Written Answers Nos. 326-350
326. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a significant increase in funding to coastal rowing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50545/26]
View answerThe Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
Among the objectives of the CSFF is to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation and to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and group.
In line with previous rounds of the CSFF, I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open soon. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
Almost €13 million has been allocated to 315 rowing projects nationwide since 2014. Of this, almost €1.6 million was allocated to 48 rowing projects in Kerry including €782,582 to 13 rowing projects in 2024.
327. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an evaluation undertaken within his Department of the impact of the large scale sports infrastructure funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50601/26]
View answerThe cumulative investment from the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 is €297 million with €124 million allocated under the 2018 round and a further €173 million in November 2024.
A review of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was published in April 2024. The review outlined the issues faced by LSSIF projects and provided recommendations in relation to a new round of LSSIF. The review is available of my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2018/#lssif-review-and-similar-access-requirement.
My officials continue to work closely with LSSIF grantees, and I am pleased to confirm that LSSIF projects are progressing at pace with a number of substantial projects such as Dexcom Stadium, Munster Centre of Excellence, Newcastlewest Athletics Hub, St Conleth’s GAA and Askeaton Swimming Pool now complete. A number of other LSSIF projects such as the RDS are due to be completed this year or are significantly advanced.
As with all capital expenditure, each project must undergo a series of assessments as required by the Infrastructure Guidelines, set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Projects allocated funding under the the 2024 round of LSSIF are progressing through these assessments.
For capital projects and programmes, benefits will not be seen until after the proposal is completed. Ex-Post Evaluation are conducted once sufficient time has elapsed for the benefits and outcomes to materialise. Depending on the investment proposal, this could vary from three to five years after completion of the project or programme.
328. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding provided for nature restoration. [50403/26]
View answerThe EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) entered into force on 18 August 2024. It sets out a framework for EU Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for the restoration of a wide range of ecosystems including rivers, forests, oceans, urban and agricultural areas, as well as protected habitats and species. Ireland has until 1 September 2026 to submit a draft National Restoration Plan to the EU Commission, setting out how we intend to achieve these legally binding targets.
The process of developing this Plan is underway and the draft National Restoration Plan (NRP) template will be submitted to the European Commission by 1 September 2026. In early 2027 the EU Commission will submit formal feedback on the NRP, and the draft NRP will be revised based on this feedback. In September 2027, the final National Restoration Plan template will be submitted to the EU Commission.
Estimating the costs involved in implementing the Plan is part of the process. While the Nature Restoration Plan remains under development it would be premature to make specific funding requests to effect its implementation.
329. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost to double the funding for biodiversity officers, by cap ex and op ex, in tabular form. [50420/26]
View answer344. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of biodiversity officers in each local authority, by local authority, in tabular form, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51175/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 344 together.
I refer to my reply to Dáil Question No. 339 of 25 June 2026 which dealt with numbers and costs related to biodiversity officer positions. The position remains unchanged.
330. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has conducted an assessment of the extent to which recent tenancy law reforms have contributed to landlords exiting the private rental market; the findings of such an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50329/26]
View answer333. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, given Residential Tenancies Board data showing a record number of notices of termination issued during Q1 2026, he will undertake a review of the impact of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 on landlord participation in the private rental sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50362/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 333 together.
In line with a commitment in Housing for All, a review of the Private Rental Market was undertaken by my Department and published in July 2024, which included significant consultation with stakeholders. It set out an overview of the rental market in Ireland, including the composition of the market and trends in rent levels, set out suggested policy objectives and considered a range of potential avenues for policy change to support these objectives.
Following on from this review, the Housing Agency was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive review of the Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) rent control system. The key focus of the review was to assess the operation of RPZs since their introduction and consider their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, including the retention of landlords and new investment. It considered whether RPZs should continue without change, or be removed, modified or replaced. The review, which was extensive and detailed, also included options and recommendations in relation to potential amendments to rent control.
The review, published on the Housing Agency website, involved engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, including investors, representatives of landlord and tenant advocacy groups, academics and the RTB. The Housing Agency submitted its report to my Department at the end of April 2025 and advised that its preferred recommendation was to modify the current RPZ rent controls.
