Written Answers Nos. 226-250
226. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which his Department will ensure strong oversight and quality standards under the new contractor-led pathway within the buy and renew scheme; the way in which this approach will support timely delivery of refurbished social homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17541/26]
View answerI recently announced an expansion of the Buy and Renew Scheme which will ensure that more long-term vacant and derelict properties across the country can be transformed into social homes.
Under a newly expanded Buy and Renew scheme, building contractors will, for the first time, be able to directly acquire and refurbish long-term vacant and derelict properties, providing a new delivery channel for bringing disused buildings back into productive use. This new pathway has the potential to bring these properties back into use as social housing, by unlocking development that might otherwise not progress without the assurance of local authority (LA) or approved housing body (AHB) purchase.
A local authority that wishes to actively seek proposals for the Contractor-Led strand of the Buy and Renew scheme can indicate from the outset whether it has a preference for a particular type of unit e.g. 1 bed, 2 bed etc. at different locations. Ideally, this would reflect the type of Units that are most needed for social housing across each individual LA. This will allow the Contractor-Led Buy and Renew scheme to deliver the best fit of social housing units where they most needed within a locality. It is also an opportunity for LAs/AHB’s to seek out priority category housing units, such as age friendly accommodation, housing for people with a disability, or exits from homelessness.
Units being offered for sale by a Contractor under the Buy and Renew scheme should be in keeping with spatial standards and the level of specification set out in the Design Manual and the Employer’s Requirements for Detail Design of Quality Housing, insofar as is possible. A central aim of standardising house and apartment types, and specifications for social housing, is to facilitate greater levels of cost control and greater cost certainty for the Exchequer.
Upon completion of works, all properties delivered under the Buy and Renew scheme, must be in compliance with all Statutory Requirements and with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 (as amended).
My Department will approve funding for Buy and Renew projects based on the new Single Approval Process for Housing Capital Projects which was introduced in January of this year. The new Single Approval Process is designed to align to particular requirements related to the delivery of social housing, providing a more seamless approval process, with a clear and intentional focus on embedding standardisation and value for money.
This new process allows for an appropriate level of oversight by my Department, and by local authorities, in the evaluation, planning and management of social housing public investment projects. Proper governance and appraisal of capital expenditure is embedded in the process to ensure that public funds are used efficiently, transparently and in line with national objectives. For more information on the Single Stage Approval Process please see:www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/single-approval-process-for-social-housing-capital-projects/.
227. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of any analysis undertaken by his Department on the ‘viability’ of housing developments; and whether this includes raising rents in new tenancies. [17819/26]
View answerThe presence of a widespread and sizable viability challenge for apartment building has been a consistent message of sectoral analysis and commentary from reputable, authoritative sources. Increasing construction costs and the increasing cost of development finance have been two major factors linked to an exacerbating viability challenge in recent years, alongside the availability of land and its timely servicing.
For example, one of the more recent publications from my own Department is our Insight into Total Development Costs Report which was published in December 2025. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/insights-into-total-development-costs-2025/
My Department’s analysis and consideration of all the available information confirms that viability challenges are real, particularly for apartments. While it is clear that there is no single solution in addressing the viability challenge, it is a case of addressing different facets of the challenge with the aim of cumulatively improving viability.
That is why our response to the viability challenge in Delivering Homes, Building Communities is multifaceted. It involves measures to decrease the delivery costs, such as the VAT reduction on the sale of new apartments and introducing greater flexibility to the size and mix of apartment developments through the ongoing development of new design standards for apartments. It involves the new rent framework which will help boost investment in the supply of homes for rent and provide greater certainty to the wider residential market.
It also involves taking action now to create a more sustainable environment for viability through increasing the supply of zoned serviced land, increasing infrastructural capacity to support the development of more housing, the reform of the planning system underway through the implementation of the Planning and Development Act, and so forth.
Our focus now is on the progression and implementation of these measures. We will be closely monitoring housing investment, planning and commencement activity to assess the impact of Delivering Homes, Building Communities on improving viability and increasing supply in order to inform ongoing policy considerations.
229. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of uncollected derelict site levies as of February 2026; the new measures he will bring forward to force local authorities to collect uncollected levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16459/26]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No 374 of 26th February 2026, which sets out my position in relation to this matter.
230. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of social housing units retrofitted to date under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme, broken down by local authority area and dwelling type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17642/26]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) aims to retrofit a local authority home to a minimum B2 BER rating. It is expected that 36,500 local authority owned homes will be retrofitted under this programme out to 2030.
