Written Answers Nos. 384-403
384. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when Eir and An Post pensioners will be paid their overdue increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13439/26]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.
With regard to matters raised relating to ill-health retirement amendments, it should be noted that consent for this request was conveyed to An Post on 24 September 2025, effective from the date of the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation. No further request with regard to such amendments has been submitted to my Department for consideration and as stated above, the operation of the superannuation schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
385. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when Eir and An Post pensioners will be paid their overdue increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13440/26]
View answer386. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when Eir and An Post pensioners will be paid their pension increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13444/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.
Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who recently submitted their report for consideration. Both my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are required to give effect to this pension increase. I can confirm my approval was given and the proposal has been forwarded to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for consideration.
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes, including the Pension Accord (2013), the payment of pension benefits and the implementation of Scheme rule changes approved by the Ministers, is a matter between the Management of An Post, staff representatives and the Trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided its advice on the request for consideration. Both my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are required to give effect to this pension increase.
The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme, as well as the An Post superannuation scheme and pension schemes of other commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on these requests. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are followed, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
387. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will outline each section of enacted legislation, where the responsibility lies in the Minister to commence that section, that has not been commenced; if he will outline each section of enacted legislation which provides for the making of regulations by the Minister that have not been made by the Minister; if he will outline all sections of enacted legislation or secondary legislation which provide for the publication of guidelines by the Minister that have not been published, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13501/26]
View answerDetails of the sections of enacted legislation that have not been commenced where the responsibility lies in me as Minister to commence that section are outlined in the table below.
|
Title of Legislation |
Sections Not Commenced |
|
Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act, 2011 |
Section 48 |
|
Telecommunications Services (Ducting and Cables) Act 2018 |
All Sections |
|
National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 |
Sections 49 (14), 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 65, and 66. |
|
Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 |
Sections 36, 40, 49, 51, 52(b), 53, and 74. Section 47 of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 but only in so far as Part 8B of the Broadcasting Act 2009 as inserted by section 47 relates to a failure to comply with section 128B(1) or (2), or any rules made under section 128C. |
Details of the sections of enacted legislation which provide for the making of regulations by me as Minister that have not been made are outlined in the table below.
|
Title of Legislation |
Sections providing for the making of Regulations where Regulations have not been made |
|
Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 |
Section 95 |
|
Communications Regulations and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 (No. 4 of 2023) |
Sections 6, 37, 41, 49, 74, 81, 82, 86, 87, 89, 94, 99 |
|
Telecommunications Services (Ducting and Cables) Act 2018 |
Sections 3 and 5 |
|
National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 |
Section 7 [which comprised subsections 7(1)(a) 7(1)(b) and 7(2)], and Section 68 (2)(a), which amends Section 3 of the 1994 Act. |
|
Broadcasting Act 2009 |
Section 33: Subsection (1)(e) provides that the Minister may prescribe an additional body to which Coimisiún na Meán may disclose personal data in specified circumstances Subsection (2)(e) provides that the Minister may prescribe circumstances under which Coimisiún na Meán may disclose personal date to specified bodies Subsection (3B) provides that the Minister may make regulations prescribing suitable and specific measures for the processing of special categories of personal data under the section. |
Details of the sections of enacted legislation or secondary legislation which provide for the publication of guidelines by me as Minister that have not been published are outlined in the table below.
|
Title of Primary or Secondary Legislation |
Sections of Primary or Secondary legislation providing for the publication of guidelines where guidelines have not been published |
|
Communications Regulations and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 No. 4 of 2023 |
Section 99 |
388. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is aware of the “Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security: A National Security Assessment” published by the UK government recently; the steps being taken to address the biodiversity crisis to strengthen Ireland’s national security in the wake of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13959/26]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is aware of the publication of the report referenced and will give it due consideration.
389. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of the 59 recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13960/26]
View answerThe Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss (CABL) published its’ report in April 2023. This report was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action, who held a series of engagement with stakeholders to discuss the issues raised. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action published their report on the recommendations of the CABL in December 2023, containing 86 recommendations which the Committee felt were vital to ensure that the biodiversity crisis in Ireland is addressed in a meaningful way.
