Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
653. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has issued policy guidance or circulars to local authorities regarding the governance and leasing of publicly owned sports facilities to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14332/26]
View answer654. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has any role in approving, reviewing or providing guidance on governance structures for sports facilities owned by local authorities and leased to external bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14333/26]
View answer655. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has issued guidance to local authorities on community consultation processes in respect of publicly owned sports and recreational facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14339/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 653 to 655, inclusive, together.
Local authorities are independent corporate entities having full responsibility under statute for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities.
As the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I have responsibility for policy, legislation, Oireachtas accountability and, at a broad level, oversight, in respect of the local government system and my Department has responsibility in relation to some, but not all, functions of, and services provided by, local authorities. However, responsibility for Government policy on sport and the funding and governance arrangements relating to sports facilities rests with my colleague the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