Some €140 million is available under the 2026 EERP, an increase of €50 million on last year's budget. This will support the retrofit of approximately 3,500 properties. Programme parameters and individual local authority allocations will be formally notified to local authorities very shortly.
The programme has been devised in a way to give local authorities a level of flexibility when selecting properties to retrofit, ranging from those requiring minor levels of works to properties needing the maximum level of retrofitting required to bring them to a B2 standard. That said, the selection of homes for inclusion in the programme is a matter for each individual local authority and therefore details in relation to dwelling type may be available from the respective authorities on request.
An annualised breakdown of the units retrofitted, per local authority, is available on my Department's website at the following links:
[www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/].
[www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/].
Full details in relation to delivery across all local authorities under the 2025 EERP will be published shortly.
231. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has received a report on stock audits carried out to date; what this report has shown; and whether he is aware of the levels of mould and damp in social housing stock. [16729/26]
View answerThe Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 specify minimum standards for private rental accommodation across a range of areas, including structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. They also require that every room used, or intended for use, by the tenant as a habitable room must have adequate ventilation and that adequate ventilation be provided for the removal of water vapour from every kitchen and bathroom.
The Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let, including social housing. All landlords must ensure their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations
Furthermore, the onus is on each authority to make adequate budgetary provision in their respective annual budgetary processes to address maintenance or improvements to their housing stock from within their own resources, including the significant levels of rental income generated from social housing.
Notwithstanding their statutory obligations, my Department is working closely with local authorities to promote preventative, planned maintenance of social housing, informed by stock condition surveys. These surveys will inform future local authority work programmes and ensure they are strategic and focused, with a cyclical programme of inspection, repair and replacement. Local authorities continue to progress surveys, with over 12,000 completed to date. I expect all local authority social homes will be surveyed over the next four or five years. It is for local authorities to develop planned maintenance works programmes arising from the findings of their stock condition surveys.
Some €40 million is available under the Planned Maintenance and Voids Programme in 2026 to complement local authorities' own investment in social housing maintenance. A further €140 million and €28.5 million is available respectively through my Department's Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme and Disabled Persons Grants to support social housing remedial works. The programme requirements and allocations will be formally notified to local authorities in respect of each very shortly.
A further €50m is available in 2026 under my Department's National Regeneration Programme for social housing estate remediation projects being advanced by individual local authorities.
In total, €260m is available from my Department in 2026 for local authority stock improvement works.
232. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of a report published (details supplied), which revealed that only one property was purchased through CPO by a local authority in January 2026, the efforts he and his Department are making to support an enhanced programme of CPO to combat dereliction all over Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/26]
View answerWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan will ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Activation Programme, launched in 2023, requires local authorities to take a proactive, systematic approach to identifying and activating vacant and derelict properties.
Local authorities are identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring these properties back into use using the wide range of schemes now in place. This includes using their compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and the Housing Act 1966, when engagement with the owners of these properties is not successful in bringing them back into use.
While local authorities vary in their willingness to use compulsory purchase powers, my Department is working to support local authorities to strengthen their activation response to vacancy and dereliction. Funding is available through Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Call 3, the Social Housing Investment Programme, from the Housing Finance Agency or local authorities' own internal resources, to provide the finance required to compulsorily acquire vacant and derelict properties.
As part of the Programme, my Department, along with the Housing Agency, are providing guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their powers under the Housing Act and Derelict Sites Act. The Programme requires co-ordination across teams within local authorities to support a focused approach and this is occurring, with reorganisation of resources taking place and new structures being established.
In October last year my Department published CPO Activation Programme data for 2023 and 2024 on its website. This data includes the number of properties that entered the Programme and number of compulsory purchases commenced/underway and completed per local authority. This data can be accessed at the following link: Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) Activation Programme.
