Written Answers Nos. 38-68
38. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to reopen the Irish college in Carrigaholt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37026/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision by Coláiste Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe not to run courses in the last number of years was a business decision made by a private course provider operating in the Irish summer colleges' sector. My Department had no input into the college’s decision.
Colleges wishing to obtain recognition for Irish language courses under my Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge / Irish Language Learners' Scheme are welcome to submit their applications for consideration to my Department at the beginning of each year.
39. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider fast-tracking funding for the building of a 50-metre swimming pool in Sligo given there is no 50-metre pool in the north west. [36482/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Capital support for new swimming pools is currently being provided through the LSSIF. Earlier this year, Minister Martin and I announced funding of up to €120 million under the new 2024 round of the LSSIF, which closed for applications on 1 July 2024.
New swimming pool projects and the refurbishment of existing swimming pools were eligible to apply for grant funding under LSSIF 2024 subject to published guidelines and conditions of the scheme.
Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30 million, will take into account such factors as population size, sustainability and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities.
The initial assessment of applications is now under way and it is clear that this round of the LSSIF has generated significantly more applications and a much higher volume of demand than the first round. It should be noted that no application was received by the Department under LSSIF 2024 for a swimming pool in Sligo.
40. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that will be provided for Irish participation at the Olympic and Paralympic games in Los Angeles 2028, following the success of Ireland’s athletes at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36876/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe inspiring performance of Team Ireland at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer have captured the heart of the nation. We have seen what is possible to achieve with the determination, commitment and dedication shown by all of our athletes.
For the Paris Cycle 2021-2024, the Government provided a record-level investment of approximately €89 million towards high performance sport. This was a substantial increase on the €59 million invested for the Tokyo Cycle.
In respect of the LA Cycle 2024-2028, the Government will work to ensure that the figure for this cycle will be substantially higher again. The precise level of support will be decided by Government in the context of the Estimates campaigns from this year to 2027.
Increased funding for high performance sport will reflect, in particular, our High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. The High Performance Strategy provides the over-arching policy framework for the development of our high performance system for the next two Olympiads in Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
The importance of collaboration in preparing for these Games, in particular between Sport Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport should also be recognised.
The task ahead is to sustain and build on what has been achieved to date. More athletes, coaches on more stable contracts, and additional services will be needed in the coming years to enable national sporting bodies to carry through well-funded, stable high performance programmes.
There will be a particular need to focus on Coaching and High Performance Pathways to identify and nurture the emergence of talent. Nurturing such talent requires additional investment at each phase of the pathway bearing in mind that it takes a considerable period of time to produce a successful athlete.
Work has already started in these areas but will need to be accelerated if our athletes are to compete successfully at the Los Angeles games and beyond.
With the benefit of considerable support from the Government, I am confident that Team Ireland's participation in the next Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a successful one.
41. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when Coimisiún na Meán’s online safety code will be finalised. [36750/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoimisiún na Meán is Ireland's media and online safety regulator. As provided for under its establishing legislation, the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act 2022, it is independent in the exercise of its functions.
As provided for under the OSMR Act, An Coimisiún may develop and enforce binding online safety codes. These codes may provide for obligations on relevant online services (video sharing platform services), with the aim of reducing the exposure of users, and children in particular, from some of the most serious forms of harmful online content.
An Coimisiún published its first draft online safety code in December 2023 and then published a revised draft in May 2024 which it submitted for consultation to the European Commission. That consultation period concluded at end-August and An Coimisiún has signalled its intent to adopt the revised code in October.
42. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures that will be taken to meet the target of at least 20% of the staff recruited to public bodies being competent in Irish by December 2030, under the first National Plan for Irish Language Public Services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36879/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the start of my term in office I set out that the full and successful implementation of the Official Languages Acts 2003 and 2021 would be a top priority for me, including the achievement of the recruitment target referenced in the Deputy’s question. Central to these efforts will be the first ever National Plan for Irish Language Public Services which was submitted to me by the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee in June of this year.
The Plan is the result of close collaboration at a senior level between the organisations represented on the Advisory Committee, which include my own Department, along with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENPR), the Department of Education, the Department of Social Protection, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and PublicJobs together with other stakeholders who had various inputs into the drafting processThe Advisory Committee commissioned the University of Galway to undertake extensive research to inform the development of the Plan which included a survey, in which some 35,000 public servants took part, primarily to establish the current Irish language competence of public service employees. The research undertaken provided some significant and valuable insights into the current status of the language across the public service and the actions to be taken in order to achieve the recruitment target set-down in the legislation.
