Written Answers Nos. 366-385
366. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide the web link to his Department’s Q4 2025 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; the date on which this report was published; and if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [16574/26]
View answer367. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to confirm, in respect of his Department’s published quarterly reports of procurement-related payments or purchase orders over €20,000 (details supplied), where such reports are published in PDF format but originate from an Excel or similar spreadsheet file, that the underlying data was fully expanded and validated prior to conversion so that all columns including supplier names and descriptions are fully visible and readable in the published document; to clarify whether any quality assurance process is applied to ensure that data is not truncated or partially obscured in the PDF version; and where the source file exists in machine-readable format, whether his Department will make the original Excel or CSV file available alongside the PDF in the interest of transparency, accessibility and data re-use. [16591/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.
Since Q3 2025, my Department publishes quarterly reports of purchase orders over €20,000 in Excel, in line with the FOI publication scheme and open data standards. The Q4 2025 Purchase Order report for the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer Vote was published on 9 February, 2026 and the reports for the Office of Government Procurement Vote and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Vote were published on 26 February, 2026.
All of the reports are publicly available on the Department's website and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/dpendr-ogcio-and-ogp-purchase-order-payments-2025/.
368. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total projected cost to the State of the new Macroom Garda station; the breakdown of this cost; the role of the Office of Public Works in the planning and delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is the Contracting Authority, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, for the new Macroom Garda Station, which will be a Divisional Headquarter. An Garda Síochána are the Sponsoring Agency and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is the Approving Authority for the project.
Following the successful conclusion of a Public Procurement process, led by the Office of Public Works, JJ Rhatigan was identified as the most economically advantageous tenderer. Subsequently, the Final Business Case was approved by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Office of Public Works awarded a Construction Contract to JJ Rhatigan valued at approximately €51.7 million, this includes VAT.
In addition to the cost of the Construction Contract, the Total Project Cost for the new Macroom Garda Station will include (amongst other development costs) technical consultancy fees, local authority levies, contingency allowances and associated VAT.
It is anticipated that the construction works will be substantially complete in Q2 2028, following that a process will be undertaken to agree the Final Account with JJ Rhatigan. Until such time as the Final Account is agreed with JJ Rhatigan it will not be possible to publish further details on the breakdown of the Total Project Cost.
369. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if there have been any recent discussions regarding the creation of a Liffey Valley park from Islandbridge to Celbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16625/26]
View answerThe Liffey Valley Park Strategy, published in 2006, presents a vision for a 'necklace' of amenities along (mainly) public lands by the River Liffey, to provide recreational opportunities for the public and help to conserve the biodiversity and amenity value of the river corridor. The Strategy sets out a vision for the creation and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure to contribute to healthy active lifestyles, and supports the heritage, economic and tourism potential of the areas concerned for local communities and tourist visitors alike. The objectives of the Strategy are strongly supported by the Office of Public Works (OPW), and progress on these objectives by the OPW continues, including at Castletown House in Celbridge with the recent addition of an additional 235-acres of lands, and the successful acquisition of the House and lands at Donaghcumper, purchased on behalf of the State by the OPW in 2024. I have committed to convening a meeting of all parties in due course, to review the strategy and identify areas for future consideration.
370. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the likely date for completion of the extension and renovation of Portlaoise Garda station; the planned date for its return to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16666/26]
View answerConstruction works to renovate and extend Portlaoise Garda station commenced in Q4 2024.
In accordance with the terms of the Construction Contract, it is intended that these works will reach substantial completion in Q1 2027.
Thereafter, An Garda Síochána will directly carry out the installation and commissioning of some final fittings and equipment before the building and site can be returned to use.
371. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether quantified time-reduction targets have been set under the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan; and if he will provide the performance indicators by which success will be measured. [16707/26]
View answerAll thirty actions and sub-actions in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan have associated timelines for their completion. The report also sets out expected outcomes and key performance indicators for each of the thirty actions. Following the creation of the new Regulatory Simplification unit in my Department for example, one the key performance indicators that will be applied to that unit is the reduction in consenting timelines for major projects.