Government published a report responding to the 159 Recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss (CABL) and the 58 Calls to Action of the Children and Young People's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss (CYPABL) in October 2024. Collated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the report showed that at the time, over 90% of the recommendations of the CABL and the CYPABL were considered to be either implemented or in progress, meaning that elements of the recommendations are incorporated into existing Government policies and strategies, such as the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). This report is published on: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-citizens-assembly-on-biodiversity-loss-children-and-young-peoples-assembly-on-biodiversity-loss/
The 2025 Implementation report of the 4th NBAP was published earlier this month. Prepared by the NPWS, with the input of the interdepartmental Biodiversity Working Group, the report indicates progress across core areas of governance for biodiversity. The report highlights potential areas for increased focus in the next phase of implementation of Plan, including actions relating to data collection to support the development of a national Nature Restoration Plan (NRP), as required by the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Information on the 4th NBAP is published on: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-citizens-assembly-on-biodiversity-loss-children-and-young-peoples-assembly-on-biodiversity-loss/
390. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projects that local authorities have applied for to-date under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026; the breakdown in the details and the cost of those initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13961/26]
View answerThe Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department provides funding to assist local authorities with the implementation of projects that support the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan. In 2026, a fund of €3 million is available for local authorities for biodiversity projects under the scheme.
As of 16 February, 203 project applications have been received, with further applications still expected. Local authorities have submitted a broad array of proposals on various topics, including Biodiversity Awareness, Education & Outreach; Habitat Mapping, Surveys & Monitoring; Invasive Species; Woodlands; Wetlands and Hedgerows. Project applications will be evaluated in the coming weeks and local authorities will be advised of the outcome in due course. Details of successful project applications will be published at that point on the NPWS website at: www.npws.ie/legislation/national-biodiversity-action-plan/local-biodiversity-action-fund
391. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken by his Department to address ‘unfavourable’ conservation status of 90% of Ireland’s protected habitats, according to the “The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, 2025: Summary Report”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13963/26]
View answerUnder Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, Member States are required to report to the European Commission on the National Conservation Status of all habitats and species listed in the Annexes of that directive. Published every six years, the assessment presents a comprehensive overview of the conservation status of the 59 habitats and 60 species in Ireland that are protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
The recently published report finds that 90% of Ireland’s protected habitats are in ‘unfavourable’ conservation status, while 51% are showing deteriorating trends across their national ranges. The report indicates early signs of recovery in areas where focused conservation efforts have been made, with 9% of habitats showing improving trends. There are further positive findings for species, with 58% in ‘favourable’ conservation status and over two-thirds showing either stable or improving trends.
To address the conservation status of EU-protected habitats, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has implemented several strategic measures focused on restoration and community engagement. Restoration is being implemented for many habitats, notably Active Raised Bogs, which have increased by 7% between 2018 and 2024 due to reduced drainage and extraction. Furthermore, a management framework for blanket bogs is being rolled out, involving national Good Practice Guidelines and the implementation of Restoration Action Plans (RAPs) across SAC sites.
Site-specific plans have been developed such as the Glenveagh Woodland Management Strategy. This strategy focuses on removing invasive species like rhododendron and managing deer populations to protect ancient oak woods. Similar strategies are planned for further rollout across other national sites. Significant improvements are driven by EU LIFE projects, including LIFE on Machair (for coastal grasslands), LIFE INSULAR (for dunes), and LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature (for blanket bogs and associated habitats), which empowers local communities through the Natura Communities network.
My Department also leads on the Water Action Plan 2024, that includes investment in wastewater infrastructure and a new River Barriers Mitigation Programme to assist species like salmon and lamprey.
The €1.5 billion Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) provides targeted actions for semi-natural vegetation, while the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 incentivises native woodland planting. Through the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, nature-positive management has led to a 14% increase in the area of Hay Meadows, with over 66% now achieving good ecological structure and function. Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in NPWS staff numbers and strategic investments in land acquisition. This investment will enhance the capacity to roll out conservation measures for many habitats. Coillte has a goal of expanding the land managed primarily managed for nature and biodiversity in their estate to 30%.
Ireland is committed to scaling up conservation efforts in the next 6-year period, including by developing a national Nature Restoration Plan, as required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. This plan will aim to halt and reverse the decline of Annex I habitats, with the EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation setting legally binding restoration targets.
392. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the cessation of turf cutting compensation schemes as the payment period concludes for many applicants; if a replacement support is being considered; if so, the details of any such support or supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13431/26]
View answerThe Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHA).
Eligible applicants on raised bog SACs where turf cutting ceased in 2011 received their final payment under the 15-year scheme in 2025.
This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites, and other supports, such as those operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, are available to those with older homes, inefficient heating systems and those most at risk of fuel poverty.
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation scheme has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value. My Department is considering measures following the end of the scheme that will continue to support the conservation of these sites.
I expect that this process will conclude shortly.
393. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service; the amount expended on the development of the service to date; the schedule of the persons and entities that have contributed to its development; and the date on which it is targeted to go live for the general public to access the service [13446/26]
View answerThe National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS) is a three-leg framework for flood monitoring, flood forecasting and flood warning that is currently being developed in Ireland. The NFFWS was established by the Government in 2016, with the Office of Public Works (OPW) leading national flood risk management policy and chairing the NFFWS Steering Group. The Stage 1 Steering Group included representatives from the OPW, NDFEM, CCMA, Met Éireann, DPER and the Department of Agriculture.
The OPW led Stage 1 of the NFFWS framework, the initial setup phase, during which the flood monitoring leg was designed to draw upon existing hydrometric networks. Met Éireann, Ireland’s national meteorological service, was assigned responsibility for the flood forecasting leg. The OPW also oversaw standards and governance during Stage 1. The flood warning leg was not developed during this phase.
During Stage 1 Met Éireann focused on establishing the National Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC). The FFC became operational in early 2024, using the State’s legacy hydrometric network, although this network had not originally been designed to support flood forecasting. Under Stage 1, the OPW was responsible for expanding and modernising the hydrometric network to meet flood forecasting requirements.
The FFC has now been operational for 24 months and provides national and catchment-scale flood forecasts, guidance statements and advisories to local authorities and emergency management stakeholders ahead of potential flooding. This supports the planning and preparedness activities of emergency managers, principal response agencies and Government bodies.
These outputs, however, provide general guidance only. They are not sufficiently localised to function as a public flood warning service. They offer early indications of potential impacts and help stakeholders prepare and allocate resources, but they do not replace a formal warning function.
Met Éireann currently shares information on expected flooding through its weather warnings, website and app forecasts and media engagement.
While the OPW remains responsible for national flood risk management policy and chaired the NFFWS Steering Group during Stage 1, responsibility for planning Stage 2 transferred in 2025 to a subgroup of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, chaired by the Office for Emergency Planning (OEP). This subgroup comprises representatives from the OEP, NDFEM, CCMA, OPW, Met Éireann, DPER and the Department of the Taoiseach.
Stage 2 will complete the development of all three flood monitoring, flood forecasting and flood warning legs of the NFFWS to deliver an operational, localised flood forecasting and public warning service.
The OEP intends to bring a Memorandum for Government to Cabinet shortly. This will set out the roles and responsibilities of the relevant Departments and Agencies for Stage 2, along with the proposed implementation and governance arrangements.
Total expenditure from 2018 to the end of 2025 on establishing and developing the Flood Forecasting Centre at Met Éireann amounts to €6.9 million.
394. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date his Department decided to conclude centralised monitoring of the ‘room for a student – local authority tenancies scheme’ after December 2024; the analysis or performance metrics informed that decision; whether any formal submission, briefing note, or internal recommendation supported that decision; and whether he will provide the criteria used to determine that the scheme no longer required ongoing national oversight [13471/26]
View answer395. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the administrative costs incurred by his Department and local authorities in developing, promoting, and operating the ‘room for a student – local authority tenancies scheme’ between December 2023 and December 2024; whether any value-for-money review has been conducted; and whether the cost per additional room delivered has been calculated [13474/26]
View answer396. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the formal reporting framework now exists, if any, to provide his Department with ongoing national oversight of the scheme’s performance; whether any standardised reporting template has been issued to local authorities; and the way he satisfies himself that the scheme remains operational and effective across all local authority areas [13475/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 394 to 396, inclusive, together.
The 'Room for a Student - Local Authority Tenancies Scheme' came into operation on 1 December 2023 and allows approved local authority tenants to rent out a room in their home to eligible third level students. In November 2023, Government approved the monitoring of the scheme for a period of 12 months from December 2023 until December 2024, in order to establish its take-up and impact.
