Written Answers Nos. 1422-1441
1422. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed in his Department and within each agency for which he is responsible; the cost of these staff for 2025 and the expected cost for 2026; whether there are proposals to increase the number of such staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75235/25]
View answerThere were 14 staff employed in the Communications Unit of my Department as of the 31st December 2025.
The 2025 payroll costs associated with the staff in this section was €1,118,228 including Employer PRSI.
Factoring in the known pay increases due next year under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, the estimated payroll costs for these staff in 2026 would be €1,134,666.
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 |
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 |
|
Electoral Commission |
info@electoralcommission.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@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 |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
1423. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost to his Department and to each agency for which it is responsible arising from Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75253/25]
View answerIreland’s Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union in the second half of 2026 will be an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union.
In this context my Department will host a range of meetings, events and conferences. Planning for these events is currently underway in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of Public Works. The programme will include high-level Ministerial meetings, along with a range of other official level meetings and conferences. In addition, my Department will lead European Union representation at a number of international fora, including the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Water Conference and the International Whaling Commission.
In terms of costs, my Department has been allocated a total of €5.6m for EU Presidency related expenditure in 2026. Of this €1.053m has been allocated to pay-related costs, while €4.547m has been allocated to meet anticipated travel and related costs associated with international meetings, as well as the cost of hosting meetings and events in Ireland.
These allocations are set out in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Service (REV) 2026 and are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/the-revised-estimates-volumes-for-the-public-service/
Significant planning is being undertaken to ensure that costs are appropriately managed and prudent financial management will continue to ensure value for money is achieved.
1424. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the priorities of his Department and each agency for which they are responsible for, in respect of Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75271/25]
View answerMy Department is actively engaged in the whole-of-government preparations for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, which is being led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The priorities and policy programmes for the EU Presidency are currently being developed and will take account of the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, as well as the initiatives outlined in the European Commission Work Programme for 2026. In addition, the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through the current Presidency term of Cyprus will inform Ireland’s Presidency priorities.
For my Department, work is ongoing to develop Presidency priorities, to reflect the work required to address shared challenges across the European Union, including in areas such as housing, water and biodiversity. In this context, housing will be a key priority of Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 and we look forward to working with the EU Institutions and our EU Member State colleagues next year to implement the actions of the European Affordable Housing Plan.
My Department will continue to refine its priorities and will work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of the whole-of-government approach to the development of Ireland’s Presidency Programme.
1426. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to reconsider the importance of tourism in County Kerry and especially Killarney town by reconsidering the short-term lets policy (details supplied) and allow a waiver for the proprietors of short-term lets who have been in business three years or longer in relation to the need to apply for planning permission to be allowed continue with their short-term lets livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/26]
View answerThe 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 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. The proposed STLT Bill will provide the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for short term lets in Ireland and for the implementation of the new EU STR Regulation. Following the approval received from Government on the 15 April 2025 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.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted in October 2024 and is in the process of being commenced. In the meantime, the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (Act of 2000), and associated Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Regulations of 2001) remain in force until the relevant sections of the Act of 2024 are commenced and the corresponding sections of the Act of 2000 are repealed. Unless specifically exempted, all development requires planning permission.
Under the Act of 2000, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Articles 6, 7, 8 and 10 and Schedule 2 of the Regulations of 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. A review of the current Exempted Development Regulations is ongoing and a four-week public consultation period on the matter concluded on 26 August 2025. The consultation on exempted development regulations generated a significant response from the public and other stakeholders, with over 900 submissions received via the online consultation portal.
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.
1427. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the An Coimisiún Pleanála - Plean IT system will be fully operational and fully accessible for members of the public to interact with its portal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1118/26]
View answerAn Coimisiún Pleanála (An Coimisiún) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under Planning and Development Act 2024, as amended, and certain other Acts.
An Coimisiún is implementing a secure online platform for submitting appeals and making payments, using government “building block” services. An Coimisiún is currently piloting this service and after some upgrades will set a go-live date in the coming weeks. This initiative is cost-effective, improves accessibility, reduces administrative burden, and aligns with the “Connecting Government 2030” strategy.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Coimisiún Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
1428. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties by local authority area that have availed of the vacant property refurbishment grant under the croí cónaithe fund, by each year since its inception to date. [1119/26]
View answerThe 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.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes the number of applications, approvals and the total number and value of grants paid per local authority. This data also includes a breakdown of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Derelict Property Top-up Grant for every quarter. The Q3 2025 grant statistics were published on 17 October 2025. This data can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#2025
1429. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the full range of powers available to local authorities to address derelict properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1120/26]
View answerLocal authorities have been provided with a number of powers and measures to deal with the issue of derelict properties, both in larger urban areas and in smaller rural towns and villages.
