Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026

Written Answers Nos. 1415-1421

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Quarrying Sector

Questions (1415)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

1415. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policies which are in place to provide assurance and security of supply for quarried materials. [75061/25]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 2024/3110) (CPR) sets out rules for the marketing of construction products, including aggregates for concrete and concrete blocks, in the EU.

Where a construction product covered by a harmonised technical specification is being placed on the EU market, the CPR requires the manufacturer to draw up a ‘declaration of performance’/'declaration of performance and conformity', to affix a ‘CE’ marking to the product and to provide general product information, instructions for use and safety information. In order to do so, manufacturers must test and declare the performance of their construction products using a common technical language prescribed in the harmonised technical specification.

Notified Bodies are designated by my Department to carry out third party tasks in accordance with the systems of assessment and verification provided for in the CPR. The notified factory production control certification body shall decide on the issuing, restriction, suspension or withdrawal of the certificate of conformity of the factory production control.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. NSAI has produced additional guidance to some harmonised standards, under the CPR, in the form of Standard Recommendations (SRs) which set out appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of certain construction products in Ireland.

Ultimately, the manufacturer of aggregates and/or concrete block is responsible for compliance with the CPR and in particular for the declaration of performance/CE marking, having full knowledge of the raw material (as is legally required by the CPR via the relevant harmonised European Standards) and having regard to the end product’s suitability for use in construction works in accordance with the relevant Standard Recommendations published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

In respect to enforcement of the CPR, each of the building control authorities (local authorities) have been designated as the principal market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the CPR, within their administrative areas. In addition, Dublin City Council - National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office, NBCMSO, has been appointed as a competent authority for the carrying out of market surveillance functions on a nationwide basis.

Building control authorities will liaise with NBCMSO to support compliance with the CPR and to determine appropriate action on enforcement matters, as they arise.

Market surveillance activity should enable non-compliant products to be identified and kept or taken off the market with unscrupulous and/or criminal economic operators prosecuted and penalised for their actions. In this context, it is important to note that the overarching objective of a market surveillance authority is to ensure that compliant products are placed on the market. Where non-compliance is identified, market surveillance activities should be designed to encourage economic operators to take appropriate corrective actions to redress the position within a reasonable period of time.

Market surveillance authorities have significant powers including to obtain access to the place of manufacture or storage, request technical information, select samples of the construction product and carry out evaluations, examination or tests on such samples. Where construction products are placed on the market which do not comply with the requirements set out in the CPR, market surveillance authorities have powers to direct the relevant economic operator to take the necessary corrective actions to bring the product into compliance. Where this does not work, there are further procedures that may result in the product being withdrawn or recalled from the market, its use subject to special conditions, or the products availability on the market being prohibited or restricted.

My Department has agreed a Memo of Understanding with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE)/Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), to provide geological services and expertise to support market surveillance of construction products emanating from the extractive industries sector in Ireland, and advance research and standards development for relevant aggregate and concrete products, in the context of legacy defects in construction products from quarries. This work also envisages the production of a quarry database identifying quarries producing aggregates.

Separate to the above, the NSAI have published I.S. 465:2018 which is solely intended for use by those who intend to provide assessment and testing services for dwellings that are suspected of being affected by defective concrete blocks. As such, I.S. 465:2018 does not have a bearing on the rules for placing construction products on the market in accordance with the CPR.

Finally, it should be noted that a number of State agencies are currently responsible for regulating different aspects of quarries as set out below.

Planning authorities may grant planning permission for a development on lands such as a quarry. A person is not entitled solely by reasons of a planning permission to carry out development.

When making a decision on a planning application for a quarry, the relevant planning authority is required to have regard to the particular local circumstances of the proposed development and may attach appropriate conditions to the permission on a case by case basis.

My Department issued statutory Guidelines to Planning Authorities on Quarrying and Ancillary Activities in April 2004, to which planning authorities must have regard when considering a planning application for a quarry. The Guidelines include planning guidance on the attachment of appropriate conditions to quarry-related permissions.

Where blasting is required, the issuing of a permit for the use of explosives in the extractive industry, or for other purposes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána, which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, whose Department has issued the Guide to Explosives Legislation in Ireland.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, published guidelines in 2006 on Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry, which complement the 2004 Quarrying Guidelines issued by my Department and include advice on the management of environmental issues associated with blasting in quarries, such as pollution, noise and vibration.

Furthermore, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) - which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment - is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety in the workplace, including specific requirements in relation to the operation of quarries under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2013 and their associated guidance.

Public Spending Code

Questions (1416)

James O'Connor

Question:

1416. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of projects in his Department that were delayed in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75113/25]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

My Department did not experience any project delays in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Question No. 1417 answered with Question No. 1365.

Housing Provision

Questions (1418)

Michael Cahill

Question:

1418. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to significantly increase affordable housing targets for County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75135/25]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

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, under a new Starter Homes Programme, which will deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.

In order to further drive the delivery of affordable housing under the new plan, local authorities will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. These plans will be completed and published by the local authorities in 2026.

While Kerry was not set any affordable housing delivery targets under the previous housing plan, Housing for All, due to a projected low level of new housing need with affordability constraint in the county at that time, the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) has remained available to all local authorities to assist towards the cost of developing affordable housing at locations where new affordable housing needs have been identified.

