Written Answers Nos. 309-339
309. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to confirm the actual draw down of funds by successful applicants, for each of the years 2019 to 2025 and to date in 2026 under the LSSIF pool of funding; the project and amounts within each year that drew down funding and when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46691/26]
View answer310. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport of the 173 million allocated to successful applicants in the LSSIF round of funding in 2024, the amount budgeted and forecasted by his Department that will be drawn down each year from 2026 to 2029; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46692/26]
View answer312. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total amount of funding allocated to the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) to date; the breakdown of funding awarded to each project individually; the amounts that have been drawn down or are in the process of being drawn down; the details of projects that have yet to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46694/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 309, 310 and 312 together.
The cumulative investment under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) since 2020 is €297 million across 68 projects. The LSSIF was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects. Full details of LSSIF 2018 and 2024 grants and their current status, including drawdown amounts are available in the attached document.
Nine construction projects approved under the LSSIF 2018 programme have yet to commence, as follows:
• Galway Regional Aquatic Centre
• Munster Centre of Excellence
• National Rowing Centre at Inniscarra
• Samuel Beckett Civic Campus
• Portarlington Leisure Centre Swimming Pool
• Wicklow Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre
• East Galway Sports Campus
• Finn Harps, (Donegal Community Stadium)
• Waterpoint Aqua Park Renovation Project.
Delays in starting the projects are primarily due to factors such as increased costs due to inflationary pressures, which necessitated design revisions and re-engineering of projects. The Department is actively engaging with key stakeholders regarding the progression of these projects. All projects allocated funding under the 2024 round of LSSIF are working through the procedures required under the Infrastructure Guidelines which set out the value for money guidelines for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects.
A number of LSSIF projects been completed, as follows:
• Linear Walkway and Playing Fields Project in Meath
• Phase 1 of Walsh Park in Waterford
• The Regional Athletics Hub in Limerick
• Dundalk Leisure Centre Facilities Refurbishment project
• MTU Athletics Track in Cork (Phase 1 & 2)
• St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Kildare
• Charlesland Athletics Track
• Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence, Cork
• Askeaton Pool & Leisure Centre
• Cavan Regional Sports Campus (Design)
• St Thomas’ Multisport Complex (Phase 1)
• Dexcom Connacht Rugby Stadium.
A number of other LSSIF projects are due to be completed, or significantly progressed, this year. Such projects including the following examples:
• RDS Main Arena Redevelopment
• Renville Sports & Community Centre
• Enniscorthy Sports Hub
• Páirc Tailteann, Meath GAA
• St. Thomas's Community Multi-Sports Complex
• Walsh Park County Grounds (Phase 2).
To date, €60,695,683 has been drawn down by LSSIF grantees. Details of the yearly payments from 2019-2025 are available on the Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2018/#payments.
Outlined in the table below are the payments processed in this year to date, to June. A comprehensive payment list will be published once the full payment cycle is complete.
|
Project Name |
2026 Drawdown |
|
Askeaton Pool & Leisure |
€ 1,202,462.00 |
|
Charlesland Athletics Track |
€ 410,235.00 |
|
Meath County Council (Linear Walkways) |
€ 54,093.00 |
|
RDS Main Arena Development |
€ 11,557,397.00 |
|
Renville Sports & Community Project |
€ 196,330.00 |
|
St. Thomas Multisport Complex |
€ 2,141,178.00 |
The National Development Plan (NDP) provides for significant investment in sport with nearly €587 million provided for in the period 2026 to 2029. Last year's NDP Review specifically acknowledged the key ambition to sustain significant investment in our sporting facilities, including through the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the LSSIF. In 2026 alone, €38 million has been provided for LSSIF in the Revised Estimates Volume, which will see significant progress made on a range of projects.
In relation to future years, allocations towards LSSIF in the period 2027 to 2029 will be considered in the context of the overall Departmental capital envelope, as well as progress on individual projects. More details of the Department's planned investment priorities in sport can be found in the Department's Sectoral Investment Plan under the NDP at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/cc0155a9/NDP__2026-2030_Final_ENG_High_Res_for_online.pdf
While I anticipate that a third round of LSSIF will take place in the coming years, no decision has yet been taken on timing as the current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds. My officials continue to work closely with LSSIF grantees to help them progress their projects.
311. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there is a deadline or timeline for the drawdown of funds awarded in the 2024 large scale sports infrastructure round of funding; if there are time-specific key performance indicators that must be met; if there is a cutoff date by which the funds must be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46693/26]
View answerThe Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).
A “use it or lose it” clause was introduced in the 2024 round which stipulates that if there has been no drawdown of any part of a grant within 2-3 years (timelines can vary from project to project), or before a new LSSIF round is announced, the grant offer may be deemed withdrawn with projects dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Grants totaling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects, were allocated under the second round of the LSSIF in late 2024. The cumulative investment from the LSSIF now reaches €297 million.
With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round.
313. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of funding allocated for local sports partnerships and national governing bodies, for each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46695/26]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to its role in the matter mentioned by the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
314. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the Euro 2028 advance legacy fund; the breakdown on the agreements reached to date with respective governments and host associations contributing to the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46696/26]
View answerThe Government has previously agreed to invest just over €92.9 million in supporting the delivery of UEFA EURO 2028 and it is anticipated that the tournament will generate €449 million in socio-economic benefits for Ireland.
€6.24 million of Ireland’s overall investment is ringfenced for legacy initiatives and Ireland's national plan in this regard is being developed in consultation with the Football Association of Ireland. A minimum contribution of 12% of this amount or just under €750,000 to the legacy programmes has been agreed with the Football Association of Ireland, in the form of value-in-kind contributions, bringing the total fund to at least €7 million. I expect the national legacy plan to be finalised in the coming months.
315. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount allocated to fund the Commemorations Advisory Committee in 2024 and 2025; the amount spent to date; the breakdown of funding on each project completed to date and scheduled for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46697/26]
View answerThe Department does not have an allocated amount to fund the Commemorations Advisory Committee. The Committee does not provide financial support for any commemorative projects rather provides independent and expert advice and guidance to the State and key stakeholders on commemorative matters. They do this in a voluntary capacity.
The formation and members of the Commemorations Advisory Committee was shared in a Memorandum for the Government in May 2025. The Chair is broadcaster and journalist Bryan Dobson and other members are from the National Cultural Institutions and the fields of academia and politics. The committee meets every quarter.
My Department, through the Commemorations Unit, does however continue to fund commemorations to ensure the appropriate remembrance of key historical events and themes as identified in the Programme for Government and in consultation with the Commemorations Advisory Committee and other key partners. This is primarily done using a partnership approach.
The Unit has a budget of €2.6millon for 2026. The local authorities are key project partners and €705,000 has been allocated this year to the network to support local communities and community groups develop appropriate commemorative events.
State commemorations and commemorative programmes are also co-ordinated and delivered by the Unit to mark significant events. €755,000 has been allocated to deliver three State events in 2026, including the National and International Famine Commemorations and two State commemorative programmes namely the centenary of the Dromcollogher Cinema Fire, while America250 will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Funding to the amount of €88,000 is also allocated to cover legacy initiatives including the RIA’s Local Historian Commemorations Bursaries and the Daniel O’Connell Programme. The remaining funding will go towards emerging priorities for initiatives brought to the attention of the Unit during the course of the year that are considered worthy of support as well as advance planning and miscellaneous expenses.
The 2026 Commemorative Programme including the financial drawdowns is scheduled to be completed in November of this year.
Project proposals are reviewed in terms of the overall business and budgetary objectives of the Commemorations Unit and are required to be in keeping with the established principles and ethos of commemorations.
316. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the estimated cost of providing a new public swimming pool to each of the 31 local authorities in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46698/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to implementing the 2024 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). I expect to open a new round of the CSFF this summer.
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, I recently confirmed an additional €3.25 million in support to help progress the long-awaited Galway Regional Aquatic Project, bringing the total LSSIF funding towards this project up to €11,253,415. 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.