On 10 June 2025, the Government approved policy measures including modifications to rent controls, which came into effect on 1 March 2026, in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The changes agreed also provide significantly stronger tenancy protections and are finely balanced between the interests of tenants and the need for further private investment in the rental market across the country, taking account of stakeholder engagement.
Multiple expert reports, including those from the Housing Agency, the Department of Finance, the ESRI, the OECD, and the IMF, agreed that the previous RPZ system was a major obstacle to increasing rental supply. The changes were introduced in order to attract increased investment in the rental market and thereby increase the supply of properties available for renters.
The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 came into effect on 1 March 2026, introducing a new national rent control for all tenancies, which limits rent increases to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up to a maximum of 2%. For new build apartments and student-specific accommodation, however, rent increases are capped at the level of inflation (CPI) only. These changes were introduced to promote greater investment in the rental market and to increase the supply of rental properties. The Act also provides significant improvements in security of tenure for renters.
While the latest data published by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) shows that an increase of Notice of Terminations (NoTs) were received in Q1 2026, it should be noted that registered private tenancies rose by 2.44% annually to 246,477 in Q1 2026. This is an increase of 1.2% from Q4 2025.
It is also worth noting that there were 16,548 new tenancy registrations confirmed for Q1 2026. This figure serves to highlight the consistent churn within the rental market.
The latest RTB data also shows a growing number of landlords in the sector, the number of private landlords rose by 1.3% annually to 105,847, indicating increased participation in the rental market.
The Government remains focused on growing the supply of much-needed rental accommodation by keeping existing landlords in the market and attracting new landlords, while ensuring strong and balanced tenancy protections for both tenants and landlords. Delivering Homes, Building Communities recognises that the rental market is an important element of a well-functioning housing system.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government to implement changes as necessary for the sector during this Government's term. My Department and the RTB keep the operation of the RTA and the residential rental sector under review and will work to ensure that an appropriately balanced policy and legislative framework is maintained.
331. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the funding that was provided to retrofitting of local authority homes; the average cost to retrofit a local authority home; and the average BER uplift in each of the years 2020 to 2026, in tabular form. [50354/26]
View answer332. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the funding that was allocated for solar PV in local authority homes in each of the years 2020 to 2026, in tabular form. [50355/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.
A more holistic approach was introduced to the Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) in 2021, aligned with the Programme for Government target to retrofit 500,000 homes to a minimum BER B2 standard by 2030. Led by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment, it is supported by my Department through the targeting of some 36,500 local authority social home retrofits over the period.
More than 11,000 social homes have been retrofitted under the EERP to date. With some €140 million allocated this year, supporting the retrofit of another 3,500 local authority social homes, and with growing appetite and capacity in the local authority, I am confident we can reach the target by end 2030.
An annualised breakdown of the units retrofitted and the funding drawn down from the years 2013-2025 is available on my Department's website at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/.
The programme provides up to €60,000 per dwelling (excluding project management fees). Local authorities have flexibility in selecting properties, ranging from those requiring minor upgrades to those needing more comprehensive works to achieve the target BER. While unit costs vary depending on the pre-works BER, authorities are expected to maintain an average cost of approximately €38,000 per home to maximise outputs. The average cost was approximately €34,000 in 2025.
Details of the pre-works BER ratings of dwellings that achieved the required post-works BER are set out in the table.
Eligible works under the EERP include insulation (attic, cavity, and external wall), window and door replacement, heat pump installation, and associated measures. Solar PV is generally not supported, as the core measures are sufficient to achieve the required BER.
However, in limited cases, specifically dwellings under 55m² where the required Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) cannot be achieved, an increased HLI threshold of 2.6 may be applied on a pilot basis. In these instances, installation of at least 1kWp of solar PV alongside a heat pump is recommended and funded. Between 2021 and 2025, funding was provided for 70 such solar PV installations as indicated in the table below.
|
Year |
Total PVs Funded |
|
2021 |
8 |
|
2022 |
22 |
|
2023 |
11 |
|
2024 |
1 |
|
2025 |
28 |
334. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applicants who have availed of the €1,500 annual payment under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, by year, since the creation of the scheme; the total number of new successful applicants who have availed of the €1,500 annual payment under the scheme by year since its creation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50429/26]
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).