In preparing their HDAP, each local authority will reflect local need to ensure the right mix of homes to respond to local need and priorities. They will engage and collaborate with delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency and Approved Housing Bodies. This will inform the local authority in planning their delivery to meet need to 2030.

My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and other delivery partners. This 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/).

Derelict Sites

Questions (1419)

Liam Quaide

Question:

1419. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has taken any measures since assuming office against local authorities that have not been fulfilling their duties under derelict sites legislation; and if he plans to introduce further measures in this regard for the coming year. [75183/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Government’s new housing action plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness, was published in November 2025. Chapter 4 of the strategy, Securing Additional Supply, Ending Dereliction & Vacancy, confirms that it imperative that existing vacant and derelict buildings are brought back into use, including their repurposing to provide new homes for those who need them. The strategy includes a number of specific actions (Nos. 4.1.-4.4) related to tackling dereliction which will be progressed as the plan is implemented. Action 4.1 of Delivering Homes, Building Communities concerns the introduction of a Derelict Property Tax, which was announced in Budget 2026 and it is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in the Finance Act in 2026. This tax will, when it comes into effect, replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. Local authorities will continue to have a role in the process, as updating and maintaining their Derelict Sites Registers will continue to remain the responsibility of the local authorities. Derelict Sites Levies that remain outstanding when the new tax is introduced will remain as charges on the properties concerned and remain the responsibility of each local authority to collect.

In regard to resourcing, my Department is currently working on a number of measures to increase staffing levels in the local government planning sector. In this regard, my Department is collaborating with the Local Government Management Agency on the delivery of a programme of supports to planning authorities. These supports include the provision of staffing resources and expertise to enable planning authorities to perform their functions efficiently and effectively, including through the implementation of the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources.

Resources to ensure a focus on tackling dereliction within local authorities have also been provided through the funding of dedicated Vacant Homes Officers and Town Regeneration Officers who are working in the relevant derelict sites and regeneration teams to ensure a planned and proactive approach to dereliction is taken. My Department has also made funding for staff resources available to local authorities as part of Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, to support their work tackling vacancy and dereliction, while a total of €150 million has been provided as revolving fund for local authorities to acquire long term derelict properties where necessary.

Since 2023 the CPO Activation Programme has also provided support to local authorities in identifying derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring those properties back into use. It includes use of compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act, when engagement with property owners is unsuccessful and is supported directly by my Department and the Housing Agency.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (1420)

Matt Carthy

Question:

1420. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in his Department and to the head of each agency for which they are responsible; whether this scale has changed in the past two years or whether there are proposals to change this scale in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75199/25]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The salary scale that applies to the Secretary General of my Department is Secretary General Level 1 PPC. There is one point on this scale which is currently €278,121 per annum.

This scale is subject to increases under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. There were three increases during 2024; 2.25% on the 1st January, 1% on the 1st June and 1% on the 1st October 2024.

Two increases were applied during 2025; 2% on the 1st March and 1% on the 1st August.

A further two increases are due under the final part of this Agreement; 1% on the 1st February and 1% on the 1st June 2026.

Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. These Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.

State Body	Contact E-mail Address
An Coimisiún Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce	[e-mail]
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Construction Industry Register Ireland	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Electoral Commission	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Property Services Appeal Board	[e-mail]
Property Services Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Tailte Éireann	[e-mail]
Uisce Éireann	[e-mail]
Valuation Tribunal	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]

Departmental Advertising

Questions (1421)

Matt Carthy

Question:

1421. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount expended on advertising and promotion in his Department, and within each agency for which he is responsible, for 2022 to 2024, by year and budgeted for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75217/25]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department undertakes public information campaigns where there is important information to bring to the public’s attention. The advertising campaigns generally utilise a variety of advertising methods, including TV, radio and print as well as online advertising and social media.

An awareness campaign, for example, on the electorate for Seanad university elections is currently running across broadcast, print and social media. The annual National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management’s 2025/2026 Fire Safety Campaign is running across broadcast and social media to make the public aware of the contributing factors and consequences of fire and to raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms in the home.

My Departmental communication team amplifies these campaigns through press releases, our gov.ie website and on our own social media channels.

High profile campaigns during 2022 to 2024 include our Doors Open campaign highlighting housing supports available to people and the Limerick Mayor Election campaign.

The overall cost of ad campaigns to my Department, in the years requested is included in the table below.

A Starter Homes campaign as part of my Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities is among the ad campaigns planned for 2026, to inform the public of the variety of housing supports available to own or rent a home.

The budget for all ad campaigns planned in my Department this year looks set to exceed €1 million.

Year	Spend
2022	€986,476
2023	€1,647,843
2024	€1,266,035

The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:

Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH	Oireachtas email
An Coimisiún Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce	[e-mail]
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Construction Industry Register Ireland	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Property Services Appeal Board	[e-mail]
Property Services Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Tailte Éireann	[e-mail]
Uisce Éireann	[e-mail]
Valuation Tribunal	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]

• Written Answers Nos. 1394-1414
• Written Answers Nos. 1422-1441