Written Answers Nos. 129-148
131. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of domestic wastewater treatment systems that have failed inspection in each of the past three years; the counties most affected; and the supports available to homeowners to undertake remedial works. [44226/26]
View answerThe number of domestic wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) that have failed inspection in each of the past three years, and the counties most affected, is information held by individual local authorities in the context of their inspection and enforcement functions. My Department does not maintain a centralised dataset of this information.
The Environmental Protection Agency also publishes aggregated national and local authority-level data based on returns from local authorities under the National Inspection Plan.
The responsibility for the proper operation, maintenance and upkeep of domestic wastewater treatment systems rests with the owner of the system.
A Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Tanks) Grant Scheme is available in exceptional circumstances to provide financial assistance towards the cost of necessary remedial works where systems are found to be defective and where the relevant eligibility criteria and scheme requirements are met. The scheme is administered by local authorities on behalf of my Department.
Full details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria and grant levels, are available on my Department’s website at the following link www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/group-water-schemes-and-rural-water-issues/ .
132. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social homes currently vacant for longer than six months, by local authority area; the reasons for such vacancies; and the measures being taken to return these properties to use as quickly as possible. [44218/26]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority social homes, including pre-letting repairs and the re-tenanting of vacant properties, is a matter for each individual local authority under s.58 of the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities must also ensure all tenanted properties comply with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. In respect of allocations, s.22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 requires housing authorities to establish an allocation scheme that determines the order of priority for letting available dwellings.
Notwithstanding, my Department will provide some €260 million as a contribution towards the remediation and maintenance of local authority homes through various funding programmes in 2026, with €40 million alone allocated to a revised Planned Maintenance and Voids Programme to specifically support the efficient turnaround of casually vacant homes by local authorities. I recently advised local authorities of revised arrangements under this programme, which will effectively link the funding available to improved stock management efficiency. These arrangements will incentivise lower vacancy levels in local authority housing, support quicker re-letting of homes, and encourage increased investment in maintenance and management of these homes. The new arrangements will apply initially to Planned Maintenance funding from 2027, followed by Voids funding from 2028. The new approach has been tailored to the help ensure that the current average national vacancy rate of 2.75% will fall below 2% and that the current average national turnaround time falls from 35.56 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks.
My Department has been working with local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to identify ways to reduce the time taken to allocate and tenant social homes. Engagement and analysis with stakeholders has highlighted a range of factors that can affect vacancy durations. Standardising procedures based on established good practice offers the greatest opportunity to improve efficiency across the allocation process and minimise vacancies. To support this, my Department, in collaboration with local authorities and the Housing Agency, has recently issued updated guidance aimed at embedding best practice and strengthening data collection and reporting.
Data on the quantum of social homes vacant at a moment in time, the length of time they've been vacant, the reasons they're vacant, and the steps being taken to bring them back to productive use, are a matter solely for local authorities.
That said, data on the management of social homes are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in its Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy and average turnaround times in local authority owned properties.
The most recent NOAC report for 2024 is available at www.noac.ie/noac_publications/report-77-noac-performance-indicator-report-2024/.
133. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to raise the rate paid out in housing adaptation grants scheme in the context of rising building costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44301/26]
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 carried out a review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme in 2024, including a review of the Means Test, and the Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%).
134. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant and derelict property grants approved, refused and paid out in each county since the introduction of the scheme; the total funding drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44347/26]
View answerThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes the number of applications, approvals and the total number and value of grants paid per local authority. This data also includes a breakdown of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Derelict Property Top-up Grant for every quarter. The Q1 2026 grant statistics were published on 24 April 2026. This data can be accessed at the following link: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#2025) .
135. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total cost to date of the DION IT system, including all design, development, consultancy, implementation and ongoing support costs, broken down by year since inception, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44409/26]
View answer136. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the initial projected cost at the time of approval of the DION IT system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44410/26]
View answer137. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the original business case and timeline for delivery of the DION system; the number of years the system has been in development; the key milestones set at inception; the extent to which those milestones have been met or delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44411/26]
View answer139. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of external consultants engaged in the development, troubleshooting and ongoing operation of the DION system; the total cost of such consultancy; the specific roles performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44413/26]
View answer146. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for full rollout of the DION system; the date from which all CALF applications will be required to be processed exclusively through DION; whether contingency arrangements exist in the event of continued system issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44531/26]
View answer148. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement undertaken with approved housing bodies and other social housing providers in relation to the operation of the DION system; the number of complaints or formal representations received; the actions taken in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44533/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 136, 137, 139, 146 and 148 together.
This very significant strategic digital transformation project will take a number of years to fully implement. Preliminary work has been ongoing on this project since 2017 with the development of the Business Case. PwC consultants assisted in the development of that Business Case as well as the review of standardised processes and €508,483 (including VAT) was paid to PwC over the period 2019 to 2021.