It is essential in this regard to do all we can to support those looking to develop their Irish language skills over the coming period. In this regard, I have established an Irish Language Network for the Public Sector, which was launched this summer, with over €1m to be invested in same over the next 3 years. To date, over 1,000 public sector employees have registered to participate in the network.
Another key aspect which I have touched on before is raising awareness of the career opportunities that exist for those with Irish. In this regard, increased funding was approved for Gluaiseacht - Conradh na Gaeilge's roadshow, enabling them to attend careers fairs and reach over 28,000 young people annually. Planning for a large scale national awareness campaign is also at an advanced stage, with it intended to be launched early next year.
Other measures that may be of interest to the Deputy include:
• the review and expansion of the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative that is currently underway to ensure it best serves the growing needs of the Irish public service;
• the commitment made in the Government's Public Service Apprenticeship Plan 2030 to develop a Speisialtóir Gaeilge apprenticeship programme by Quarter 3 of 2025;
• the increase of 93% seen by OneLearning in the number of officers undertaking Irish language training courses between spring 2022 and spring 2024 - with Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) now certifying these courses. This is particularly noteworthy given that the TEG system is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is mentioned specifically in the Act.
The National Plan for Irish Language Public Services is due for publication in the coming weeks.
43. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the dates and times of any discussions she has had with radio broadcasters to improve the amount of Irish music on radio and to address their concerns over the lack of funding for news and current affairs services; if she has any plans to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37066/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future of Media Commission (FOMC), in examining the challenges faced by the media sector and consequent impact on the provision of public service content, made a number of recommendations to counter these challenges and to support the provision of public service content. This included the establishment of a new Media Fund to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media sector at local, regional and national levels on a platform neutral basis.
The Commission recommended €30m be provided for the Media Fund. That included the funding already made available through the existing Broadcasting Fund, which amounts to an average of €15m per annum from TV licence receipts and which supports the Sound and Vision Scheme. Since the formation of this Government a further €28.4m in Exchequer funding has been provided to Sound and Vision, enabling increased investment in public service content for television and radio.
The FOMC also recommended that new schemes under this new Media Fund should be put in place on a platform neutral basis, i.e. that they should be open to all media including audiovisual, radio, digital and newspapers.
In Budget 2024, I secured €6m for two pilot schemes under this Fund, the Local Democracy Scheme and the Courts Reporting Scheme. As the schemes are being administered by Coimisiún na Meán on a platform neutral basis, commercial radio are fully eligible to apply for funding.
I have secured a further €10m in funding for the Media Fund in 2025 to allow for the continuation of these Schemes and to bring forward additional Schemes recommended by the Future of Media Commission.
Throughout the development of these schemes, my officials and I have engaged extensively with Coimisiún na Meán and with radio broadcasters and all stakeholders, noting also that these Schemes have been developed on a pilot basis and their operation will provide important feedback for future Schemes. I met with the IBI on 31 May 2024 to discuss matters raised by their members and my officials have had numerous other meetings with the IBI and with other stakeholders.
I am acutely aware of and understand the concerns raised in relation to the need to support the provision of existing as well as additional news and current affairs content. However, these schemes were subject to State Aid review by the European Commission which places limits on the types of funding that can be made available. My officials are, however, continuing to engage with the IBI and will have regard to the issues raised in the development of future Schemes, seeking to strike a balance between the needs of the independent radio sector, the concerns of other stakeholders including local and regional newspapers, and relevant State Aid requirements.
In line with another of the FOMC's recommendations, it is also the intention to amend the Broadcasting Act to allow news and current affairs to be eligible for funding under the Sound & Vision scheme which is administered by Coimisiún na Meán and funded by the licence fee and Exchequer funding. Under the current legislation and the general exemption for the Scheme from State Aid rules by the European Commission, news and current affairs programming cannot currently be supported through Sound and Vision. Legislative change and the approval of the European Commission from a State Aid perspective is required to enable this and work is currently underway in this regard. This will provide another important avenue for funding in respect of news and current affairs for independent broadcasters.
