Written Answers Nos. 321-344
321. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education the details of any secondments from consulting firms to her Department since 2020; the consulting firm involved; the purpose of the secondment; the durations of the secondments; who paid the salary of the individual seconded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the question from the Deputy, I can confirm there has not been any secondments from consulting firms since 2020, working in my Department.
322. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if her Department, or any agency under her Department’s remit, have, since 1 November 2024, entered any contract in respect of a hotel (details supplied) or have had any discussions, or received any offers, in respect of using this premises for any reason; the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has no records of the awarding of contracts to the hotel in question in the stated time period.
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the following table should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.
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Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Education as at 16 May 2024 |
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Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
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An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta |
oireachtas@cogg.ie |
jacquelinenifhearghusa@cogg.ie |
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Educational Research Centre |
oireachtas.queries@erc.ie |
John.Regan@erc.ie |
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National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
oireachtasqueries@ncca.ie |
Aine.ArmstrongFarrell@ncca.ie |
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State Examinations Commission |
Oireachtas@examinations.ie |
john.mcdermott@examinations.ie |
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The Teaching Council |
Oireachtas@teachingcouncil.ie |
rflynn@teachingcouncil.ie |
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National Council for Special Education |
oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie |
patrick.martin@ncse.ie and cindyjane.oconnell@ncse.ie |
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Residential Institutions Statutory Fund – Caranua |
Michael.Fitzpatrick@caranua.ie |
Michael.Fitzpatrick@caranua.ie |
323. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to consider policy measures, up to and including legislation, to encourage businesses in Ireland to use bilingual packaging for their products as a way to promote and increase visibility of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 contains a commitment to examine the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of all goods sold in Ireland, as a mechanism to develop the range of areas available in which people can choose Irish as a language of exchange. In this context, Foras na Gaeilge, through its ‘Gnó Means Business’ programme, deliver a wide range of initiatives to support the use of the Irish language in business and economic life, including:
- a funding support scheme focused on small and medium enterprises: Under this scheme, funding of up to €3,000 is available to support the development of signage, stationery, printed marketing material, internet sites and other branding material in the Irish language or bilingually;
- a Business Support Resource Pack: Under this scheme, there are 31 specialist business support resources available free of charge. As part of the support package, there is a choice of self-adhesive signs, badges, leaflets and other support resources to enhance the visibility of Irish in a business environment;
- Bilingual Packaging: A Guide for Best Business Practice is the second in a series of guidance ebooks published by Foras na Gaeilge for the business sector focusing on the principles of bilingualism in signage and packaging. The guidebook aims to recognise best practice in the use of Irish in packaging and to demonstrate to the business community that the language is a valuable resource that can be used to attract consumers to their products. This ebook, which is a joint venture between Foras na Gaeilge and TU Dublin, was launched in 2017 and is available to download from the Foras na Gaeilge website: url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/c2w8CV0Y9HxZ0kuGf2UES3vR?domain=forasnagaeilge.ie/
- Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a voluntary code and newly-developed quality system for the Business Sector which focuses on giving official recognition to best bilingual practice based on the International Standard ISO 9001:2008. Small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland can apply for this award.
My Department also supports GRADAIM, a recognition scheme for businesses either using Irish directly as part of their operations or providing a service through Irish to their customers. The awards are presented to businesses for their efforts in three main categories, namely Signage, Branding and Marketing and Irish Language Customer & Client Service. Over 330 businesses have received recognition under this scheme so far. The scheme is administered by Glór na nGael who are the lead Irish language organization with responsibilities to promote the Irish language in business.
In addition to this, my Department provides funding to organisations such as Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge and Cill Dara le Gaeilge, to support and encourage businesses in the use of Irish.
The law relating to food labelling is the responsibility of the Department of Health and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. I understand that a cross government working group was established back in 2022, under the aegis of the Department of Health, with the aim of discussing the EU Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. My Department has no role in the development of these regulations or the work of the group.
324. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total number of copper communication lines within his Department currently in active operation and for which his Department is paying for on a monthly basis inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12994/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has no active copper communication lines inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines.
325. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the feedback on the unsuccessful application for LSSIF funding made by Galway County Council for a multi-use sports facility at Oranmore, County Galway. [13047/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the feedback on the unsuccessful application for LSSIF funding made by Galway County Council for a soccer training facility in Athenry, County Galway. [13048/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
The Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which was established on foot of the National Sports Policy 2018 - 2027, provides funding for large sports facility projects requiring investment beyond the scope of the funding limits under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme). The total investment under the LSSIF since 2020 amounts to €297 million, with 68 projects receiving funding allocations including nine swimming pool projects. The second round of the LSSIF, which commenced in April 2024, received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 submissions. On 4 November 2024, grants amounting to €173 million were announced, benefiting 35 individual projects.
Due to the significant demand, a range of applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation including the projects which the Deputy has queried. The Department is currently assessing and preparing a LSSIF reserve list and, until that process has concluded, the Department will not be in a position to provide for feedback on individual projects. All remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order on this reserve list and, should additional LSSIF funding become available, projects on the reserve list may then be funded.
327. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he has met with the CEO and or Chairperson of National Concert Hall since his appointment. [13122/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have visited a number of National Cultural Institutions and met with the relevant Chairs and/or Directors since taking office including the National Archives of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Library of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland. I have attended events at the National Concert Hall and further meetings will take place in the near future. I did meet with the Chair of the NCH, but that was in her capacity as Chair of the Arts Council. Senior officials in my Department meet regularly with the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Concert Hall, most recently on Thursday 13 March.
328. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current up-to-date position regarding the construction of a new National Badminton and Velodrome Centre; and when he expects this project to commence construction. [13123/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan 2021-2030 reiterated the Government’s commitment to the continued development of the National Sports Campus. In addition, Government approved the Campus Masterplan in November 2022 and reaffirmed its commitment to the phased delivery of the National Sports Campus. The Masterplan provides a framework for the further development of the campus over the next 15 to 20 years and identifies the next key high-level projects for development.The development of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre is the next largescale development to be progressed under the Campus Masterplan. It will comprise of a 250 metre cycling track and up to 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, in addition to spectator seating and ancillary facilities. The Centre will provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition, as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. Planning permission for this project was awarded by Fingal County Council in January 2023.
On 1 August 2024, Ministerial approval was announced for the project to proceed to tender. This tender process is underway and an outcome is expected in the coming months. Once the tender process is complete, Sport Ireland will prepare a final business case including costings for ministerial approval. Subject to my consideration of this business case, I hope to confirm the overall budget allocation for the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre later this year and that construction will begin before end-2025 with a likely completion date of mid-2027.
329. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any secondments from consulting firms to his Department since 2020; the consulting firm involved; the purpose of the secondment; the durations of the secondments; who paid the salary of the individual seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13192/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there have been no secondments from consulting firms to this Department since 2020 and to date.
330. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the report on the public consultation on the draft online safety code, which ended in January 2024, will be published. [13258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoimisiún na Meán, established under the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, is Ireland’s online safety and media regulator. It is independent in the exercise of its functions.
As provided for under the OSMR Act, An Coimisiún is responsible for the development of the online safety code and in October 2024, it adopted Ireland's first such code.
In adopting the code, An Coimisiún published information related to its development, including its response to the consultation process referred to by the Deputy. All of this information is available on the Coimisiún na Meán website: www.cnam.ie/industry-and-professionals/online-safety-framework/online-safety-code/
331. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department, or any agency under his Department’s remit, have, since 1 November 2024, entered any contract in respect of a hotel (details supplied) or have had any discussions, or received any offers, in respect of using this premises for any reason; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
I understand that neither my Department, or any agency under the Department’s remit, have, since 1 November 2024, entered into any contract in respect of the hotel referenced by the Deputy, nor have they had any discussions, or received any offers, in respect of using this premises for any reason.
332. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to accelerate and scale up the delivery of affordable housing via local authorities and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver affordable housing at scale and this momentum will continue as the pipeline is developed by Local Authorities alongside the Approved Housing Bodies and the Land Development Agency. Since 2021 over 10,000 affordable housing supports have been delivered via our delivery partners from a standing start.
As part of the Programme for Government, the Government committed to launching a new comprehensive Starter Home programme across the public, private and approved housing body sector which promotes home ownership and secures long-term rental tenures for young people and fresh start applicants.