In terms of estimating a cost for the scenario proposed, such an exercise is not possible without clarity on the size of pools, the design and construction approach and the funding model proposed. However, I can point to the fact that €44.65 million has been allocated to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects under LSSIF to date with allocations ranging in scale from just under €500,000 to €11.2 million.
317. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the cost of the loss of direct sales to abolish the TV licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46699/26]
View answerThe Revised Estimates 2026 (REV2026) are based on €121.8m in revenue arising from direct TV licence sales in 2026.
While the number of TV licences actually sold in 2026 won't be known until early January 2027, this amount (€121.8m) provides an estimate of the current full year Exchequer cost of replacing revenue arising from direct TV licence sales.
318. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the price the Land Development Agency (LDA) paid for the acquisition of a site in the Jamestown Industrial Estate, Finglas, Dublin 11; the plans the Land Development Agency has for the site and could; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46412/26]
View answerIn line with Section 12(4) of the Land Development Agency Act 2021, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is independent in the performance of its function including in relation to the acquisition of private land from the market. As such, information on the price paid by the LDA for private land acquisitions is not held nor collated by my Department.
However, I welcome the news that the LDA has acquired this site at Jamestown Industrial Estate, a significant urban regeneration site, with the potential to deliver 600 new homes, along with commercial and community facilities.
As a key partner in the Government’s Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the LDA is continuing to activate and secure the delivery of starter and social homes both on the State’s own lands, together with delivery of housing on market acquired land. When added to sites already acquired to date from the market, there is the collective potential to deliver over 13,000 new homes.
Finally, it may be helpful to note that arrangements have been put in place by my Department to ensure that public bodies under its aegis have a dedicated email address in place, to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. In this regard, the LDA can be contacted by emailing oireachtas@lda.ie for further details on this matter.
319. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on housing schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46417/26]
View answerInformation and guidance on the affordable housing supports in place for First Time Buyers, fresh starters and other eligible applicants is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, and includes information on the schemes below. A number of these can be combined for increased affordability.
• Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
• Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
• Help to Buy
• Cost Rental
To note, the Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for first-time buyers and certain other eligible applicants who have been refused a mortgage, or have received insufficient offers from a regular mortgage lender. The loan is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. It also includes the purchase of homes through Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme. The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan is available at the following link: /localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
320. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason he repealed the requirement that election material display the name of the printer and the publisher of the material; the consultation he took in advance of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46434/26]
View answerRegulation (EU) 2024/900 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising was adopted by the European institutions on 13 March 2024. The principal objective of the Regulation is to make it easier for voters to recognise political advertisements, understand who is behind them and know whether they have received a targeted advertisement, so that they are better placed to make informed choices during elections and referendums.
An overarching objective of Regulation (EU) 2024/900 is to provide for a harmonised approach throughout all 27 Member States of the European Union in relation to the transparency and targeting of political advertising, thereby removing the fragmented rules, definitions and regulatory approaches that had applied in many Members States prior to the Regulation's adoption.
The European Union (Political Advertising) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 474 of 2025), which were made under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972, facilitate the implementation in Ireland of Regulation (EU) 2024/900. In light of the new labelling and transparency requirements for political advertising set out in the EU Regulation, the requirement in the Electoral Act 1992 that election material display the name and address of the printer and of the publisher of the material was repealed by S.I. 474 of 2025. S.I. 474 of 2025 commenced to have effect directly in the State on 10 October 2025 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2024/900.
321. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to change the planning laws and guidelines to disallow permeability pedestrian pathways and cycle-lanes from new housing developments through older estates which were constructed in some cases over 30; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46447/26]
View answerThe Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) 2025, sets out high-level national policies and objectives, with a clear vision to guide future development and investment decisions. The NPF outlines the Government’s intention to adopt a more compact, sustainable and community centred development approach.
