Written Answers Nos. 606-632
606. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding available for the renovation or renewal of vacant commercial premises; if none exists, whether he is intending to introduce or expand any schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2905/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key initiative under the Vacant Homes Action Plan to address vacancy and dereliction has been the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. From May 2023, a grant of up to €50,000 is available to support individual owner(s) refurbish a vacant property into a home. Where the property is confirmed as derelict, up to a maximum of €70,000 in grant funding is available. The grant is available to individuals for the conversion of vacant properties previously used for commercial or public use to residential use, subject to planning/evidence of planning exemption.
However, no funding is available directly through my Department for the renovation or renewal of vacant commercial premises to remain as commercial use.
Some local authorities have introduced locally designed business incentive schemes which promote the use of vacant commercial property. Such schemes rely upon Part 9 of the Local Government Act 2001 which provides that the functions of local authorities include providing grants, loans guarantees or other financial aid to promote the interests of the local community, including economic interests.
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020.
The Government recognised the need to modernise the collection of commercial rates and the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 (LGROMA) was passed by the Oireachtas and enacted on 11 July 2019. Local authorities are levying and collecting rates under the new legal rates framework since 1 January 2024.
Section 9 of the Act provides that a local authority may provide a temporary abatement of rates for vacant properties. Vacancy refund provisions were previously in a number of now repealed enactments. Section 9 allows for greater flexibility and customisation of schemes than heretofore, allowing them to be made for class or classes of liable persons or properties, and to be used as a tool to discourage commercial vacancy.
Section 15 provides for local authorities to make schemes to support local and national policy objectives, by waiving rates in certain circumstances. This is another provision which increases the capacity of local authorities and elected members to address important issues and challenges particular to their local areas and to enable them to support specific objectives to promote community, social and economic development, urban planning or rural regeneration. The elected members have discretion to introduce waiver schemes that support objectives outlined in either county development plans, local area plans, local economic and community plans or indeed the National Planning Framework.
The introduction of both section 9 and section 15 schemes are reserved functions of elected members.
608. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a schedule of special advisers attached to him, as of 29 January 2025; and the official grade and or title held by that special adviser. [3001/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have appointed no advisers in my Department so far but will appoint advisers who can help with delivery across the wide range of responsibilities under my remit in the coming weeks. All such appointments will be made in accordance with the guidance issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services Reform and Digitalisation.
610. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of properties registered with each local authority for short-term rentals; the total number of applications of planning permission for short-term rental in each local authority; the total number refused and accepted, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3064/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislative reforms to regulate the short-term letting sector through the planning code, in areas designated as “rent pressure zones” (RPZs), were introduced under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 which came into effect on 1 July 2019.
Local planning authorities are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the short-term letting planning arrangements and submit quarterly data returns to my Department. The information requested in relation to the number of planning applications received and planning permissions granted and refused for change of use to short term letting has been taken from these returns and is provided in the table attached. However, these returns do not include the number of properties registered with each local authority for short-term rentals.
611. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government to extend the eligibility for the pyrite remediation scheme to include homes with damage category rating 1 with progression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3065/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my intention to extend the eligibility for the pyrite remediation scheme to include applications from homes with a Damage Condition Rating (DCR) of 1 that are projected to progress to a DCR of 2 within the next few years, as defined by the Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB).
Under this amendment, the PRB will evaluate each eligible DCR1 application using strict qualification criteria. Applicants approved under this amendment will follow the existing eight stages of pyrite remediation, with an additional assessment step at stage 2. In this additional step, the Scheme Engineer will revisit the property within a defined period to reassess whether any progression has occurred as determined by the PRB. The Housing Agency will oversee these stage 2 assessments and testing on behalf of the PRB, with support from an external engineering consultant.
I intend to seek Cabinet agreement to make the necessary amendment to the scheme over the coming period.
613. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering additional funding to local authorities such as South Dublin County Council, to enable the council to pursue in a more aggressive way the replacement of sodium bulbs with LED lighting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3095/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not allocate specific funding towards the management and maintenance of public lighting, as this is a matter for each individual local authority, in this instance, South Dublin County Council .
Local authorities receive income from a variety of sources, including grants from Central Government, Local Property Tax, commercial rates and other locally-raised charges. Each authority is mandated to determine its own spending priorities, including the level of funding to be provided for public lighting, while having regard to locally identified needs and available resources.
615. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of rate reviews that have taken place in Cork County Council in the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3151/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020.
The amount of rates liable on a property is determined by multiplying the valuation of the property set by Tailte Éireann by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) set by the local authority. The ARV is decided by the elected members of each local authority in their annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority. I have no role in this regard.
Commercial rates income makes a significant contribution to the funding of local government, providing between 13% and 45% of total funding for local services at individual local authority level, averaging 25% nationally. Rates income is a very important contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities such as roads, footpaths, the public realm, litter management, public lighting, development control, parks and open spaces; all essential elements to create the environment in which businesses can prosper.
Tailte Éireann is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county by county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to provide for more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and to assist in providing a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates.
In a revaluation the entire commercial valuation list for a local authority is brought up-to-date by reference to values at a specific valuation date. The entire list comes into effect for rating purposes on 1 January in the year following the publication of the new list. The essential purpose of a revaluation is to redistribute the burden of rates more equitably in line with relative changes in valuations across different classes of properties or individual properties within particular classes or uses.
To date revaluations have been fully completed in respect of 29 of 31 local authorities. The two local authorities remaining to undergo revaluation are Cork County Council and Cork City Council, for which I understand preparatory work will commence this year.
616. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of derelict properties in Meath in the years 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to liaise with local authorities, including Meath County Council, on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act).
Under the Act, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, which includes the name and address of each owner and occupier, where these can be ascertained by reasonable enquiry, of any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site. Section 8(5) of the Act, provides that "The register shall be kept at the offices of the local authority and shall be available for inspection at the offices of the local authority during office hours." There is no legislative requirement for local authorities to publish their Derelict Sites Registers on their website.
A property can be placed on the derelict site register where it is deemed by a local authority to satisfy the criteria of a derelict site under the terms of section 3 of the Act i.e. (i) it is in a dangerous or ruinous condition; (ii) it is in a neglected or unsightly condition; or (iii) there is a presence of litter, waste or debris on the site. It is not the case that a property can be placed on the derelict site register of a local authority simply by being a vacant property.
Local Authorities are required to submit an annual return to my Department providing information on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 in their functional areas. The derelict sites returns are collected in Quarter 2 of the following year. For the years 2019 to 2023 the information form Meath County Council are in tabular form below. Further details of Meath County Council’s Derelict Site register are available here: www.meath.ie/council/council-services/environment/derelict-sites-and-dangerous-structures/derelict-sites
|
Local Authority |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2019 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2020 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2021 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2022 |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2023 |
|
Meath |
15 |
20 |
30 |
37 |
34 |
It is also worth noting that placing sites on the derelict sites register, and collecting levies in respect of those sites, is not the sole mechanism that local authorities apply in relation to bringing sites back into use. They often engage collaboratively with property owners with a view to necessary works being undertaken to bring sites back into use while also occasionally using their powers under the Act to compulsorily acquire derelict sites.
In relation to derelict homes in particular, my Department is funding a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in Meath County Council to support the bringing back of previously occupied homes into residential use. The Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant (VHRG) also provides grants of up to €70,000 to eligible properties that are derelict in order to undertake required refurbishment works and make them suitable for residential use once again.
617. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any new programmes planned, or being implemented, in Meath to address the current level of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3182/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
Responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities and the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis, with nine administrative regions in place. The Mid East region includes counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, for the purposes of homeless administration, with Kildare County Council as lead authority.
A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. It is a matter for the management group of the consultative forum, in the first instance, to determine the services and the funding required to address homelessness in each region, and to bring forward proposals to my Department that meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area and the funding requirements will be considered in this context.
An allocation of €303 million, an increase of €61m on the 2024 provision, has been made under Budget 2025 to provide homeless prevention services, emergency accommodation and other services for households experiencing homelessness. This is a 25% increase on the 2024 budget allocation. This funding will support the provision of emergency accommodation and supports that households require to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy.
Furthermore, in the Programme for Government 2025, the Government has reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to working to eradicate homelessness by 2030. The programme includes distinct actions targeted to reduce and prevent homelessness. These include measures to engage and support rough sleepers with the continued expansion of the Housing First programme, a cross departmental approach to homelessness prevention, the leasing of one-bedroom units to address the immediate needs of single households, a focus on social housing allocations to families who are in long-term homeless accommodation and to continue the social housing tenant in situ programme to prevent homelessness.