In some cases, it has been possible to attach specific time savings to achievement of actions. For example, the completion of the streamlining of project approval processes (Action 23) is estimated to save approximately twelve months across the project delivery lifecycle. Similarly, by allowing the National Development Finance Agency to provide centralised support and guidance to Departments on the development of major projects, it is estimated that savings of up to another twelve months can be achieved.
The cumulative impact of the implementation of all thirty actions is likely to save significant time off the development lifecycle for critical infrastructure. Exactly how much time will be shaved off each project is likely to be project specific. However, I have said consistently that it appears that the development lifecycle for critical infrastructure has doubled compared to the development cycles typical just twenty years ago. My target is to reverse this trend, to bring Ireland back in line with international norms and enact the reforms that will allow us to deliver the infrastructure necessary to support our shared prosperity.
372. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether primary legislation will be required to implement judicial review reforms under Action 1; whether drafting instructions have been issued to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel; the anticipated date of publication of any Bill; and whether pre-legislative scrutiny is planned. [16708/26]
View answerThe implementation of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan is the core focus of the Infrastructure Division within my Department. In line with the commitments and timelines in the report, work is underway on progressing the suite of measures outlined therein, including Action?1 (Reform Judicial Review).
Action 1 focuses on addressing the systemic pressures created by the rising volume and complexity of judicial reviews in planning and environmental matters. As set out in the Action Plan, the reforms being examined aim to rebalance the system so that access to justice remains protected while ensuring that procedural issues do not result in disproportionate delays to nationally important infrastructure. This includes measures to improve the efficiency of judicial review proceedings, increase certainty around costs and processes and strengthen the overall functioning of the courts system in this area. These reforms are designed to reduce unnecessary litigation, provide greater predictability for applicants and decision-makers and support timely progress on major projects that are in the public interest.
As the Deputy will note, there are sub-actions under Action 1 due for implementation across Quarter 1 to Quarter 3 of this year.
In parallel, further reforms to judicial review are in progress under Action 7 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This Action commits to the development and enactment of a Civil Reform Bill. This Bill will place judicial review on a statutory basis. This will allow the Oireachtas to determine the scope and application of judicial review. Heads of this Bill were published in January and its development is being progressed by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
373. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the specific EIA or appropriate assessment thresholds are proposed to be raised under Action 4; whether regulatory impact analysis has been completed; whether public consultation will be undertaken; and the projected commencement date of any statutory instruments. [16709/26]
View answerAction 4 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan commits to the progression of reforms to the system of Environmental Impact Assessment. Reform is warranted because the assessments being conducted in Ireland are disproportionate to those applied in other EU Member States, despite being conducted under the same underpinning EU legislation.
A more targeted and proportionate approach is required. By streamlining the scope of information required, it will reduce the volume of material submitted and, in turn, shorten the time needed to carry out the assessments. This will be done while maintaining compliance with Ireland's obligations under the Directive.
In line with the responsible body identified in the report, the completion of this action is being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. There are a series of sub actions assigned to this Department for completion over 2026. This includes, inter alia, examining where targeted exemptions might be applied for critical infrastructure works, raising the threshold for triggering EIA, including for expansions of existing facilities and considering further reforms to align with EU best practice.
My Department monitors the overall implementation of the Accelerated Infrastructure Action Plan. As per the latest update by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, a public consultation on EIA thresholds will be undertaken in Q1 2026.
374. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated cost to the Exchequer between 2015 and 2025 arising from projects requiring a restart of EIA or AA processes following quashing orders; and whether a cost-benefit analysis has been conducted in relation to the proposed judicial review reforms. [16710/26]
View answerThere are no figures held centrally on the estimated cost to the Exchequer of projects requiring a restart of an EIA or AA process following a quashing order. State infrastructure projects are led by the respective sponsoring authority and this information would only be available to these bodies.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that quashing orders have imposed significant costs on the Exchequer. To take a specific example, the quashing order applied to the Greater Dublin Drainage project in 2021 required updated environmental assessments to be completed ahead of a new planning application. The conduct of these assessments and their evaluation by ACP will have delayed the project's commencement and hence increased the project's cost.