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site.
Local authority powers include requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites, acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily, and applying a derelict sites levy on derelict sites with a view to influencing property owners to bring their properties back into productive use or to put them on the market with a view to being put into use. It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.
Under Section 8 of 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.
Local authorities may use the Derelict Sites Act 1990 to financially levy such sites and also to secure their public control/ownership where appropriate. The derelict sites levy is charged at 7% of the market value of the land concerned.
The local authority can acquire a derelict site in its area, either by agreement with the owner or by compulsory acquisition. Compulsory acquisition via the Derelict Sites Act 1990 is a structured process led by the local authority involving specified timelines and subsequent adjudication by An Coimisiún Pleanála, if appealed by the property owner.
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Activation Programme was also launched by my Department in April 2023. The Programme supports a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to the re-use of vacant and derelict properties. It also includes guidance for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers, including under the Derelict Sites Act, to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.
The placing of sites on the Register and the collecting of levies on those sites is part of the overall process that Local Authorities undertake with the owners of derelict sites they identify.
My Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) with a view to improving its effectiveness.
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.
1430. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding options available for the construction of a second bridge over the Avoca river at Arklow, County Wicklow, in order to unlock areas in the town for development and relieve traffic pressures on the existing bridge. [1122/26]
View answerOverall responsibility for roads policy and funding for the implementation of transport strategies is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. Wicklow County Council, as the Roads Authority, is responsible for the management of the road network in its jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding this, certain applicant-led road projects, such as projects that enable the delivery of residential and mixed-use development, have been supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).
The URDF, more generally, aims to deliver more compact and sustainable development through a programme of part-funding regeneration projects in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns. In that respect, €2.45 million of URDF funding has been provided to Arklow for a regeneration project in the historic town core that was completed in 2022.
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 urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities.
The detailed arrangements for the implementation of this additional funding stream is 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.
While my Department will work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the URDF, it should be noted that responsibility for the composition of any current and future applications for URDF funding, such as those in Arklow, 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.
In addition to the URDF, I have also established the Housing Activation Office to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development. The Office is actively engaged in identifying barriers to housing delivery and is coordinating with local authorities and infrastructure agencies to address these barriers.
In the coming months I will be bringing forward a €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund – managed by the Housing Activation Office – to support direct investment in housing infrastructure. This new fund will complement investment by infrastructure agencies, such as Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks, who have also received funding under the National Development Plan to support housing growth.
This joined-up approach will help accelerate housing delivery by unblocking infrastructure constraints and ensuring that investment is targeted to where it can have the greatest impact. This will help support local authorities in achieving their housing targets in line with the Revised National Planning Framework.
While I cannot comment on any individual sites in advance of the opening of the Housing Infrastructure Investment fund, there will be close engagement with stakeholders, including Wicklow County Council, to identify priority areas for investment for infrastructure to unlock housing development.
1431. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average price of a new home in the Gorey local electoral area, County Wexford; the number of successful applications under the first home scheme in that LEA in 2025; the number of affordable homes provided in that LEA in 2025; the number that are currently being planned; the projected completion dates in that LEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1123/26]
View answer1432. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average price of a new home in the Arklow local electoral area, County Wicklow; the number of successful applications under the first home scheme in that LEA in 2025; the number of affordable homes provided in that LEA in 2025; the number that are currently being planned; the projected completion dates in that LEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1124/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1431 and 1432 together.
Government is fully committed to delivering housing at scale, and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures. To this end, 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.
In recent years, Government has introduced several schemes to assist people to buy or rent homes. Since 2021, close to 19,000 supports nationwide have been provided via these measures. Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030, these supports will be retained, streamlined and expanded to form a Starter Homes Programme to ensure that first time buyers and renters in need of support, are supported by Government.
Wexford has seen over 100 affordable housing supports delivered in 2025 under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (6 homes), First Homes Scheme (45 homes), and the Vacant Homes Refurbishment Grant (55 homes).
