Written Answers Nos. 496-532
496. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether people engaged in short-term lettings, who will soon be incorporated into rent pressure zones, will have to apply for planning permission to continue doing short-term lettings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33790/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, my Department brought in Regulations, (SI 235/2019), to provide for new arrangements for Short Term Lets within Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ). The regulations provided for the following:
• Short term letting is defined as the letting of a house or apartment, or part of a house or apartment, for any period not exceeding 14 days.
• Homesharing (the letting of a room or rooms in a person’s principal private residence) will continue to be permissible on an unrestricted basis and be exempted from the new planning requirements.
• Homesharers will be allowed to sub-let their entire principle private residence (house or apartment) on a short term basis for a cumulative period of 90 days where they are temporarily absent from their home. Where the 90 day threshold is exceeded, change of use planning permission will be required.
• Where a person owns a property in a RPZ which is not their principal private residence and intends to let it for short term letting purposes, s/he will be required to apply for a change of use planning permission unless the property already has a specific planning permission to be used for tourism or short-term letting purposes.
Short term letting in areas outside of the designated RPZ's were not impacted in any way by these regulations. With the nationwide extension of RPZ's, the legislative requirement for Short Term Letting vis a vis planning permission, as I've outlined above, will also extend nationwide.
It is important therefore, that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for Short Term Lets.
The Government has recently agreed a policy to generally preclude new planning permissions for Short term letting in cities and towns with a Census population in excess of 10,000 persons, at the most recent Census of Population. It was further agreed that local authorities should have discretion to develop policies for other locations having regard to relevant local criteria to be set out in the guidance. This guidance will be introduced in the form of a National Planning Statement (NPS).
My Department is currently developing a NPS for the Short-Term Letting sector to supplement and support the introduction of the Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. It will consider a variety of factors, such as existing planning legislation, the long-term housing need in the local authority area, the location of the proposed Short-Term Let and balancing housing need with the potential impact on tourism and economic development.
My Department has met with various stakeholders such as booking platforms and industry representatives and will continue to do so during the development of the NPS for the Short-Term Letting sector. The legislative basis for a NPS is contained within the Planning and Development Act 2024. The relevant provision governing NPS's is due to be commenced later this year.
497. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if will address an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33791/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) cleared an entrance/exit route, at the site referenced, last month, as a suitable window of weather and terrain conditions existed to undertake the maintenance. The NPWS will revisit the issue raised once lake levels reduce to facilitate access/egress and during a period of suitable conditions.
498. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a full list of all documents, reports, strategies, and resources that have been “unpublished” by his Department over the past ten years (details supplied), including all such materials that have been “unpublished” by divisions, sections and units of his Department that became part of the Minister’s Department following a transfer of functions; and who “unpublished” the materials under a different Minister or Department. [33810/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been no systematic un-publishing or removal of information from my Department’s website.
There are two separate considerations regarding the perceived unavailability of documents.
My Department does not delete websites and included materials. If and when a website is deemed at the end-of-its life, it is moved to the file:///C:/Users/oneillc01/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Word/National%20Library%20of%20Ireland where it remains readily accessible.
The web.archive.org/web/20170511150137/http:/rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/ was never part of the gov.ie website so it sits in a distinct but accessible location in the same archive.
The full details including maps (web.archive.org/web/20170511150137/http:/rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/ ) can be accessed online.
web.archive.org/web/20210531160551/https://rebuildingireland.ie/
web.archive.org/web/20170511150137/http:/rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/
Since the rebuildingireland.ie programme was replaced by the Housing for All programme in September 2021, website searches have brought users to the most appropriate page for up-to-date, relevant information on this topic i.e.:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/campaigns/housing-for-all/
To ensure transparency, a wide range of reports continue to be available on gov.ie. This approach also ensures existing PQ responses to remain valid. For example:
Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report (since data set commences 2017) www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
Commencements data (since data set commences 2014)
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/residential-commencement-notices/
Homelessness data (since this data set was compiled in 2014)
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data/#homelessness-data
The gov.ie website is the key source of information on government and public services. In April 2025, the website underwent a major system upgrade with 183,707 pages migrated, along with 9,737 images and 133,925 documents.