These new provisions are in addition to supports already provided to the independent media sector:
• In 2023, €16.7m in funding was awarded to applicants of the Sound and Vision scheme, providing support to a range of independent producers, commercial radio and community broadcasters. This included an additional €6m of Exchequer funding which I secured, enabling the expansion of the funding rounds and a dedicated €2.4m independent commercial radio round.
• The radio sector also received significant funding from other Sound and Vision rounds announced in 2023. 35 projects received a total of €543,000 from announcements made last August, while another 67 radio projects received €636,000 from Round 47 which was announced in April 2023.
• In April 2024, Coimisiún na Meán announced the allocation of €8.6m of Sound and Vision funding for broadcasters and independent producers. Round 51 provided over €1.1m for 38 radio projects and Round 52 allocated over €700k to the community radio sector.
• In September 2024, Coimisiún na Meán announced the largest single funding round of the Sound and Vision scheme to date after I secured an additional €2m of Exchequer funding for Round 53 of the scheme. Over €10.1m in funding has been allocated for Round 53, which will provide funding of over €1.1 million to 56 radio projects. 39 of these will be broadcast on independent commercial radio stations and includes an allocation of €300,000 to a collective application from IBI on behalf of 16 independent commercial radio stations for a second series of ‘Ours to Protect’.
• A further 2 rounds of Sound & Vision will operate this year. Applications to Round 54 of the Scheme, for which I secured €2m of Exchequer funding, closed on 8th August and are currently being assessed. Round 55 of the Scheme open in October for broadcasters and independent producers, including radio. This round closes at noon on?Thursday, 28?November 2024.?Funding decisions are envisaged to be available by late February 2025.
Ireland has a strong and vibrant music sector, which is recognised across the world and it is important that appropriate supports are in place to further nurture and protect this sector. I provided funding of almost €2m in 2022 to support programming for the live music sector under Round 45 of the Sound and Vision scheme. This included 5 projects for radio one of which was Irish Music Month. This initiative, supported by Hot Press and the IBI, continues to promote Irish music and air play for Irish music artists. Irish Music Month 2024 builds on the success of this initiative and includes a specific Irish language song writing element which is most welcome.
However, in considering any proposals to require the allocation of a proportion of airtime to Irish artists and to music in the Irish language, I am conscious of the legal and other factors which must be taken into account. The potential benefit to music production in Ireland must be balanced with the rights of broadcasters, subject to their contractual or regulatory obligations, to determine the type of content they wish to broadcast and to ensure commercial revenue particularly in the context of the current media climate. The introduction of airplay quotas for example would need to be consistent with EU law.
Although the Government is not currently considering taking action such as introducing airplay quotas based on production location, support for Irish musicians and Irish musical content will continue through initiatives within the Department and through funding for the Arts Council.
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the proposals to intensify co-operation on an all-Ireland basis in expanding our tourism product, and the marketing of Ireland as a single destination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36934/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnhancing cross-border cooperation and connections has been a core commitment of this Government and tourism has been a key asset in building initiatives that can help to achieve this goal.
At the most recent NSMC Tourism Sectoral meeting both Minister Murphy, from the Northern Ireland Executive, and I agreed to the establishment of an All Island Strategic Tourism Group to identify and examine opportunities that will support the sustainable growth of the tourism sector across the island and advance brand collaboration initiatives north and south. The Strategic Group is co-chaired by officials in my Department and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and has representatives from the three tourism agencies on the Island - Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. This group met for the first time earlier this month and will meet again later in the year.
Through this strategic tourism project, the tourism agencies are already working closely together on a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative, connecting the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route in the north west region.
This €7.6 million project, which is supported by the Government's Shared Island Fund, is being developed and implemented by the three tourism agencies on the island, in consultation with my Department and the Department for the Economy NI. The aim of the project is to bring synergies between these two magnificent touring routes in such a way that the visitor is motivated to explore further, stay longer and spend more thereby bringing greater economic benefit to the region. One of the key work programmes for the project is a €3 million small grants scheme that was launched in July. The scheme is aimed at greatly enhancing the visitor offering in over 16 visitor experiences along the routes and this launch will be an opportunity for both administrations to showcase the positive news story that the brand collaboration project is for the region.
At present overseas tourism to Ireland is worth approximately €6 billion per year to the economy across the island. Tourism Ireland aims to increase the overall economic value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland, growing revenue by an average of +5.6% year on year out to 2030, while sustainably supporting economies, communities and the environment.