The compulsory purchase/acquisition process varies depending on the legislation used. The abovementioned data shows that the vast majority of compulsory purchases/acquisitions of vacant and derelict properties are being commenced using the Derelict Sites Act 1990. Under this legislation, a local authority is not required to seek approval or confirmation from An Coimisiún Pleanála, unless the property owner, who is subject to the compulsory acquisition, makes an objection. As such, compulsory acquisitions can and do commence without featuring on An Coimisiún Pleanála's website.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, data will be published annually on local authorities’ achievements in progress and delivery under the CPO Activation Programme. Data for 2026 is not yet available, the data for 2025 is currently being compiled by my Department.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
233. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his plans for the Youth Homeless Strategy post-2026. [17590/26]
View answerIn November 2022, Government published the first national Youth Homelessness Strategy in over twenty years. This Strategy was in place for the period 2023 - 2025, and set out 27 distinct actions aimed at helping young people aged 18 – 24 experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
A Steering Group comprising key stakeholders representing ten different organisations was in place for the lifetime of the Strategy to drive the delivery and monitor progress of all actions within the Strategy. The Steering Group oversaw progress on key actions including the development of a housing-led intervention for young people 'Supported Housing for Youth' (SHY); the review and updating of a Protocol on Young People Leaving State Care; and the production of a supports guide specifically aimed at young people. This Steering Group held its final meeting in December 2025. My Department is now leading on the development of a Completion Report, with input from the Steering Group, which will set out progress made under the Strategy and identify areas where further progress is required. It is anticipated that this report will be published in April 2026.
Government remains committed to addressing youth homelessness. Our new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities commits to the establishment of a standing sub-group of the National Homeless Action Committee to oversee the mainstreaming of key actions, including Supported Housing for Youth and the Shared Accommodation Scheme, and to identify new actions which should be progressed in response to new trends. In addition, the Homelessness Prevention Framework which is currently being developed will include a specific strand on youth homelessness.
234. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for reducing the rents in cost rental accommodation to reduce the percentage of applicants excluded on affordability grounds. [17591/26]
View answerUnder the Delivering Homes, Building Communities action plan, Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, but that rents are not subject to market pressures. Cost Rental is a growing housing tenure in Ireland, with over 4,800 homes delivered by Q3 2025, and a substantial future pipeline now in place.
The legislation does not set a minimum 'affordability' threshold for a Cost Rental tenant, but as with any letting of a home, the landlord must consider the issues of affordability and tenancy sustainability. A landlord such as an Approved Housing Body, a Local Authority or the Land Development Agency will assess prospective Cost Rental tenants to ensure they can sustainably afford the rent over the long term, and to do this a landlord may employ financial metrics, such as a rent-to-income ratio.
Cost-covering rents are different depending on a range of factors, including the size and typology of dwelling and the location, as well as the level of State funding towards the capital costs. Since rents for cost rental homes are set according to the actual costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, recent inflation in delivery costs has proven challenging. Different Cost Rental homes will be more or less affordable for different applicants, but all delivery partners are actively managing costs to ensure that new homes are provided at the best rents that are achievable.
My Department is also providing significant funding to delivery partners for Cost Rental homes. As well as making delivery of new homes viable, State funding drives down rent levels. Given the subsidy element to this capital funding, rents are in fact being set below full cost levels.
In addition, the Government announced in Budget 2026:
• a reduction in VAT on the purchase of new apartments (down to 9% from 13.5%), including for Cost Rental use;
• enhanced Corporation Tax deductions on construction expenses to improve the viability of apartment building; and
• a Corporation Tax exemption for rental income from Cost Rental tenants, to allow the financial models to match even more closely the cost elements of providing the home.
Together these reforms aim to encourage delivery and increase viability of new cost rental homes, reducing costs and ensuing rents, therefore making them more affordable. In parallel, the Government is focused on reducing construction and delivery costs more broadly through standardisation, improved procurement, and increased efficiency, while maintaining high quality and sustainability standards.
235. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new build social homes currently in the pipeline in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal; the key measures being taken to expand social housing provision during 2026 in Sligo, Leitrim and south Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17574/26]
View answerMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. Data is collated at project level rather than individual unit level. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2025 and this shows us shows that there were 1,383 homes at various stages of design and procurement in Donegal, 490 homes in Sligo and 57 homes in Leitrim at the end of Quarter 3 2025. This includes the following delivery streams:
|
LA |
SHIP |
CAS |
CALF |
TOTAL |
|
Donegal |
1241 |
42 |
100 |
1383 |
|
Leitrim |
57 |
- |
- |
57 |
|
Sligo |
468 |
22 |
- |
490 |
The Government's new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities aims to deliver 300,000 new homes in the period to 2030, including 72,000 social homes. The Plan seeks to significantly scale-up delivery of new build social homes to an average of 12,000 per year. The plan includes key measures to support local authorities to scale up delivery commensurate with the increased required supply under the plan.
