Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the provision of allocated housing for those who work in front-line public sector jobs, including teachers, nurses and members of An Garda Síochána; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12520/25]
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.
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.
52. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of active strategic development zones of which his Department is aware, and the number planned over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12646/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that the Government may, by order, when proposed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, designate one or more sites for the establishment of a strategic development zone (SDZ) to facilitate development deemed to be of economic or social importance to the State. The legislation states that the Order shall specify the development agency and the type or types of development that may be established in the SDZ. Within two years of designation, the specified development agency is required to prepare a planning scheme indicating the manner in which it the SDZ is to be developed, for adoption by the members of the planning authority. The decision of the elected members can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála and the board can approve the scheme with or without amendments, or not make the scheme.
The list of designated SDZs is as follows:
Adamstown (South Dublin)
Hansfield (Fingal)
Clonmagadden (Meath)
Balgaddy – Clonburris (South Dublin)
Cherrywood (Dun Laoghaire Rathdown)
Monard (Cork)
Grangegorman (Dublin City)
North Lotts – Grand Canal (Dublin City)
Poolbeg West (Dublin City)
North Quays (Waterford)
Ireland West Airport Knock (Mayo)
There are planning schemes in place for all designated SDZs. While I have no statutory role in relation to the implementation of a planning scheme, my Department is aware of progress being made in relation to the implementation of all, save one, of the listed SDZs. In relation to new designations, there are no requests before me at the presentation time for the designation of lands as a SDZ.
Part 21 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 when commenced will provide that sites designated under the Planning and Development Act 2000 shall continue to be an SDZ. The Act also provides that Urban Development Zones (UDZ) will replace the SDZ concept, recognising the need to facilitate active plan-led management of land for development and regeneration at scale in appropriate locations aligned with compact growth objectives set out in the National Planning Framework. It is intended that the UDZ designation will be applicable to large-scale areas in single or multiple land ownership that could include public and-or private lands and transport-led development areas. Given the need to prioritise the planning and delivery of development in key areas, the UDZ provisions permit the early identification of potentially suitable sites, followed by the plan-led designation of candidate UDZ sites in the local authority development plan. This affords a key role for elected members and other stakeholders and facilitates early delivery of development once the planning framework for the area is incorporated into the development plan. The UDZ provisions will be commenced in conjunction with the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024, details of which are set out in an Implementation Plan that is available to view on my Department's website.
55. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the introduction of special development plans for Gaeltacht areas, as per the objective of the programme for Government. [12716/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Planning and Development Act 2024 ("Act of 2024") was enacted on 17 October 2024. A detailed Implementation Plan has now been published that includes a commencement schedule for the Act and a range of initiatives to support training and engagement for the planning sector in preparation for the phased transition to the new legislative framework. The Implementation Plan is a ‘living document’ that informs and guides the commencement and rollout of the Act of 2024 and it will be updated as required to remain relevant throughout the period of its implementation. It is available to view at www.gov.ie/planning.
The first phase of commencements will provide for the establishment of An Coimisiún Pleanála (Part 17), provisions relating the taking of judicial reviews (Part 9, Chapters 1 and 3) and Events and Funfairs (Part 16) as well as several related and supporting provisions. As part of the second phase of commencements due to take place in mid-2025, provisions relating to Plans, Polices and Related Matters under Part 3 will be brought into operation (including development plans). This includes Section 72(4) which provides that where a development plan sets out settlement-specific objectives in respect of any Gaeltacht or inhabited offshore island that the planning authority shall prepare a priority area plan for one or more such Gaeltacht or inhabited offshore island.
At present, the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, sets out mandatory objectives for local authorities, which must be addressed in the drafting of their Development Plan governing local development policies. Where there is a Gaeltacht area within the planning authority’s administrative area, the development plan must include provisions and objectives for “the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language”.
The Development Plans Guidelines for Local Authorities published in July 2022 give further guidance to local authorities, including reflecting the Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (Limistéar Pleanála Teanga – LPTs as required under the Gaeltacht Act 2012) as well as the inclusion of further policies such as ensuring that development proposals in Gaeltacht areas have a positive impact on the linguistic and cultural heritage that can be robustly assessed at planning application stage.
56. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm when he will establish the Strategic Housing and Infrastructure Delivery Office, as outlined in the Programme for Government; if the office will be underpinned by legislation or sit within the existing structures of his Department; if he has developed the criteria and detailed job description for the chief of the office; what the expected remuneration or public service grade of the position will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently engaging with other Government Departments on establishing the new Strategic Housing Activation Office. Generally, it is intended the new office will work to strengthen our approach to providing the enabling infrastructure needed for public and private housing development, and that it will be mandated to accelerate the delivery of necessary housing infrastructure and unblock infrastructure delays on the ground.