As stated in the Programme for Government, the Starter Home programme will support and deliver an average of 15,000 starter homes per year, including through the First Home Scheme and the Help to Buy support, in addition to other affordable purchase and cost rental schemes.
The Government’s ambition is to build on the progress made to date under Housing for All, and deliver over 300,000 homes in the period from 2025 to 2030 equating to an annual average of over 50,000 homes per year, building up to 60,000 in 2030.
Work on translating these revised national housing targets into local, tenure specific targets is ongoing and at an advanced stage. This work is expected to be completed in the coming months and will be published after the work on the revised national planning framework is complete.
We will continue to invest and develop a robust pipeline for affordable homes building on the very significant housing investment provided by Government in recent years.
333. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage where fallen trees impede access on public roads and/or damage ESB transmission lines and telecom provider lines on public roads or on private property and where the ownership of such property is not readily known to the local community or to the local authority or emergency services, if there is provision to provide statutory agencies or public utility providers with the names of the owners of such property to ensure that they can be requested, without delay, to remedy the difficulties that have arisen or to bill them for emergency work that may need to be carried out by or on behalf of statutory agencies or public utilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
As I understand it, Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. As such, the implementation of the legislation and the management of the removal of trees is a matter for local authorities and landowners.
With regard to ownership, Tailte Éireann provide a registration of title service for the State and maintain the Land Register detailing ownership of registered property.
Registration of land is compulsory under the conditions set out in Section 23 (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1964/act/16/section/23) of the Registration of Title Act, 1964. Over 90% of the total land mass of the State and the legal titles in Ireland are now registered in the Land Registry.
Any person may access the interactive search features on landdirect.ie to identify property on the map to determine whether the land has been registered on the Land Register and obtain details of the relevant folio number.
Where the title, or ownership, of property has been registered, the registered owner details are entered on folios which form the Land Register. The Irish Land Register is a public record, and any person may inspect the folios and maps on payment of the prescribed fees. Provisions have been put in place for certain Government departments to access the details of the Land Register through Landdirect.ie at no cost to the exchequer.
Where a property has not been previously registered on the Land Register, the ownership details would not be available. A search of the Registry of Deeds would be required. A search by property address, where the grantor name is not known, may result in identifying persons with an interest in the lands if the deeds related to the property have been lodged for notation in the Registry of Deeds.
Finally, Oireachtas Members may obtain information in relation to specific cases by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
334. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of copper communication lines within his Department currently in active operation and for which his Department is paying for on a monthly basis inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12989/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has 216 ISDN lines and 62 PSTN lines in operation. As these are all copper based lines this equates to 494 copper lines (i.e. 2 copper lines per ISDN and 1 per PSTN).
335. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on allocating a portion of cost-rental properties in Dublin for essential workers. [8175/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. Housing for All, Ireland's housing plan to 2030, contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes.
Cost Rental housing is a key tool in our efforts to make rents more affordable and renting more secure. Since the launch of Housing for All, 2,640 cost rental homes have been delivered nationwide, including over 1,600 across the four Dublin local authorities.
My Department is currently exploring options for the setting aside of certain Cost Rental units for key local workers as set out in the Programme for Government. This includes exploring opportunities to build on recent legislative changes brought in by my predecessor last year.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 included new provisions related to the Cost Rental sector which are likely to improve access for certain cohorts, including those who may be categorised as key workers. The changes will mean friends and work colleagues can come together to access Cost Rental and will also allow cost rental providers to prioritise such homes for those with a link to an area though previous residence, place of employment, or children’s education. This will support people to live and work in their local area.
My Department is now developing the required legal and policy framework, including regulations, to provide for the implementation of these changes to cost rental.
336. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the allocation of funding towards tenant-in-situ schemes for Dublin for 2025. [8176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTenant in Situ Acquisitions were introduced by way of Government decision in 2023 as a short term response to the reported uplift in sales by landlords of homes which were within the HAP and RAS schemes in order to prevent potential homelessness where other solutions could not be found for the affected tenants.
A further Government decision extended such acquisitions into 2024 with approval granted for 1,300 Tenant in Situ acquisitions in addition to the 200 priority acquisitions target for 2024 contained in Housing for All.