My Department continues to work closely with the National Homeless Action Committee to ensure that there is a continued focus by the various stakeholders on additional measures that we can take to eradicate homelessness and to support all those experiencing homelessness. My Department will ensure sufficient funding is made available for all required homeless services to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
618. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports available to people who lost their home due to storm Éowyn and now have to find alternative accommodation while they rebuild, particularly in the context that emergency accommodation in Galway has been full for months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
Decisions on the assessment of households for homeless services, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned. My Department will ensure sufficient funding is made available for all required homeless services, including the provision of emergency accommodation, to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. In addition, my colleague Dara Calleary, T.D., the Minister for Social Protection, activated the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme on Thursday 23 January 2025 in advance of the arrival of Storm Éowyn. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme continues to be available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by the storm.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Services section of the Department of Social Protection. Support is available in three stages. Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to people who need immediate humanitarian support while they are without power and/or water. Payments under Stage 1 are not income tested and are generally for essential food and clothing based on the immediate need of impacted individuals. In addition, a number of people in very challenging circumstances have been supported with the cost of alternative accommodation under Stage 1. The level of support provided reflects reasonable rates based on local cost availability. The scheme has also supported the purchase of necessary items such as gas heaters, torches, etc for people without power and/or water. Community Welfare Officers have been visiting people affected by the storm and providing support.
The Community Welfare Services section is also working closely with the Local Coordination Groups in local authorities. If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, Community Welfare Service contact details are available from the Department of Social Protection website on gov.ie.
Stage 2 support generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items after a severe weather event. Stage 3 is to identify the longer term financial support required to make a person’s accommodation habitable again in the aftermath of a severe weather event, and includes funding for plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
Stages 2 and 3 humanitarian supports are subject to income limits: €50,000 for a single person; €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child. Reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where a household‘s income is above these limits. The level of payment depends on how severe the damage is and a person’s ability to meet these costs.
Humanitarian aid does not pay for damage that is covered by insurance policies (for example, spoiled freezer food, storm damage), nor does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.
619. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and/or service officer/security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3200/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
620. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and/or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3218/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the table below, and reflects the position in my Department as of 31 December 2024.
|
Grade |
Number |
Contract Status |
|
Cleaner |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Services Attendant |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Services Officer |
16 |
Permanent |
These staff are paid by reference to the standard civil service pay scales for these grades, which are available to view online at: https://civilservicepayscales.per.gov.ie/
My Department does not hold the requested information in respect of the State Bodies under its aegis. These State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Electoral Commission |
oireachtas@electoralcommission.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
621. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Ministers of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024 respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3254/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details as requested in relation to annual mileage claims for each Ministers of State are available and regularly updated on my Department's OpenData website and are available to view under the following links:
2023: Ministerial Domestic Travel Costs 2023
2024: Ministerial Domestic Travel Costs 2024
The annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each Minister of State in 2023 and 2024 are outlined in the following table:
|
Claimant |
Total Subsistence (including overnight allowances) paid in year 2023 |
Total Subsistence (including overnight allowances) paid in year 2024 |
Cost of Overnight allowance paid in 2023 |
Cost of Overnight allowance paid in 2024 |
|
Driver 1 |
5,471.37 |
8,063.19 |
2,485.00 |
5,376.00 |
|
Driver 2 |
7,655.35 |
10,761.23 |
4,467.00 |
7,549.00 |
|
Driver 3 |
0 |
3,725.04 |
0 |
2,145.00 |
|
Driver 4 |
0 |
5,418.07 |
0 |
4,680.00 |
|
Driver 5 |
373.08 |
0 |
334.00 |
0.00 |
|
Driver 6 |
394.98 |
0 |
167.00 |
0.00 |
|
Driver 7 |
1,179.06 |
980.15 |
0 |
334.00 |
622. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to their office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3272/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am awaiting instruction from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation for staffing limits for Office Holders.
623. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports available to urban communities in establishing group sewerage schemes to replace failed shared sewers in older housing estates, similar to the group sewerage scheme grant which is available rurally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder my Department’s Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026, no new Community Waste Water Connection (formerly called Group Sewerage Schemes) projects are being funded. I have no plans to make changes to the Programme.
624. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received responses from the four Dublin local authorities to his letter of 18 October 2024 regarding Ireland’s Obligation under the EU Birds Directive; for an update on the work the four bodies are undertaking with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on a comprehensive review of inland sites used by brent geese to inform an overarching plan for the conservation of this species and the management of the sites that the birds use; if the local authorities have sought any additional resources to undertake this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA letter issued to the Executives of the four Dublin local authorities on 18 October 2024 to encourage the authorities to come together to commence work on a Strategic Plan to consider the balanced and sustainable use of amenity areas in Dublin by light-bellied brent geese.
This Plan will gather the best available scientific information to inform an analysis of the current and future use of amenity areas in Dublin by brent geese. Where changes in land use are being proposed, the work that underpins the Plan will assist in ensuring that this is in line with EU and international conservation obligations.
Positive responses have been received from all of the Local Authorities and the next step is to convene the steering group in Quarter 1 2025. I understand that discussions are already taking place between the Dublin local authorities in that respect. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is committed to supporting the local authorities through active discussion and participation in the Steering Group.
The question of additional resources is a matter for each of the local authorities to consider.
625. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the body that provides the letter required as part of the application confirming that the applicant is a first-time buyer in relation to the affordable purchase scheme in Galway city that will be taking applications shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3310/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the administration of affordable purchase schemes, including the processing of applications and the determination of eligibility for affordable housing opportunities, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in this case Galway City Council.
Galway City Council has published detailed guidance on the supporting documentation required by an applicant for an affordable purchase home. This guidance can be accessed at the following link to Galway City's website -
www.galwaycity.ie/services/housing/affordable-housing
In line with this guidance, an applicant may supply a printout from the Revenue portal confirming that they are eligible or under review for the Revenue Help to Buy scheme which will be accepted as proof of First Time Buyer status at application stage. Alternatively, an affidavit from a Solicitor may be provided to confirm that the applicant has never previously owned a dwelling in Ireland or elsewhere.
626. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the review of the existing suite of engineering qualifications in the local government sector commenced by the previous Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage in April 2024 has concluded; and when he will publish the outcome and act on any recommendations made within. [3311/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra628. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position in relation to the Department HLGH Working Group review of the current engineering qualifications declared under s160 of the Local Government Act 2001. [3519/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 628 together.
The declaration of qualification for posts in the local government sector is a power given to me as Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage under section 160 (1) (a) of the Local Government Act. My Department keeps existing qualifications under review and will, where necessary, and in consultation with the local government sector and unions, propose changes to existing qualification and/ or identify new qualifications.
A Working Group was established by my Department in April 2024 to undertake a review of the existing suite of engineering qualifications in the local government sector and to propose changes to those qualifications where necessary.
The Working Group has now concluded its work and has recommended a number of changes. My Department is currently in the process of consulting with the relevant public sector unions about these proposals and it is expected that these consultations will conclude in the coming weeks with a view to finalisation as soon as possible thereafter.
627. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date for the announcement of the Community Monuments Fund 2025; if funding will be granted towards Coolbane Mill, Freemount, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe closing date for receipt of applications for the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) 2025 is 14 February 2025.
Applications are assessed by an expert panel in my Department and each one is taken on its merits and awarded points under a number of criteria as set out in the CMF handbook.
It is expected that the awards for 2025 will be announced in mid- April.
629. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that are being taken to ensure the delivery of 60,000 homes annually, including the increased use of modular construction methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3578/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to building on the momentum generated under Housing for All to achieve a target of delivering more than 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
Housing for All, the most ambitious and comprehensive housing plan in the history of the State, was published in September 2021. The Plan contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 is now in place and I will be prioritising its implementation. The measures under Housing for All are supporting innovation in construction to improve the pace and efficiency of home building; increasing the construction sector’s capacity to build housing at scale; increasing the delivery of social and affordable homes; and tackling vacancy and dereliction. Reflecting the importance of scaling up housing delivery, a record €6bn capital investment in housing was announced in Budget 2025 made up of €3.1bn exchequer funding, €1.25 allocated to the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €1.65bn for the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). This is the highest ever capital investment in the history of the State.
Utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has the potential to boost productivity, increase efficiency and improve sustainability in the construction sector. Steps taken to date to support the adoption of MMC in Ireland will help to increase and accelerate the delivery of homes. These steps include an Accelerated Social Housing Delivery Programme using MMC, a Construct Innovate Technology Centre, a National Demonstration Park for MMC, the Build Digital project, the Built to Innovate initiative, and the development of standardised approaches to the design of housing.
In total, between the years 2020-2024, 130,000 new homes have been built. This is the highest level of delivery since 2008.
This delivery is underpinned by a robust pipeline, which has seen an extraordinary boost in commencement activity. The latest data, published on 16 January 2025 shows that 60,243 new homes have commenced in 2024. This is a significant increase of 84% compared to 32,801 homes the previous year. This equates to on average 239 homes commenced every working day last year.
The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. Under the Programme for Government published in January 2025, the Government have committed to introduce a new national housing plan to follow Housing for All. My Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and, the potential timeframe. While this work is being undertaken, the measures detailed in Housing for All, including measures to increase the adoption of Modern Method of Construction, continue to be progressed.
630. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if measures will be introduced to strengthen renters’ rights, including increasing RTB powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3579/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent Governments have introduced significant changes to the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 - 2024 (RTA) in recent years to enhance protections for tenants and increase the powers of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
T he RTB was established as a quasi-judicial independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) to regulate the rental sector; provide information to tenants and landlords; maintain a national register of tenancies; resolve disputes between tenants and landlords; and conduct research and provide information to inform policy. My Department continues to work with the RTB to ensure it is sufficiently resourced to deliver on its expanded mandate.
The Programme for Government - Securing Ireland's Future, published on 23 January 2025, commits to continuing its support for renters and landlords. This includes measures to protect renters and landlords from abusive practices by enhancing the enforcement powers of the Residential Tenancies Board and establishing statutory deadlines for dealing with complaints. The Programme for Government also commits to build more cost rental units through the Land Development Agency, local authorities and Cost Rental Equity Loan funding to Approved Housing Bodies, embedding cost rental as a category of tenure on a permanent basis.
I will work with my colleagues in Government to implement changes as necessary for the sector during this Governments term and my Department and the RTB keep the operation of the RTA and the residential rental sector under constant review and will work to ensure that an appropriately balanced policy and legislative framework is maintained.
631. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if reforms to planning regulations will be considered to facilitate the conversion of derelict buildings and vacant spaces above shops into residential units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3580/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2018 , S.I. No. 30/2018, currently provide for an exemption from the need to obtain planning permission for the change of use of certain vacant commercial buildings, including vacant above ground floor premises, to residential use such as ‘above shop’ living. These Exempted Development Regulations were extended in 2022, to also include former pubs and to extend the timeframe for these exemptions to apply up to the end of 2025.
The Regulations require the developer to notify the planning authority at least two weeks prior to the commencement of any proposed change of use and related works.
The most recent figures, which are available on my Department’s website show how these exemptions are helping to tackle the problem of vacancy, maximise the use of our existing building stock for much-needed housing supply and revitalise our town centres, as part of the government’s ‘Housing For All’ plan and ‘Town Centre First’ policy.
Since 2018, when the exemptions were first introduced, local authorities have received 1,165 notifications relating to the provision of 2,716 new homes.
In 2023 alone, local authorities received notifications of 267 exempted development proposals with plans put forward to result in the provision of 650 dwellings. In 2022 and 2023, 92 notifications relating to pubs were received by local authorities with the intention to create 295 new homes.
Further information on the number of notifications received by local authorities of planned changes of use of vacant commercial property into residential units, and the number of homes associated with those notifications, for the years 2018-2023: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f3a0e-notifications-received-by-local-authorities-under-planning-permission-exemptions-for-converting-certain-vacant-commercial-property-into-homes/
These exemptions are just one of a range of measures designed to help people bring vacant properties back into residential use, and can be used in combination with other vacant property supports such as the ‘Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant’ and the ‘Repair and Leasing Scheme’. Further information on the range of supports available to bring a vacant or derelict property back into use is available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ef77b-refurbishing-vacant-property/?referrer=https://www.gov.ie/vacancy/