The scheme comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or where feasible, accommodation, on a non-designated bog, with a once-off contribution to legal advice of €500 on signing a legal agreement with the Minister. Applicants who expressed a preference for a relocation site received either an annual payment or a yearly supply of home heating fuel while they awaited the investigation, preparation, and development of relocation sites.
Late qualifying applicants receive a single lump sum payment of €24,100 in lieu of 15-years of payments.
Number of applicants in receipt of a €1,500 annual payment under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme in each given year:
|
Year |
No. of applicants receiving annuity payments |
|
2011 |
30 |
|
2012 |
1,629 |
|
2013 |
1,678 |
|
2014 |
1,829 |
|
2015 |
1,856 |
|
2016 |
2,072 |
|
2017 |
2,220 |
|
2018 |
2,373 |
|
2019 |
2,470 |
|
2020 |
2,361 |
|
2021 |
2,402 |
|
2022 |
2,214 |
|
2023 |
2,139 |
|
2024 |
2,184 |
|
2025 |
2,260 |
|
2026 (Jan to June) |
1,352 |
The total number of new applicants approved for the €1,500 annual payment under the scheme by year since its introduction.
|
Year |
Successful applicants each year |
|
2011 |
30 |
|
2012 |
1,537 |
|
2013 |
275 |
|
2014 |
277 |
|
2015 |
153 |
|
2016 |
119 |
|
2017 |
167 |
|
2018 |
110 |
|
2019 |
125 |
|
2020 |
29 |
|
2021 |
54 |
|
2022 |
33 |
|
2023 |
39 |
|
2024 |
50 |
|
2025 |
66 |
|
2026 (Jan to June) |
22 |
|
Grand Total |
3,085 |
To date, almost 43,000 payments have issued under the scheme, amounting to just under €78m. The estimated cost of the provision of payments over the lifetime of this 15-year scheme is €97 million. This is a significant investment by the State since 2011 in addressing the needs of turf cutters from these designated protected bogs.
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.
335. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views that the absence of national planning guidelines for anaerobic digestion and biomethane facilities risks producing inconsistent decisions across local authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála; the steps he is taking to ensure a coherent national planning framework for such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50431/26]
View answerThe key policy remit for anaerobic digestion and biomethane is the responsibility of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, who chair the Biomethane Implementation Group and Biomethane Strategy Implementation Sub-Group.
Planning authorities must have regard to Government policy in making a decision on a planning application. The SEAI, which falls under the Aegis of DCEE, has published a technology guide for Anaerobic digesters, which can be accessed at: https://singlepointofcontact.seai.ie/sites/spoc/files/2025-11/Anaerobic-Digestion-Manual-SEAI.pdf.
Measure 5g in the Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy proposes to develop guidelines to support local authorities when assessing AD and biorefinery planning applications. My Department will work closely with DCEE with the regards to the planning aspects of any such guidance.
336. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to introduce a grant incentive scheme for social housing tenants to purchase private housing (details supplied). [50507/26]
View answerThe Mortgage Allowance scheme provides for an allowance of up to €11,450 payable over a 5-year period, to tenants or tenant purchasers of local authority housing, to assist them to purchase or have a private house built with a mortgage. The current rates are underpinned by the Housing (Mortgage Allowance) Regulations 2001 and have been in place since 1 January 2002. New applications are still being accepted by local authorities.
337. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the full staffing allocation, according to grade provided to Galway City Council; the additional staffing positions approved for Galway City Council in each of the years 2024 and 2025; the grade level at which the additional staff were sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50570/26]
View answerThe number of new posts approved by my Department for Galway City Council in the years 2024, 2025 broken down Grade is detailed in the attached table.