Tenant in Situ acquisitions have been an important measure in the prevention of homelessness since their introduction in 2023. Government has therefore agreed to continue the programme in 2025. My Department has notified local authorities on the extension of the programme and a circular setting out the arrangements will issue shortly.
Under revised arrangements for second hand acquisitions in 2025 local authorities will receive a capital funding allocation for the acquisition of homes for the following priority categories; tenant in situ, elderly and disabled persons, exits from homelessness and Buy and Renew acquisitions which tackle vacancy. The provision of a capital funding allocation will help promote best practice in obtaining value for money and provide local authorities with the flexibility to respond to needs and priorities locally within the categories of need being prioritised.
Tenant in situ acquisitions continue to be supported and prioritised where other solutions cannot be found for the affected tenants. It is a matter for local authorities to assess the circumstances of each case and decide the appropriate action. The arrangements for 2025 will ensure a more targeted and focussed acquisitions programme. My Department is finalising a circular setting out the arrangements and this will be issued to the sector shortly.
337. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the figures extracted from GeoDirectory by a newspaper (details supplied) which shows that 14,500 buildings are vacant across Dublin and that the recommendation provided for in the Dublin City Taskforce to increase significantly Dublin City Council’s revolving fund to purchase vacant and derelict sites should be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6094/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government.
In Pathway 4 of Housing for All on Addressing Vacancy and Efficient Use of Existing Stock, the Government set out a blueprint to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, built on Pathway 4 and set out the various actions that were being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. My Department publishes annual progress reports on the Action Plan outlining what has been achieved each year and plans for the year ahead, and in the coming weeks I will publish the 2025 Progress Report.
The Government is focused on the need to rejuvenate Dublin City Centre. In May 2024, the Dublin City Taskforce was established to provide recommendations to rejuvenate Dublin City Centre, publishing its report in October 2024. The Department of An Taoiseach has convened an Interdepartmental Group to examine the recommendations made, with my Department represented on that Group. The Group is currently preparing its report for consideration by Government.
Call 3 of my Department’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) provides funding for an approved programme of acquisitions in each local authority to address long term vacancy and dereliction in URDF towns and cities, and supports the key objectives of Housing for All and Town Centre First. My Department continues to work closely with Dublin City Council in the first instance to maximise the use of its existing €10m allocation, €2m of which has been pre-funded, bearing in mind it is a revolving fund.
Another key initiative in addressing vacancy was the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. In providing support to refurbish vacant and derelict properties, the grant is making the transformation of these properties into homes an affordable option for buyers and owners. Across Dublin, over 1,250 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications were received to the end of 2024, with 72% approved (905) to the end of 2024. Almost 15% of these were paid, which means 189 properties have been brought back into use as homes. This number will continue to rise as works are completed.
Finally, in terms of vacancy levels, data in relation to vacant properties is available from a number of sources such as the CSO/Census and GeoDirectory publications. In the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report for Q4 2024, the average vacancy rate across Ireland had dropped to 3.8% - the lowest rate recorded since 2013. While there has been some increase in commercial vacancy, GeoDirectory report that the rate of residential vacancy across Dublin is 1.2%. While varying levels of residential vacancy are indicated in the different data sources, the overall trend is downwards and vacancy levels are reducing.
My Department will continue to engage and support Dublin City Council in tackling vacancy and dereliction.
338. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline, in light of the ongoing housing crisis, the Government’s plans to achieve the target of constructing 60,000 homes annually over the next 25 years; and how the Government intends to incorporate modern construction methods, such as modular housing, to expedite this process. [9496/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to my response to Question No. 629 of 5 February 2025, the Programme for Government commits to a new housing plan that will build on Housing for All and support delivery of some 300,000 new homes by end-2030.
Priority actions from the Programme for Government, with the greatest potential impact, are already being progressed, including a new Strategic Housing Activation Office. This office will enable infrastructure to support public and private housing development, while providing solutions to infrastructure blockages. It will draw on a new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund, established to support strategic investment in housing-oriented infrastructure.
Scaling-up to deliver 60,000 homes in 2030 can be achieved with targeted support to grow the construction industry’s capacity. In this regard, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can boost productivity and enhance efficiency in the construction sector, thereby increasing and accelerating the delivery of new homes. Government has already introduced 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 is working with the private sector to standardise approaches to the design of housing.