The procurement stage for the project was subsequently completed in 2023. Since then, the project has been in the implementation stage, which involves the development and roll-out of the system, on a phased basis, over a number of years.
Following the signing of the contract, development of the system began in March 2023 with an anticipated completion date of March 2028. Milestones within the contract are on a phased basis and include analysis, design, build, training, testing, data migration and go live. Some variances have occurred to anticipated timelines and the project remains on target to meet its 2028 completion timeline.
The total value of the Project Díon contract, signed in March 2023, is €10,549,041 (including VAT) over five years. The project expenditure to the end of April 2026 is €4,620,930 (including VAT) as outlined in the table below.
|
Costs |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
Design, Development and Implementation |
€903,669 |
€1,842,772 |
€1,296,208 |
€276,851 |
€4,319,501 |
|
Operational, Maintenance and Support |
€18,305 |
€53,246 |
€144,075 |
€85,803 |
€301,429 |
|
|
€921,974 |
€1,896,018 |
€1,440,283 |
€362,654 |
€4,620,930 |
In accordance with the contract, a team of personnel have been assigned to work on the project and these include a Programme Manager, Project Manager, Enterprise Architect, Solution Architects (4), Change Management Lead, Senior and other Business Analysts (3) and a Test Lead. Their assignment is necessitated by work on the various stages of the project. In addition, a separate team are in place to provide ongoing support dealing with any operational, maintenance and system issues that arise in the post implementation phases. This team includes a Support Team Lead and Support Resource members (7).
CALF programmes are currently under review and these are anticipated to go live in one of the upcoming phases.
Oversight of Project Díon involves regular review by a Project Board (comprised of internal and external stakeholders) as well as an independent Peer Review group appointed in compliance with D/PER Circular 14/2021 (Arrangements for Oversight of Digital and ICT-related Initiatives in the Civil and Public Service). The Project Board also reports to the Department's Management Board.
Engagement with both internal and external stakeholders including approved housing bodies have involved in-person roadshows, analysis and development workshops, one-to-one training and familiarisation sessions, along with continued and post go live communication and support. No complaints or formal representations have been received.
138. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number and nature of technical or operational issues identified with the DION system since its introduction; the dates on which such issues arose; the current status of each issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44412/26]
View answerProject Díon is a large scale digital transformation project being led by my Department with relevant stakeholders (including the local authorities) to introduce more streamlined, efficient and automated processes and enhanced reporting capabilities across over 30 housing programmes.
To support the implementation of Díon and the Change Management process, significant engagement with both internal and external stakeholders including Department Business Units, local authorities and approved housing bodies has taken place which involved in-person roadshows, analysis and development workshops, one-to-one training and familiarisation sessions, along with continued and post go live communication and support.
The initial post-go-live period for any large scale digital transformation project naturally involves a phase of user familiarisation and system embedding. As users transition away from long-standing legacy processes, some operational and user issues are to be expected. My Department has anticipated this learning curve and has in place a support team who work with the developers' dedicated technical support team to resolve issues as they arise.
Since partial roll-outs of Phase 1 were completed in November 2025 and March 2026, over 200 requests for support have been raised with the developers with over 150 being resolved to date. My Department is working hard to ensure delivery of the Díon solution to maximise the benefits from up-to-date technologies for all those involved in housing delivery.
140. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average processing time for approvals under the mortgage to rent scheme and CALF prior to the introduction of DION, compared with current processing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44414/26]
View answer141. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cases under the mortgage to rent scheme and CALF currently awaiting approval; the average and longest waiting times for such approvals, the number of cases outstanding for more than twelve weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44415/26]
View answer144. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether delays in approvals under the mortgage to rent scheme and CALF have been attributed in whole or in part to the operation and/or full implementation of the DION system; if so, whether his Department is taking specific steps to remedy such delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44529/26]
View answer145. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of approval letters issued under the mortgage to rent scheme and CALF in each of the past three years; the average time from application to approval in each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44530/26]
View answer147. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has assessed the impact of DION-related delays on delivery of social housing units, including those under mortgage to rent and CALF; the estimated number of units delayed as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44532/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 141, 144, 145 and 147 together.
Project Díon is a large scale digital transformation project being led by my Department with relevant stakeholders including local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and the Housing Agency to introduce more streamlined, efficient and automated processes and enhanced reporting capabilities across over 30 housing programmes including MTR and CALF.
To support the implementation of Díon and the Change Management process, significant engagement with both internal and external stakeholders including Department Business Units, local authorities and AHBs has taken place which involved in-person roadshows, analysis and development workshops, one-to-one training and familiarisation sessions, along with continued and post go live communication and support.
The initial post-go-live period for any large-scale digital transformation project naturally involves a phase of user familiarisation and system embedding. As users transition away from long-standing legacy processes, some operational and user issues are to be expected. My Department is dealing with any such issues as they arise so as to ensure the Díon solution maximises the benefits of a modern ICT solution for all users.
