than 10,000 people and to a number of smaller towns with fewer than 10,000 people but with more than 2,500 jobs and which function as significant centres of employment.
The URDF is complemented by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), which is applicable to towns not eligible for the URDF and is overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The 7 areas eligible for URDF support in Kildare include: Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas, Newbridge, Athy, Kildare Town, with Athy and Kildare Town added in 2024 following publication of the Census 2022 results.
To date Kildare County Council has been provisionally allocated €21,991,603 in URDF support towards their seven successful proposals approved under Call 1 and Call 2. The table below has further details on the drawdown to date for Call 1 and 2 projects in Kildare.
|
Project Title |
Allocation |
Drawdown |
|
Naas Library (including Public Realm works) |
€6,826,897.56 |
€6,826,897.56 |
|
Celbridge Southern Relief Road & Second Liffey Crossing |
€419,560.09 |
€419,560.09 |
|
Newbridge Cultural and Civic Quarter |
€520,722.81 |
€520,722.81 |
|
Canal Quarter Naas |
€383,104.47 |
€304,437.15 |
|
Maynooth Town Centre Renewal - Strengthening the Grid |
€1,921,696.09 |
€192,989.71 |
|
Naas Town Centre Renewal Masterplan |
€1,682,121.96 |
€1,412,411.24 |
|
Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road |
€10,237,500 |
€726,151.28 |
While Calls 1 and 2 were for specific regeneration projects, the third round of funding (Call 3) is specifically focussed towards addressing long term vacancy and dereliction, while supporting the key objectives of Housing for All and Town Centre First.
The Council was allocated €7,000,000 for their approved Call 3 programme. As a signal of Government commitment to this initiative Kildare County Council received €800,000 of their Call 3 allocation by way of forward funding, so that they were well resourced to begin addressing this issue.
The agreed Programme for Government included a commitment to establish a new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund to:
• invest in infrastructure, acquire land, assemble sites, de-risk sites;
• support the development of new transport orientated development towns as necessary; and
• continue and expand URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) investments in projects to regenerate the public realm;
• include all towns with a population over 10,000 in the designation of 'key towns' and ensure towns which fall slightly below the population thresholds are considered for applications under the Fund.
In that respect, 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 urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities.
The detailed arrangements for the implementation of this additional funding stream, including the towns that will be eligible for funding, are currently under development following the completion of the National Development Plan Review process. Further details should issue to the local authorities in the coming weeks.
My Department will work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the URDF. However, responsibility for the composition of any applications for funding and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion will remain, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority.
290. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a schedule of dates of all meetings convened since 1 January 2021, in person or remote via video link, between officials of his Department and officials of Roinn na Gaeltachta, at which the issuing of Section 28 Planning Guidelines in order to protect the Irish language in Gaeltacht areas was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72725/25]
View answer291. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the dates on which draft Section 28 guidelines were provided to the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in consultation; the reason his Department did not issue the aforementioned planning guidelines before the repeal of Section 28 of the Planning Act 2000 by Ministerial Order on 2 October 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72726/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.
The information requested is being complied and will be forward to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
292. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of towns and villages which are deemed eligible by his Department for 'The Ready to Build Scheme'; whether his Department plans to extend the list to other rural settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72727/25]
View answer293. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a schedule of all 'Ready to Build' applications received by his Department from local authorities, specifying the location; the number and the cost at which the sites listed were or are on offer for sale to eligible applicants, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72728/25]
View answer294. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider whether Údarás na Gaeltachta can seek his approval for recognition under the Croí Cónaithe 'Ready to Build Scheme' and apply for funding to his Department in order to deliver serviced sites in Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72729/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 292 to 294, inclusive, together.
The Ready to Build Scheme, funded by the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, to support addressing vacancy, was launched in September 2022.
Under the scheme, local authorities identify suitable vacant sites in their ownership or purchase vacant sites in towns and villages and make them available for sale to individual purchasers for the purpose of building a principal private residence. Once serviced, the local authority will make the site available for sale at a discount on the market value of the site. The level of discount to the individual will depend on the level of servicing cost incurred by the local authority before the sale of the site, up to a maximum of €30,000.
Local authorities can be supported to make vacant sites available in towns and villages throughout the country with sufficient provision of services and amenities.