Detailed guidance and training was provided to all local authorities prior to the introduction of the scheme, including that they publish the details of the scheme on their websites and promotional material was provided to local authorities. My Department spent €3,780 on the development of promotional material to support the scheme. My Department also collaborated with DFHERIS, enabling tenants and students to utilise many of the existing ‘Room for a Student’ resources already available on gov.ie.
More recent data on the take-up of the scheme can be obtained from individual local authorities. This demand led scheme is operated on an administrative basis by the local authorities. My Department will continue to work with local authorities to support the administration of the scheme locally. I have no plans to make changes to the operation of the scheme at this time.
397. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will request an update from the DCB Appeals Panel to provide the number of appeals made to 31 January 2026; the numbers of decisions made; the average waiting time for those decisions, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13476/26]
View answerThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
An Appeals Panel has been established to assess appeals made under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete (DCB) Blocks Grant Scheme.
The points of appeal that are available to a DCB applicant include the validation stage by the local authority, the damage threshold determination made by the Housing Agency, the remediation option, and the grant amount approved and where a local authority refuses to make a grant payment pursuant to grant approval.
At the time of writing 174 appeals have been received from homeowners. A breakdown showing the number of appeals received from relevant owners, by designated local authority, is available in the table below:
|
Designated Local Authority |
Appeals Received |
|
Donegal |
145 |
|
Mayo |
6 |
|
Clare |
12 |
|
Limerick |
11 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
|
Total |
174 |
It should be noted that the Appeals Panel is statutorily independent in the performance of their functions of myself as Minister, my Department and of the Housing Agency. My Department provides limited administrative support during the initial stage of the process, in that appeals submitted by homeowners are forwarded to the Panel. Timelines for the processing of appeals would be a matter for the Chair and the Panel.
However, I understand that the Panel is in the process of assessing appeals and that decisions have been issuing to appellants.
398. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the grant supports to sink wells are eligible for houses that have been built prior to 2007, and have been connected to Uisce Eireann/Group Water Scheme up to now, but the house is experiencing significant and ongoing water outages because of its location/elevated site or poor water pressure due to its position at the end of the line where new properties are now draining the service even more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13493/26]
View answerGrant assistance under my Department’s Rural Water Programme is available for capital works in certain circumstances for Individual Domestic Water Supplies (private wells) serving a house. Grant assistance is not available, however, for new wells for new houses or where houses are connected to either Uisce Éireann or a Group Water Scheme.
399. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline each section of enacted legislation, where the responsibility lies in the Minister to commence that section, that has not been commenced; if he will outline each section of enacted legislation which provides for the making of regulations by the Minister that have not been made by the Minister; if he will outline all sections of enacted legislation or secondary legislation which provide for the publication of guidelines by the Minister that have not been published, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13509/26]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Table 1 Name of Enacted Legislation: |
|
|
Uncommenced Section(s): |
|
Further Information: |
|
|
|
Affordable Housing Act 2021 |
|
|
Section 6(6); Section 6(7); and Section 42 |
|
Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 |
|
|
Section 7; Section 8 - 89; Section 95 - 116; Section 125 - 130; Section 133; Section 135 &136; Section 148; Section 175(1), (2) insofar as they apply to ss. 27(1), 30 , 116(2), 128(2), 129(2), 136(2); Section 175(3), (4) except insofar as they apply to ss. 43(1), 82(2), 99(1), 99(5)(b), 103(1), 105(6), 113(1), 113(2), 114(1), 148(1) ; S. 175(5), (6) insofar as they apply to ss. 13(2)(b), 13(3)(a), 13(4)(b), 101(2)(b), 101(3)(a), 101(4)(b), 114(4)(b), 148(2), 148(4); Section 175(9)-(19); Sections 176, 177; Section 178(1); Section 178(3)-(5); Sections 180, 181; Sections 185-187; Sections 191, 192; Section 206; Section 219; Section 224; Section 226 - 228; Sections 229 & 230; Section 231 - 234; Sections 235 - 237; Section 238; Sections 239, 240; Sections 241 - 243; Schedule 1 ,2,4,6 and 8. |