The plan will further support additional social housing delivery by mandating the use of standard house layouts and specifications as part of the new approval process and facilitate the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) through a standardised design approach. To further promote the delivery of social housing I will embed the use of a Design and Build contract approach in all local authorities and the AHB sector in order to expedite the delivery of social housing.
Additionally, the new ‘single approval’ process for all new build social housing projects up to a value of €200m will support local authorities to streamline processes and encourage delivery of larger new build social housing developments.
The newly established Housing Activation Office (HAO) will identify and address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects required to enable housing development, through the alignment of funding; and co-ordination of infrastructure providers.
Furthermore, the Land Acquisition Fund will be reformed, streamlined and expanded to ensure it is fit for purpose and can support the level of ambition in the Plan. To this end, the fund will also be increased from the current €239m to at least €500m.
To incentivise local authorities to deliver more ‘own build’ projects, a new performance fund will be established. Where a local authority exceeds their ‘own build’ target they will receive additional discretionary funding for the delivery of community and place making initiatives and projects. In addition, ring-fenced 'new-build' housing delivery teams in each local authority dedicated to own build new social and affordable housing delivery will be fully funded by my Department through reimbursement to local authorities on a performance pay basis.
236. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be provided for Louth County Council to for general repairs required after the recent bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17663/26]
View answerMy Department undertakes the Lead Government Department role, as set out in the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) Framework (2017), in relation to the coordination of national level responses to severe weather and flooding emergencies, where warranted. My Department's National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management undertakes this role and works closely with local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Met Éireann.
Local authorities are designated as the lead agencies for coordinating a response to flooding and severe weather emergencies. All local authorities have an established Severe Weather Assessment Team in place, monitoring Met Éireann weather warnings, High Tide Advisories and the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) advisory warnings. Local authorities also have Severe Weather/ Flood Plans in place to support the response to weather emergencies.
Since 2009, my Department has made financial support of over €118 million available to assist local authorities in meeting the unbudgeted costs of clean-up and necessary immediate works, including for exceptional overtime payments, the hire of plant and heavy machinery, the purchase of materials required for the clean-up and the hire of contractors associated with significant severe weather emergency events.
This is in recognition of the exceptional nature of the activities carried out by local authorities in responding to these types of emergencies and the fact that the costs of these un-programmed activities could not be foreseen in annual expenditure planning. This practice is considered a vital enabler to underpin a rapid response by local authorities.
As always, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, has been working with local authorities as they coordinated recovery and restoration works.
My Department recently issued a Circular outlining a recoupments process for eligible costs to those local authorities affected by recent flood events.
It should be noted that funding the repair of public infrastructure is undertaken by the relevant Department in line with its sectoral responsibility. Capital costs associated with infrastructural damage, for example damage to the roads network and coastal protection infrastructure (where necessary), are funded under relevant sectoral arrangements.
237. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is aware of ongoing constraints on housing delivery arising from wastewater treatment and network capacity in rural Galway; whether his Department has considered mechanisms whereby developer-led or developer-funded delivery of strategic wastewater infrastructure, in partnership with Uisce Éireann, could be utilised to accelerate wastewater projects; if such proposals have been assessed or piloted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17624/26]
View answerWastewater treatment and network capacity constraints may impact housing delivery, including in parts of rural Galway. Responsibility for the planning, delivery and operation of public wastewater infrastructure rests with Uisce Éireann.
Ensuring that adequate wastewater infrastructure is available is critical to supporting sustainable housing development and balanced regional growth across the country. Where capacity constraints exist, they can delay or restrict new housing supply, particularly in rural areas where existing infrastructure may not meet current or projected demand. Addressing these constraints is therefore a priority for both my Department and Uisce Éireann.
In November 2025, I committed to having the Developer-Led Wastewater Infrastructure (DLI) initiative operational by the end of the first Quarter of this year, and it is my intention to announce its implementation in the coming days.
The DLI initiative is designed to accelerate the delivery of essential wastewater infrastructure where capacity constraints may affect housing supply. Under this model, developers, in partnership with Uisce Éireann, can construct wastewater solutions required for new housing developments. Once constructed, these assets transfer to public ownership, with Uisce Éireann responsible for ongoing operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. This ensures that all infrastructure meets required technical, environmental, and operational standards, while also providing a mechanism to address constraints more rapidly than through traditional funding and delivery routes.