The scheme is managed and administered by local authorities on behalf of my Department. To date 32 sites have been made available for sale by 4 local authorities, 5 sites in Wicklow, 16 sites in Laois, 4 sites in Tipperary and 7 sites by Kildare County Council. The relevant local authority assesses the applications they receive based on the framework of priorities contained in the scheme outline.
|
Local Authority |
Location |
No. of sites |
Advertised Sale Price |
|
Wicklow |
Tinahely |
5 |
€35,000 - €50,000 |
|
Laois |
Durrow |
8 |
€40,000 |
|
|
Ballyroan |
4 |
€30,000 |
|
|
Clonaslee |
2 |
€35,000 |
|
|
Doonane |
2 |
€30,000 |
|
Tipperary |
Boherlahan |
4 |
€25,000 |
|
Kildare |
Clogherinkoe |
7 |
€45,000 |
A further c.100 sites have been identified by various local authorities for possible inclusion in the scheme. These sites are at various stages of consideration to determine the costs involved to service the sites and ascertaining the potential level of interest in site purchase. The Vacant Homes Unit in my Department is continuing to engage with local authorities in relation to these.
A review of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, including the Ready to Build Scheme, was undertaken in 2024. That review has been completed and is under consideration.
The new housing plan Delivering Homes, Supporting Communities further commits to extending the operation of the Ready to Build Scheme with a new support for local authorities to service sites in, and close to, towns and villages to enable construction of clusters of homes. A mix of private, social and affordable homes can be delivered on the same site, creating new mixed tenure communities. My Department is currently progressing this work.
Neither I nor my Department have been approached by Údarás na Gaeltachta to advance projects under this scheme. The scheme is administered by local authorities who have an ongoing working relationship with Údarás na Gaeltachta in their various areas. It would be open to Údarás na Gaeltachta to explore working with the relevant local authority to make sites available in Gaeltacht areas. The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, under the aegis of which Údarás na Gaeltachta operates, may also have an approval role.
295. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on all European Commission infringement proceedings currently under way relating to the functions of his Department; the compliance measures and the already paid or expected fines relating to each enforcement action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72758/25]
View answerIn areas for which my Department has responsibility, there are 9 open infringement cases relating to transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation. Information on the infringement process, including information on Commission decisions is available: ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringement-decisions/?langCode=EN
The following table lists the relevant Directive or regulations and the stage of proceedings:
|
Commission Infringement File |
Directive/Regulation Title |
Stage |
|
INFR(2025)2106- Non-conform transposition of the Drinking Water Directive |
Council Directive 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption |
Letter of Formal notice, Art. 258 TFEU |
|
INFR(2024)4003- Breach of the Construction Products Regulation due to lack of market surveillance |
Regulation (EU) 305/2011 the Construction Products Regulation |
Letter of Formal notice, Art. 258 TFEU |
|
INFR(2023)2178- Application of Council Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste-water treatment (UWWT) in Ireland |
Council Directive 91/271 concerning urban waste-water treatment |
Letter of Formal notice, Art. 258 TFEU |
|
INFR(2007)2238- Incorrect transposition of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC |
Directive 2000/60 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy |
CJEU Judgment C-204/24 |
|
INFR(2010)2161- Peatlands -Application of Articles 6(2), 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC |
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora |
Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU |
|
INFR(2013)2056- Application of Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste water treatment |
Council Directive 91/271 concerning urban waste-water treatment |
CJEU Judgment (C-427/17) and Formal notice under Art. 260 TFEU – Referred back to CJEU |
|
INFR(2015)2006- Designation of Special Areas of Conservation in Ireland - SAC Designation |
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora |
CJEU Judgment C-444/21 |
|
INFR(2017)4007- Exceedance of THM parametric value in drinking water in Ireland |
Council Directive 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption |
CJEU Judgment C-481/22 |
|
INFR(2025)4018 - Non-conformity of Irish rules on the provision of property services within the Services Directive |
Council Directive 2006/123/EC on Services in the Internal Market |
Letter of Formal Notice, Art. 258 TFEU |
In relation to INFR2013/2056 - Application of Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste water treatment, the European Commission considers that efforts by the Irish authorities have, to date, been insufficient to comply with the first judgment and is therefore referring Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union, with a request to impose financial sanctions.
296. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the announced removal of the blanket pet ban on tenants in social housing will be introduced. [72789/25]
View answer297. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the announced removal of the blanket pet ban on tenants in social housing will apply retroactively to tenancy contracts signed before this announcement. [72791/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
The new national housing plan, Building Homes, Delivery Communities, commits to reviewing the CCMA Code of Practice - Approved Housing Body (AHB) Allocation Process (the Code).
A Working Group, including local authority and AHB representatives, has been established by my Department to examine the Code and its implementation. As part of the work of this Working Group, an examination of how the Code can ensure that social housing tenants, of either AHBs or local authorities, are not precluded from living with domestic pets in local authority or approved housing body properties. The review of the Code of Practice is scheduled for completion by H2 2026 with arrangements for its implementation also in place at that time.
298. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the seven legacy actions due, as outlined in the Q1 2025 progress report (details supplied); to outline which actions they are; the reason for the delay; the state of the progress to date; and a timeline for completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72937/25]
View answerMy Department is working hard to achieve our shared Climate Action goals.
My Department has continued to work on delivering legacy actions carrying over from Climate Action Plan 2024. Since the beginning of the year four legacy actions have been completed:
- The publication of a report on exploring investment requirements for energy efficiency upgrades in the private rental sector. (Action BE/23/3)
- Good Agricultural Practice (Amendment) Regulations S.I 42 of 2025, were put into effect based on the review of maximum nitrogen limits as part of the Nitrates Action Programme Interim Review. (Action AG/24/7)
- The publication of the revised National Planning Framework. (Action EL/24/3)
- A public consultation on Technical Guidance Documents to Building Regulations. (Action BE/24/1)
Action MA/23/5, to develop comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation, and management of Marine Protected Areas in Irish marine waters has transferred and is now reported on by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
An update on the two outstanding legacy actions for my Department is provided in the table below:
|
Action |
Output |
Reason for delay |
Progress status |
Timeline |
|
AD/24/5 Improve the resilience of Ireland’s water infrastructure through implementation of a Nature Based Solutions (NBS) Programme. |
Publish drainage Area Plans covering 5 large urban centres, develop 2 exemplars of sludge Drying, implement Reed Bed systems. Plant 50,000 native trees. |
In Q1 2025, 20,000 trees have been planted, following 22,225 planted in 2024. A total of 112,500 trees planted since 2022. Tree planting season has ended, (November – March), with tree planting due to recommence in Q4 2025. Balance of 7,775 trees will be planted in Nov/Dec 2025. Uisce Éireann has completed 6 Drainage Area Plans and installed 3 Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRB’s)
|
In progress |
TBD |
|
EL/24/5 Develop Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines for onshore wind |
Guidelines published |
The CAP24 Annex of Actions set out a timeframe of Q1 2025 for the finalisation of the Guidelines. The finalisation of the Guidelines is linked to, the finalisation of the National Planning Framework (NPF), which was approved by Cabinet in April 2025, and the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024. Further to the Programme for Government commitment in respect of the guidelines, the Department is now working to conclude the review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, having regard to the intended public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews included in the revision of the NPF. |
In progress |
TBD |
300. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reasons for delays or slippage in the delivery of projects funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Calls 1, 2 and 3, with reference to the proposed second Liffey crossing in Celbridge and the Maynooth town centre works, in view of the significant allocations made to County Kildare under these calls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73048/25]
View answer301. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when approval Gate 1 will be completed, approval Gate 2 and Gate 3 scheduled for the Celbridge/Hazelhatch Link Road and second Liffey crossing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73049/25]
View answer302. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department will commit to the end 2027 completion date referenced locally for the Celbridge/Hazelhatch Link Road and second Liffey crossing, in view of the €10.23 million allocated under call 2 and the €400,000 allocated under call 1 for technical assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73050/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 to 302, inclusive, together.
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.
The URDF supported capital programme is applicant-led and while my Department works closely and communicates regularly with Kildare County Council in respect of project delivery, responsibility for the advancement of URDF-supported projects, such as the Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road project, through the various stages of the project lifecycle is, in the first instance, a matter for the Sponsoring Agency (in this case Kildare County Council).
It is a condition of URDF support that advancement of proposals/projects and related funding arrangements must accord with the Department’s Guidance on applying the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) to URDF-supported projects.
This requires a local authority to ensure that at each of three Approval Gates it provides a submission to my Department for approval prior to progressing to the next stage of the project lifecycle. These Approval Gates are:
• AG1 - Approval in Principle (Preliminary Business Case)
• AG2 - Pre-Tender Approval (Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy)
• AG3 - Post-Tender Approval (Final Business Case)
Approximately €10 million of URDF funding has been allocated towards Kildare County Council’s Call 2 proposal for a Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road. This project involves the proposed delivery of a 2km link road and a second bridge over the River Liffey, which includes the land purchase and construction of the bridge with 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.
In February 2025, Kildare County Council submitted an Approval Gate 1 Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for the project, which outlined a substantial increase in overall project costs. Following an initial review of the Council's submission and clarification on the estimated 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.
In respect of the query on the Maynooth Town Centre Works, the Deputy should refer to the response to his question (No. 283 of 17 December) on the Call 2 Maynooth Town Centre Renewal – Strengthening the Grid proposal.