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of tourist accommodation to facilitate both visitors to the country and the local population; if it continues to be adequate to meet the demand; if she has identified any issues which might impact negatively or positively and the need for remediation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36952/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe importance of the tourism sector to the Irish economy and to communities in every corner of the country is well understood and the use of tourist accommodation to support the Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis has impacted the sector.
On 28 March, the Government agreed a new comprehensive accommodation strategy for International Protection applicants that will see a move away from full reliance on private accommodation providers towards a State-owned accommodation resource, delivering 14,000 beds by 2028. Legislative changes introduced on 14 March 2024 mean that anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine who registers for temporary protection and is looking for State-provided accommodation in Ireland will be accommodated for a maximum of 90 days in designated accommodation centres.
The reliance by the State on the use of tourism accommodation for humanitarian purposes is reducing and Fáilte Ireland's most recent analysis of data from the Department of Children, Equality, Disabililty, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in May 2024 showed that 10% of registered tourism accommodation stock was under contract to the State, down from 12% in November 2023. An additional quantum of tourism-type accommodation that is not registered with Fáilte Ireland is also contracted to the State.
Fáilte Ireland will undertake a further analysis of new data from DCEDIY in Q4 2024.
In this context, I am satisfied that Ireland has an adequate tourist accommodation capacity to meet current demand, notwithstanding occasional high-demand compression weekends, typically driven by major music or sporting events, when there is exceptional demand
There is of course always room for improvement and innovation in the appeal, quality and sustainability of the tourism accommodation offering and this is an ongoing market-driven challenge for accommodation providers in the sector, guided and supported by national policy.
This challenge is being met through continuous investment in training, standards and bedstock by the sector, with significant State support from Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland through their marketing, training and standards programmes and initiatives. Both tourism agencies regularly review their approach in this regard in order to optimise the relevance and efficacy for the sector of these programmes and initiatives.
47. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports being made available to establish arts centres in towns and villages in rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37011/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMuch of the nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres used by the artistic communities and the professional arts were initiated and funded by local authorities. The network of venues and arts centres established receive ongoing funding for programming from the Arts Council.
My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding for arts and cultural facilities. The primary focus of these schemes is towards securing and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities rather than the development of major new centres.
At present, my Department has a capital funding scheme open for applications. Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. In line with the Government's action plan on climate change, Stream E also welcomes projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint as well as projects that provide additional capacity for artistic production. Projects that address access and health and safety issues are also supported.
Stream E offers grants up to €50,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and culture remit. Grants of up to €20,000 are available at 85% grant funding rate except for Local Authority owned facilities where the maximum grant is 60% of eligible costs. Grants of up to €50,000 are provided at a maximum grant funding rate of 70% (60% for Local Authority owned facilities). Full details of this Scheme including Application Form, Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions are available on my Department’s page of the website at the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/46f4f-creative-arts-grants-and-funding/. Details of all cultural capital grant expenditure provided by my Department is available on the website showing the grantee and the annual amounts paid by county each year. This information is available at the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1eab-creative-arts-grants-and-funding-previous-schemes/#cultural-development-expenditure .
Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. This would include policy objectives for development in the county including the arts.
48. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends to further increase funding to the arts, culture and sports to bring this funding in line with EU averages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37010/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increased funding enjoyed by the Arts, Culture and Sports sectors over the past number of years reflects the important role played by these sectors across our economy and society and is testament to my commitment, and the commitment of Government, to ensure that robust funding streams are in place to allow them deliver on key priorities and objectives.
It is commonly acknowledged and widely understood that there are challenges in making meaningful international comparisons of public expenditure in respect of Ireland based on Gross Domestic Product. Nonetheless, I am satisfied that there has been considerable progress in recent years in growth in public funding of arts and culture in Ireland. Relative to Budget 2020, Budget 2024 saw an increase of over 90% in funding for the Arts and Culture Division of my Department. This included record allocations for the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann, Culture Ireland and continued funding of the three year €105 million Basic Income for the Arts research programme as well as significant increases in funding for our National Cultural Institutions (NCIs). In terms of capital expenditure, my Department, in partnership with the Office of Public Works, is engaged in a programme of significant investment in our NCIs as well as supporting local authorities in addressing demand for artist workspaces. There was also a programme of investment in the Decade of Centenaries Programme, the renewal and continued implementation of the Creative Ireland Programme, and new initiatives in areas such as the Night Time Economy.