The specific details vis-à-vis the new office's role, functions, staffing and reporting arrangements are still being considered as part of the broader cross-government engagement.
While it is mine and Government's intention to establish the office as a matter of priority, we are very mindful of the need to secure the appropriate leadership and supporting team so the office can have the greatest immediate and sustained impact possible. This is a key consideration of the current cross-government engagements.
57. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to legislate for and implement a comprehensive remediation scheme including retrospective payments for defective apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12908/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the interim funding for multi-unit development defects remediation; the total number of schemes that have applied; the schemes approved; the total number of units involved in each scheme; the moneys approved, allocated and spent to date in 2025; and when works are expected to commence and conclude on each approved project. [12583/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 109 together.
Legislation is currently being drafted to establish the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme on a statutory basis and subject to the legislative process, the Statutory Scheme is expected to be in place later this year. The Statutory Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.
An Interim Remediation Scheme has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works. The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013. The administration of this Scheme, under which OMCs can receive funding to carry out the necessary remedial works, is being managed by The Housing Agency on behalf of my Department.
A total of 355 applications to the Interim Remediation Scheme have been received to date. As of the end of February 2025, 200 of these applications have been validated, having met the required eligibility criteria. These applications represent 19,048 residential units, located in 28 local authority areas, with circa 78% in the Dublin region.
To support the implementation and increase the efficiency of the Interim Remediation Scheme, four pathfinder projects are currently underway. The projects have been selected from applications made to the Scheme, representing 595 residential units. The pathfinder process, which will also inform the development of the Statutory Scheme, is facilitating the design of templates and standards for documents to be prepared by Competent Professionals, including procurement arrangements, proposals for fire safety assessments, fire safety risk assessments, interim measures, remedial work plans, and other project-related paperwork.
As part of the learnings from the pathfinder process, I am aware that The Housing Agency is currently revising the Interim Remediation Scheme to ensure it better aligns with EU and National Public Procurement requirements. A Press Release issued from The Housing Agency on 13 February 2025 and letters were issued to the four pathfinder projects and the other Scheme applicants, detailing the implications and next steps.
Delays to confirmation of funding approval and works commencing are being minimised and the pathfinder project applicants are being kept up to date as necessary.
The Government has approved the principle of allowing remediation costs already incurred or levied to be covered under the forthcoming Statutory Scheme, once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the latter. The details and mechanics of such retrospective funding are being addressed as the legislation is drafted. On 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise from a representative sample of multi-unit developments, in order to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed.
Specifically, it will be necessary to fully examine and build a robust process around:
• Alignment with existing Interim Remediation Scheme process;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframe;
• Certification, Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment Processes.
This exercise should identify a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding. I will brief Cabinet on the outcome of the retrospective pathfinder project in due course.
58. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the measures he is taking to increase housing supply in Kerry, including social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12782/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver social, affordable and cost rental homes at scale and to continue accelerating housing supply across all tenures. This is demonstrated by the record level of investment which is being provided for the delivery of Housing in 2025, with overall capital funding available of €6.5 billion. The capital provision is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing need.
The number of completed new build social homes, and the number in the pipeline, continues to remain strong year-on-year, with new construction projects added to the pipeline regularly. The strongest national delivery of social housing since 1975 was recorded in 2022 when 10,254 homes were delivered and that record was exceeded again in 2023. In total in 2023, 11,938 new social homes were delivered by local authorities and AHBs, including 8,110 new-build homes, 1,829 acquisitions and 1,999 homes through leasing programmes.
The latest Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) shows that there were 735 homes on site and at various stages of design and procurement in Kerry at the end of Quarter 3 2024. Data for the Quarter 4 2024 CSR is currently being collated. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: www.data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q3-2024
A central element of Housing for All is to build institutional capacity. As part of the measures to support institutional capacity, Housing for All commits to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to both programme manage and initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects and recognises that this requires the resourcing of the housing services of local authorities. 10 additional housing posts have been approved for Kerry County Council to deliver social housing. Additional resources were also allocated to the Housing Agency Project and Procurement Office to support local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies deliver housing.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. In July 2023 the Roadmap for increased adoption of MMC in Public Housing delivery was published and sets out recommendations to progress the most advanced and efficient construction methods in the delivery of housing
In December 2022, funding of €94m was provided to local authorities to address legacy land debts. The provision of this funding was linked to the immediate development of a housing proposal, a commitment to use Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and for construction to start in 2023 or no later than 2024. A total of 26 sites received funding as part of an accelerated delivery programme, and with some additional sites since added, my Department is overseeing a project to progress delivery of MMC projects on 36 sites which will deliver more than 1,500 new social homes across 13 local authorities including Kerry.