The DLI model has been developed following consultation with and agreement by key stakeholders, including Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure it is robust, transparent, and capable of supporting sustainable housing growth. Its implementation will be monitored closely to assess effectiveness and inform any future refinements. By enabling targeted investment in wastewater infrastructure where it is most needed, the initiative supports balanced regional development, enhances housing delivery in areas affected by capacity constraints, and ensures that new developments integrate safely and sustainably with the broader public wastewater network.
240. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of affordable, social and cost rental housing deliveries in County Waterford, by year since 2021, and by local electoral area in Waterford. [17606/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to continuing to deliver social and starter homes at pace and scale, providing state supported social homes, and opportunities for affordable purchase and cost rental in many locations nationally. To this end, a comprehensive package of schemes and other measures are in place, to support delivery by the local authorities and the other delivery partners.
My Department collects and collates data on a local authority basis. Comprehensive programme-level statistics are published on a quarterly basis on social and starter homes delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, including Waterford. This data is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. Data is collated at project level rather than individual unit level. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2025. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q3-2025
In terms of starter home delivery, almost 19,000 affordable housing solutions have been delivered since the launch of the previous housing plan, Housing for All, to the end of Q3 2025, including over 540 in Waterford. Updated data, to the end of Q4 2025, will be published by my Department in the upcoming days.
Further housing data, including data on planning permissions, commencements and new dwelling completions is published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on a quarterly basis, and is available on the CSO website at Housing Hub - Central Statistics Office.
241. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of tenant-in-situ acquisitions by Cork County Council since 1 January 2026; the number of these are progressing; the number of these are not progressing; the reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17689/26]
View answerThe management of acquisitions under my Department's Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme, including for tenancy sustainment (via tenant in situ), is delegated to the local authorities.
Critically, 'tenant in situ' is not a 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 should only be used as a last resort by local authorities when all other options have been exhausted. It is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a tenant in situ acquisition is the appropriate policy response in a given situation.
The parameters of the 2026 Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme, including individual local authority priority category allocations were notified to all local authorities via Department Circular last week.
Some €373 million will be available for drawdown by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies under the 2026 programme priorities as follows:
• Exits from Homelessness Acquisitions - €150 million
• AHB Priority Delivery Acquisitions, supporting older persons, persons with disabilities, care leavers - €50 million
• LA Priority Delivery Acquisitions, supporting inter alia tenancy sustainment or tenant-in-situ acquisitions - €157 million.
A contingency fund of €16 million will also be retained. It will be available for local authorities that have recouped most of their initial allocation but still have capacity to complete further acquisitions and drawdown funding from the Department this year.
The funding available is sufficient to support at least 1,000 acquisitions this year.
The multi-annual approach introduced last year will continue in 2026. Local authorities may commit up to the value of 30% of their base 2026 allocations (total c. €85 million) for acquisitions that will complete or drawdown funding in 2027. This will allow priority acquisitions to progress in the closing months of 2026, with certainty on funding in 2027, if such purchases do not complete this year.
Cork County Council’s allocation under the 2026 Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme is €9.5m. This is an increase of €1.865m (c. 24%) on their 2025 Acquisitions spend. Cork County Council have not drawn down any of their 2026 allocation to date.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics quarterly for social housing delivery, including for social housing acquisitions by local authorities. These data are currently available to end Q3 2025 and can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/. Q4 2025 data are currently being compiled and validated and will published in due course.
243. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social and cost rental homes delivered in established urban communities in north Dublin over the past three years, broken down by tenure type and delivery mechanism; and the projected delivery pipeline for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17796/26]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority including Dublin City and Fingal. This data is available to the end of Q3 2025 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at this link: [][www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/]
In the first 9 months of 2025 116 new build social homes were delivered in Dublin City and 55 were delivered in Fingal.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2025. All CSRs are available at the following link: [www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/]
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q3-2025
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis, on affordable housing delivery including cost rental delivery activity by local authorities and other delivery partners. This is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: [www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/]
64 cost rental homes were delivered in Dublin City between Q1 and Q3 2025 while 208 were delivered in Fingal.
The Q4 2025 social and affordable housing statistics and CSR are currently being collated and verified and will be published in due course.
244. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to increase social housing delivery in County Meath; the number delivered in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16267/26]
View answerThe Government's new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities aims to deliver 300,000 new homes in the period to 2030, including 72,000 social homes. The Plan seeks to significantly scale-up delivery of new build social homes to an average of 12,000 per year.
