Written Answers Nos. 375-392
375. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of sport related grant funding allocated that remains unspent and the year those funds were allocated, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40929/26]
View answerThe information requested encompasses multiple rounds of the Community Sport Facilities Fund and is presently being collated by my Department. A report will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
376. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a report on the progress made implementing the Programme for Government commitments within his remit and on the achievements since the formation of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41381/26]
View answerI published an update on the progress and achievements made with respect to my Department’s Programme for Government commitments to the end of 2025 on my Department’s website in January 2026: Progress in meeting Programme for Government commitments 2025. This document will be updated in July to reflect progress made in the first half of this year.
377. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 373 of 15 January 2026, for an update on the plans to provide a 50 metre swimming pool for Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41404/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to implementing the first-ever National Swimming Strategy by investing in pools and swimming facilities allowing everyone an opportunity to swim.
The Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report, which was funded by my Department and published by Swim Ireland in December 2025, identified significant deficiencies in Ireland’s aquatic infrastructure and highlighted the need for urgent investment and strategic planning to ensure every Irish person has access to swimming facilities and the life-saving skill of swimming. Many of the gaps in terms of pool condition, supply, energy and sustainability can be addressed via future rounds of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Where opportunities arise, specific and targeted measures in addition to the two funding streams can be considered to lend impetus to delivery of the National Swimming Strategy. In that context, the gap analysis report highlighted the need for 50 metre pools in both Connacht and Munster.
I recently confirmed an additional €3.25 million in support to help progress the long-awaited Galway Regional Aquatic Project. The proposed allocation will close the remaining funding gap identified by Galway City Council, enabling the project to move toward the construction phase - subject to completion of due diligence, final business case approval and tender documentation.
While my Department has not had recent engagement with the club in question, my officials will be examining best to progress a strategic approach to the development of a 50 metre swimming pool in Cork.
378. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made towards publishing guidelines for solar energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40853/26]
View answer379. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made towards publishing guidelines for battery energy storage projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40854/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 379 together.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government 2025, my Department is working with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which holds policy responsibility for renewable energy matters, in respect of the introduction of a number of National Planning Statements related to Ireland's Climate Action Plan target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources up to 80% in 2030. This includes the preparation of a National Planning Statement in relation to solar energy development which will considers developments that include battery storage.
Further to the commencement of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 on 2 October 2025, provisions for National Planning Statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. All existing Section 28 guidelines will, over time, be revoked and replaced with new National Planning Statements. Any current section 28 guidelines will however remain in force until revoked or replaced by a corresponding National Planning Statement. The timing of the issuing of National Planning Statements will be based on Government priorities.
In respect of sectoral national planning statements in particular there is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of these National Planning Statements. In that context, my Department is working closely with the DCEE as the Department with policy responsibility for this area of Government policy in order to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of this National Planning Statement, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, European obligations such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), battery storage facilities and the possible timeframe for publication of the National Planning Statement.
In the interim it is the case that, as with the vast majority of development types, there are not specific guidelines for the development of solar energy. I am satisfied that the existing and evolving planning system, supported by Government policy more generally, provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the rollout of solar energy development in a sustainable manner and to assist with meeting our renewable electricity requirements while balancing the perspectives of local communities and allowing for public and stakeholder engagement.
In line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment will be carried out on any draft National Planning Statement regarding solar energy development, with opportunity for consultation by the public and all stakeholders on the draft National Planning Statement.
380. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an assessment has been undertaken regarding the impact of vape and smoke retail outlet proliferation on commercial vacancy patterns, retail diversity or traditional retail activity within town centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40874/26]
View answer384. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if planning legislation currently permits local authorities to regulate or restrict the concentration or clustering of vape and smoke retail outlets within towns, villages or city centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40875/26]
View answer385. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration has been given to introducing planning or zoning controls relating to the density or concentration of vape and smoke retail outlets within urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40876/26]
View answer386. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has issued planning guidance to local authorities relating to vape and smoke retail outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40877/26]
View answer387. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if vape and smoke retail outlets are classified under any distinct planning-use category for the purposes of planning and development legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40878/26]
View answer388. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review has been undertaken regarding the visual impact of vape and smoke retail signage, illuminated advertising or outlet clustering on historic streetscapes and town centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40879/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 380, 384, 385, 386, 387 and 388 together.
The National Planning Framework (2025) recognises the strong link between our health and environment and includes a National Policy Objective to support the objectives of public health policy, including Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013–2025 and the National Physical Activity Plan, through integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policy. This policy support at national level is also translated into policies at the regional and local levels through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and city and county development plans.
The Retail Planning Guidelines were issued as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in 2012. Section 28 of the Act provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) are required to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their functions.
The Guidelines recognise that the retail sector is a key component of the national economy and aims to ensure that the planning system continues to play its role in supporting competitiveness and choice in the sector, while also promoting the vitality and viability of city and town centres.
