Written Answers Nos. 437-461
437. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if works will be carried out at the Canal at Ross Castle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has engaged locally with representatives of the relevant stakeholders and positive discussions about the issues have taken place. I am aware that the scale of the works will be significant and that the site being located within a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) will make this more complex. The NPWS is in the process of securing the necessary surveys to establish the extent of works in the canal and the plan is to proceed with all the investigative works now prior to the engagement of contractors. As a matter of routine maintenance, the NPWS will be clearing the Bunrower end of the canal. As these works are not connected with or necessary for the management of the site a screening assessment will be carried out when the details of the works are established, and the NPWS will continue to engage with the representatives of the stakeholders on progress. It is worthwhile to note also that the NPWS maintained an open channel to the Canal at Ross last year to allow boat access and will continue to do so in the interim. The maintained channel is at the Bunrower end of the canal and allows access throughout the year both ways from Lough Leane and from the canal.
438. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify whether the allocation of €1 billion in additional capital investment to Uisce Éireann announced as part of budget 2025 on 1 October 2024 is additional funding or part of its existing funding requirements; his Department's understanding of how this funding is being allocated to non-domestic capital investment as outlined in the budget announcement for remedial action lists, connections for new housing and addressing urban wastewater pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra449. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an outline of how much of the additional €1 billion equity investment announced in budget 2025 on 1 October 2024 is being spent on delivering Uisce Éireann’s capital investment plan to support water infrastructure and housing; which capital projects are being allocated this additional investment in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13564/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 449 together.
The €1 billion in capital investment in Uisce Éireann announced as part of Budget 2025 will support the delivery of its 2025-2029 capital investment plan. This funding will enable the delivery of improved water services to both domestic and non-domestic customers.
The selection of specific projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann as it has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures. As Minister, I have no role in operational matters.
Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
439. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reduce the significant waste generated by campaign posters and cable ties during election campaigns; if he will consider a reduction in the number of posters a candidate may erect or consider designating certain locations for election posters, or any other similar measures; and if he will consider a colour-coded or tagged system of cable ties to ensure all cable ties are removed and disposed of appropriately post-election. [13700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirements for election posters are set out in Section 19 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009 and the Electoral Act 1992. Posters may only be erected for a certain specified time period before an election. This time period is either 30 days before the poll date or from the date the polling day order for the election has been made, whichever provides the shorter period of time. Posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day. In relation to referendums, the position is that posters can be displayed from the date on which I, as Minister, make the polling day order appointing the day on which the referendum is being held. Again, referendum posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission, was established in February 2023, on foot of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function will see it carry out research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to me and the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.
An Coimisiún’s Research Programme 2024-2026, published on 10 July 2024, includes a commitment to examine the issue of posters. This policy area will be reviewed once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.
440. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications submitted from Donegal for the mortgage to rent scheme; the number of these applications that have been successful; the number still being processed; how long it takes for an application to be deemed successful or unsuccessful, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13376/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme was introduced in 2012 and is administered by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department. The scheme offers households with acute, unsustainable mortgage arrears and limited prospects of a significant change in circumstances, the chance to surrender a property to a lender and in turn become a social housing tenant, whilst staying in their own home and community.
The table below sets out the number of MTR applications relating to Co. Donegal from the start of the scheme to the end 2024.
|
Local Authority |
Total MTR Applications |
Completed cases |
Active Cases |
|
Donegal |
114 |
27 |
5 |
Out of the total of 114, 32 cases were withdrawn from the scheme. Other cases did not progress due to a number of reasons such as, the property did not meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme, no Approved Housing Body (AHB) wished to purchase the property, a sale price could not be agreed, or Donegal County Council declined to accept the property as a social housing property.
In 2024, the average timeframe, from when an MTR case was lodged with the Housing Agency to its completion, was approximately five months. More complicated MTR cases, for example involving marital breakdown or other changes in circumstances, generally take longer than five months to complete.
The Local Authority Mortgage to Rent scheme is a parallel initiative to help homeowners who have mortgages through a local authority, and are at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears.