In 2025, Wicklow has seen 221 households availing of affordable housing supports through a mix of affordable schemes such as the First Homes Scheme (139 homes), the Vacant Homes Refurbishment Grant (23 homes), AHB Cost Rental (57 homes), and the Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme (2).
In order to drive the delivery of affordable housing, all local authorities will prepare new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), replacing their plan made under Housing for All, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their administrative areas. This development of their HDAPs will be undertaken in collaboration with delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency and Approved Housing Bodies and will be informed by local needs, taking account of the requirement to provide the right mix of homes within their area.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and other delivery partners. Delivery data up to end Q3 2025 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 will continue to engage with all delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery pipeline in Wicklow and Wexford.
In terms of the price of new build homes, house prices are varied, and are determined by a number of factors including location, build type and density, among others. The Central Statistics Office publish mean and median new house prices by Eircode monthly (or as applicable), with the current average (median) new house price in Arklow indicated as €430,000 (July '25) and in Gorey as €385,000 (Oct '25).
Current market conditions are taken into consideration when planning for the delivery of affordable purchase and rental schemes. Scheme criteria and support levels for affordable purchase schemes are kept under regular review, taking account of developments in the housing market.
1433. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given the significant difference in home prices across local authority areas, if he will consider introducing qualifying thresholds for the first home scheme based on local electoral areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1125/26]
View answerThe First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders, including price ceiling reviews. At its launch, the First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) announced it would review all price ceilings at 6-month intervals.
The DAC take into account a range of factors as part of these reviews, including the median price and volume of new builds purchased by first time buyers in each local authority area including at sub county level where relevant.
At the end of December 2025, the First Home DAC published the outcome of its seventh scheduled review of the price ceilings that apply to qualifying homes and subsequently revised price ceilings. New price ceilings were agreed for 17 local authority areas and these ceilings came into effect on 1 January 2026. The First Home Scheme DAC will continue to monitor the price ceilings as part of any future review.
1434. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research undertaken by his Department on the potential impact on small landlords of changes to the residential rental rules on 1 March, 2026; and if any modelling was carried out of the impact of landlords potentially leaving the sector. [1127/26]
View answerFollowing on from a review of the Private Rental Sector review published by my Department in July 2024, the Housing Agency was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive review of the current system of rent controls using Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ). The key focus of the review was to assess the operation of RPZs since their introduction and consider their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, including the retention of landlords and new investment. It considered whether RPZs should continue without change or be removed, modified or replaced. The review, which was extensive and detailed, also included options and recommendations in relation to potential amendments to rent control.
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 modifications to rent controls have been informed by the findings of the Housing Agency review. The policy measures announced by Government also include significant improvements in security of tenure for renters. The Government has provided additional resources to the Residential Tenancies Board to support the efficient regulation of the rental market.
Multiple expert reports, including those from the Housing Agency, the Department of Finance, the ESRI, the OECD, and the IMF, agree that the current RPZ system is a major obstacle to increasing rental supply. These changes are being introduced in order to attract increased investment in the rental market and thereby increase the supply of properties available for renters.
My Department has consulted extensively with the Office on the Attorney General in relation to the proposed legislation. 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 and pre-legislative scrutiny is currently underway.
1435. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list, by each local authority which offers pre-planning meetings and the circumstances under which they will offer such meetings, including whether they will offer such meetings to those seeking to build just one home. [1128/26]
View answerI, as Minister with responsibility for Planning, have no statutory function in recording planning data at municipal district or local authority level and my Department does not collate data on pre-planning meetings undertaken by local authorities.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act of 2000), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or the associated Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the Regulations of 2001), requires planning permission.
Section 247 of the Act of 2000 sets out the process for pre-planning meetings (also referred to as pre-application consultations).
Section 247(1) provides that a person who has an interest in land and who intends to make a planning application may, with the agreement of the planning authority concerned (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), enter into consultations with the planning authority in order to discuss any proposed development in relation to the land and the planning authority may give advice to that person regarding the proposed application.
The purpose of pre-planning meetings is to identify any potential issues arising from the proposal at an early stage so as to avoid unnecessary delays or costs following the submission of the application. In order to expedite the process, pre-application consultations may be conducted via phone or email. Face-to-face meetings are also available, but may be reserved for larger or more complex proposals. These will generally be arranged by the local authority Development Management Planning team.