The Guidelines support a plan-led approach to the provision of new retail development. Under the Guidelines, retail strategies are to be prepared at regional and local levels, which project future retail needs and requirements aligned to the settlement hierarchy established by the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and City and County Development Plans. This process will identify the appropriate level, form and location of retail activity.
The aim of the retail strategies is to inform and develop proposed retail design policies and objectives and the retail planning guidelines advise that planning authorities may wish to address specific issues that affect the appearance or functioning of a town or city and its retail areas. This includes a signage/advertisement strategy. Each local authority is responsible for undertaking its own vitality and viability health check as part of their published strategy and this can include dealing with environmental issues such as litter, shopfront design and diversity of uses.
Part 3, Chapter 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, relating to National Planning Statements, commenced on October 2, 2025. Ministerial Guidelines will, over time, be reviewed and replaced, as appropriate, with National Planning Statements (NPSs). Having regard to the evolving nature of the retail industry and broader changes that are impacting on the role of city and town centres in recent years, it is envisaged that a review of the Retail Planning Guidelines will be included in the review programme. In the interest of clarity, the existing Retail Planning Guidelines will continue to have effect until such time as they are replaced by an NPS.
The local authority development plan is the principal planning policy tool to achieve the NPF objectives and the requirements of Ministerial Guidelines at a local level. The zoning of land for particular purposes, including retail development, is an exercise undertaken by planning authorities as part of their overall statutory plan function generally as part of a development plan. All current development plans across the country were adopted under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Part 3, Chapter 5 (Development Plans) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 commenced on 31st December 2025. Sections 44 to 51 of the Act of 2024 require planning authorities to include various strategies and objectives in preparing development plans made under the 2024 Act, including in relation to the sustainable development of their functional area. Section 45 of the Act requires local authorities to the promote sustainable economic development, including retail provision.
With regard to the specific categories of retail establishments and consideration within the process of granting planning permission, under the provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) the definition of a 'shop' includes a structure used for the retail sale of goods. The Regulations do not specify what types of goods may or may not be sold within a shop.
381. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the development of national planning statements for critical infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40392/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government (2025) has emphasised the delivery of essential infrastructure as a key driver in attracting and retaining investment in Ireland, growing our economy, fostering regional development, delivering on our housing targets and achieving our ambitious climate goals.
In April 2025, Government agreed a set of key actions focused on accelerating infrastructure delivery, including the review of the National Development Plan, emphasising the Programme for Government’s prioritisation of increased investment in growth-enhancing infrastructure, such as energy grid capacity, water supply, transport connectivity and health digitalisation; the establishment of a new Infrastructure Division within the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; and the establishment of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
The Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Report and Plan was published in December 2025, setting out a series of actions under four pillars to address infrastructure delivery. Thirty specific, time-bound measures have been designed to remove barriers. These actions represent a transformative approach to streamlining development processes and significantly reducing delivery timelines. The Accelerating Infrastructure report and action plan requires that a National Planning Statement (NPS) is developed and published.
The Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was finalised and approved by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025. The NPF Revision process gave rise to consideration of implementation to date, and the potential need for further support for the implementation of the NPF strategy. In particular, the process highlighted the need to give effect to the efficient coordination and delivery of enabling infrastructure and services.
Facilitating the delivery of infrastructure to support the development of housing and other necessary development is a central priority for my Department. My Department is engaged in the process of developing an NPS to set out clear policy objectives to assist and focus the planning system in supporting the appropriate development of critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, my Department is engaged with other relevant departments in scoping the drafting of the NPS and it is envisaged that there will be liaison with key infrastructure providers and relevant Government Departments, in addition to other key stakeholders, to inform the development and practical implementation of the NPS.
Part 3, Chapter 3 (sections 25-27) of the new Planning and Development Act 2024 provides for the creation of National Planning Statements (NPSs). These Statements allow the Government to clearly articulate its priorities on matters of national spatial and sectoral significance to planning authorities.
The purpose of these statements is to provide a clear and consistent framework within which regional assemblies, local authorities, An Coimisiún Pleanála and other prescribed bodies must operate. This, in turn, will ensure that the decisions of these authorities and bodies are aligned with the overarching national policy objectives as set out in the National Planning Framework. By setting out clear, unambiguous national policy objectives for the development of critical infrastructure, an NPS will build on the clear policy support provided by the Revised National Planning Framework (April 2025) and help to promote consistency, transparency and accountability in decision-making across all tiers of the planning system. This will in turn provide utilities and other investors with the clarity and certainty needed to guide investment and decision making.
In this regard it is envisaged that, in line with the timeline outlined in the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Report and Plan, that by Q3 2026 a draft NPS will be prepared with a view towards finalising the NPS in Q1 2027.
382. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the engagement his Department has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the review of their memorandum of understanding; to confirm if details of the review process have been provided to the organisation; the nature and timing of any such engagement; the current status of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40835/26]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department routinely, as good practice, conducts reviews of all Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), including the one in place with the organisation referred to.