Regarding potential changes to judicial review, these have not been subject to cost-benefit analysis. Cost-benefit analysis is a form of economic appraisal that is typically applied to specific projects or investments. In Ireland, the Infrastructure Guidelines require the use of economic appraisal in any capital investments above €20m. There is no requirement to apply economic appraisal, such as a cost-benefit analysis to potential legislative changes.
375. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the proposed removal of pinch points along the River Shannon between Meelick and Banagher; if surveys or assessments have been completed; the expected timeline for works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16895/26]
View answer378. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the agreed programme of works for the removal of identified pinch points along the River Shannon between Meelick Eyrecourt and Banagher; to outline the current status of these works; the timeline for commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17150/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 378 together.
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established by the Government in 2016 to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce co-ordinated solutions that may have benefit in managing flood risk on the Shannon Catchment. The Group is focussed on prioritising actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
The Group approved the appointment of an ecological consultant to carry out a high level environmental study in relation to a proposed project to remove ‘pinch points’ along the River Shannon Callows. The findings of this study highlighted that significant environmental analysis is required to fully assess the impact of the project.
At its last meeting, in October, the Group established a dedicated working group to consider next steps, including the consideration of further options to address flood risk on the Shannon Callows. The working group has contacted key stakeholders in the Shannon region to seek their inputs. This stakeholder engagement will inform the consideration of options by the working group.
I remain fully committed to working with the Group and key stakeholders to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon.
376. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will take action to address the lack of members of the Traveller community employed within the public sector and semi-state sector, and particularly apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17020/26]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, my priority is to ensure that the Civil Service is a workplace where Traveller and Roma employees are welcomed, supported, and able to progress.
Under Better Public Services 2030, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. Strengthening pathways and supports for members of the Traveller and Roma communities is a key part of this work.
The Department of Justice have been delivering a Traveller and Roma Work Placement Programme in recent years which continues to expand. The pilot offered eight participants a one-year Civil Service placement, and the current programme provides structured roles for 20 additional candidates, each with a route to permanency upon successful completion. These placements support skills development and create meaningful pathways into long-term Civil Service careers.
We are also taking steps to support employees once they join. I was pleased to recently launch the Irish Traveller Civil Service Network on Traveller Ethnicity Day (1 March). This staff-led network offers peer support, visibility, and a safe space for Traveller employees across Departments. It will play an important role in shaping better workplace supports and informing future inclusion policy.
Apprenticeships offer another inclusive route into public service employment. Since the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan was launched in 2023, the number of apprentices in the public service has grown from 373 in 2022 to 566 in 2025. New apprenticeships will launch in 2026, widening access further. Ensuring these opportunities are promoted to Traveller and Roma communities remains a priority for my Department.
My Department also continues to progress commitments under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. This includes priorities to improve access to career opportunities, strengthening data and reporting, ensuring fair recruitment practices, and supporting more inclusive workplace cultures.
We will continue working closely with colleagues across the Civil Service and with Traveller and Roma representative organisations to expand opportunities, remove barriers to employment and progression, and ensure every Department is a welcoming and inclusive place to work.
377. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to confirm that Section 10 of the template employment contract for Chief Executives of commercial semi State bodies is applicable only in circumstances involving complaints or legal actions initiated by external parties; to confirm that this clause has always been interpreted in that manner by his Department and commercial semi State bodies; to set out whether he is satisfied that the current wording provides sufficient clarity to prevent its misapplication in internal grievance or disciplinary matters; and to indicate if he will update or revise the clause to ensure that its intended scope is explicit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17117/26]
View answerIn 2019, my Department published a revised template contract of employment for appointments of CEOs of Commercial State Bodies (CSBs). The template contract has been endorsed by the Office of the Attorney General. The template contract provides the basis for the terms and conditions of employment for CEOs of CSBs and may be subject to further legal advice on behalf of the CSB and the proposed Chief Executive Officer.