My Department has embedded the requirement to adopt a standardised approach for all Social Housing projects through adoption of the Design Manual for Quality Housing and Employers Requirements. Standard internal layouts and CAD Drawings are available to design teams. This is promoting a consistent approach nationally; it is decreasing the amount of time spent on reviewing proposals to achieve value for money; it is shortening detailed design phases; and it allows for a more efficient tender process.
The Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund was established in 2022 to support local authorities to acquire land to deliver new build social housing schemes and this was extended in 2024 to include land for affordable housing. The fund has an overall allocation of €239m and is managed by the Housing Agency. To date Kerry County Council have acquired 2 sites through the Fund which can deliver 74 new social homes.
In order to accelerate the approval process, local authorities have options that allow them to deviate from using the 4-stage process to achieve funding approval for social housing construction projects. The value for Single Stage projects has increased from €2m to €8m. This increased single stage approval process takes approximately 4 weeks with my Department.
The review of the CALF Funding Model has also brought an opportunity for the AHB and local authority sectors to bring forward both new projects and those which have been delayed due to viability issues, especially in those local authorities’ areas where the viability of schemes was traditionally an issue. The new CALF scheme has unlocked these areas for social housing delivery.
Last year, Government approved new national housing targets up to the year 2030. 303,000 homes will aim to be delivered in the period from 2025 to 2030, equating to an annual average of 50,500 homes, building up to 60,000 in 2030. The revised targets were informed by research and modelling by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on population projections and long-run housing demand, which was published during the summer. The revised national housing targets will inform the revision to existing social housing targets at a local authority level. Work is ongoing in this regard.
As detailed under Housing for All, the Government plans to deliver 54,000 affordable purchase and cost rental homes by 2030. A comprehensive implementation strategy is in place to support the various affordable housing schemes now being delivered by a range of delivery partners.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to all local authorities to assist towards the cost of developing affordable housing at locations where significant affordability needs have been identified. My Department, the Housing Agency and Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association continue to be available to assist local authorities in relation to ongoing development of their affordable housing delivery programmes.
In addition, other measures such as the First Home Scheme, the Local Authority Home Loan, the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Scheme, the Help to Buy Incentive, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are also available nationwide to help make home ownership more affordable.
Further information on affordable housing schemes currently advertised can be found on the websites of respective delivery partners, as well as on the Affordable Homes website, www.affordablehomes.ie.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of Q3 2024, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Significant progress is being made to deliver the ambitious targets contained in Housing for All and my Department is working closely with the local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and other stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing.
60. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on housing commencement figures nationwide for 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraContinuing to increase supply is key to meeting need and addressing many of the challenges currently facing the housing market.
Supply has increased significantly in recent years. Some 125,000 new homes have been delivered since July 2020, with 92,500 of these delivered between 2022 and 2024 inclusive, exceeding the combined target for the period by 5,500 or so.
New home commencement data released by my Department earlier this year show Commencement Notices lodged for around 69,000 homes in 2024, more than double the previous year. This brings the combined total for 2023 and 2024 to almost 102,000.
Commencement Notices for 1,178 homes were lodged in January 2025. This is in line with expectations, particularly following the expiration of the Development Levy Waiver and Water Connection Rebate in late 2024 and given the likely shift in focus in the construction sector to progressing those homes already in the pipeline, the latter which have benefitted from the aforementioned Government policy initiatives to accelerate supply.
61. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the introduction of allocations schemes for cost rental developments and income thresholds for single people sharing, as set out in legislation passed by the Oireachtas in November 2024. [12587/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 amended Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2024 in order to allow for the option of allocation plans for cost rental homes, which would allow landlords to propose targeted approaches for the allocation of homes, subject to my approval.
The legislation also provided for the Minister to prescribe income levels for different compositions of household for cost rental tenancies, which will allow for the introduction of individual income eligibility requirements for persons in shared households. This will reflect the variety of household formations which now exist and aims to increase access to cost rental by allowing people to share a home with, for example, friends or colleagues within a multi-occupancy setting.
My Department is now preparing secondary legislation to implement these provisions, which will be completed shortly. Allocation plans and multi-occupancy will allow for more specific targeting of cost rental homes, and for tenanting options which increase the accessibility of cost rental for a wide range of applicants, ensuring the sector continues to support those who need secure and affordable housing.
62. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new homes completed in Meath from July 2020 to the end of 2024; his expectations for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12615/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new homes completed in Kerry in 2024; his expectations for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12407/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 97 together.
Continuing to increase the supply of new homes is key to meeting need and addressing many of the challenges currently facing the housing market. In this regard, the Programme for Government commits to introducing a new, all-of-government national housing plan, which will build on the robust platform laid by Housing for All and will support delivery of more than 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
Supply has increased significantly in recent years. Some 125,000 new homes have been delivered since July 2020, with 92,500 of these delivered between 2022 and 2024 inclusive, exceeding the combined target for the period by 5,500 or so.
This progress has been mirrored at local level. Some 7,118 new homes were completed in Meath between July 2020 and December 2024, with more than 1,600 of these delivered in 2024. At the same time, some 2,586 new homes were completed in Kerry between July 2020 and December 2024, with 485 delivered in 2024.
I am focusing now on how we build on this robust platform and further scale-up delivery both in the immediate-term and to meet our housing needs over the longer-term.
My Department does not provide forecasts of completions in any given year.
65. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes prevented from bulk sale in Meath since May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes prevented from bulk sale to residential funds in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 108 together.
Government has implemented several measures in recent years to ensure a balanced housing market across all tenures, including home ownership, social housing, and private rental.
These measures include, inter alia, an 'owner-occupier' guarantee allowing local authorities to designate a percentage of houses and duplexes in a development for owner-occupiers. They were given effect in May 2021 through the Section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities which stipulate that a condition should be included in new planning permissions requiring all houses and duplex units to be available for sale and first occupation by separate, individual households for a certain period after completion.
These measures have succeeded in preventing the inappropriate bulk purchase of a very significant number of homes and securing those homes for purchase by homeowners, with planning permission granted for some 55,600 homes, with conditions prohibiting bulk purchase by, or multiple sale to, a single purchaser of those homes between May 2021 and November 2024.
This includes permission granted with conditions prohibiting the bulk purchase of 1,001 and 2,529 homes by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Meath County Councils respectively.
The overall figure also includes permissions granted by An Bord Pleanála in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Meath. A breakdown of the An Bord Pleanála data by local authority is not currently available.
The new Programme for Government commits to maintaining the 'owner occupier guarantee', thereby continuing to prohibit the inappropriate bulk purchase of homes and securing homes for homeownership.
66. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta cad é stádas na dtreoirlínte pleanála don Ghaeltacht; cén uair a fhoilseofar na treoirlínte; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12806/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLeagtar amach san Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna leasú, cuspóirí éigeantacha d’údaráis áitiúla, nach mór aghaidh a thabhairt orthu nuair atá a bPlean Forbartha á dhréachtú, a rialaíonn beartais forbartha áitiúla. Nuair atá ceantar Gaeltachta laistigh de limistéar riaracháin an údaráis pleanála, ní mór forálacha agus cuspóirí a chur san áireamh sa phlean forbartha a dhéanfaidh “oidhreacht teanga agus chultúir na Gaeltachta a chosaint, lena n-áirítear an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar theanga an phobail”.
Tugtar treoir bhreise d’údaráis áitiúla sna Treoirlínte maidir le Pleananna Forbartha d’Údaráis Áitiúla a foilsíodh i mí Iúil 2022, lena n-áirítear léargas a thabhairt ar na Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta (Limistéar Pleanála Teanga - LPTanna mar a cheanglaítear faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012) chomh maith le beartais bhreise a chur san áireamh ar nós a chinntiú go mbeidh tionchar dearfach ag tograí forbartha i gceantair Ghaeltachta ar an oidhreacht teanga agus chultúir a mbeifear ábalta a mheas go tréan ag céim an iarratais pleanála.
Tá Grúpa Idir-Rannach (ar a bhfuil an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta (RTRÁO), an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe, Pobail agus Gaeltachta (RFTPG) agus Údarás na Gaeltachta) fós ag leanúint lena chuid oibre chun treoir shonrach pleanála a fhorbairt do cheantair Ghaeltachta. Tá Grúpa Oibre ar leith ann freisin ar a bhfuil an dá Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta agus na húdaráis áitiúla a bhaineann le ceantair Ghaeltachta. Tionóladh cruinnithe an Ghrúpa Idir-Rannach agus an Ghrúpa Oibre in 2023 agus lean rannpháirtíocht dhéthaobhach na Roinne ar aghaidh in 2024 agus tá sin fós ar siúl.