The table below sets out the number of Local Authority Mortgage to Rent scheme applications relating to Donegal to date.
|
Local Authority |
Applications |
Completions |
Active |
|
Donegal |
20 |
20 |
0 |
The Housing Agency publishes, on a quarterly basis, detailed statistical information on the operation of the MTR scheme, which can be accessed on their website at the following link: www.housingagency.ie/housing-information/mortgage-rent-statistics
441. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the strategy of his Department in tackling the growth of rhododendron ponticum, working with concerned landowners; and if his Department has prosecuted landowners who reject assistance and allow this invasive species to impact on adjoining land holdings. [13411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the implementation of legislation around invasive alien species including the new European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 which were introduced in July of last year. These new regulations give full effect to the EU IAS Regulation (1143/2014) in the national context and also update and strengthen the existing provisions around invasive alien species in Ireland.
No prosecutions have taken place to date, however my Department is committed to investing in tackling the issue of Rhododendron Ponticum and addressing the negative effect this invasive species has on nature in Ireland. The NPWS continues to invest heavily in, and is committed to, tackling the spread of invasive species across our network of National Parks. In particular, the control of Rhododendron Ponticum is difficult, costly, and labour intensive, but is seen as a vital priority with a significant amount of resources devoted to this task every year. The NPWS carries out an annual targeted programme of works across a number of our National Parks to manage the spread. The multi-faceted programme includes cycles of monitoring, zoning, treating, clearing and reviewing.
In addition to supports available from other bodies such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and via the LEADER Programme, the following initiatives are supported through my Department.
The Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme operated by the NPWS provides funding to assist local authorities with the implementation of projects that promote actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan, which includes addressing the issue of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).
A range of IAS projects have been undertaken through this scheme since 2019. Last year (2024), over €400,000 was awarded to Local Authorities to carry out Invasive Alien Species projects. Communities groups interested in tackling IAS should make contact with their Local Biodiversity or Heritage officer.
With regards to other initiatives, the NPWS led LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature project is currently developing locally-based capacity to control Rhododendron and other peatland restoration action. This initiative is called Natura Communities.
More information can be found here: www.naturacommunities.ie
442. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the commencement of a multi-stakeholder group (details supplied) on 27 March 2025 to address the range of problems affecting victims of the defective concrete block crisis is a welcome development and that it is important that his senior Department of housing officials accept the invitation to attend and participate, given the need to restore a normal and functioning housing market in the affected areas. [13412/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Implementation Steering Group for the current Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant scheme has been in place since 2023 with a sub-group of this group also established to discuss financial aspects of the scheme. The work of this sub-group resulted in updated guidance for local authorities that facilitated the earlier payment of certain costs incurred by applicants to the grant scheme.
My Department remains fully committed to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the views of relevant stakeholders can, and are being heard. A Homeowner Liaison Officer, Mr. John O'Connor, works with homeowner groups and my Department to ensure that the concerns of these key stakeholders are heard and dealt with. My Department meets regularly with elected representatives in affected counties as well as with representative bodies on specific issues as and when the need arises.
My Department met with representatives from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) on 27 February 2025 during which a multi-stakeholder group on the DCB Grant scheme was raised by the BPFI. My understanding is that this a group set up by the BPFI and others to discuss financial matters related to homes affected by DCB and that it met for the first time in January this year. My Department will consider attending future meetings of this Group where appropriate and where the issues raised relate directly to the DCB Scheme.
443. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out the specific responsibilities delegated to each of the Ministers of State within his Department. [13420/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo functions have been formally delegated to the Ministers of State in my Department as yet. I will discuss the functions to be delegated to the Ministers of State in the coming weeks and once these are agreed the functions will then be delegated in formal Delegation of Functions Orders.
444. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of HAP, RAS and privately owned lease tenancies, long term leasing, enhanced leasing etc. in place at the end of 2024, and the total cost to the exchequer arising from these leases, in 2024, in tabular form. [13421/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level data on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery and spend activity. This data includes information relating to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) and can be found on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
The latest available data covers the period to the end of Q3 2024. Q4 2024 figures are currently being compiled and will be published when that process is complete.
445. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of second hand acquisitions by local authorities and approved housing bodies funded by his Department in 2022, 2023 and 2024; the breakdown of these acquisitions, by scheme (details supplied); and the total expenditure by his Department on each of these schemes in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [13425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra450. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm when funding allocations and sanctioned number of acquisitions for 2025 under the tenant-in-situ scheme will be made available given the number of tenants and landlords awaiting confirmation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13566/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra461. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of tenant-in-situ purchases made by Kilkenny and Carlow county councils in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13724/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra463. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the tenant-in-situ scheme; if his Department will advise on the best course of action for the family to take in this case; if his Department will liaise with Dublin City Council regarding this matter in order to clarify the scheme’s rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13792/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra474. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the current status of the tenant-in-situ scheme; if the scheme is still in operation; the funding allocated to the scheme in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; the number of housing units purchased via the scheme in 2023 and 2024, by local authority, in tabular form; if he will provide the guidelines issued to local authorities and the Housing Agency in respect of the scheme’s operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14156/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing tenant in situ purchases concluded in 2024, with a breakdown by local authority area, providing an average purchase cost for the total number of such acquisitions and an average for the acquisitions in each local authority area. [14176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 445, 450, 461, 463, 474 and 476 together.
Tenant 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.
Since the extension of the acquisitions programme, my Department has engaged with local authorities to ensure these updated measures are communicated clearly and promptly to local authority staff. These engagements are focused on ensuring the efficient continuation of targeted acquisitions by local authorities.
In response to the details supplied, 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 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. It should be noted that the tenant in situ scheme is only one of a number of options open to local authorities to deal with tenants at risk of homelessness and tenants should engage with their individual local authority at he earliest opportunity.
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). 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.
446. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the available grants offered or issued by his Department from 2021 to year end 2025, including opening, closing and award dates, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
447. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for establishing town councils; the population size needed to qualify for the establishment of a town council; the role town councils will play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13531/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government recognises the need to strengthen the framework and powers of municipal districts and area committees. It also commits to the establishment of town councils in large towns, on a regional phased basis, to provide a focal-point for raising concerns of towns and coordinating town-focused activities. Proposals in relation to this commitment will be considered in due course.
448. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the total expenditure on public procurement by his Department and its agencies, including spending on goods, services and works acquired through public procurement processes, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [13544/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information publication scheme, my Department maintains a contracts register for contracts with a value in excess of €25,000 (excl. VAT). The register is published on an annual basis at www.gov.ie/en/collection/14085-public-contracts-awarded-over-25000-euro/. The 2024 contracts register is currently being prepared and will be published in due course.
My Department also publishes details of procurement related payments over €20,000, on a quarterly basis at www.gov.ie/en/collection/33741-procurement-related-payments-over-20000-euro/
My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the state bodies under its aegis. These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the following table.
|
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 |
|
Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.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 |
451. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of regulatory, appeal or other bodies, either funded by or under the remit of his Department, which are quasi-judicial in nature. [13578/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bodies under the aegis of my Department that perform functions which could be considered to be somewhat quasi-judicial in nature are listed below.
• An Bord Pleanála
• Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority
• Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority Appeals Panel
• Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme Appeals Panel
• Residential Tenancies Board
• Valuation Tribunal
452. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the development at the Glass Bottle site in Ringsend; to outline the number of social or affordable homes that he expects will be delivered; and to provide a timeline in which he anticipates they will be available for tenants. [13606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regeneration of Poolbeg West is an important step in the transformation of the Dublin Docklands area, with the potential to provide for 3,500 homes. A condition of the planning scheme for the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone, as modified by An Bord Pleanála in April 2019, is the provision of 15% social and affordable homes on this site in addition to the 10% statutory social housing requirement under Part V arrangements.
In March 2022, Dublin City Council approved an application for the first phase of homes at the former Glass Bottle site. My Department has been working with Dublin City Council and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to progress the delivery of social and affordable housing in this first phase of housing delivery, subject to agreement on the SDZ requirements and all the normal and relevant terms, including value for money aspects.
The developers are engaging with Dublin City Council regarding the provision of the 10% Part V social housing in this first phase and tripartite engagement is ongoing with regard to delivery of the additional social and affordable housing in this first phase in accordance with the terms of the SDZ condition. The parties are not in a position to comment further until an agreement is finalised.
453. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how much has been collected by each of the 31 local authorities on levies on unused zoned land, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13663/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra454. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how much has been collected by each of the 31 local authorities on vacant site levies, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13664/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.
Under the Vacant Site Levy provisions contained in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards, which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year. The most recent progress report on the implementation and collection of the Vacant Site Levy by each local authority was collated in mid - 2024. This information is provided in the table at the link below. As the levy is issued in arrears, i.e. on 1 January for the previous year, the data relates to the period from 2018 to 2023. It should be noted that under section 19 of the Act, unpaid levies due remain a charge on the land in question until they are paid. My Department will continue to engage with local authorities to ensure that all vacant site levies due are paid.
Table of derelict site levies 2019-2023
The Vacant Site Levy is being replaced by the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), introduced by amendments to the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) made in successive Finance Acts since 2021 when the measure was announced. This tax is coming into effect for the first time in 2025 and is being administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners, further to mapping of lands in scope undertaken by the local authorities.
While the 2025 RZLT liability date fell on 1 February last, landowners have until 23 May 2025, being the due date for filing RZLT returns for 2025, to pay the liability with the exception of where the landowner sells the relevant site between 1 February and 23 May 2025, as where a relevant site is sold, any outstanding RZLT liability must be paid prior to sale. Information on the collection and payment of the tax is a matter for the Department of Finance.
455. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how much has been collected by each of the 31 local authorities on derelict site levies, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13665/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, 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.
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. The table below shows the Derelict Site Levies collected from 2019 to 2023.
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.
Table of derelict site levies 2019-2023
In relation to derelict homes in particular, my Department is funding full-time Vacant Homes Officers in Local Authorities 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.
456. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the vacant property refurbishment grant; if he will make provision for successful applicants who exceed the time limit for the work to be completed through no fault of their own, for example, the bankruptcy of the contracted construction company. [13668/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 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.
In order to support the timely delivery of properties back into use, from May 2023, once a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application receives approval, applicants must complete works applied for within a period of 13 months. In exceptional circumstances, where an applicant is experiencing particular issues and cannot complete the works applied for under the grant within the 13 month period, the local authority may consider and grant an extension of the approval period at their discretion. My Department issued a circular to all local authorities in October 2023 in this regard.
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 link to the most recent grant statistics is provided here: gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Statistics - October to December 2024.
457. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total capital expenditure in 2024 for the Social Housing Investment Programme, capital advance leasing facility, capital assistance scheme, cost rental equity loan, affordable housing fund, Land Development Agency and approved housing body borrowings. [13669/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total capital expenditure in 2024 for the Social Housing Investment Programme, capital advance leasing facility, capital assistance scheme, cost rental equity loan, affordable housing fund, Land Development Agency and approved housing body borrowings. [13674/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.
The overall expenditure on Housing in 2024 is currently being examined and will be available shortly.
My Department's 2024 Appropriation Account is currently being finalised and is due to be submitted to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) shortly.
459. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the first-time buyers scheme will be extended to include second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Programme for Government published in January 2025, the Government committed to introduce a new, all of government, national housing plan to follow Housing for All. My Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and the potential timeframe.
While work is being undertaken to progress a new plan, which will build on progress to date, the measures detailed in Housing for All will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure and affordable housing.
The Housing for All plan can be accessed at the following link:www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan, with updates to the plan available online,www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a8894-housing-for-all-update/.
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, for eligible first-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home, within regional price ceilings.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB. The Programme for Government states it will work with the Banks to expand the First Home Scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes. This is being examined by my Department and I have requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for such an expansion as soon as possible.
460. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider the preparation and issuing of a circular on best practice recommendations in relation to Irish language provision, and implications for workforce planning, for local authorities. [13679/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile meeting our Irish language obligations is a responsibility for all relevant Departments and public bodies, policy responsibility for the Official Languages Acts 2003 and 2021 rests with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions. I have no role in respect of local authorities meeting their Irish language obligations. Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector and engages with the sector on an ongoing basis in respect of sanctions for new staff as requested.