The plan will further support additional social housing delivery by mandating the use of standard house layouts and specifications as part of the new approval process and facilitate the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) through a standardised design approach. To further promote the delivery of social housing in Meath and across the country, the use of a Design and Build contract approach will be embedded in order to expedite the delivery of social housing.
Additionally, the new ‘single approval’ process for all new build social housing projects up to a value of €200m will support local authorities to streamline processes and encourage delivery of larger new build social housing developments.
The newly established Housing Activation Office (HAO) will identify and address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects required to enable housing development, through the alignment of funding; and co-ordination of infrastructure providers.
Furthermore, the Land Acquisition Fund will be reformed, streamlined and expanded to ensure it is fit for purpose and can support the level of ambition in the Plan. To this end, the fund will also be increased from the current €239m to at least €500m.
To incentivise local authorities to deliver more ‘own build’ projects, a new performance fund will be established. Where a local authority exceeds their ‘own build’ target they will receive additional discretionary funding for the delivery of community and place making initiatives and projects. In addition, ring-fenced 'new-build' housing delivery teams in each local authority dedicated to own build new social and affordable housing delivery will be fully funded by my Department through reimbursement to local authorities on a performance pay basis.
In relation to delivery in Meath, my Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, including Meath. This data is available to the end of Q3 2025 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
Data included in this report shows that Meath County Council has delivered 454 homes in 2023, 502 homes in 2024 and 267 homes in Q1-Q3 2025. Data for Q4 2025 is currently being collated and verified.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. Data is collated at project level rather than individual unit level. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2025 and this shows us shows that there were 469 homes at various stages of design and procurement in Meath at the end of Quarter 3 2025, including 267 homes onsite.
245. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cost rental homes that will be delivered under Delivering Homes, Building Communities; the actions he will take to ensure cost rental rents will be affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16461/26]
View answerAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030. The plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, under a new Starter Homes Programme, which will deliver an average of 15,000 starter home supports annually to 2030.
In order to further drive the delivery of starter homes under the new plan, local authorities will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. Delivery included within HDAPs will include cost rental, as provided by the Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and the local authorities, as well as starter homes for purchase. These plans will be completed and published by the local authorities in 2026.
Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector, to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. My Department is providing significant funding to delivery partners for cost rental homes. With this funding, all State-supported cost rental projects must achieve cost-covering rents that start at least 25% below comparable new properties in the private rental market, and therefore present a significant saving to the tenant from the outset. Though it was only introduced in 2021, cost rental delivery is accelerating, with over 4,800 homes already delivered by the end of Q3 2025, with a substantial future pipeline also now in place.
Cost-covering rents are different depending on a range of factors, including the size and typology of dwelling and the location, as well as the level of State funding towards the capital costs. Since rents for cost rental homes are set according to the actual costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, recent inflation in delivery costs has proven challenging. All delivery partners are actively managing costs to ensure that these new homes are provided at the best rents that are achievable.
In addition, the Government announced in Budget 2026:
• a reduction in VAT on the purchase of new apartments (down to 9% from 13.5%);
• enhanced Corporation Tax deductions on construction expenses to improve the viability of apartment building; and
• a Corporation Tax exemption for rental income from Cost Rental tenants.
Together these reforms aim to encourage delivery and increase viability of new cost rental homes, reducing costs and ensuing rents, therefore making them more affordable.
In parallel, the Government is focused on reducing construction and delivery costs more broadly through standardisation, improved procurement, and increased efficiency, while maintaining high quality and sustainability standards.
Quarterly housing delivery reports, including for cost rental delivery, will continue to be published on the Department's website, to track delivery under the Starter Homes Programme in each local authority area to 2030.
246. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will issue an order to allow the cutting of turf at bogs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17082/26]
View answerThe EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), commonly known as “the Habitats Directive”, requires all Member States to select sites for the protection of habitats and species considered threatened in the EU territory. Annex I of the Habitats Directive lists active raised bog as a priority habitat in danger of disappearing within the EU.
Under the Habitats Directive Member States shall designate selected sites as Special Areas of Conservation and shall take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats within.