Ag féachaint don ghá atá ann breithniú a dhéanamh ar na hábhair chasta atá i gceist agus i ndiaidh teagmháil a dhéanamh leis an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe, Pobail agus Gaeltachta, beidh dréacht-treoirlínte críochnaithe faoi réir scagadh éigeantach faoi dhlí an AE maidir le Measúnacht Straitéiseach Timpeallachta (MST), agus chun críocha Measúnachta Cuí (MC). Tá sé beartaithe, i gcomhairle leis an RFTPG, faoi réir thoradh na gcleachtaí scagtha, na dréacht-treoirlínte a fhoilsiú ansin le haghaidh comhairliúchán poiblí.
67. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the publication of the call for the next round of funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. [12717/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that the funds for the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund are fully allocated; when funding will be available again since the fund is part of the Project Ireland 2040 programme; if an alternative funding stream will be provided to replace the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 99 together.
A flagship element of Project Ireland 2040, the €2 billion Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is supporting a programme of significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan. The Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Fund is a matter for the Minister for Rural and Community Development
To date, there have been three rounds of funding provided under the URDF, with approximately €1.9 billion allocated. Under Call 1 and Call 2, 132 proposals comprising of some 430 individual projects, were approved for funding. URDF supported projects are now active in every local authority area in the Country.
While Call 1 and 2 were for specific urban regeneration and development projects, Call 3 funding is supporting an approved programme of acquisitions in each local authority to address long term vacancy and dereliction in URDF towns and cities, and support the key objectives of Housing for All and Town Centre First. In terms of URDF funding provided under Call 3, €142.5 million has been allocated to local authorities to date.
With regard to further rounds of funding, and in line with the agreed Programme for Government, it is my intention to continue and expand URDF-type investment in projects as part of the new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund, which will allow for investment in infrastructure, the acquisition of land, assembly of sites and the de-risking of sites in existing towns and cities to maximise their potential growth.
The detailed arrangements for the implementation of these funding streams, including the types of projects to be considered, are currently under development. These arrangements will be clarified further following completion of the National Development Plan Review, which will enable the level of additional capital funding for infrastructure investment to be determined.
My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under future rounds of funding. It should be noted, however, that responsibility for the composition of any applications for funding and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority.
In the meantime an interactive GIS Story Map site, containing details of all successful URDF projects under Call 1 and Call 2, is available to give elected representatives and members of the public access up to date information on all URDF supported projects at a Local Authority level. The site is available through the URDF site, www.gov.ie/URDF.
68. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties approved for a vacant property refurbishment grant, by local authority; the number of grants paid in each local authority area; the total value of the grants paid in each local authority area, since July 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12540/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the uptake of the croí cónaithe scheme in Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will review the vacant property refurbishment grant beyond its current remit, specifically to release grant funds in stages, making it more appealing and affordable for individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9657/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications received for the vacant property grant to date in 2025. [12678/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 87, 102 and 105 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that the grant conditions are met and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Following confirmation of a successful application and the works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant.
Payment of the grant at the end of the process is to ensure that the applicant has carried out the works applied for and for which the grant is being paid. This is also the case for grants such as the SEAI grants and Housing Adaptation Grants, which are paid when works are completed.
A review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which included the matter of staged payments. That review has been completed and is under consideration.
Under the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, launched by Minister O'Brien in July 2024, a first-time buyer who wishes to purchase and/or renovate a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligible home but who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders is now able to apply to their local authority for a loan under the scheme. The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan has the potential to help first time buyers and fresh start applicants to complete the purchase and renovation of a vacant or derelict property and provides an avenue to secure the necessary finance to make the project viable.
Take-up of the Grant has been significant since it was launched and by the end of December 2024 over 11,300 grant applications were received with over 7,700 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 1,449 grants paid by Q4 2024. I expect this to significantly increase over 2025 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. The Q1 2025 grant statistics will be published in April. I will arrange for the relevant web link to be circulated with the official record.
70. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will apply the local authority contribution waiver to planning applications for the development of housing, which were delayed by An Bord Pleanála due to a “significant backlog of cases” and which then subsequently missed the 31 December 2024 deadline to avail of the aforementioned waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12935/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The schemes originally applied for one year to all permitted residential development that commenced on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and that are completed not later than 31 December 2025. On 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions in respect of residential development commenced not later than 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced not later than 30 September 2024. In April 2024, the final date for the completion of development works on qualifying houses under the schemes was extended from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
The temporary measures were always intended to be time-bound. At this time, it is not proposed to extend the terms or timeline of the scheme beyond those as approved by the Government in its Decision of 23 April 2024.