The NPF acknowledges that communities which are designed to support physical activity, such as walking and cycling, encourage residents to make healthy choices and live healthier lives. The NPF seeks to ensure that safe and convenient alternatives to the car are designed into our communities by prioritising walking and cycling accessibility to both existing and proposed developments (National Policy Objective 37). This approach will also in broader benefits relating to reduced car dependency and reduced carbon emissions.
In support of the NPF objectives the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, “the Settlement Guidelines”, were issued as Ministerial Guidelines in January 2024, under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The Settlement Guidelines expand on higher-level policies of the NPF, setting policy and guidance in relation to the growth priorities for settlements.
The Settlement Guidelines highlight the importance of planning for network of well-designed neighbourhoods that can meet day-to-day needs within a short 10 to 15 minute (approx.) walk of all homes. The Settlement Guidelines state that new developments should connect to the wider urban street and transport networks and improve connections between communities, to public transport, local services and local amenities such as shops, parks and schools, where possible. The Settlement Guidelines also states that active travel should be prioritised through design measures that seek to calm traffic and create street networks that feel safe and comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists.
It is a Policy and Objective of the Settlement Guidelines that planning authorities implement the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) published in 2013 (updated 2019) by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, when carrying out their functions. DMURS sets out design guidance for new and existing urban roads and streets in Ireland, incorporating good planning and design practice. DMURS responds to the principles of universal design to ensure that the movement, comfort and safety of vulnerable users (in particular young children and elderly people) is prioritised within the urban environment. This includes the provision of highly connected street networks which allow people to walk to key destinations in a direct and easy to find manner.
Further guidance on connecting communities is also provided within the National Transport Authority’s ‘Permeability Best Practice Guide’, issued in 2015.
Ensuring that the built environment is designed so that places are well connected and accessible to people of all ages and abilities is core to the application of the NPF and the Settlement Guidelines. When applying the Settlement Guidelines planning authorities can take the circumstances of a plan area or an individual site into account as part of the plan-making or decision-making processes prescribed under the Planning and Development Acts.
322. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently examine a case (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46516/26]
View answerThe Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme is targeted at households in mortgage arrears who have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable by their lender under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP). In order for a borrower to qualify for the MTR scheme, they must meet all the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
In addition to a borrower meeting the eligibility criteria of the scheme, there are other stakeholders who must agree to participate in the process before an MTR application can proceed. An Approved Housing Body or a Private MTR provider must be willing to acquire the property from the Lender at an agreed price and the relevant local authority must be satisfied that the property is suitable for social housing.
My Department cannot compel an Approved Housing Body (AHB) or a private MTR provider to purchase any property which is offered to them by a lender under the MTR scheme, nor can the Department compel a local authority to accept a property into social housing.
My focus, and that of the Government, is to ensure that as many households as possible remain in their homes and if the MTR scheme is not an option in a particular case, I would encourage the borrower to discuss with their lender if there are other options available to resolve their mortgage arrears situation through MARP.
323. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to comments reported in the media that the Government intends to relax planning rules around rural one-off housing, if he will clarify the specific changes being proposed; and when these measures are expected to be introduced. [46517/26]
View answer324. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of statements noted in the media regarding a move towards a more flexible approach to rural housing, whether the local needs criteria are to be revised or relaxed; and the way in which this will impact individuals and families seeking to build homes in rural areas. [46518/26]
View answer325. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for a more unified national approach to rural housing planning, as referenced in recent media reports; and the way in which consistency will be ensured across local authorities in the application of such policies. [46519/26]
View answer326. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being considered to provide greater flexibility to planners in assessing rural one-off housing applications, as indicated in public commentary; and when updated guidance will issue to planning authorities. [46520/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 324, 325 and 326 together.
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 Statement for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024.
The new Statement will replace, refine and update existing 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines to reflect the Planning and Development Act of 2024 and the established policy in the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which supports new housing in rural areas and rural development generally.
In particular the new Statement will expand on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and wider rural areas where there is greater flexibility to build new single rural housing outside of the commuter catchments. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of local social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need to live in a rural area are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban development pressure.