|
Work has been ongoing since 2024 to commence this legislation and will continue with regard to the outstanding sections over the next 12 - 18 months, until the Act is fully commenced. |
|
|
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 |
|
|
Part 2 - Chapter 2 - Sections 14-18; Part 2 - Chapter 5 - Section 28 -31; Part 2 - Chapter 5 - Section 32(9); and Part 4 - Section 64(9)(a) |
|
|
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 |
|
|
Section 99 |
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 |
|
|
Part 4 - Section 41(4): Designation of areas where no further dwellings will be approved for housing assistance |
|
Need for commencement kept under review. |
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 |
|
|
Part 4 - Section 44: Payment to housing authority by HAP beneficiary of rent contribution under s. 31 of 2009 Act (ss. (1)) and Prescription of manner of payment of rent contribution (ss. (2)) |
|
Dependent on the commencement of section 31 of the 2009 Act concerning rent schemes and charges. |
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 |
|
|
Part 4 - Section 47: Payment of HAP in respect of certain beneficiaries under the Capital Assistance Scheme |
|
Provision has been made for such households through the RAS scheme. |
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 |
|
|
Part 4 - Section 48: Internal review, on request, of HAP decisions in prescribed decision classes |
|
Appeals are currently being dealt with under a local authority’s Customer Charter. |
|
|
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 |
|
|
Part 2 - Section 20; Part 5 - Section 53; and Part 5 - Section 54(1) |
|
|
|
Local Government Act 2001 |
|
|
Sections 22, 212-214, and 223 |
|
|
|
Part III of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025 |
|
|
Section 38 |
|
|
|
Part III of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025. |
|
|
Sections 34; 35; 36; 40; 41; and 42 |
|
|
|
Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Act 2021 |
|
|
Subsection (6) of section 17 |
|
|
|
Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 |
|
|
Sections 5; 35; 36; 38; 43; 47; 48; 52; 60; 61; 63; 65(b), (c) & (d); 69; and 74(e) |
|
|
|
Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 |
|
|
5 (to the extent that it relates to the amendments specified in column (3) of that Schedule 1 opposite reference numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 16 in column (1) of that Schedule; 21(c ); 33; 34; 40; 42; 49; Schedule 1 to the extent that it relates to the amendments specified in column (3) of that Schedule opposite reference numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 16 in column (1) of that Schedule |
|
|
|
Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 |
|
|
26; 44; and 45 |
|
|
|
Planning and Development Act 2024 |
|
|
Sections 7-14; 16; Subsections (8) & (9) of section 25; 82-179; 181-194; 208-241; 244-277; 291-302; 305-345; 347-352; Subsections (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) & (9) of 353; Subsections (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) & (11) of 354; Subsections (5), (6), (7), (8) & (9) of section 355; Subsections (4), (5) & (7) of section 356; 357; 359-375; 377-387; 392-395; 404-482; Subsection (1) of section 485; 486; Subsection (1) & (2)(b) of section 492; 493; 532; 533; 550; 572; 579; 583-585; Subsection (1) & (4) of section 586); 587-595; 601-623; 626; 628; 629; Schedule 7, references 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 (partial), 12, 13 (partial), 14, 15, 16, ,17, 18 (partial), 19 (partial) 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 (partial), 30, 31 (partial), 32 (partial), 33 |
|
|
|
Planning and Development Act 2025 |
|
Sections 27; 29; 30; and 31 |
|
|
Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Act 2022 |
|
Subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) & (7) of section 41 |
|
Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 |
|
Part 4 to Part 6 Sections 55 to 59, 61,62,64,65 Section 60 except in so far as it relates to an offence under paragraph 2(10) of Schedule 2, and paragraph 7(2) of Schedule 2; Section 63 except in so far as it relates to an offence under paragraph 2(10) of Schedule 2; Schedule 1. |
These provisions are expected to come into operation in Q3. |
|
|
Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025 |
|
Sections 5 (a), 7, 14 (a) (b) ( c ) , 15, 17, 18, 21, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 38 |
|
|
Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 |
|
Section 45 (2) (d) |
|
|
Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 |
|
34 |
|
Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 |
|
Section 14 |
Commencement requires the clearance of arrears of casework which is currently underway further to the establishment of Tailte Éireann, and will be the subject of ongoing engagement with Tailte Éireann. |
|
Water Services Act 2007 |
|
Sections 4(2), 58(2) 63-67, 69, 77-90, 92(1)-(7), 104, and 107(a) (part), and schedule 1 (part) and schedule 2. |