The recruitment and filling of posts in the local government sector is undertaken both by individual local authorities and publicjobs. Following the issuing of sanction by my Department for a new post, it is then a matter for the Chief Executive, who is responsible under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, to progress the appointment as appropriate. My Department does not have a recruitment role. Data on the number of new staff recruited and overall staff numbers per grade would be available from the local authority.
338. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the full staffing allocation, by grade provided to Galway County Council; the additional staffing positions approved for Galway County Council in each of the years 2024 and 2025; the grade level at which the additional staff were sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50571/26]
View answerThe number of new posts approved by my Department for Galway County Council in the years 2024, 2025 broken down Grade is detailed in the attached table.
The recruitment and filling of posts in the local government sector is undertaken both by individual local authorities and publicjobs. Following the issuing of sanction by my Department for a new post, it is then a matter for the Chief Executive, who is responsible under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, to progress the appointment as appropriate. My Department does not have a recruitment role. Data on the number of new staff recruited and overall staff numbers per grade would be available from the local authority.
339. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the development of a new fire station in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50572/26]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 & 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Project consideration stages from a Department perspective include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
In April 2026, I announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2026-2030, with a funding allocation of €328.5m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project;
• value for money offered by the proposal; and
• the totality of requests from all authorities.
Following submissions from Galway County Council Fire & Rescue Service, a new fire station for Galway City has been prioritised for funding under the Fire Services Capital Programme 2026 – 2030. A Council owned site for the new fire station has been identified and in April 2026, Galway County Council was approved by my Department to progress the new Galway City fire station project to detailed design and cost plan stage.
My Department will work closely with Galway County Council to progress their identified priority infrastructural projects during the lifetime of the fire service Capital programme 2026 -2030, within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding.
340. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the publication and commencement of the proposed National Planning Statement on rural housing will require planning authorities to initiate statutory variations to their County Development Plans where existing policies are inconsistent with the new National Planning Statement; whether planning authorities will be required to determine planning applications in accordance with the National Planning Statement pending completion of any such statutory variations; whether transitional guidance will issue to planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50633/26]
View answer341. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether, following the commencement of the National Planning Statement on rural housing, the planning policies and objectives contained within existing County Development Plans that are inconsistent with the statement will cease to have effect immediately, or whether such policies will remain in force until amended through the statutory Development Plan variation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50634/26]
View answer343. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out the procedures for updating city and county development plans following the adoption of a national planning policy statement by Government, including statutory timelines for public consultation or adoption of the content of the policy statements into existing development plans. [50730/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340, 341 and 343 together.
The commencement of provisions within Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 on 2 October 2025 provides the statutory basis for the issuing of National Planning Statements (NPSs). Under the provisions of the Act of 2024 the Minster may, at any time and with the approval of Government, issue a NPS in relation to planning matters to support proper planning and sustainable development.
National Planning Statements will replace Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Existing Ministerial Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act of 2000 will, over time, be revoked and replaced with National Planning Statements. Section 27 (1) of the Act of 2024 states that, notwithstanding the repeal of Section 28 of the Act of 2000, guidelines issued under that section that were in force immediately before the repeal of that section, shall continue in force until revoked or replaced by a National Planning Statement.
Section 25(4) (https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2024/act/34/section/25/revised/en/html) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (the Act) provides that a National Planning Statement takes effect on such date as may be specified therein or, where no date is specified, on the date of publication.
Section 42(8) (https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2024/act/34/section/42/revised/en/html) of the Act requires that in reviewing, making, or varying a development plan, a planning authority shall ensure that the development plan is materially consistent with any relevant National Planning Policies and Measures contained in a NPS and take due account of any relevant National Planning Policy Guidance therein.
Section 61 (https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2024/act/34/section/61/revised/en/html) specifies that where the Minister issues a NPS, each planning authority shall submit a report to the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) within 2 months setting out its view as to whether its development plan is materially consistent with the National Planning Policies and Measures contained within that NPS. Where a planning authority is of the view that there is material inconsistency, the report must set out what steps the planning authority proposes to take to remove the material inconsistency concerned.
