Tuesday, 28 Apr 2026

Written Answers Nos. 682-701

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Commercial Rates

Questions (682)

Colm Burke

Question:

682. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is engaging with local authorities with a view to giving rates relief to childcare facilities given these facilitates are now being required to pay commercial rates even though they are providing an essential service to the community, and as a result of this additional cost many of them will not be reopening in September 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29731/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation list prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended.

Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act), and I, as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have no function in decisions in this regard. Under the Act, all property is rateable unless it falls into one of the exempt categories listed in Schedule 4 of the Act. There is a very specific range of exemptions that can be applied, and Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4.

The invoicing and collection of rates is a matter for each local authority to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal credit control procedures.

My Department encourages local authorities to engage with ratepayers and most local authorities promote the use of direct debit payment facilities and work with businesses to put in place flexible payment options that reflect capacity to pay.

There are a number of statutory provisions that allow for local abatement of rates. Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001 is the basis on which many local authorities provide rates incentive schemes for early or full payment of commercial rates, or protect small ratepayers from rates increases.

Section 15 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 provides for rates waiver schemes. It contains provisions to add to the suite of options already available to local authorities to support local businesses and ratepayers. These new rates waiver schemes are subject to a public consultation process and are approved by the elected members at either a plenary meeting of the Council or the annual budget meeting. Elected members are empowered to make schemes to support local and national policy objectives, by waiving the paying of commercial rates in certain circumstances. It is open for a local authority to design a waiver scheme as long as it supports county development plans, local area plans, local economic and community plans and the national planning framework.

Departmental Data

Questions (683)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

683. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm if he has received an application for the interim remediation scheme by an owners' management company of apartments and duplexes (details supplied); if so, the works that are planned and/or the works that have been carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29754/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Government approval was received on 18 September 2024 for the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. The purpose of this legislation is to place the defects remediation Scheme on a statutory footing, further to commitments contained in the Programme for Government.

The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.

The Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works. The Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013. Defects that originate from inadequate maintenance, a failure of sinking funds to adequately allow for end-of-life replacement of building and safety systems, or inadequate management of later works to the building that have inadvertently resulted in defects will not be included within the scope of the scheme. The Scheme is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis.

The management and operation of the scheme, including application processing is a matter for the Housing Agency. All queries regarding applications to the Interim Remediation Scheme may be directed to [e-mail]

Elected member queries may be made to [e-mail]

Waterways Issues

Questions (684)

Martin Kenny

Question:

684. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the new Shannon bye laws will require commercial operators to get a licence to operate a commercial activity on the waterway; and if there will be a fee to obtain this licence. [29762/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Waterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.

The Shannon Navigation Bye-laws 1992 currently stipulate that a person shall not carry out commercial operations without the permission of Waterways Ireland. Permissions have been provided to operators by way of annual licence and associated fee.

The current revised draft of the Bye-laws, which has been submitted to my Department for detailed consideration and legal review, amends Section 23 to confirm the position as follows:

23 (1) A person shall require a licence in writing from Waterways Ireland to carry out commercial operations (excluding commercial fishing) on the Shannon Navigation. Licences issued to commercial operations may contain such written conditions as Waterways Ireland deems fit.

It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing Bye-laws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Bye-laws has concluded.

Waterways Issues

Questions (685)

Martin Kenny

Question:

685. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Waterways Ireland will review the waiting list for the Grand Canal Dock; and the number of persons that currently have a boat on the waterway and who applied to be on the waiting list in the past five years.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29763/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Waterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The detailed information requested in relation to the number of persons that currently have a boat on the waterway at Grand Canal Dock and when people made their application to the waiting list for Grand Canal Dock is not held in my Department. However, arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is [e-mail]

Waterways Ireland

Questions (686)

Martin Kenny

Question:

686. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Waterways Ireland will provide a break down on the amount spent on an annual basis for the past five years with PR and communication companies in preparing for appearing at Joint Oireachtas Committees. [29764/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Waterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The detailed information requested in relation to the amount spent by Waterways Ireland on PR and communication companies in preparing for appearing at Joint Oireachtas Committees is not held in my Department. However, arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is [e-mail]

Student Accommodation

Questions (687)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

687. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for linking rent increases in the first two years to CPI for new build, purpose-built student accommodation, with no 2% cap where the development commenced after 10 June 2025, as outlined in the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29077/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 came into effect on 1 March 2026, introducing a new national rent control for all tenancies, which limits rent increases to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up to a maximum of 2%. For new build apartments and student-specific accommodation (SSA) that lodge commencement notices on or after 10 June 2025, however, rent increases are capped at the level of inflation (CPI) only. These changes were introduced to promote greater investment in the rental market and to increase the supply of rental properties, including new purpose built student accommodation.