The applicant may be required to submit certain documentation in order to ensure that the consultation will be productive. In the Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities of 2007 (Chapter 2.5), which were issued under section 28 of the Act of 2000, planning authorities are advised that requests for such consultations should be facilitated as quickly as possible so that where a meeting with the area planner is requested, such a meeting should ideally be arranged within 2-3 weeks. Where the area planner is unavailable, arrangements should be made to provide a properly briefed substitute.
1436. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the work of the housing delivery office including its current membership; the number of meetings it has had to date; the dates of those meetings; the actions that have been taken to date including inviting and accepting invitations for infrastructure funding; and to provide an update on any such applications. [1152/26]
View answerI have established a Housing Activation Office (HAO) which will coordinate and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects that are essential to unlock housing development on sites nationwide.
The HAO includes six experts seconded from Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the local government sector, in addition to staff from my Department with expertise in Planning, project management and administration.
Since its establishment, the HAO has undertaken informal and formal engagement with various stakeholders, including formal meetings with the 31 individual local authorities between mid-September and the end of November 2025. In total approximately eighty meetings have been held with local authorities.
I convened the new high level Housing Activation Delivery Group on 6 November 2025, bringing together senior representatives from Government Departments and infrastructure agencies, to oversee and support the work of the HAO. I also convened a new Housing Activation Industry Group on that date to provide a forum for regular engagement with industry. Both groups will meet on a quarterly basis, with the next meetings scheduled to take place in January 2026.
I will shortly launch the new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, and expect to launch an initial call to invite applications for grant funding to support direct investment in critical housing infrastructure. This new fund will complement investment by Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks and other agencies as part of a more coordinated, end-to-end approach to infrastructure delivery for housing. It will also operate alongside existing programmes such as the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Housing Activation Office will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders in 2026 to coordinate the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to unlock housing development on sites nationwide.
1437. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total expenditure on social and affordable housing by local authorities, approved housing bodies and the Land Development Agency in 2024 and 2025; and the breakdown, by funding stream and by delivery agent (details supplied). [1153/26]
View answerSocial Housing is delivered through a range of Local Authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes. Capital expenditure on the delivery of new social homes is also supported by current funding provided through the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP).
In respect of Affordable Housing delivery, there are a number of important affordability measures, supported by an investment package of direct Exchequer funding, investment through the Land Development Agency (LDA), and lending by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).
The table below sets out the expenditure details requested for 2024. 2025 Housing expenditure, including expenditure pertaining to the delivery of social and affordable homes, is currently being finalised and will be published in due course.
|
Social Housing Build & Acquisition (Exchequer expenditure) |
€2,655m |
|
Affordable Housing (Exchequer expenditure) |
€761m |
|
LDA Investment |
€545m |
The details on expenditure outturns for each housing subhead for 2024 are provided in the Appropriation Account for my Department, as published by the Comptroller and Auditor General, which can be accessed at the following link: www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/2025/vote-34-housing-local-government-and-heritage.pdf
1438. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the fire safety defects remediation scheme will fully open for applications; the eligibility criteria and timelines; if roof and water ingress issues be included in any State-supported remediation scheme; the practical support that can be offered to apartment owners currently facing unsafe conditions and escalating costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1234/26]
View answer1441. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress of the apartment and duplex defects remediation Bill; the issues identified by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1348/26]
View answer1447. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the apartments and duplex defects remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1504/26]
View answer1487. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when legislation to support the remediation of apartments and duplexes will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and when such a scheme will open for applications. [2197/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1438, 1441, 1447 and 1487 together.
Government approval was received on 18 September 2024 for the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. The purpose of this legislation is to place the defects remediation Scheme on a statutory footing, further to commitments contained in the Programme for Government and Housing for All.
The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.
The General Scheme of the Bill completed pre-legislative scrutiny in December 2025 and I expect the legislation to be placed before the Oireachtas this year.
An Interim Remediation Scheme has been in place since December 2023 to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of the full remedial works. As of 31 December 2025, 230 applications have been validated under this scheme representing approximately 21,000 residential units.