Water services legislation continues to be under active review in the light of the ongoing water sector transformation programme, and legislative provisions are commenced, as and when appropriate. |
|
Water Services Act 2013 |
|
Sections 28 and 29. |
Water services legislation continues to be under active review in the light of the ongoing water sector transformation programme, and legislative provisions are commenced, as and when appropriate. |
|
Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 |
|
Sections 4(2)(part) and 29. |
Water services legislation continues to be under active review in the light of the ongoing water sector transformation programme, and legislative provisions are commenced, as and when appropriate. |
|
Water Services Act 2017 |
|
Sections 5(1)(b)(IV). |
Water services legislation continues to be under active review in the light of the ongoing water sector transformation programme, and legislative provisions are commenced, as and when appropriate. |
|
|
Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 |
|
Section 36 |
|
Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 |
|
Paragraph (g) of section 16; paragraphs (d) and (e) of section 17; and paragraphs (b) and (c) and, in so far as it relates to the insertion of subsection (8) into section 139 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, paragraph (d) of section 63. |
Repealed by section 36 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019. |
|
|
Section 16 (d); Sections 22-24; Section 37; Section 57(1)(b); Section 59; Sections 60(a), (b)[(4)(c)], (c) and (e)[(7)]; Section 61; Section 62(b)(iii); Sections 63(d)[(5),(6)]; Sections 64- |
|
These provisions relate to the introduction of a Deposit Protection Scheme. Commencement is delayed pending a review of the legislative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65; Sections 70-72 |
|
provisions from an operational perspective. |
|
|
Sections 34-35; Section 38; Section 43; Section 46; Section 48; Section 51(1)(b); Section 52 (6); Section 53; Section 73; |
|
Sections 34-35, 38, 43, 46, 48, 51(1)(b), 52(6), 53 and 73 provide for the insertion of a new Section 76A and consequential amendments regarding referral of complaints to the Board for resolution in respect of non-compliance with Section 86(1)(a), i.e. the requirement to continue to pay rent pending the determination of a dispute. Commencement is delayed pending a review of the legislative provisions from an operational perspective. |
|
Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 |
|
Sections 44 and 45 |
Sections 44 and 45 provide for one-person Tribunals, rather than three-person Tribunals, in the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for certain categories of cases. Technical amendment is expected to be made in Q4 2026 to enable their commencement. |
|
Table 2
Title of Enacted Legislation with not yet published Guidelines: |
Further Information – Guidelines: |
|
Planning and Development Act 2024 |
Section 25 National Planning Statements (NPS); Section 25 has been commenced. Existing section 28 guidelines Ministerial Guidelines under the Planning and Development Act 2000 are deemed to be NPS under the Act of 2024 by way of a transitional provision at section 27 of the 2024 Act, but no NPS have been issued using the section 25 Act of 2024 procedures to date |
|
Planning and Development Act 2024 |
Section 480 Code of practice in relation to events - Section 480 has not yet been commenced. |
|
Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) |
Section 68 |
|
Affordable Housing Act 2021 |
Section 10(6) |
400. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if can provide an update on the inclusion of homes in Skerries and Rush in the defective blocks scheme; the timeline for the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13612/26]
View answerThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 which underpins the enhanced Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Scheme was commenced in June 2023.
The Scheme is currently open to applications in five counties, namely Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo.
On the basis of the recommendations made by the Housing Agency in their final report to me, I intend to shortly bring the matter to Government seeking approval for the making of an Order designating the relevant parts of Fingal County Council as being part of the DCB Scheme.
401. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding for Galway County Council in 2025, and each local authority in the State for comparison, in tabular form. [13637/26]
View answerAs you are aware, the funding system for local authorities is complex, with authorities deriving their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government. It is a matter for each local authority to consider how it can maximise local income sources and manage its own spending, in the context of the annual budgetary process.
Every effort has been made to provide support to the sector and, in 2024, funding from central government to local authorities totalled around €8.6 bn. This was a net increase of almost €1.9bn (28%) on 2023 and central government funding to local authorities has more than doubled since 2019.