The Act also provides significant improvements in security of tenure for renters. A tenant moving into a dwelling on or after 1 March 2026 will have certainty that while they remain in the tenancy their rent can only increase by inflation, up to a maximum of 2% in all tenancies, other than new apartments or SSA. Rent increases in tenancies that began before 1 March 2026 will also be restricted to inflation, up to a maximum increase of 2%.

Departmental Funding

Questions (688)

Aidan Farrelly

Question:

688. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the financial support, assistance or grant aid that can be accessed via his Department or at local authority level funded by his Department, that persons can access in order to assist with discoveries of items and or remains of cultural and historic significance (details supplied). [29982/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Where archaeological excavations are carried out on foot of planning conditions it is the responsibility of the developer to fund all associated costs. My Department does not have a funding scheme in this regard.

Housing Schemes

Questions (689)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

689. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration has been given to expanding the first home scheme and help-to-buy scheme to cover second hand homes for first time buyers given the cost of new homes in this housing crisis. [30086/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The First Home Scheme is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, within regional price ceilings. First time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home are eligible to apply.

The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.

In relation to the use of the Scheme for second hand homes, the DAC introduced the Tenant Home Purchase Product in April 2023. This Product allows tenants to purchase their current rental property where they have received a Notice of Termination because the landlord is selling the property.

In addition, the new housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, commits to engaging with the pillar banks and the First Home Scheme to develop a support for first time buyers seeking to purchase and renovate derelict or long-term vacant properties. I have requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for such an expansion and the matter is under consideration. Any decision to extend the Scheme would require the agreement of the shareholders.

The Help to Buy incentive is an initiative of Revenue and the Department of Finance, and does not come under the remit of my Department. Revenue and the Department of Finance can be contacted in relation to that scheme’s operation. Revenue can be contacted at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/contact-us/index.aspx.

Planning Issues

Questions (690)

Robert O'Donoghue

Question:

690. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the proposed rural housing guidelines; whether consideration is being given to allowing non-farming families to apply for permission for an additional dwelling on their family land, by reasons of close family ties to an area, increasing the current provision from one to two houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I intend to publish a National Planning Statement in of the second half of 2026 that will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set in the National Planning Framework (NPF).

My Department is currently preparing a draft National Planning Statement (NPS) for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024 in order to provide consistency in the approach to rural housing across the Country.

The NPS will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment), and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.

Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European Directives and international agreements. Due care is being taken to ensure the draft National Planning Statement will not conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, will comply with EU environmental requirements and will have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice.

The NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, which remain in effect pending the finalisation of the draft National Planning Statement, enable planning authorities to prepare and adopt local development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.

When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the National Planning Framework, the provisions of the relevant development plan and any relevant Ministerial guidelines, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect until they are revoked or replaced by a new National Planning Statement.

Planning Issues

Questions (691)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

691. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that a plot of land adjacent to and including a part of a rare alluvial woodland in Rathcoole, County Dublin is being considered for a new housing development; his views that this important woodland ecosystem would be better left undisturbed for the sake of recreational use by local residents and to protect the flora and fauna living there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is a statutory consultee in the planning and development system. Competent authorities responsible for assessing planning applications may request the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of this Department to provide a submission on such proposals in relation to impacts on nature conservation. When such cases are referred, staff within the NPWS may provide relevant observations to the competent authority.

Further information can be found at www.npws.ie/development-consultations#The%20role%20of%20the%20Minister%20in%20relation%20to%20development%20applications

Invasive Species Policy

Questions (692, 693, 694, 695)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

692. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether an assessment has been carried out at national level of the impact of invasive plant species, including those affecting dune and coastal systems, on erosion and coastal protection; whether Dublin Bay and areas such as Dollymount Strand and Bull Island have been included in any such assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30150/26]

Barry Heneghan

Question:

693. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures currently in place to monitor, control and manage invasive species in coastal and dune habitats in Dublin Bay, including areas such as Dollymount Strand and Bull Island; the agencies responsible for carrying out this work, including the role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30151/26]

Barry Heneghan

Question:

694. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of funding allocated in 2024, 2025 and 2026 for the management and control of invasive species in coastal areas, including Dublin Bay, by year and programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30152/26]

Barry Heneghan

Question:

695. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the national policies, strategies or programmes in place to address the spread of invasive species in coastal and dune environments; the way these are coordinated with coastal protection and climate adaptation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30153/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 692, 693, 694 and 695 together.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as well as the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024, all of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species.

My Department engages with local authorities, stakeholders and national representative bodies across a range of policy areas, including invasive alien species. The role of the NPWS is implementation of the legislative framework around invasive alien species on a national level.