With regard to Sport, the importance that this Government has placed on increasing physical activity participation rates is evident by increased and sustained investment in sport in recent years. One of the Governments key aims is to double State funding for sport over the 10-year period from 2018, when the National Sports Policy was published, to 2027. In 2018, the total sport budget was €111 million. In 2024, it is €209 million, an increase of 88% and we are therefore well on track to doubling the State’s investment in sport to €220 million by 2027.
Budget 2025 negotiations are ongoing at present, and whilst I am not in a position to comment in any detail, I can assure the Deputy of my ongoing commitment to secure the necessary supports to continue the trajectory of increased funding for these sectors. Some highlights of increases in funding for these sectors over the past few years are set out below.
Arts and Culture
Basic Income for the Arts
The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme is a three-year pilot that I established as a research project so that an evidence base can be developed around the impact of such a payment to artists. The BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators; affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation. Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, have a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.
Creative Ireland
My Department has continued to work to ensure that the Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 is adequately funded to achieve its aim to enable each citizen to realise their full creative potential. A particular highlight of the work of the Programme is Cruinniú na nÓg, a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people. In recognition of its continued success, it has had its funding increased year-on-year since 2020.
Culture Ireland
The 2024 funding for Culture Ireland was increased by €1 million, to €7.6 million, to ensure that we can continue to promote Irish arts worldwide and to create opportunities and support the international careers of Irish artists. Support is provided for both in-person and digital presentation with a focus on supporting travel costs for paid opportunities. In 2023, Culture Ireland supported over 3,500 artists and arts professionals to present internationally, reaching a global audience of 6.7 million
National Cultural Institutions investment programme under National Development Plan
My Department is working with the National Cultural Institutions and the Office of Public Works (OPW) to deliver an ambitious programme of flagship projects that will redevelop and future proof the Institutions for generations to come.?Some examples include the National Archives Archival Repository at the warehouse in Bishop Street, the Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment project, the initial phase of the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall campus, and a number of significant NCI project.
Night-Time Economy
I have invested significantly in supporting the recommendations of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce since the publication of the Report in 2021. I have allocated over €11 million in current funding and €2 million in capital funding to support the development of a vibrant, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy and to help stimulate new ideas and new thinking in the Night-Time Economy. This includes funding for new Night-Time Advisors in nine cities and towns across the country, funding for late night opening in the NCIs, various Night-Time Economy Support Schemes and safety initiatives.
Screen Ireland
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish filmmaking and the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. The agency supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. The budget for Screen Ireland has almost doubled since 2019, with €39.546 million allocated for 2024.
Sport
Sports Capital and Expenditure Programmes
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
From 2018 to date, €266 million has been allocated under the programme. Since 1998, over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas and groups that are currently underrepresented in terms of participation. The 2023 round of the SCEP has seen a record 3,210 applications received by the deadline date.
On 9 May 2024, Minister Byrne and I announced over €26 million in equipment-only grants under the latest round of the SCEP. The grants have been provisionally allocated to organisations across the country and to over fifty sports and activities. On 29 May 2024, Minister Byrne and I were pleased to confirm at least €250 million is to be made available for capital projects under the 2023 round of the SCEP. This is on foot of positive recent engagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan, which has facilitated this largest-ever investment in sports facilities across the country.
The funding now available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme. The assessment of funding applications for capital projects is now at an advanced stage and I expect to announce allocations in the coming weeks.
Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund was established in 2020 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. To date €124 million has been allocated to large sports infrastructure projects nationwide and a further €120 million has been allocated for a new round of funding, the assessment of which is currently underway.
High Performance Programme
The success of Team Ireland athletes at the recent Olympics and Paralympics in Paris comes on the back of unprecedented and sustained funding of our High Performance Programme, with more than €89 million invested from 2021 to 2024. This represents a significant increase on the €59 million invested in the Tokyo Olympic-Paralympic cycle. In terms of future funding and the Los Angeles cycle, the Government is determined to see investment in High Performance Sport continue to grow to meet our national ambition.
50. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses which have been refurbished through the vacant property refurbishment grant to date. [36744/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a key support, introduced by this Government, to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.
A grant of up to €50,000 is available 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 derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built prior to 2008, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
Take-up of the Grant has been significant since it was launched, with over 9,600 grant applications received to date and over 6,400 approved. Payment of grants by local authorities commenced at the end of 2023 as refurbishment works started to be completed and this has steadily increased, with 737 grants now paid. I expect this to significantly increase over 2024 as more refurbishment works are completed.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes breakdowns by local authority. I will arrange for the relevant web link to be circulated with the official record.
59. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position on the draft management plan to be published for circulation by the stakeholders for an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37017/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gearagh is primarily owned and managed by the ESB and enjoys extensive legal protections as a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area and a designated Nature Reserve.
The publication of a management plan for the site is a matter for the ESB. However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has contributed extensively as a stakeholder to the ESB's proposed management plans for the site, including via the scoping exercise that was undertaken by ESB International on behalf of the ESB in 2016/2017 and the subsequent report.
I understand that the ESB has now completed a draft management plan which has been provided to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for consideration.
I am pleased to say that a meeting between ESB and the Regional and Scientific teams in the NPWS will take place shortly to discuss the Draft Plan contents and NPWS’s observations thereon.
I understand that the Plan will be published in due course, but that remains a matter for the ESB.
In the meantime, the NPWS continues to engage with the ESB on the monitoring of this site and the positive findings from scientific surveys generally indicate an effective management regime.
60. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that are being taken to negate the need for over-reliance by local authorities on expensive schemes such as HAP and RAS. [36756/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Housing for All strategy, the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade, including an average of 10,000 new build social homes. As new build supply of social housing ramps up, there will be reducing reliance on the HAP and RAS schemes. For example, 4,614 households exited HAP in 2023 following receipt of a Social Housing tenancy and this continues.
While immediate supports are available through HAP, the Government is rapidly increasing the numbers of houses owned by Local Authorities and Approved Housing bodies so that the most vulnerable in society will have access to a home. The progress being made by Government in this regard is reducing the reliance on HAP and RAR for thousands of households every year.
The latest Social Housing Construction Status Report for the end of Quarter 1 2024 shows that 9,179 social homes were onsite with an additional 15,848 homes at design and tender stage.
For 2023 and 2024, the Government agreed that there would be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department provided funding for local authorities to acquire at least 1,500 social homes per annum. The additional acquisitions have primarily focused on properties where a tenant is in receipt of social housing supports such as HAP and RAS, and has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property.
In July 2023 the Roadmap for increased adoption of Modern methods of Construction in Public Housing delivery was published and sets out recommendations to progress the most advanced and efficient construction methods in the delivery of housing.
63. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to help first-time house buyers; the impact of these over the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36748/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst-time buyers are being supported under Housing for All and activity is continuing to strengthen, with the number of first-time buyers in the year to June 2024 some 28% higher than the same period in 2021 when Housing for All was introduced.
A number of key measures have been put in place under the Plan, including, for example, the First Home Scheme which supports first time buyers who wish to purchase new homes anywhere in the country, with 4,856 families and individuals approved for funding since the launch of the Scheme to end Quarter 2 2024.
In addition, the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme assists first-time buyers in purchasing Local Authority delivered new homes, with approval already given for more than three thousand affordable purchase homes across 21 local authorities and with 854 homes already delivered to the end of the first quarter in 2024.
The government has also extended the Help to Buy scheme which has been a significant support for first time buyers of new homes. To 31 August 2024, 49,684 first-time buyers have benefited from the scheme.
For those who need help accessing a mortgage, the Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage, available to first time buyers and fresh start applicants, who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, offers supports to those bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes, including for first-time buyers. To date 9,600 applications have been received and 6,400 approved for this Scheme.
The suite of measures under the Plan are directly supporting first time buyers to access homeownership.
64. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason inter-county social housing transfers are no longer allowed in general or even under special circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37028/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA household may apply for social housing support to one local authority only, which may be the authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which it has a local connection. However, the local authority may agree, at its discretion, to assess the household for support without the need to meet the normally resides or local connection criteria.
Some local authorities have provisions in their allocation schemes for inter authority/mutual transfers for sitting tenants whereby the authority is prepared to accommodate applications provided certain criteria are met. Such arrangements are entirely a matter for the local authority concerned.
Requests for transfers for social housing tenants are considered solely by the relevant local authority concerned in accordance with that authority’s allocation scheme, which is made by the elected members under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and in compliance with Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011.Local authorities are responsible for assessing applicants, taking into account factors such as the condition and suitability existing accommodation, medical and compassionate grounds, etc. The authority then prioritises the needs of approved applicants in accordance with its allocation scheme. Ultimately, it is a matter for the local authority to decide the conditions to be met in relation to transfer applications.
65. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the tenant-in-situ and cost-rental tenant-in-situ schemes are a demand-led programme, and that any house that can be purchased by a county council to avoid homelessness is purchased in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37003/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor 2023 and 2024, the Government agreed that there would be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department provided funding for local authorities to acquire at least 1,500 social homes per annum. The additional acquisitions have primarily focused on properties where a tenant is in receipt of social housing supports and has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. My Department issued a circular in March 2023, setting out details of these arrangements.
Each local authority has been provided with a provisional allocation for social housing acquisitions in 2024 with additional headroom of 50% on the allocation being available under delegated sanction. Acquisitions above this are subject to a sanction request. My Department issued a circular letter to local authorities in March, 2024 and additional guidance in this regard in June.
The Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2023 for tenants in private rental homes who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord has served a valid Notice of Termination due to an intention to sell the property.
The Local Authority conducts the initial assessment for eligibility of the tenant for this scheme and refers potential cases to the Housing Agency, which is responsible for administering and managing the scheme on behalf of my Department, pending further policy development over the longer term, with the intention of transitioning these homes to the standard Cost Rental model over time and to move it to being an Approved Housing Body led scheme.
Data for affordable housing delivery is published on a quarterly basis, similar to social housing delivery. This data is published up to Quarter 1 2024, including CRTiS figures, and is available on my Department's website.
67. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount spent on the HAP and RAS schemes in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024; and the total number of properties occupied through these schemes at present, in tabular form. [36757/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All aims to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year up to 2030. This includes an average of 10,000 new build social homes each year over the lifetime of the plan. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Increased delivery of social housing is a key Housing for All objective and is supported through a range of funding streams delivered via local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). The number of new build social homes that have been completed, and the number in the pipeline, continues to grow year-on-year, with new construction projects added to the pipeline regularly.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Schemes are part of the suite of measures available to local authorities to meet housing need in their areas. This year, a total of €636m has been allocated to the HAP and RAS schemes. At end Q1, a total of €129m has been spent on HAP and €20m has been spent on RAS.
The provision of this funding meant, that in the first quarter of the year, an additional 2,550 housing solutions were delivered through HAP and RAS, bringing the total number of tenancies supported by these schemes to approximately 72,300.
My Department publishes comprehensive program level data on it’s website on a quarterly basis which sets out social housing delivery and spend activity, including data on spend over the last ten years and the latest published figures for the number of active tenancies in each scheme.
68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on his Department's retrofitting programme; the reasons solar PV has not comprised a significant component of this programme given the increased popularity and affordability of the technology; if he has plans change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36896/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) aims to retrofit a local authority home to a BER of B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent. It is expected that 36,500 local authority owned homes will be retrofitted under this programme out to 2030.
An annualised breakdown of the total funding provided and the number of properties upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit programme for the years 2013-2023 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/ .
My Department also introduced a pilot Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme in 2020, the details of which are found below. A further 674 properties were retrofitted to a BER of B2/ Cost Optimal Equivalent and these figures are in addition to the National Retrofit Programme.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/# .
Each year the target number of units and funding provided under the EERP are subject to the funding available as part of the National Development Plan and annual Estimates process. The 2024 EERP budget provides an increase in funding support to €90 million to retrofit 2,500 properties. Local authorities have received their individual allocations and work is underway in that regard.
The programme has been devised in a way to give local authorities a level of flexibility when selecting properties to retrofit, ranging from those requiring minor levels of works to properties needing the maximum level of retrofitting required to bring them to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent standard. Works eligible under my Department's revised Energy Efficient Retrofit Programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works. These funded measures achieve B2 or Cost Optimal equivalent (BER) as identified by the 2018 Cost Optimal calculations carried out under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. In certain circumstances, my Department supports the installation of 1kWp solar PV for small social homes with a floor area less than 55 m2, with a maximum HLI of 2.6 on a pilot basis. In such cases local authorities are required to cooperate with SEAI as part of research monitoring the performance of heat pumps in these dwellings. Furthermore, under the Microgeneration Support Scheme led by Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Solar PV is available for all domestic premises.
Work in relation to the 2024 programme is ongoing. Full details in relation to the 2024 Energy Efficiency Programme will be published on my Department’s website early in 2025.