Under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies – Remuneration and Superannuation Terms, the terms and conditions of the Chief Executives of CSBs, are subject to approval by the relevant Minister with my consent as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This template contract of employment ensures that standard contractual terms are applied to CEO posts in CSBs.
Section 10 of the template contract of employment relates to complaints and assistance in ligation. Section 10 does not distinguish between the type of complaint received except in certain instances relation to legal costs arising from a complaint. Section 10 provides that where a complaint is made against the CEO, the Company shall take over the reasonable costs of the defence, save where a complaint is made by the Company Board.
Where the company takes over the costs of the defence, the contract also requires the CEO to comply with any reasonable requirements made by the Company in relation to any complaint made against him/her concerning his/her conduct or performance as Chief Executive and to co-operate in any process constituted to deal with such complaint. The contract also provides that the Company will take over the reasonable costs of the defence or recoup the CEO’s reasonable legal expenses when the action has been concluded, provided that a) an examination of all the circumstances (including the outcome of such process) establishes that he/she acted bona fide in the execution of his/her duties, and b) did not act with gross negligence or gross neglect of his/her duties.
The wording of the template contract of employment is clear in terms of the application of Section 10. There are currently no plans to revise the template contract of employment, however as with all policy areas, it is periodically reviewed.
379. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the engagements he and his Department have had with European institutions and other member states regarding the revision of Public Procurement Directives; when these will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17222/26]
View answerIn June 2025, I wrote to Executive Vice President Séjourné in support of the proposal to revise the legal framework governing public procurement. I also set out some of Ireland’s most immediate concerns following the announcement of the revision of the legal framework governing public procurement. This included calling for simplification and flexibility of the rules to:
• increase competition and SME participation in public procurement.
• provide greater legal certainty and reduce administrative burdens for buyers and suppliers.
• better enable sustainable public procurement including in relation to value for money.
My Department’s officials are engaged in ongoing discussions with the European Council and the European Commission via the Council Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth (Public Procurement) and Commission Expert Groups on Public Procurement and eProcurement. The upcoming revision of the procurement directives are routinely discussed in these fora which take place throughout the year. Separately, my officials engage directly with the Commission on the revision as and when required. In addition, Departmental officials are proactive in engaging with their equivalents from other Member States and are working to identify like-minded Member States, establish commonalities, and strengthen ties ahead of the anticipated publication of the Commission proposal late in Q2 2026.
380. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a comprehensive update regarding any and all ongoing reviews, updates or strategies relating to public procurement being worked by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17223/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to reviewing the public procurement process to make it more transparent and encourage greater participation from SMEs. Working towards this aim, and to set out the strategic direction of public procurement for the next five years, my Department is developing a first national public procurement strategy.
The strategy has been subject to an extensive consultation process, which has been critical to understanding the primary challenges and opportunities for both public bodies and suppliers. My Department undertook the following as part of the consultation for this strategy:
• A public consultation to ensure that all those with an interest in the future direction of public procurement had an opportunity to inform the new strategy.
• Regional workshops in Dublin, Cork and Athlone, which included public buyers and policy makers from across the public sector, representation from across the broad spectrum of Irish business, representatives from civil society and members of the public.
• A dedicated webinar for suppliers so they could feed into the development of the strategy.
• Bilateral meetings with government departments and key stakeholders to agree desired outcomes and actions for inclusion in the strategy.
• Direct engagement with SME and social enterprise representative bodies during the application of the SME Test.
My officials are currently drafting the strategy in accordance with the feedback from this extensive consultation.
Once finalised, the strategy will include objectives and cross-departmental actions to support the delivery of strategic, innovative, sustainable and transparent public procurement that promotes competition and value for money. I plan on bringing the strategy to Government in Quarter 2 of this year.
381. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Fiontar, Turasóireachta agus Fostaíochta an bhfuil sé ar an eolas faoin mbuairt atá léirithe ag eagrais cheoil, lena n-áirítear IMRO agus IRMA, faoi thionchar na hintleachta saorga ar cheoltóirí agus ar an earnáil cheoil in Éirinn; an bhfuil sé i gceist aige gníomh a dhéanamh dá réir; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17093/26]
View answerAithníonn mo Roinn na dúshláin chomh maith leis an gcumas claochlaitheach a bhaineann le hintleacht shaorga. Aithním na dúshláin shuntasacha atá roimh earnálacha áirithe, lena n-áirítear earnáil an cheoil, go háirithe maidir le cur i bhfeidhm dlí an chóipchirt.