Local Authorities are responsible for control of invasive alien species on their own lands, as required by the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024. Under this legislative framework, responsibility for dealing with invasive alien species is a matter for the landowner.

The three local authorities within the Dublin region, Dublin City Council (DCC), Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR) and Fingal County Council (FCC), treat invasive species along the coast. On council owned/managed lands, the relevant Local Authority monitors, controls and manages invasive species. For Dublin Bay, this includes coastal and dune habitats. Fingal County Council also treat IAS in areas of private land along the coast, such as on Howth Head and Ireland's Eye.

The NPWS does not carry out its own control programmes. However, the relevant Local Authorities liaise with local NPWS Conservation Rangers regarding IAS removal if it's within or adjacent to a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protected Area (SPA) and sends records to the National Bio-Diversity Centre (NBDC).

Dublin City Council manages IAS on North Bull Island (SAC/SPA/Nature Reserve) through ongoing surveys, targeted control works, and site-based management. Examples of the work carried out are set out below:

Monitoring

• DCC Commissioned an ecological survey and mapping of invasive plant species across the island (2025–2026) to establish baseline and inform management

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based recording of species distribution that is aligned with national datasets.

• Ongoing monitoring by Parks staff, Conservation Park Rangers and volunteers.

Control & Management

• Targeted removal of priority species, primarily Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

• Mechanical removal using excavator (root removal) through ‘thumb’ method, supplemented by manual removal by staff and volunteers

• Works scheduled outside nesting season (1 March – 31 August) and in line with ecological constraints

• Control integrated with dune and habitat management

The Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership is comprised of Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin Port, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fáilte Ireland. The partnership manages a programme of conservation and education for the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is responsible for reporting to UNESCO, including undertaking a full review every ten years. As part of the Biosphere, they liaise with other agencies, Third level institutes, community groups and corporates.

My Department's Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), operated by the NPWS, was introduced in 2018 to assist Local Authorities to carry out projects that target the objectives of Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). In 2024 and 2025, ten projects that included actions to treat invasive species in coastal areas received funding through this scheme, including two in Dublin. These are set out in the table below. A funding announcement for successful LBAF 2026 projects will be made in due course

Year	Local Authority	Project Name	LBAF Grant
2025	Dublin City	IAS Action Bull Island	€ 13,730.46
2025	Fingal	Ireland's Eye Seasonal Wardens and IAS Control	€ 74,226.00
2025	Galway City	Galway City Council Invasive Species Strategy 2023-2033	€ 33,340.25
2025	Galway County	Invasive Species Eradication Programme on West Connacht Islands 2025-2027	€ 2,793.10
2025	Kerry	IAS Eradication in Dingle/Castleisland MD and Listowel MD areas	€ 29,393.48
2025	Mayo	Invasive Species Eradication Programme on West Connacht Islands 2025-2027	€ 2,805.00
2025	Wicklow	Managing Council-owned Sites for Enhanced Biodiversity	€ 11,973.00
2025	Sligo	Dune Management Plan	€ 5,084.27
2024	Kerry	Coastal Conservation in Kerry	€ 8,289.75
2024	Sligo	Dune Management Plan	€ 10,168.53
Total:			€ 191,803.84
2024 subtotal:			€ 18,458.28
2025 subtotal:			€ 173,345.56

Finally, the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) hosts an important online resource, www.invasives.ie, which brings together a range of awareness raising materials, guidelines, plans and regulatory information in one place.

Individuals may contact my Department with any queries they might have around invasive alien species in their area or indeed, relating to the applicable legislation and their responsibilities under this legislation.

Question No. 693 answered with Question No. 692.

Question No. 694 answered with Question No. 692.

Question No. 695 answered with Question No. 692.

Emergency Accommodation

Questions (696)

Rory Hearne

Question:

696. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families in emergency accommodation for more than 12 months who have exited emergency accommodation since September 2025, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30180/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.

My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).

The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of March 2026. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation's open data portal data.gov.ie/.

My Department also publishes quarterly Progress Reports which are based on quarterly Performance Reports submitted by the nine regional lead authorities responsible for the administration of homeless services at local level. These quarterly Performance Reports include information on presentations to homeless services by single adult and family households who entered emergency accommodation as well as details on single adult and family households exiting emergency accommodation into tenancies. The quarterly Progress Report summarises the data submitted to the Department.

The most recent published data is in respect of the Q4 2025 and the Progress Report is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/homeless-quarterly-progress-report-q4-2025/

Water Supply

Questions (697, 740)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

697. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether management companies hold responsibility for drainage; where these responsibilities lie; and the relevant section of the relevant Act. [30232/26]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

740. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that an owner management company cannot prevent an owner of a duplex home, with their own roof and attic from installing solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30882/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 697 and 740 together.