The bogs referred to are Special Areas of Conservation and wetland ecosystems of high ecological value. The main threats to their conservation arise from any actions that remove the vegetation, drain water or cause them to dry out. In the case of Active Raised Bog average water levels need to be close to the surface for most of the year to survive. Turf cutting involves the direct removal of peat and the vegetation on top and associated drainage compromises the hydrological integrity of these protected bogs and lowering the water table. These changes to the bog structure not only result in the loss of the unique raised bog ecology but under certain conditions can influence the hydrology of the bog and its surrounding landscape.
Arising from this legal obligation on the State to ensure that these sites are adequately protected and due to the damaging effect of turf cutting and associated drainage on these protected bogs, as Minister I am legally prohibited from granting consent for activities which would have an adverse effect on the integrity of these sites.
248. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the provision of allocated housing for those that work in frontline public sector jobs including teachers, nurses and members of An Garda Síochána; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16471/26]
View answerThe Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. The Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability.
Cost Rental is a key element of the new plan’s strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households, including those who may be categorised as frontline workers. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure but that rents are not subject to the pressures of the open market. All cost rental projects must achieve cost-covering rents that are at least 25% below comparable market levels, and therefore present a significant saving to the tenant relative to new market rental properties.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to earmark certain cost rental homes for key local workers, last July I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Allocation Plan) Regulations 2025. These Regulations allow for Cost Rental landlords to propose ‘Allocation Plans’ for my approval, which may prioritise particular homes for those with a link to an area though residence, employment or education. This will support people to live and work in their local area. For example, Monaghan County Council has an Allocation Plan covering 16 apartments in Monaghan town, with priority for local workers. Earlier this month I gave approval-in-principle to another Plan covering 66 apartments to be delivered in Dublin city centre, again with priority for local workers, which should be announced by the landlord soon.
The definition of key worker is complex. We have learned, especially through the Covid years, that very many people working in public, health and social services and in the broader economy are key workers and making that distinction is not straightforward, or necessarily fair.
My Department continues to explore all options to support access to Cost Rental.
249. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement he has had with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Energy on the impact of grid constraint on the delivery of housing targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17080/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that the delivery of housing must be aligned with the timely provision of supporting infrastructure, including electricity network capacity. Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government has committed to significantly accelerating housing delivery by activating land and creating the optimal conditions for development, supported by regulatory reform, tax incentives and unprecedented capital investment. The Action Plan acknowledges that the delivery of at least 300,000 homes over its lifetime must proceed in-step with infrastructure provision, including necessary investment in electricity network infrastructure.
The Government’s housing targets are based on a realistic and broad assessment of the housing system, including constraints currently impacting delivery, such as electricity and other enabling infrastructure. Ensuring the continued delivery of grid capacity to support housing growth into the future is therefore a priority for Government and is being addressed through significant investment and coordinated cross-government action. The updated National Development Plan includes provision for major investment in electricity infrastructure. This includes €3.5 billion in equity funding allocated to ESB and EirGrid to 2030, as set out in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment’s Sectoral Capital Plan for 2026–2030. This investment will support over 500 capital network projects nationwide, facilitate new housing connections, provide grid capacity for housing growth, integrate renewable generation and strengthen overall grid resilience and decarbonisation.
To ensure that these investments result in delivery, the Government has established a dedicated taskforce within the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment that includes my Department. The Government has also established the Accelerating Renewable Energy and Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforces, which aim to accelerate the development of renewable electricity generation and infrastructure and work in tandem with the housing focused delivery mechanisms.
In parallel, I established the Housing Activation Office (HAO) within my Department. The HAO includes expertise seconded from key infrastructure agencies, including ESB Networks, alongside staff with planning and project management expertise. The Office is actively engaging with all 31 local authorities and infrastructure providers to identify and address infrastructure constraints impacting housing delivery. The HAO is also working directly with ESB Networks to coordinate investment required to unlock key housing sites nationally. In addition, the HAO holds monthly coordination meetings with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to discuss electricity grid capacity to ensure alignment between housing delivery priorities and electricity infrastructure planning.
Furthermore, to support engagement and coordination, I have convened a Housing Activation Delivery Group comprising senior representatives from Government Departments, including Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and infrastructure agencies that include ESB Networks and EirGrid.
In addition, my Department launched the first Call under the new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund on 21 January 2026, focusing on advanced infrastructure projects capable of delivery in the 2026–2028 timeframe to support early housing delivery.
Taken together, these measures demonstrate the strong level of engagement and coordination in place to align housing activity with grid capacity. This work will continue to be strengthened as part of the Government’s integrated approach to housing and infrastructure delivery.