Tá cur chuige reachtaíochta na hÉireann i leith na hintleachta saorga, cóipchirt agus rialála dhigiteach i gcoitinne, dlúthcheangailte le forbairt beartais ar leibhéal an Aontais Eorpaigh. Chuige sin, tá mo Roinn gníomhach i bplé ar leibhéal an AE sa réimse seo.
De réir Airteagal 53 den Ghíomh um Intleacht Shaorga (Rialachán 2024/1689/AE) is gá do sheirbhísí IS ilchuspóireach a chuirtear ar fáil san AE a léiriú go bhfuil siad ag comhlíonadh dlithe chóipchirt an AE, go háirithe Airteagal 4(3) sa Treoir Cóipchirt sa Mhargadh Aonair Digiteach (2019/790/AE), 'sé sin an eisceacht maidir le Mianadóireacht Téacs agus Sonraí (TDM). I gcásanna nach bhfuil úsáid a bhaintear as ábhar oiliúna cuimsithe ag na heisceachtaí TDM, tá ceadúnas ó shealbhóirí cirt de dhíth.
D’fhoilsigh an Coimisiún Eorpach an Cód Cleachtais Intleachta Saorga Ilchuspóireach le cuidiú leis an earnáil IS oibleagáidí dlíthiúla an Ghnímh um an Intleacht Shaorga maidir le sábháilteacht, trédhearcacht agus cóipcheart samhlacha intleachta saorga ilchuspóireacha a chomhlíonadh. Ina theanta sin, caithfidh soláthraithe an ‘Teimpléad don Achoimhre Phoibhí ar Ábhar Oiliúna le haghaidh samhlacha ilchuspóireacha’ a líonadh agus príomhbhailiúcháin sonraí a liostú agus míniú a thabhairt ann ar fhoinsí eile a úsáideadh le samhlacha a oiliúint.
Cuirfidh Oifig Intleacht Shaorga an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh na forálacha seo den Acht i bhfeidhm ó Mhí Lúnasa 2026 ar aghaidh.
Ó Mhí Lúnasa na bliana seo ar aghaidh chomh maith, de réir Airteagal 50 den Ghníomh IS beidh soláthraithe freagrach as rian digiteach a chur ar ábhar a ghintear le hIntleacht Shaorga chun a chinntiú go bhfuil sé soiléir gur ábhar den sórt sin é, rud atá tábhachtach le hábhair bréagach a aithint.
Tá an Coimisiún Eorpach ag cur chun coinn roinnt tionscnamh faoi láthair chun iarracht a dhéanamh rogha an diúltaithe maidir leis an eisceacht TDM a fheabhsú.
Ina theannta sin, tá athbhreithniú ar Threoir Cóipchirt sa Mhargadh Aonair Digiteach (2019/790/EU) ar siúl faoi láthair ag an gCoimisiún Eorpach, ina measc na heisceachtaí cóipchirt TDM. Áireofar comhairliúchán leis na geallsealbhóirí ábhartha in Éirinn mar chuid den athbhreithniú ar an Treoir. Tá an próiseas seo le tosú go luath. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an t-athbhreithniú seo críochnaithe faoi Mhí Iúil na bliana seo, agus go mbeidh an toradh ina phríomhábhar plé le linn Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar Chomhairle an AE.
Tá an Roinn seo tiomanta a chinntiú go bhforbraítear agus go n-úsáidtear teicneolaíochtaí Intleachta Saorga ar bhealach atá eiticiúil, trédhearcach, agus ailínithe le reachtaíocht náisiúnta, Eorpach agus idirnáisiúnta araon.
382. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether a property that has been operating as a short-term let for seven or more years will require change of use planning permission with regard to the new short-term letting regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16187/26]
View answer383. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the new short-term letting regulations, whether granny flats or converted garages within the grounds of a principal private residence will be exempt from new regulations and will they be treated as part of the main home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16188/26]
View answer384. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the new short-term letting regulations, whether an Irish principal private home is used by owners living abroad as a family base and as a short-term let will be exempt as a PPH under the new rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16189/26]
View answer385. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the new short-term letting regulations, how second homes and holiday homes will be classified under the new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16190/26]
View answer386. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the new short-term letting regulations, how will planning permission and compliance requirements apply for properties let to students during the academic year and as short-term lets over the summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16192/26]
View answer387. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the new short-term letting regulations, if there is a two-year period to regularise a property, whether hosts will be issued a temporary registration number and allowed to continue operating during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16193/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 382, 383, 384, 385, 386 and 387 together.
As set out in the Government's new Policy Statement A New Era for Irish Tourism, which I published in December, the introduction of regulatory controls for the Short Term Letting (STL) Sector is to ensure that the tourism sector develops in a way that recognises and is complementary to the wider needs of local communities, both economically and socially.
In April of last year, I obtained Government approval for the General Scheme of the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. Once enacted, the Bill will establish the statutory framework for the introduction of regulatory controls for the STL sector, including the creation of a national register.
Fáilte Ireland will be responsible for implementing and managing this register, ensuring compliance with the EU Short-Term Rental Regulation, which comes into effect on 20 May this year. The introduction of the new STL register has been welcomed by the tourism sector and will commence following the passage of the necessary legislation.
Under the new system, all STL accommodation providers will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland and display their registration number on any listing or advertisement for their property. As part of the registration process, providers must confirm that their property complies with planning requirements, meaning they either have the appropriate planning permission or are exempt from the requirement to obtain such permission.
The new Housing policy, proposed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., and approved by Government on 15 April proposes to generally preclude new planning permissions for STL in cities and larger towns. Further to this, on 9 February last, the Cabinet Committee on Housing proposed to apply this to towns and cities with populations over 20,000 persons at the latest census. These policies are part of a broader Government strategy to tackle the housing shortage by ensuring that as many suitable properties as possible are available for long-term rental.
Following the introduction of the STL register, accommodation providers based in towns with a population of 20,000 or less at the last census, based on the census town boundaries (defined by CSO), will have two years to meet planning compliance requirements.
Accommodation providers based in towns with a population of more than 20,000 at the last census will need to confirm planning compliance on registration, with no further lead-in period, if they wish to register their STL property with Fáilte Ireland.
In line with existing established rights, where it can be proven that a residential property has been operated by an STL provider for at least 7 years and no enforcement action has been taken by the planning authority, planning permission for retention may be sought.
It will still be possible to offer a room based in your principal private residence (PPR) for STL on an ongoing basis or to sub-let an entire PPR on a short-term basis for a cumulative period of 90 days. Where the 90-day threshold is exceeded, planning permission for a change of use is required.
I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently finalising a National Planning Statement (NPS) under section 25 of the Planning & Development Act 2024, for short-term letting activity, which will be subject to Government approval and will give effect to this decision. It will continue to be the case that change of use planning permission is necessary for STL, where not subject to exemptions first set out in 2019.
The NPS for short-term letting will ensure that there is a clear overall policy approach, both at national level and local authority level, to enable planning authorities to determine planning applications for short-term lets across the Country.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that, approximately 34,020 STL properties were advertised online in the State in October 2025, based on screen-scraped data from four major booking platforms. Up to 64% were listed as “entire” houses or apartments. This represents a 26% increase from an estimated 26,960 units in October 2022.
Tourism remains a vital part of the Irish economy, supporting 227,000 jobs and generating €6 billion in 2024. I fully recognise concerns about the impact on rural tourism and local economies of reducing STL availability. However, addressing Ireland’s housing needs is a priority, and Government must use every lever available, including returning some STL properties to the long-term rental market. The approach agreed on 9 February will balance greater housing supply with the need to protect rural and regional tourism and jobs.
My Department has, and continues to have, ongoing engagement with all stakeholders, including STL operators and platforms.
