Written Answers Nos. 713-726
713. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state the terms of reference for the national water conservation working group; and to provide details of their meeting and work schedule for 2026. [9792/26]
View answerIn line with the Water Policy Services Statement 2024-2030, a National Water Conservation Working Group has been established to advise on a future strategy for water conservation and prioritisation of resources during periods of water stress.
My Department chairs the Working Group, and provides administrative support for all meetings of The Working Group is comprised of relevant policy and technical experts nominated from the following organisations and bodies:
• County and City Management Association (CCMA)
• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH)
• Water Division Water Advisory Unit,
• Water Policy Unit Rural Water Section
• Building Standards Advisory
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Uisce Éireann
• An Foram Uisce National Federation of Group Water Schemes
• Other Organisations to be invited as required
The maximum number of participants from each organisation shall be two, unless agreed otherwise by the Working Group. However, the Working Group may allow for the participation of occasional attendees and substitutes as deemed necessary to advance the work of the Group.
The dates for the meetings of the NWCWG for 2026 remain to be confirmed. it is likely that the Group will meet in plenary on four occasions during the coming year and that any sub groups will meet as required.
The work schedule for 2026 will focus on the production of advice in the form of a draft report on the following:
- A future strategy for water conservation
- The prioritisation of resources during periods of stress
The Working Group will operate for an estimated 18 months from its first meeting until the draft report has been finalised.
714. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to providing an exemption in the new tenancy framework for the principal private residences of individuals in long-term nursing home care, where the property is rented solely to meet care-related costs, in order to avoid unintended hardship or conflicts with fair deal repayment timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9796/26]
View answerOn 27 January 2026, the Government approved the publication of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. The Bill and the related Explanatory Memorandum was published on 3 February 2026 and can be found here: www.data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2026/11/eng/initiated/b1126d.pdf
www.data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2026/11/eng/memo/b1126d-memo.pdf.
Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Bill include a number of provisions, which will allow a smaller landlord (i.e. a landlord who is not a company and has 3 or fewer tenancies) to terminate a Tenancy of Minimum Duration (TMDs). To avoid undue financial or other hardship, a smaller landlord will be permitted under section 14 to terminate a TMD during its 6 year term on the ground of intention to sell -
(a) where the landlord requires the sales proceeds to provide a principal private residence for the landlord or the spouse/civil partner of the landlord;
(b) where the sales proceeds are required to enable the landlord, or spouse/civil partner of the landlord to discharge a debt, or make a payment, of more than 15% of the asking price (expected consideration) that is legally required to be paid within 9 months of the tenancy termination date – including a payment to the Revenue Commissioners, for example, to discharge a debt under the Fair Deal scheme or a tax liability; or
(c) where the landlord or the spouse/civil partner of the landlord -
(i) is a debtor who has appointed a personal insolvency practitioner;
(ii) is adjudicated bankrupt or is subject to proceeding for a declaration of bankruptcy or becomes an arranging debtor, or
(iii) makes a composition or arrangement with creditors.
The forthcoming legal changes will only apply to a new tenancy (i.e. first time tenancy between parties) created on or after 1 March 2026. Tenancies currently in operation will see no change.
A detailed communications campaign by my Department, in conjunction with the RTB, will continue to publicise the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026. Up-to-date information is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/government-reforms-to-the-rental-sector-starting-1-march-2026/ .
715. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review issues raised with this Deputy (details supplied) in relation to housing and provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9850/26]
View answerThe matter of ensuring that sufficient supply of housing is available to buy, particularly in more rural counties, is one the Government is keenly aware of and activating supply and promoting homeownership are key themes in the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, which details measures the Government are taking to bring forward delivery right across the country.
The Plan also details how we will work with key delivery partners, including Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and the private sector. Approved Housing Bodies have been tasked with delivering both social and affordable homes under the Plan.
The Programme for Government outlines that AHBs will focus on reformed delivery models in achieving new targets and activate new supply rather than bulk purchasing developments at the end of the construction process. Applications for funding by Approved Housing Bodies for the acquisition of homes are actively scrutinised by the Local Authority prior to purchase and funding is provided by my Department subject to that support.