Additional measures to help meet Government’s targets are being considered in the context of the new housing plan.
339. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of tenants in Clare on the tenant-in-situ scheme; and the number that have been rejected since inception. [13042/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTenant in Situ Acquisitions were introduced by way of Government decision in 2023 as a short term response to the reported uplift in sales by landlords of homes which were within the HAP and RAS schemes in order to prevent potential homelessness where other solutions could not be found for the affected tenants.
A further Government decision extended such acquisitions into 2024 with approval granted for 1,300 Tenant in Situ acquisitions in addition to the 200 priority acquisitions target for 2024 contained in Housing for All.
Tenant in Situ acquisitions have been an important measure in the prevention of homelessness since their introduction in 2023. Government has therefore agreed to continue such acquisitions in 2025. My Department has notified local authorities on the extension of the programme and a circular setting out the arrangements will issue shortly.
With regards to Clare County Council, it should be noted that it is a matter for individual local authorities to identify suitable acquisitions in line with local circumstances and their social housing allocations policy. My Department does not hold data, therefore, on the number of social housing acquisitions applications that have been withdrawn or rejected, nor on the reasons for such withdrawals or rejections. Further information may be available from individual local authorities.
Local authorities take appropriate steps to ensure that their first response will be to support households to prevent homelessness in cases where tenants have been served with a notice of termination by their landlord. A local authority will assess the options available in each case and decide the appropriate action.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. Comprehensive data on social and affordable housing is published on my Department's website up to Quarter 3 2024, including completed acquisitions: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Data for all of these schemes up to Q4 2024 is being collected and collated.
340. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy for homeowners who suspect they may have pyrite in their home as the adjoining home has pyrite and is in the redress scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a homeowner suspects they may have pyrite in their home as the adjoining home has pyrite and is in the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, the process is well established. To be included in the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, a dwelling must have a damage condition rating of 2, as defined in the Irish Standard I.S. 398-1:2017 Part 1 and outlined in the Pyrite Remediation Scheme guidance, available at: www.pyriteboard.ie/Quick-Links.aspx
Owners who have received a Building Condition Assessment report that did not achieve a damage condition rating of 2 are advised to liaise with their consultant, who can explain the inspection based rating achieved and advise on damage progression, monitoring and later re-inspection where appropriate.
Applications to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme are required to be accompanied only with a Building Condition Assessment report; an owner is not required to arrange or provide hard-core test results with an application. Sampling and testing is undertaken by the Board at Stage 2 of the application process.
It is important to note that where Building Condition Assessment reports did not initially achieve a damage condition rating of 2, but subsequently achieved this rating following damage progression, owners may at this later stage submit an application to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme.
341. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the Land Development Agency to begin delivering houses for Limerick, given it has yet to lodge a planning application for direct delivery in Limerick since their inception, despite being active in Limerick since 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13075/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on a legislative basis in 2021 following the commencement of the Land Development Agency Act 2021. The LDA is advancing delivery of affordable and social homes across the country through building a portfolio of vacant and underutilised State Lands, through partnerships with local authorities, and through its market engagement and partnership initiative, Project Tosaigh.
Government maintains a strong focus on the use of vacant and underutilised public land for housing having agreed the transfer of 37 sites to the Land Development Agency (LDA) for the development of affordable and social housing. 4 of the sites agreed for transfer are located in Limerick, including the HSE owned site at St. Josephs, which is currently at planning stage, and will form part of the overall Colbert Quarter development that has the potential to deliver over 2,800 homes. More information on this development can be found at colbertquarter.ie/.
The LDA are also partnering with Limerick City and County Council to deliver 183 affordable homes at Mungret, Co. Limerick. The planning process for this development is complete, with construction due to commence before the end of 2025.
The LDA, through their market engagement initiative Project Tosaigh, have delivered 81 cost rental apartments in 2024 at The Mills in Castletroy, Co. Limerick. Further information on this development can be accessed on lda.ie/affordable-homes/lda-cost-rental/the-mills-castletroy-limerick.
342. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the work his Department is undertaking to review the planning guidelines provided to local authorities regarding the residential zoned land tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13076/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 'Residential Zoned Land Tax - Guidelines for Planning Authorities' were issued in June 2022 to assist planning authorities in meeting the statutory requirements relating to the Residential Zoned Land Tax set out in the Finance Act 2021, which amended the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended). These obligations involve the publication of draft, supplemental and final map(s) identifying lands zoned for residential purposes and mixed use purposes including residential uses, which are connected or able to be connected to the necessary services to support housing development. The purpose of the measure relates to the activation of zoned and serviced land for housing development.
The guidelines include guidance in relation to the steps required to be taken in the identification of lands in scope for the tax, and the consideration of submissions from landowners and the general public in relation to the lands identified on the maps, including the potential for appeal to An Bord Pleanála, where the landowner considers that the land in question does not meet the criteria set out within the legislation. Since the enactment of the Finance Act 2021 and the subsequent publication of the Guidelines in 2022, draft and final maps have been published on an annual basis by all 31 local authorities, as required by the legislation.
Each local authority published a final map on 31 January 2025 indicating land considered liable to the tax from 1 February 2025. Provision was made in the Finance Act 2024 for an opportunity for landowners to request a change to the zoning of land identified on the final map for 2025 published on 31 January 2025. Landowners who make such requests may then seek an exemption from the tax for 2025 from the Revenue Commissioners, subject to certain conditions.
The 'Residential Zoned Land Tax - Change in zoning of lands subject to existing economic activity, Guidelines for Planning Authorities' were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in December 2024 to set out policy and guidance in relation to the consideration of the aforementioned requests to amend the zoning of lands which are subject to existing economic activity, submitted to the relevant local authority in accordance with section 653I of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended).
As part of the annual process for identifying land liable to Residential Zoned Land Tax, all local authorities published annual draft maps on 1 February 2025 that identified lands considered to fall within the scope of the tax, as well as lands which they propose to exclude from the tax for 2026. Landowners and other interested parties have until 1 April 2025 to make a submission to the relevant local authority about whether or not land on this annual draft map meets the criteria for being subject to the tax. Further to determinations relating to these submissions and any related appeals to An Bord Pleanála, the maps will be finalised and the final maps indicating land liable to the tax for 2026 will be published on 31 January 2026.
343. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that Government-funded approved housing bodies (AHBs) are competing with potential owner occupiers to buy houses, and in Limerick analysis suggests that AHBs buy six out of every ten new homes, which is totally distorting the market; if there is a strategy in place to ensure a good mix in future housing developments, to allow owner occupiers purchase houses in new estates and to avoid the mistakes of the past, whereby there was often an over concentration of social housing in certain areas of Limerick and across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the delivery of the housing targets set under Housing for All rests with individual local authorities, which identify the social housing need in their administrative area and are best placed to make decisions on potential sites for development. It is therefore a matter for individual local authorities in conjunction with their AHB partners to identify suitable sites and bring forward proposals in line with the number and type of households on their housing lists and their social housing development policy.
Under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) up to 100% Capital funding is provided to AHBs to provide new social homes for priority categories to include homeless, disability and age friendly housing.
Capital Asset Leasing Facility (CALF) funding is capital support provided to AHBs by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction, acquisition or refurbishment of new social housing units. This loan facility can support from 25% to 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the housing units provided to local authorities for social housing use under long-term lease arrangements known as Payment and Availability Agreements.
This delivery can be through direct construction, or in partnership with developers through 'turnkey' projects. It is a requirement that AHBs satisfy themselves that any turnkey acquisition by them, is not removing housing from the market that would otherwise be available to private purchasers, in particular to first-time buyers. All social housing projects must meet sustainable community objectives. Turnkeys are particularly appropriate when the housing would otherwise not be delivered but for the assurance of the AHB purchase to unlock the development.
In many cases turnkey arrangements are highly appropriate in terms of delivery timescale and cost, especially in situations where a local authority or AHB might have no land suitable for social or affordable homes. AHBs are often involved from inception and the houses would not be built without the involvement and funding the AHB receives from the local authority.
344. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of any secondments from consulting firms to his Department since 2020; the consulting firm involved; the purpose of the secondment; the durations of the secondments; who paid the salary of the individual seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo staff in my Department have been seconded from consulting firms in the period from 2020 to date.