Across all schemes and funding sources, my Department alone has provided €83.3m in 2022, €99.8m in 2023, €114m in 2024 and €149.3m in 2025 to Galway County Council, a significant increase by any measure.
While my Department will continue to engage with all authorities in regard to funding of services within its area of responsibility, all Central Government funding needs to be considered within the parameters of the national fiscal and budgetary situation, and the competing priorities presenting themselves at a national level.
See below table detailing the funding provided by my Department in 2025 across all 31 Local Authorities.
|
LOCAL AUTHORITY |
2025 |
|
CARLOW |
€64,783,389.90 |
|
CAVAN |
€80,830,447.48 |
|
CLARE |
€123,115,147.29 |
|
CORK CITY |
€409,237,917.36 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
€279,851,404.15 |
|
DONEGAL |
€263,159,614.17 |
|
DLR |
€244,267,469.60 |
|
DUBLIN CITY |
€1,202,914,319.28 |
|
FINGAL |
€581,317,548.84 |
|
S. DUBLIN |
€417,595,167.37 |
|
GALWAY CITY |
€136,087,691.84 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY |
€149,301,975.82 |
|
KERRY |
€144,091,575.00 |
|
KILDARE |
€290,596,561.73 |
|
KILKENNY |
€115,428,332.30 |
|
LAOIS |
€126,936,180.51 |
|
LEITRIM |
€35,549,380.70 |
|
LIMERICK |
€763,692,676.54 |
|
LONGFORD |
€41,074,472.35 |
|
LOUTH |
€324,147,309.84 |
|
MAYO |
€160,822,663.94 |
|
MEATH |
€239,382,317.09 |
|
MONAGHAN |
€83,911,342.18 |
|
OFFALY |
€66,321,013.67 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
€63,012,877.32 |
|
SLIGO |
€99,030,688.52 |
|
TIPPERARY |
€163,526,945.99 |
|
WATERFORD |
€166,733,127.90 |
|
WESTMEATH |
€109,678,382.56 |
|
WEXFORD |
€168,437,160.41 |
|
WICKLOW |
€155,451,850.01 |
|
TOTALS |
€7,270,286,951.66 |
402. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department maintains an internal monitoring framework, dashboard or structured reporting mechanism which tracks the number of Notices of Termination issued in the private rental sector as a core housing performance indicator; if so, the frequency at which such data is formally reviewed at senior management or Ministerial level; whether any thresholds, trend analyses or risk alerts are applied to this data to identify emerging pressures in the rental sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13662/26]
View answerI refer to my reply to Question no. 274 of 5 February which sets out the position in this matter.
403. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether reviews were undertaken at the end of phase one and phase two of the National Landscape Strategy 2015–2025; if so, to provide an update on Ireland’s ongoing obligations under the European Landscape Convention (ELC) and how these are being fulfilled following the conclusion of the National Landscape Strategy 2015–2025; his plans to prepare an updated National Landscape Strategy and implementation programme, including consultation with communities, stakeholders, local authorities, and committees who contributed to the 2015 document; to provide an update on the completion of the National Landscape Character Assessment and how it is being integrated into broader policies and frameworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13722/26]
View answerNo reviews have been undertaken of the National Landscape Strategy to date, and I have no plans at present to prepare an updated strategy. Implementation of the National Landscape Strategy is implicit in many of the actions taken across the built and natural heritage sphere. The range of current work being undertaken across Government in the context of the Land Use Review will supplant and overtake the existing strategy in this area.
My Department has in the meantime made very substantial progress on issues of habitat and wildlife protection, which are tied closely to landscape. In particular, I would emphasise the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, which sets the national biodiversity agenda for the period 2023-2030 and aims to deliver the transformative changes required to the ways in which we value and protect nature. As indicated in the progress report published on 13 February this year by my Department, almost 80% of the Plan’s strategic actions are either on track or already complete, highlighting an important shift in how state bodies approach nature conservation.
This, along the Nature Restoration Law ratified by the European Parliament, will continue to support the delivery of national nature, water, landscape and climate objectives, while at the same time realising co-benefits for value creation in rural economies and communities.
With regard to the completion of a National Landscape Character Assessment, which would complement the Local Character Assessments already prepared by Local Authorities, this continues to be an identified National Policy Objective set out in the revised National Planning Framework (NPF).