This MOU remains active, save for one element, which has been communicated to the organisation in question.
383. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if will urgently sanction additional funding to Sligo County Council to enable the reopening of the housing adaptation grant scheme to Priority 2 and 3 applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40849/26]
View answerMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2026 increased substantially by €30 million to €129.5 million, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department is aware that some local authorities have paused the acceptance of priority 2 and priority 3 applications but are continuing to consider priority 1 applications. Priority 1 is defined as individuals who are terminally ill, primarily dependent on family or a carer, or where adaptations to the home would support applicants leaving hospital or residential care.
During 2025, my Department approved two separate requests for additional funding overall totalling €453,670 from Sligo County Council and over €2.14 million was drawn down by the Council in 2025. Sligo County Council received an allocation of over €2.3 million in Exchequer funding for 2026 an increase of 30% on the original allocation in 2025. Sligo County Council submitted a request for additional funding to my Department and it is under review.
My Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity and my Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year. My Department is actively engaging with local authorities to facilitate redistribution of any such savings as early as possible this year.
389. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities assess social welfare incomes for social housing support applications on a gross or net basis; if a separate or modified assessment applies to applicants in receipt of taxable social welfare payments such as illness benefit or jobseeker's benefit; the method to which these taxable payments are calculated for income assessment purposes; the criteria used to differentiate them from non-taxable payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40881/26]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy is provided for under Regulation 17 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 and determines that net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. All income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits is assessable, and no separate assessment regime applies. The policy also allows for discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The determination of whether an applicant household meets the income criteria is based on a calculation of their preceding 12 months’ net average income prior to the date of receipt of application.
More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/
My Department keeps the Household Means Policy under regular review in order to ensure that it continues to be appropriate.
390. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the importance of ensuring that all public places are accessible; if he will ensure that planning permission and building control sign off by local authorities is contingent on compliance with part M accessibility in practice in particular step-free access and at least one unisex accessible toilet; if local authority supports to businesses will be conditional on full accessibility compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40893/26]
View answer391. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will support introducing a requirement that all new public facing premises and any premises undergoing refurbishment provide as a minimum a step-free access and at least one accessible unisex toilet; if he will review premises where refurbishment has been done in the past five years for compliance with accessibility requirements; if he will support the align existing planning, building control, licensing, and public funding mechanisms to require and enforce accessibility compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40894/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
The Building Regulations 1997 to 2024 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling), an extension and certain works to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). The related Technical Guidance Documents provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms.
Part M (Access and Use) of Regulations, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use. In order to satisfy the requirements of Part M, all buildings should be designed and constructed so that people can safely and independently approach, gain access and use a building, its facilities and its environs and elements of the building should not constitute an undue hazard for people, especially for people with vision, hearing or mobility impairments. Accessible approaches should be level or ramped, where ramps are used stepped access should also be provided. Other solutions may work where site specific constraints exist e.g. platform lift. Where sanitary facilities are provided, adequate accessible sanitary facilities should be provided e.g. at least one unisex accessible WC.
Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
Guidance on how to design, build and manage buildings and spaces so that they can be readily accessed and used by everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability is available in 'Building for Everyone, A Universal Design Approach', available on the website of the National Disability Authority at []https://universaldesign.ie/built-environment/building-for-everyone.
The Building Control Regulations set out the system of administrative controls to support compliance with the Building Regulations. The Building Control Regulations require, in the case of commercial buildings and apartment blocks that a Disability Access Certificate be obtained from the local Building Control Authority (i.e. the relevant local authority).
A Disability Access Certificate is a certificate, which specifies that the works or building to which the application relates will, if carried out in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted, comply with the requirements of Part M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. It is an offence to occupy or use a building without having a valid Disability Access Certificate in place as required.
A Disability Access Certificate is required for new buildings other than dwellings (including apartment buildings) and certain other works (as set out in Article 20 D(1) of S.I. No. 351 of 2009) to which the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations apply. In general, a Disability Access Certificate is required for works requiring a Fire Safety Certificate including new buildings and certain extensions, material alterations and material changes of use.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is delegated under the Building Control Act to the local Building Control Authorities. They have strong powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution and are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers.
392. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1694 of 14 April 2026, to clarify the details of the purchase made by Cork City Council of the counting house property using Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding; to detail the amount of land included in this purchase; to clarify if URDF funding was used to pave on the private land in front of the counting house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40948/26]
View answerFurther to Parliamentary Question No. 1694 of 14 April 2026, a total of €27.2m of funding was made available to Cork City Council to acquire the former Counting House and Car Park at Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, at a purchase price of €35m (ex. VAT). The site area that is the subject of the acquisition is c. 4,850m² which equates to approximately 1.2 acres.
This purchase was concluded recently, after the plaza fronting the Counting House which formed part of the acquisition was completed. In that context, URDF funding was not available for this purpose.