The MTR scheme is administered by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department. The Housing Agency publishes, on a quarterly basis, detailed statistical information on the operation of the MTR scheme, which can be accessed on their website at the following link:www.housingagency.ie/housing-information/mortgage-rent-statistics .
From the inception of the Mortgage to Rent scheme in 2012 up to Q1 2026 a total of 2,971 cases have been completed and a further 307 cases are actively being progressed.
From Q1 2023 to date, my Department has issued a total of 721 approval letters regarding MTR applications to Approved Housing Bodies and private companies operating in the MTR Scheme. 630 of these MTR cases are now completed.
It is not possible to determine the average time between a MTR application being lodged with the Housing Agency to a funding approval letter issuing from my Department over a three-year period. Approval dates are frequently updated on MTR cases due to requests for extensions by the MTR provider, or active MTR cases being revised or withdrawn.
However, in 2025, the average timeframe, from when a MTR case was lodged with the Housing Agency to its completion, was approximately 8 months. More complicated MTR cases, for example involving marital breakdown or other changes in circumstances, generally take longer than 8 months to complete.
On the 19 March 2026, which was the go-live date for the MTR scheme on the Dion system, there were no MTR cases awaiting issue of funding approval letters from my Department. Since that go-live date, my Department has issued 53 MTR approval letters.
Currently, my Department has 11 MTR cases on hand which are being worked through in line with normal due diligence. In respect of these 11 cases the average time period they have been with my Department is 36 days.
CALF has not yet transitioned to Díon. Nevertheless, since 2023, my Department has issued 510 new CALF approvals, with the average processing time of 33 working days, and continues to approve projects.
As with all Exchequer-supported projects, my Department as sanctioning authority, assesses each project proposal for suitability as determined by the local authority, value for money and compliance with the various requirements of the funding programme.
There will always be projects on hand with my Department which are either under assessment or the subject of further engagement with LAs or AHBs. This is perfectly normal in the context of the circa 2,500 Social and Affordable housing projects which have been or are being handled by my Department currently which are scheduled for delivery in the period 2025–2027.
My Department publishes a quarterly Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report, which sets out the continuing progress being made in advancing the national local authority and AHB new-build pipeline. The latest report, setting out the position at end Q4 2025, can be accessed at the following weblink: www.data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2025 .
My Department continues to work with the AHB sector to deliver social housing through CALF funding at scale, with a view to achieving Housing for All targets.
142. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 19 February 2026, the measures his Department is considering to succeed the cessation of turf cutting compensation schemes as the payment period concludes for many applicants; if a replacement support is being considered; if so, the details of any such support or supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44503/26]
View answerThe Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHA).
This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites, and over its 15-year term has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value.
My Department is currently concluding its review of options for my consideration and I expect to review those options in due course.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service offers other schemes to support the conservation of these sites and local community groups, including:
• The Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme, which is a once off, area based financial incentive and voluntary land purchase scheme which enables the conservation of protected peatlands. The scheme is open to applications from eligible property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of a restoration scheme or where access is required for restoration measures within protected raised bogs.
• The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme aims to encourage local communities, organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 sites and peatland areas and funds a diverse range of initiatives with community benefit.
Other supports, such as those operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, are available to those with older homes, inefficient heating systems and those most at risk of fuel poverty.
143. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to give an update on the work his Department is undertaking to address the scourge of vacant properties (details supplied); if demands will be put on property owners to use it or lose it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44506/26]
View answerWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan aims to ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and effective and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
A key measure in the new Housing Plan is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe fund. The grant provides up to €70,000 for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. The properties must be brought back into use to avail of this grants.
As set out in the Housing Plan, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been improved and expanded as of 1 April 2026 with a new 'Above the Shop' grant introduced along with a new Expert Advice Grant to support property owners to bring these vacant upper floors over commercial units into use as homes.
The CPO Activation Programme, launched in April 2023, requires a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities 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.
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 acquire vacant and derelict properties, including compulsorily.
As part of the Programme, my Department, along with the Housing Agency, is providing guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their powers under the Housing Act and Derelict Sites Act.
To further strengthen our approach to tackling this issue, a Derelict Property Tax was announced in Budget 2026 and it is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in 2026. When it comes into effect, the tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. Levies under the Derelict Sites Act that remain outstanding when the new tax is introduced will remain the responsibility of each local authority to collect.
All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in place as a key point of contact in their Vacant Homes Office teams. My Department provides annual funding to each local authority to reinforce their capacity to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction. Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.
Vacant Homes Officers play a vital role in working with property owners to ensure these properties are brought back into use. They are actively promoting the wide range of schemes in place to address vacancy and dereliction, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, Buy and Renew Scheme, the Living City Initiative, Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) and planning exemptions for certain vacant commercial premises.
The Plan's new measures build on the significant work that has been done and outcomes achieved over the past number of years, as well as improving and expanding existing schemes. These initiatives are working and vacancy levels are declining across the country.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