1439. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount each county council has spent on tourism in 2023, 2024 and 2025; the amount they have budgeted for 2026, by each county council nationwide, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1324/26]
View answerLocal authorities are independent in the discharge of their functions and the directly elected members are democratically accountable for all expenditure of their authority.
The Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, provides the legislative basis for the local authority budget process. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.
My Department compiles and publishes consolidated local authority annual data based on the statutory revenue budgets adopted by each local authority. Consolidated data in respect of local authority budgets for 2026 is not yet available in my Department, as it is currently being compiled and will be published in due course.
Material in respect of previous years, up to 2025, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/local-authority-budgets/
The provision of detailed information on income and expenditure is a matter for each individual local authority. Local authority gross expenditure is published annually by local authorities in their Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and this information, as well as budget documents and other information on the cost of their services, is generally available on each individual local authority’s website. Each local authority is required to prepare an AFS by the end of March following year end and to publish it by the end of June. These financial statements undergo an independent audit by the Local Government Audit Service. When all audits are complete, my Department publishes a consolidated Annual Financial Statement, compiled from the AFS published by each local authority.
This can be found on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/e103b-local-authority-annual-financial-statements/
The total amount spent on tourism by local authorities is not available in my Department but it may be available from individual local authorities. However, the amount of local authority expenditure on ‘Tourism Development and Promotion’ only for 2023 and 2024, which is taken from Appendix 2 of the AFS data for each local authority, is set out in the table below. 2024 is the latest year for which audited figures are available. These figures represent day to day (current) expenditure only. They represent costs associated with tourism promotion as well as costs associated with the operation, management, and maintenance of tourist facilities. They do not reflect any capital expenditure on tourist facilities.
|
Local Authority |
AFS 2023 Tourism Development & Promotion Expenditure |
AFS 2024 Tourism Development & Promotion Expenditure |
|
Carlow County Council |
€125,161 |
€155,000 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€893,286 |
€1,040,723 |
|
Clare County Council |
€28,385,117 |
€31,215,496 |
|
Cork City Council |
€1,247,317 |
€1,336,009 |
|
Cork County Council |
€1,774,677 |
€1,924,845 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€1,507,236 |
€1,735,436 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€9,349,444 |
€9,667,773 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
€638,517 |
€881,821 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€606,639 |
€858,279 |
|
Galway City Council |
€991,953 |
€522,883 |
|
Galway County Council |
€417,855 |
€549,261 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€1,775,596 |
€2,228,554 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€305,900 |
€495,096 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€1,656,565 |
€1,987,718 |
|
Laois County Council |
€273,529 |
€297,425 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€524,734 |
€577,534 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
€2,767,303 |
€3,573,955 |
|
Longford County Council |
€301,848 |
€488,400 |
|
Louth County Council |
€1,219,405 |
€1,252,196 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€1,443,559 |
€1,595,941 |
|
Meath County Council |
€388,091 |
€459,241 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€572,086 |
€397,843 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€407,331 |
€524,699 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€374,155 |
€431,492 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€304,239 |
€616,653 |
|
Sth Dublin County Council |
€2,128,201 |
€3,182,991 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€796,565 |
€951,090 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
€2,230,552 |
€2,431,098 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€538,345 |
€762,062 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€368,690 |
€210,330 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€597,767 |
€777,816 |
|
Total |
€64,911,663 |
€73,129,660 |
1440. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applicants on local authority housing waiting lists, including those receiving HAP and RAS payments, broken down by county council, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1327/26]
View answerDetails 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, along with all summaries since 2011 at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
Details of households qualified for social housing support for each local authority are in tables 1.1 in the report. The SSHA 2025 process is currently underway and I expect to publish the summary report before the end of Q1 2026.
The key figure reported in the SSHA is referred to as ‘net need’. Net need is the total number of households qualified for social housing support whose need for support is not being met. This total excludes:
- duplicate applications – where a household has applied to more than one authority for social housing support, only their first application was included in the count;
- those in receipt of social housing support – for example, households currently living in local authority rented accommodation, approved housing body accommodation, accommodation provided under the HAP scheme, accommodation provided under the RAS, or accommodation provided under the SHCEP schemes;
- households on a transfer list – any household that has applied for a transfer from an existing form of social housing support including HAP.
At the end of Q3 2025, there were 50,705 households actively in receipt of HAP support and 16,381 households actively in receipt of RAS support. The data is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/