The responsibility for the Multi-Unit Developments Act, 2011 (the MUDs Act), falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

The Programme for Government committed to moving the responsibility for the MUDs Act to my Department to streamline support for OMCs and improve oversight. A timeline for the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is currently being advanced. Engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.

Departmental Reports

Questions (698)

Albert Dolan

Question:

698. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Local Authority Regional Homelessness Financial Reports for 2025 will be published on his Department's website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30242/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. Under Exchequer funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Furthermore, housing authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of the Exchequer funding arrangements provided by my Department. Therefore, the exact amounts spent by housing authorities on homeless services are a matter for individual housing authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum.

Financial reports for 2025 are currently being received from the homeless regions and are under examination. These reports will be published once that process is complete. Published financial reports for previous years are available on the Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data

Defective Building Materials

Questions (699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 705)

Charles Ward

Question:

699. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals lodged to date relating specifically to downgraded remediation options under the defective concrete blocks scheme; the number of such appeals in each county, , including a separate identification of Donegal; the number of such appeals submitted in each month since the establishment of the appeals panels, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30245/26]

Charles Ward

Question:

700. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options that have been withdrawn to date; the number of such withdrawals in each month; the reason recorded in each case for withdrawal; whether the reason for withdrawal is recorded as a mandatory field in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30246/26]

Charles Ward

Question:

701. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants who, having initiated an appeal in respect of a downgraded remediation option, subsequently opted to pursue a technical review instead; whether such cases are included in, excluded from, or separately classified within appeal statistics; the number of such cases currently recorded; the stage at which such cases are removed or reclassified within the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30247/26]

Charles Ward

Question:

702. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options determined to date by the appeals panels; the outcome in each case, including the number overturned resulting in an upgrade in remediation option; the number upheld; the number remitted for further inspection or reassessment; the average and median time taken to determine such appeals, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30248/26]

Charles Ward

Question:

703. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options currently awaiting determination by the appeals panels; the length of time each such appeal has been awaiting decision, categorised, by time bands; if he will confirm that this figure excludes withdrawn appeals and cases where applicants opted for a technical review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30249/26]

Charles Ward

Question:

705. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions on appeals relating to downgraded remediation options under the defective concrete blocks scheme, whether he or his Department holds the data requested; if not, whether the appeals panels or any associated bodies hold such data; if the data is held by an independent body, whether he will engage with the relevant body or bodies, including the appeals panels and/or the Housing Agency, to obtain and provide this information to Dáil Éireann; whether any legal or administrative barriers exist to the provision of such data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30251/26]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699, 700, 701, 702, 703 and 705 together.

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the 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 Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme.

A total of 132 appeals have been submitted to the Appeals Panel in relation to the downgrading of reports by independent chartered engineers. Each of these appeals is a matter for the Chair of the Panel.

A breakdown showing appeals received, in relation to downgraded remediation options, is available in the table below:

Designated local authority	Appeals Received re: downgraded remediation options
Donegal	114
Mayo	0
Clare	9
Limerick	9
Sligo	0
Total	132

To date 8 appeals have been withdrawn by appellants in relation to the downgrading of remediation options.

A breakdown of these, by designated local authority, is available in the table below:

Designated local authority	Appeals Withdrawn re: downgraded remediation options
Donegal	7
Mayo	0
Clare	1
Limerick	0
Sligo	0
Total	8

My Department does not hold data in the monthly format requested.

It is not mandatory for an appellant to supply a reason for the withdrawal of an appeal.

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. Requests submitted by homeowners for the withdrawal of an appeal are also forwarded to the Panel. Matters pertaining to the operation of the Panel, including the timelines for the processing of appeals and determinations, 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.

Following changes to the current DCB Grant Scheme announced on 6 November 2024, the Housing Agency offers all applicants with a non-demolition option (options 2-5) appropriate remediation option recommendation the choice of;

a. continuing as per legislation with the non-demolition remediation option recommendation issued to the local authority as a determination;

or;

b. have a full technical review of their application by The Housing Agency against the revised IS 465.

The information requested concerning applicants who, having initiated an appeal in respect of a downgraded remediation option but, subsequently opted to pursue a technical review instead is not held by my Department. Applicants who opt for a technical review may apply to their relevant designated local authority who have responsibility for the administration of the DCB Grant scheme.

Upon review, and should the local authority deem that the application is valid, they will refer it on to the Housing Agency for review.

The Housing Agency act as technical agents on behalf of the local authorities under the DCB Grant Scheme.

Separately, The Housing Agency also notifies the applicant of their statutory right to appeal in the issued correspondence to applicants surrounding a request to avail of a technical review.

Question No. 700 answered with Question No. 699.

Question No. 701 answered with Question No. 699.

• Written Answers Nos. 662-681
• Written Answers Nos. 702-721