Continuing to increase the overall supply of new homes is critical to alleviating pressures in the housing market, helping to moderate price growth and ease affordability challenges across the country, ensuring everyone has a range of housing options available to them, whether they want to buy a house, rent one, or are in need of social housing.
716. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the timeframe for completion of works under the vacant property refurbishment grant, given the current high demand for tradespeople; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9913/26]
View answerThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, 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 support the timely delivery of properties back into use, from May 2023, once a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application receives approval, applicants must complete works approved within a period of 13 months. In exceptional circumstances, where an applicant is experiencing particular issues and cannot complete the works applied for under the grant within the 13 month period, the local authority may consider and grant an extension of the approval period at their discretion. My Department issued a circular to all local authorities in October 2023 in this regard.
718. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address the housing crisis by changing national planning guidelines that prevent applicants who wish to build a family home in rural areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9995/26]
View answerAs set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I intend to publish a National Planning Statement in of the second half of 2026 that will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
My Department is currently preparing a draft National Planning Statement (NPS) for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024 in order to provide consistency in the approach to rural housing across the Country.
The NPS will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment), and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European Directives and international agreements. Due care is being taken to ensure the draft National Planning Statement will not conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, will comply with EU environmental requirements and will have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice.
The NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, which remain in effect pending the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, enable planning authorities to prepare and adopt local development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.
When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the National Planning Framework, the provisions of the relevant development plan and any relevant Ministerial guidelines, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect.
721. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the cost ceilings provided to each local authority by his Department around the country for the tenant-in-situ scheme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10116/26]
View answerTenancy sustainment, or tenant-in-situ, is a priority category under my Department's Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. It is not scheme, rather it is a policy tool available to local authorities to prevent social housing supported households in the private rented sector from falling into homelessness. It is an emergency measure and should only be used as a last resort by local authorities when all other options have been exhausted.
I expect the parameters of the 2026 Programme to be notified to local authorities in Q1 this year, with revised Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) issuing shortly thereafter for each local authority area. While guidelines are updated annually, with the most recent guidelines issuing in Q2 2025, my Department monitors tender price trends throughout the year and all incoming funding applications are considered with these trends in mind.
The ACGs provide cost guidelines for the acquisition of second hand properties for social housing qualified households by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. They reference lower and upper cost ranges, as well as an average benchmark cost, and reflect the prevailing range of prices across local authorities at the time of issue. They are not applied as absolute ceilings or limits, but benchmarks for the development and costing of scheme designs at capital appraisal stage. Accordingly, my Department considers all acquisition proposals, where the cost of acquiring the property may exceed the guidelines provided, on a case-by-case basis having regard to appropriate value for money considerations.
The guidelines are typically not published as doing so would potentially inhibit State efforts to secure the best outcomes from the investment of public funds. That said, a copy of the guidelines can be provided directly to the Deputy upon request.
722. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of all active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups organised under his remit. [10158/26]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
723. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the origin of guidance issued by the Housing Agency stating that homeowners cannot avail of a full technical review following the revision of the I.S. 465 following an appeal and adjudication by the Appeals Panel; whether this guidance was issued at the direction of, or with the approval of, his Department; and whether he is satisfied that this guidance accurately reflects the law, particularly in cases where an appeal decision has been annulled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10181/26]
View answer724. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason guidance regarding access to technical reviews was issued only to homeowners whose remediation options were downgraded after 6 November 2024; whether different rules apply to homeowners depending on the date of downgrade; and how this approach is consistent with principles of fairness and equal treatment under the defective concrete blocks scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10182/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 723 and 724 together.
The Housing Agency has confirmed to my Department that they are unaware of the guidance the referred to and clarified its automated response from their dedicated Defective Concrete Blocks email in relation to this subject area is as per below:
If your query relates to a technical review of a non-demolition option (option 2-5) determination by the local authority or the Housing Agency:
The commencement of a technical review of a non-demolition (option 2-5) determination by the local authority or the Housing Agency is subject to the publication of the revised Irish Standard 465:2018 assessment, testing and categorisation of damaged buildings incorporating concrete blocks containing certain deleterious materials by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and a legislative amendment to be carried out by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 was initiated in Dáil Eireann on 2 December 2025, passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President, thereby becoming an Act, on the 23 December 2025.