Upon consideration of the report, if the OPR is of the opinion that there is material inconsistency, and is satisfied with the steps proposed in the report, it shall inform the planning authority, and the Chief Executive of the planning authority shall invoke the expedited variation procedure set out in section 62 of the Act.
If the OPR is not satisfied with the steps proposed by the planning authority, it is required to make a recommendation to the Minister that a draft ministerial direction should be issued. The Minister then considers this recommendation.
Under section 62 (https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2024/act/34/section/62/revised/en/html) of the Act, within 6 weeks of being informed that the OPR is satisfied with the steps proposed by the planning authority, the Chief Executive of the planning authority is required to prepare a draft variation to the development plan and to conduct screening for AA and SEA. In carrying out any screening assessment, the Chief Executive must take account of any such assessment that the Minister conducted in respect of the relevant NPS.
Where the Chief Executive determines that AA and / or SEA, is required, the draft variation may only be made under the variation process set out in section 58 of the Act. The timelines associated with the section 58 variation process are set out in that section.
Under section 62, the expedited variation process, where the Chief Executive determines that neither AA nor SEA is required in respect of a draft variation, he or she shall propose the draft variation to the members of the planning authority for adoption by resolution.
The proposed variation shall be deemed to have been made at the expiration of a period of 6 weeks from the date of the proposal unless the members of the planning authority, within that period, by resolution reject the proposed variation.
Where the members reject a proposed expedited variation under section 62, the Chief Executive shall advise the OPR, and the OPR shall consider whether to make a recommendation to the Minister to issue a draft direction.
Section 86 (https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2024/act/34/section/86/revised/en/html) of the Act of 2024 (which is not yet commenced) states that when performing any function under Part 4 "Development Consents" (https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2024/act/34/front/revised/en/html#:~:text=PART%204,Development%20Consents), a planning authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála (the Commission), shall have regard to principles of proper planning and sustainable development, and in particular to such provisions of a National Planning Statement as are not the subject of any provision in a development plan.
The section further provides that where a planning authority or the Commission makes a decision that, in any material respect, is inconsistent with a provision of a National Planning Statement it shall identify that provision, and state the main reasons for making a decision that is inconsistent with that provision and the matters taken into consideration.
In respect of the draft NPS on Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing, on 30 June 2026 Government agreed a proposed policy direction, and thereafter the draft NPS will be subject to assessment for the purposes of compliance with relevant EU Directives, including any necessary associated consultation, before a final draft of the NPS will be brought to Government for approval to issue.
All existing section 28 Ministerial Guidelines, including the 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines, continue to have effect until they are revoked or replaced by a corresponding National Planning Statement.
Furthermore, all development consent decision-making functions of planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála (including permissions, appeals, consents and approvals) continue to operate under the Planning and Development Act 2000 until such time as Part 4 of the Act of 2024 is brought into operation.
342. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications for the vacant above the shop grant since the scheme opened; the number of grants approved; the number of grants drawn down; and to provide a breakdown for this information by local authority area. [50635/26]
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.
Under the new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a commitment was given to provide additional support for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant space for use as homes. The Government approved the introduction of a Vacant Above the Shop Grant with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted/refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is remaining. The additional grant amount for these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000. The new Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Expert Advice Grant were launched on 1 April 2026, with applications and information on the Grants available from each local authority and at the following link: www.gov.ie/vacancy.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Grants 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 includes a breakdown of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Derelict Property Top-up Grant for every quarter. Data on the Vacant Above the Shop Grant and the Expert Advice Grant will be available in the published data from Q2 2026 onwards and will be published in July 2026.
The Q1 2026 grant statistics were published on 24 April 2026. This data can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#2025.
345. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for a mother to change the name on her child’s birth certificate from her married name to her maiden name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50341/26]
View answerThe requirements for birth registration are contained in Part 3 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 (the Act), as amended.
Part 1 of the First Schedule to the Act sets out that the child’s surname shall be that of either, or both, parents. Where the surname chosen by the parent(s) is not their own, an application must first be made to the superintendent registrar who must be satisfied that the circumstances warrant registration of the surname chosen by the parents.