The new Statement will seek to provide more clarity and consistency in the planning system, by setting out the relevant planning criteria, including in relation to local needs criteria, to be considered by the various planning authorities in respect of applications for new single rural housing. The new Statement will continue to allow local development plans to provide for housing in the countryside based on the considerations detailed in NPO 28 of the NPF, and will also highlight the need to manage development in certain areas, such as the areas around cities and larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid over-development, while sustaining vibrant rural communities.
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 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.
Under Section 25 of the 2024 Act, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister.
327. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the SHCEP tables on his Department's website will be updated to include Q4 2025 data. [46542/26]
View answerMy Department is currently preparing this information and it will be uploaded to the Department's website shortly.
328. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the analysis that has been conducted within his Department or in consultation with the Office of Public Works on the estimated cost of purchasing the remaining ten properties on the historic Moore Street terrace adjacent to the State-owned properties at the National Monument. [46584/26]
View answerThere has been no analysis undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the Office of Public Works in relation to the remaining ten properties adjacent to the State-owned properties at the National Monument at 14 to 17 Moore Street.
329. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the cost to the Exchequer and the total cost, including borrowing and so on, for affordable cost rental and affordable purchase homes delivered in 2025, by delivery stream including, AHP local authority delivery, AHP turnkey, AHB cost rental direct delivery, AHB cost rental turnkey, LDA cost rental direct delivery, LDA turnkey, in tabular form; and the average cost of delivery for each stream, by total development cost and total cost to his Department via APF, CREL and STAR. [46634/26]
View answerThe new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of existing affordable housing measures being implemented by the Government. In particular, a new Starter Homes Programme, which is a central component of the plan, aims to deliver an average of 15,000 starter home supports annually to 2030.
To underpin the delivery of this Starter Homes Programme, the Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding, including a number of important affordability measures, supported by an investment package of direct Exchequer funding, investment through the Land Development Agency and lending by the Housing Finance Agency.
This expanded delivery, under the new housing plan, will build upon the significant progress already made under our previous plan Housing for All, with over 22,000 starter home supports having been delivered from its launch to the end of 2025.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis, including for social housing provision and starter home delivery activity by local authority and delivery partners, for each local authority area. Data from 2022 to 2025 is currently published on the statistics page of my Department’s website.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/
These delivery statistics include 409 turnkey Starter Home Purchase Scheme and 34 turnkey Cost Rental units acquired by local authorities during 2025. Of the Cost Rental units delivered by the Approved Housing Bodies, up to the end of September 2025 a total of 521 units were turnkey acquisitions.
Finalised figures for 2025, including expenditure pertaining to the delivery of affordable homes, are currently being validated. These expenditure figures are provisional until scheduled publication following completion of the relevant Comptroller & Auditor General's audit.
The 2026 Exchequer allocations for my Department are published in the Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service 2026 and can be accessed at the following link.
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/653f8c26/Revised_Estimates_for_Public_Services_2026.pdf
330. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost to the Exchequer of social housing acquisitions in 2025; and to provide a further average cost breakdown by sun scheme including tenant-in-situ, vacant homeless acquisition and so on. [46635/26]
View answerThe 2025 Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme funded acquisitions to support:
• exits from homeless services;
• persons with a disability, older persons and care leavers requiring urgent housing responses;
• tenancy sustainment – tenant in situ (TiS); and
• Buy and Renew acquisitions tackling vacancy.
Some €289 million was drawn down by local authorities last year under the Programme from an available budget of €375 million. This included the funding for purchase costs (excluding fees and refurbishment costs) for 773 homes, an average of €299,000 per home.
|
Priority Category of Need |
Average Purchase Cost |
|
Homeless (incl. Exits & Housing First) |
€290,000 |
|
Persons with disabilities, older persons, care leavers, &c. |
€300,000 |
|
Tenancy Sustainment |
€313,000 |
|
Buy and Renew tackling vacancy |
€199,000 |
Notably, legal and professional fees, and adaptation and refurbishment costs for these homes, where applicable, have not been included, as they are still being drawn down by local authorities in 2026.
331. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when local authority, Dáil Éireann and European election boundaries will be revised; the timeline and approach to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46679/26]
View answerThe Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for a Dáil and European Parliament constituency review to be conducted following each census of population, assigns responsibility to An Coimisiún Toghcháin and sets out the terms of reference for such reviews. More specifically, section 56(1) of the Act provides that An Coimisiún shall conduct a review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies following the publication, by the Central Statistics Office, of the preliminary result of a census of population. The Act requires that the Report of an Coimisiún Toghcháin on the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies be published within three months of the publication of final Census results. The next Census is due to take place on 9 May 2027.
In relation to local electoral areas, section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority administrative area into local electoral areas by order. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries or municipal districts.
The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections, and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future local electoral area boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.
332. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of updated costs for each local authority to employ an archaeologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46700/26]
View answer334. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost of recruiting one full-time professional archaeologist for every local authority area in the State. [46827/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 334 together.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis. However, granular data, in terms of the specific role and function of each individual staff member is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. Information as to the number of archaeologists currently employed would be available from individual local authorities.
The salary scale for an archaeologist in the local government sector ranges from €60,858 to €84,596.
333. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost of increasing Heritage Council funding by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and by the cost of inflation since Budget 2026. [46826/26]
View answerMy Department provides annual funding to the Heritage Council. This has risen steadily over the last number of years, from €6.6m in 2019 to €20.4m in 2026.
The table below sets out the cost of increasing the 2026 level of Heritage Council funding on the basis outlined, including a calculation of +3.6% based on the CSO's year-on-year rate of Consumer Price Index as of the most recent data available from May 2026: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpi/consumerpriceindexmay2026/
|
HC Funding |
2026 |
+3.6% |
+5% |
+10% |
+15% |
+20% |
|
Current |
€9,550,000 |
€9,893,800 |
€10,027,500 |
€10,505,000 |
€10,982,500 |
€11,460,000 |
|
Capital |
€10,860,000 |
€11,250,960 |
€11,403,000 |
€11,946,000 |
€12,489,000 |
€13,032,000 |
335. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the current rate of youth unemployment; the strategies in place to address youth unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46512/26]
View answerAccording to the Labour Force Survey from the CSO, the youth unemployment rate stood at 10.2% in Quarter 1 of this year. Ireland’s efforts to support young people into employment are contained in Pathways to Work 2021-2025 the national employment services strategy. The Pathways to Work commitments fulfil Ireland's obligations under the Reinforced Youth Guarantee (RYG). The RYG is a pledge by the Member States of the European Union to provide a good quality offer of employment, education, or training to those under the age of 30 within 4 months of becoming unemployed.
Under Pathways to Work a more intensive model of engagement with young people who are identified as being more at risk of long-term unemployment has been implemented. The frequency of engagement with an Employment Personal Advisor has increased from once a month to once a fortnight in respect of these individuals.
The Department launched the Employment and Youth Engagement Charter in 2024, which calls on employers to sign up and support the employment of young people. Companies signed up to the Charter commit to providing supports such as coaching, motivational talks, CV assistance as well as hiring young people. The Charter also encourages employers to make use of the numerous employer supports on offer, such as briefings from Intreo employer relations teams and the JobsIreland recruitment platform where employers can post vacancies for free. Over 300 employers have signed up to the Charter.
Employers can benefit from the standard rate of the JobsPlus recruitment subsidy of €7,500 when they hire a jobseeker under 30 from the Live Register. In line with the RYG early access has been granted to those under the age of 30, who can access the payment after 4 months on a qualifying payment.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP), is a 6-month work placement that jobseekers and employers can benefit from. On the scheme, jobseekers work 30 hours per week with a participating employer, and complete 60 hours of training, with at least 20 hours of accredited or sector-specific training. The employer also provides a supervisor and a mentor for the participant.
My Department is currently developing the successor strategy to Pathways to Work. Last year a wide-ranging public consultation process took place. Among the feedback received were the challenges and opportunities facing young people in the labour market. The successor Pathways to Work strategy will continue to focus on supporting young people as a priority cohort in accessing the necessary supports to enable them transition into employment.
336. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection in light of the commitment to publish a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion (2026-2030) next month, if he will provide an update on the specific measurable outcomes and targets his Department has established to reduce core poverty rates among vulnerable groups, specifically pensioners and people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31545/26]
View answerThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 is the national strategy that aims to reduce consistent poverty and make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the European Union. The Roadmap has a particular focus on supporting groups most impacted by poverty and social exclusion and sets out 81 commitments from across Government to achieve this. Progress is monitored by a Steering Group that I chair, and my Department publishes an annual progress reports and report cards detailing the progress that has been made. A fifth and final progress report and report card will be published in 2026.
A successor strategy for the period 2026-2030 is being currently developed by my Department, with the support of other Departments, and is intended to be published later this quarter.
Recognising the multi-dimensional nature of poverty, the strategy will again be cross-Government, building on progress to date, outlining measurable actions aimed at reducing poverty and improving social inclusion, and acknowledging continued and new challenges.
These actions will span key areas such as income adequacy, employment, housing, health, education, transport and childcare and focus on groups most impacted by poverty, including, but not limited to, those groups referenced by the Deputy - disabled people and older people. The new strategy is also informed by an extensive consultation process and engagement with civil society organisations. One target that will be included in the new Strategy, is the Child Poverty target that the Government announced last September.
This target aims to reduce the consistent poverty rate for children to 3% by the end of 2030. Further details on targets and associated actions to deliver on the objective of the new Roadmap will be published as part of the overall Strategy, later this quarter
337. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline a clear timeline for the abolition of the means test for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46437/26]
View answerThe Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers. There are currently just under 108,000 carers receiving this payment.
The Programme for Government has set out a timeframe which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget, with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.
This process is already underway. Last July the amount of weekly earnings disregarded was increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple. As part of Budget 2026, I announced further improvements to the Carer’s Allowance means test that will be introduced in July. From the 2nd of July, the weekly income disregard will increase by 60% from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
The changes next month will be the largest ever increases in the income disregards and will see more carers qualifying for Carer’s Allowance. For example, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will retain their full Carer’s Allowance payment and even with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment. In addition, those recipients on a reduced payment due to means will see their payment increase.
Removing the means test is a significant shift in policy direction and there may be further implications above the cost exposure. For this reason the income disregard is being abolished in a measured way over a number of Budgets.
The improvements outlined are evidence of the Government’s determination to deliver on its commitment to phase out the Carer's Allowance means test over the course of this Dáil term, having regard to the prevailing budgetary conditions.
338. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeline for the introduction of the cost of disability payment. [46438/26]
View answerSupporting disabled people is a key priority for me and for the Government. We recognise the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and are committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments, including a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment. It is also why, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, includes a commitment to a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability.
I hosted the Summit in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It was attended by many people with disabilities, Disabled Person's Organisations, and other advocacy groups as well as representatives of many Government Departments and members of the Oireachtas.
Senior Government Ministers were also in attendance including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, the Minister of State for Disability and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport. I spent the day engaging with attendees and I am very much aware of their personal experiences and the changes they would like to see.
This attendance indicates that while the work on the cost of disability has been led by my Department, the delivery of a solution will involve a range of Departments and agencies. This whole of government approach is important as addressing these costs is not simply a matter of income supports alone. Improvements in the delivery of, and access to, key services are also needed.
Ahead of the Summit I ran a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered. Over 1,100 submissions were received.
We will continue to engage with disabled people and their advocates, including at the Department’s Pre-Budget Forum on 1 July.
The lessons from our consultations and the Summit will inform our next steps including the measures that may be considered as part of Budget 2027.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
339. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for an additional needs payment for assistance with the cost of a funeral for each of the past three years; the number of applications per county; the number that were successful, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46445/26]
View answer340. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for an additional needs payment for assistance with the cost of a fitting out a new social home for each of the past three years; the number of applications per county; the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46446/26]
View answer