As set down in the 2025 Act, the technical review process offers certain homeowners who have been given a non-demolition option (options 2 to 5) the mechanism to apply for a review of their remediation option. A relevant owner may make an application where the works necessary to carry out the approved remediation option have not commenced, or no works have been carried out to satisfy the approved remediation option since 6 November 2024, and a certificate of remediation has not been completed.
This review will be informed by the current research once the full review of the national standard (I.S. 465:2018) is complete. This process provides for a review of a previous remediation option and grant amount determination and the issue of a new determination if required.
725. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the data that is held or collated by his Department at national level regarding applicants to local authority housing waiting lists who entered the State via a country other than their country of origin; whether such data is requested from or shared with local authorities or other Departments; if no comprehensive national dataset exists, the reasons for this; the assessment that has been made by his Department of the impact of current social housing eligibility policies on housing availability and waiting times for existing applicants; the role his Department plays in setting or reviewing the eligibility framework applied by local authorities; and whether any review of eligibility criteria, data-collection practices or inter-departmental data-sharing arrangements is planned [10183/26]
View answerData regarding the number of housing applicants who entered the State via a country other than their country of origin is not held by my Department, nor is it requested from or shared with local authorities or other Departments as it has no bearing on the social housing assessment process.
Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2024, is available on my Department's website, along with all summaries since 2011 at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/. The SSHA 2025 process is currently underway and I expect to publish the summary report before the end of Q1 2026.
Details of on the citizenship of the main applicant qualified for social housing support for each local authority are included in tables 2.9 and A1.9 in the report.
As social housing support is intended to address a household’s long-term housing need it is expected that households applying for such support have a long-term right to reside in the State. It is the responsibility of the local authority, to make a decision in each individual case with regard to qualification for social housing support, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended and associated Housing Circulars. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that is currently at the final stages of drafting will put existing residency requirements on a more robust legislative basis and introduce a new habitual residency requirement for eligibility for social housing support. I intend to bring it to Government for approval to publish in the coming weeks.
My Department continually reviews the social housing eligibility framework and other related matters, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda to ensure that the social housing system efficiently delivers social housing supports that are fair, sustainable and prioritise those most in need.
Housing legislation currently provides for considerable data sharing measures with relevant bodies which local authorities may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to perform its functions under the Housing Acts 1966 to 2014. My Department keeps these matters under constant review.
726. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for affordable housing at a location (details supplied); given that there are plans to build further estates in the town and no affordable houses were made available for previous developments that are now under the control of Galway County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10287/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to delivering housing at scale, and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures, including affordable purchase. To this end, affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
Since 2021, close to 19,000 affordable housing supports have been provided via these measures nationwide, with 245 delivered in Galway County Council.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to assist local authorities towards the cost of developing affordable homes where significant affordability needs have been identified. In line with the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the administration of affordable housing schemes, including the identification and development of schemes suitable for AHF support, is a matter for the local authority concerned.
Galway County has received funding approval to date to facilitate the delivery of 130 affordable purchase homes, of which 17 have been delivered to date. My Department has recently met with the affordable delivery team in Galway and understands that a number of further proposals are being developed.
The Ready to Build serviced sites scheme supports local authorities to provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant continues to support the purchase and refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties. Further information with regard to the scheme is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/33209-ready-to-build-scheme-serviced-sites-for-new-homes/ or by contacting the Vacant Homes officer directly from Galway County Council.
It is also worth noting that the First Home Scheme, which supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, is also actively supporting eligible new home purchasers in Co. Galway.
My Department, along with the Housing Agency and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the Local Government Management Agency, will continue to advise and support Galway County Council in respect of their planned response to affordable housing needs in all key urban locations, including Ballinasloe, within its administrative area. The emphasis is on proactively collaborating to identify, develop and deliver viable affordable housing opportunities.