Once the birth has been so registered, there is no provision in legislaton for the surname to be changed at a later date. The surname chosen by the parents at the time the birth was registered can only be changed where the birth is being re-registered at a later date to include the father's details or following the marriage of the registered parents.
346. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department holds or compiles data on the number of persons aged 65 years and over living alone in the State, beyond recipients of the living alone increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50325/26]
View answer347. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the living alone increase aged 66 years and over, nationally and in County Cork, in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50326/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.
The Living Alone Increase is an extra payment for people on social welfare payments who are living alone. My Department does not hold or compile data on the number of persons aged 65 and over who are living alone beyond the recipients of the living alone increase.
The Central Statistics Office published statistics on persons living alone, including an age and county breakdown, as part of the Census 2022 release. This is available from the CSO at: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpp3/censusofpopulation2022profile3-householdsfamiliesandchildcare/privatehouseholdsandlivingalone/.
The number of recipients of the Living Alone Increase aged 66 and over, and the number of those in county Cork, are provided in the table below. The figures refer to the 31st December in each of the years 2021 to 2025, and the end of May 2026.
|
Year |
Living Alone Allowance - Age 66+ |
Of whom, have an address in Cork |
|
2021 |
181,837 |
20,286 |
|
2022 |
189,965 |
21,286 |
|
2023 |
197,432 |
22,244 |
|
2024 |
204,016 |
23,089 |
|
2025 |
210,416 |
23,767 |
|
2026 (end May) |
213,619 |
24,062 |
348. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the eligibility rules whereby domiciliary care allowance (DCA) automatically ceases when a child turns 16, regardless of the child's continuing care needs; if he will consider extending DCA until the child's transition to disability allowance has been fully approved and implemented or continue the DCA allowance until child turns 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50359/26]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance is a non-means tested payment to a parent or guardian in respect of a child under 16 who has a severe disability and requires continuous care and attention, substantially more than what is typically required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is not based on the disability or diagnosis, but on the impact of the disability in terms of the level of care and attention required by the child.
From January 2026, the monthly rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased from €360 to €380. More than 64,460 families are currently receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of approximately 73,580 children. The estimated expenditure on the scheme in 2026 is almost €359 million.
Domiciliary Care Allowance stops being paid when a child turns 16 years of age. If the young person continues to have a disability that significantly impacts their daily living activities, they can then apply for a Disability Allowance payment in their own name of €254 per week. To avoid any gap in support, families can apply for Disability Allowance up to 3 months before the child’s 16th birthday.
Where a parent or guardian is also receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, those payments may continue for as long as the qualifying conditions are met. The annual Carer’s Support Grant, which was paid on 4th June, at the rate of €2,000 also remains payable where full-time care continues.
Any future reform of Domiciliary Care Allowance will be considered in the context of commitments set out in the Programme for Government and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.
349. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to urgently intervene and assist a Kerry resident (details supplied) with a jobseekers benefit application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50360/26]
View answerThe person concerned made an application for Jobseekers Benefit on 24/04/2026. This application was disallowed on the basis that the person concerned was not seasonally unemployed, and therefore not entitled to Jobseekers Benefit.
Following a review it has been determined that the person concerned is employed in the Education Sector and therefore Jobseekers Benefit has been awarded from 24/04/2026.
A decision letter issued to the customer on 30/06/2026 advising that the first payment, including arrears due will be paid to their nominated Post Office on 03/07/2026.
I understand my Officials have been in contact with the Deputy’s Office and conveyed this information.
350. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated of the first year and full year cost of a €10 increase to payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50462/26]
View answerThe total estimated full-year cost of a €10 increase to the payments in the list supplied (apart from Jobseeker's Pay Related Benefit which is based on previous earnings and social insurance contributions) is €350.4 million.
It should be noted that these costings include proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant. It should also be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and the associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2026.
The rate of Jobseekers Pay-Related Benefit is dependent on a recipient's previous earnings, number of social insurance contributions and duration on the payment.