With a mass movement of web content, it is inevitable that some broken links will occur and take time to identify and resolve. An audit conducted post-migration revealed less than 1% of all pages were affected by broken links. Broken links were replaced with placeholder text: “Item has been unpublished or removed”, rather than returning an error message to the user.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Reform and Digitalisation alerted my Department to the broken links on gov.ie after the migration and has provided a log of issues to be resolved. The resolution of these issue is ongoing.
Pending full resolution of this issue, anyone requiring access to a particular document affected by this issue is welcome to contact my Department.
In addition, the digital www.gov.ie/en/govie-team/services/archive-of-department-websites/ is available to review search for materials.
499. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Oliver Bond flats will be subject to the same rationalisation of the refusal to fund the regeneration of Pearse House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33821/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is currently no active funding application with my Department for the regeneration of Oliver Bond Flats. Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised that the regeneration of Oliver Bond House Phase 1 is a priority regeneration project for its Housing Department. A consultant design team have been appointed and are currently at the technical stage in design development.
My Department and I fully support the regeneration programme and have awarded funding approvals to DCC for the following four projects:
* Stage 1 Capital Appraisal approval issued 16 March 2022 for the redevelopment for the flats in Blocks L, M and N.
o A revised stage 1 proposal was approved in November 2023
* N29-2-1057 Oliver Bond Community Centre
* N29-2-1058 Oliver Bond Precinct Improvement Works
* N29-2-1059 Oliver Bond Social Integration
My Department will continue to work with Dublin City Council and the wider community in advancing the Regeneration of Oliver Bond House. Dublin City Council advise that the overall design of the project is continuing and all options are being considered.
My Department also fully supports the regeneration of Pearse House and in this regard Dublin City Council is working on a revised submission.
500. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of all regeneration projects in Dublin south central, including any reasons for their delays or refusal. [33822/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project plans for the regeneration of estates and flat complexes are a matter for the Local Authority (LA) concerned. In order to support LAs in progressing such regeneration plans, my Department is making a number of funding channels available to LAs and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB):
• Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP)
• Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
• Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF)
• Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL)
• Regeneration (for remedial works)
Based on your request for the projects in Dublin South central, I can confirm that my Department has received the following funding applications to-date from Dublin City Council (DCC):
|
Project |
Funding Application |
Date Received |
Current Status |
Project Description |
|
Donore Project (formerly St. Teresa’s Gardens complex) |
Post-Tender |
28/01/2025 |
On site |
Mixed tenure – Social housing funded through SHIP; Cost Rental funded by LDA |
|
Cherry Orchard Point |
Pre-Tender |
15/01/2025 |
Pre-Tender Approval |
Mixed tenure – Social housing funded through SHIP; Cost Rental funded by LDA |
|
Bluebell Waterways |
Pre-Planning |
01/11/2024 |
Pre-Planning Approval |
Mixed tenure – Social housing funded through SHIP; Cost Rental funded by LDA |
|
Emmet Road Development (formerly St. Michael’s Estate) |
Pre-Tender |
12/11/2024 |
Pre-tender Approval |
Mixed tenure – Social housing funded through SHIP; Cost Rental funded through AHF |
|
Dolphin House 1B |
Pre-Planning |
12/02/2024 |
Pre-planning Approval |
Social housing funded through SHIP |
Oliver Bond House
DCC has advised that the regeneration of Oliver Bond House Phase 1 is a priority regeneration project for its Housing Department. A consultant design team have been appointed and are currently at the technical stage in design development.
My Department and I fully support the regeneration programme and have awarded funding approvals to DCC for the following four projects:
• Stage 1 Capital Appraisal approval issued on 16 March 2022 for the redevelopment for the flats in Blocks L, M and N.
• A revised stage 1 proposal was approved in November 2023
• N29-2-1057 Oliver Bond Community Centre
• N29-2-1058 Oliver Bond Precinct Improvement Works
• N29-2-1059 Oliver Bond Social Integration
My Department will continue to work with Dublin City Council and the wider community in advancing the Regeneration of Oliver Bond House. Dublin City Council advise that the overall design of the project is continuing and all options are being considered.
501. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide clarity on the regeneration of Basin Lane; and if he has a timeline for its completion. [33823/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project plans for the regeneration of estates and flat complexes are a matter for the Local Authority (LA) concerned. In order to support LAs in progressing such regeneration plans, my Department is making a number of funding channels available to LAs and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) including:
• Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP)
• Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
• Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF)
• Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL)
• Regeneration (for remedial works)
• Public Private Partnerships (PPP)
With regard to the site at the Basin View Flats, this project is included in Bundle 5 of the national Social Housing Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. A Design Team has been appointed by the Project for Bundle 5 and the Basin View development received a grant of planning (Part 8) for 171 homes in Q1 2025. The Bundle 5 sites were progressing through planning in conjunction with Dublin City Council and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
After conducting a review of the proposed costs of Bundle 3 of the Social Housing PPP programme, my Department has decided not to proceed to contract award in the current procurement process for the Social Housing Bundle 3 PPP project. This is due to the overall costs of the Bundle 3 project, which are now considered too high.
In light of the costs on Bundle 3, I have asked my Department to initiate, with the help of the NDFA, a review of Bundles 4 -7 (including the regeneration of Basin View Flats) to determine the most appropriate procurement and delivery strategy in order to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the available public resources.
502. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the ongoing delay in processing appeals under the enhanced defective concrete block scheme; the current status of appeals; the definitive timeline for issuing decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33837/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra511. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of an appeal by persons (details supplied) under the enhanced defective concrete block scheme to be judged on its own merits under section 39 of the Act Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33879/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason homeowners that have appealed the remediation options provided to them under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme are waiting inordinate lengths of time for those appeals to be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34009/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra550. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of defective concrete block appeals he has received from Donegal; the number processed to date; the number of appeals that have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34445/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 502, 511, 527 and 550 together.
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
The Appeals Panel has been established to assess appeals made under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete (DCB) Blocks Grant Scheme. The Panel offers those affected by decisions made by the Housing Agency and Local Authorities an opportunity to have their cases assessed by an independent group of industry experts.
The points of appeal that are available to a DCB applicant include the validation stage by the local authority, the damage threshold determination made by the Housing Agency, the remediation option, and the grant amount approved and where a local authority refuse to make a grant payment pursuant to grant approval.
The Panel will review the merits of each individual case and consider all details free from any undue influence or restrictions.
At the time of writing 169 appeals have been received from homeowners. A breakdown showing appeals received from relevant owners, by designated local authority, is available in the table below:
|
Designated Local Authority |
Appeals Received |
|
Donegal |
139 |
|
Mayo |
4 |
|
Clare |
15 |
|
Limerick |
11 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
|
Total |
169 |
It should be noted that the Appeals Panel is statutorily independent in the performance of their functions of myself as Minister, my Department and of the Housing Agency. My Department provides limited administrative support during the initial stage of the process, in that appeals submitted by homeowners are forwarded to the Panel. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual case currently under appeal. Timelines for the processing of appeals would be a matter for the Chair and the Panel.
However, I understand that the Panel has begun the process of assessing appeals and it is expected the Chair of the Appeals Panel will issue notifications to appellants in due course.
503. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can give any direction to Uisce Éireann in relation to capital and/or operational matters. [33839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUisce Éireann 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 and expenditures is a matter for Uisce Éireann, and is approved through its own internal governance structures. I have no role in relation to day to day capital or operational matters.
However, under section 16 of the Water Services Act 2013, I am required to give consent to Uisce Éireann to enter into capital commitments in a given year. I also give consent prior to Uisce Éireann entering into any individual capital commitment in excess of €50 million. It is important to note that these are consents to enter financial commitments. The scope, prioritisation and progression of the individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann.
Also, under section 26 of the Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 I may give a direction in writing to Uisce Éireann in relation to the performance of its functions under the act, requiring it to comply with policies of the Government.
504. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the ongoing delay in providing clarification to the residents of Elm Park, Buncrana under the enhanced defective concrete block scheme; the definitive timeline for issuing decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33840/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis matter is still under consideration. My Department continues to work with Donegal County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW), to ensure a workable solution is reached for impacted homeowners in Elm Park while ensuring that we operate within the terms of the DCB Grant scheme, as legislated.
505. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Dáil Question No. 318 which was answered on 19 June 2025. A direct reply will issue as soon as possible.
506. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has noted the recent publication of the European Commission’s water resilience strategy and, in particular, the reference to an updated cost assessment of the extended producer responsibility scheme under the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive; and if he will outline any engagement his Department has had or intends to have in relation to this work. [33851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working on the transposition of the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive into national legislation. The deadline for transposition is 30 June 2027. My Department has established a national expert group to assist with the transposition of the recast Directive. This expert group includes key participants from the following organisations: Uisce Éireann, Environmental Protection Agency, Commission for Regulation of Utilities, County and City Management Association, Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, Department of Health, Local Authority Water Programme, Health Service Executive, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Geological Survey Ireland.
The EU Commission published the European Water Resilience Strategy in June 2025 and in that it has indicated that “In the context of the implementation of the extended producer responsibility system referred to in Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 on urban wastewater treatment, the Commission will conduct an updated study of costs and its potential impacts on concerned sectors. In addition, the Commission will continue to support Member States in the pragmatic design of national systems with a view to avoiding unexpected or unintended consequences, in particular for the availability and affordability of medicines”.
This study of the impacts has not yet commenced. My Department will continue to engage fully in the work at EU level regarding the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. When the EU Commission finalises this work and if the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive is amended in any way as a consequence, then this will reflected in the transposing legislation, accordingly.
Until then, the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive has to be transposed before 30 June 2027. Therefore, my Department is continuing to work on transposing the recast Directive to ensure the Ireland meets that deadline.
507. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the status of Galway County Council's applications for the extension of rural water schemes, with specific reference to the Castledaly/Peterswell water scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33858/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current cycle of my Department's Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) covers the period to the end of 2026. Almost 900 applications for funding for individual projects were received from local authorities across the country.
Galway County Council submitted a number of applications including one under Measure A5 to fund an extension to Castledaly - Peterswell group water scheme.
As part of the application process, an independent Expert Panel is tasked with evaluating all applications received and reviewing each individual project, assessing the information provided in the application against the objective of the programme and make recommendations for my consideration and decision on their suitability of funding.
Given the large number of applications received and in order to allow work to begin on projects as soon as possible, it was decided to take a phased approach to funding approval.
In November 2024, funding of €47.1m for 256 individual projects was approved. The projects being funded will improve water services for households throughout rural areas of the country.
The applications received under Measure A5 were not part of the first phase of funding announced. The Expert Panel have now completed their evaluation of applications under this measure and have submitted their recommendations for my consideration.
I expect to conclude my consideration and make an announcement regarding funding shortly.
508. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of traveller-specific accommodation funding returned to his Department, per county, in tabular form, for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [33872/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist local authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
My Department ceased the practice of allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities and implemented a new allocation process following a review of arrangements for the disbursement of funding provision and related supports for Traveller specific accommodation. Since 2020, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and draw down funds at any time throughout the year and this is actively encouraged by my Department.
The Traveller-specific accommodation budget was fully drawn down by local authorities in the five-year period 2020-2024, amounting to over €100 million capital expenditure.
509. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the proposed works at Blackberry Lanes, Athlone, County Westmeath. [33873/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
My Department is committed to supporting Westmeath County Council in the redevelopment of Blackberry Lane. In May 2023, my Department issued Stage 2 approval for the extensive redevelopment of the Blackberry Lane site with an overall recommended budget of €16.1 million. This proposal included the construction of 41 new houses for the families on site and the associated site development works.
My Department continues to support the Council in advancing the project, with a view to delivering high-quality, sustainable accommodation for the residents of the site. Details on updated plans in advancing this project are a matter for the local authority and therefore may be available directly from Westmeath County Council.
510. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options open to apartment owners experiencing the effects of pyrite but whose neighbours, also affected by the same problem, do not want to take any action via the Pyrite Remediation Board or other means; if this issue is acknowledged and if possible solutions via the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011; if not, if other regulations are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33877/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and the implementation of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, which is administered by the Board with the support of the Housing Agency.The provisions of the Act apply solely to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave, resulting from the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material. The Scheme was established to remediate such dwellings where the swelling of hardcore beneath ground floor slabs has caused structural damage.It is important to note that the Pyrite Remediation Scheme is a measure of last resort, intended for homeowners who have no other practical means of redress. The eligibility criteria and full terms of the Scheme are outlined on the Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) website.
Owner Management Companies and managing agents in housing estates who approach the Pyrite Remediation Scheme are advised on how they may engage with it. Homeowners may submit applications online through the PRB website. A key eligibility requirement is that the dwelling must achieve a level of damage as determined in a Building Condition Assessment report carried out in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2017.
In the matter of possible solutions via the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011, at present, the Minister for Justice and his Department continue to have responsibility for the oversight of Owner Management Companies (OMCs) and related regulations.
Under the Programme for Government my Department will take responsibility for the Multi-Unit Development Acts to streamline support for owners’ management companies and improve oversight.
A timeline for the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice is being advanced and engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
512. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing targets set for each county over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33886/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra513. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing targets set for each county municipal area-town in county Mayo over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33887/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra514. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current criteria for eligibility for affordable housing nationally; and if he will provide specific detail on the criteria applicable in County Mayo. [33888/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra515. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the basis on which areas are deemed eligible for affordable housing; the methodology of calculation used to determine such eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33889/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the current process for the development and delivery of affordable housing schemes in County Mayo. [33890/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra517. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether it is a requirement that only projects which have full planning permission and are shovel-ready may apply for affordable housing schemes; if so, whether consideration has been given to supporting earlier-stage proposals to give greater confidence to developers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33891/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra518. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the Claremorris municipal area and the Ballina municipal area are currently ineligible for affordable housing schemes; and if there are plans to revise the eligibility criteria to include these areas. [33892/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra520. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the affordability assessments or data used to determine eligibility for affordable housing in specific counties or municipal areas, including County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33894/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra521. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether there is scope for a more flexible or locally informed approach to determining eligibility for affordable housing schemes, particularly in rural or smaller urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33895/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra522. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the means by which local authorities can appeal or challenge the exclusion of specific areas from affordable housing schemes; and whether a review process is in place for this purpose. [33896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra523. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing units delivered in each county to date in 2025 under the affordable housing scheme; and if he will provide a breakdown by municipal district. [33897/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra524. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projected delivery timeline for affordable housing in counties that have not yet had any such schemes approved or commenced; and the steps being taken to ensure balanced regional delivery. [33898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 512 to 518, inclusive, and Questions Nos. 520 to 524, inclusive, together.
Affordability and the chance to own a home are at the heart of the Government’s housing policy. As detailed in the Housing for All strategy, the Government has introduced a number of measures to support households and individuals wishing to purchase a home, as well as increasing the overall supply of new homes, with an ambitious target of 300,000 new homes up to 2030.
It will be a matter for each local authority, including Mayo County Council, to prepare a revised Housing Delivery Action Plan which will detail their intended social and affordable housing delivery programme over the period 2026-2030, informed by their assessment of new housing need having conducted a Housing Need and Demand Assessment.
All local authorities, including Mayo County Council, have developed and published their Housing Delivery Action Plans setting out their plans to deliver social and affordable housing during the period from 2022-2026. A copy of Mayo County Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on its website at the following link:
www.mayo.ie/en-ie/your-council/services/housing-services/social-housing/housing-delivery-action-plan
While Mayo does not have a specific affordability target, it has identified localised affordability need in key urban locations where new households being formed would not be able to access housing for purchase or rent at prices/rents affordable to them.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is open on a continuous basis and available to support all local authorities to address any affordability needs identified in their area. Circular 23/2021 issued to all local authorities on 25 June 2021 and provides guidance on preparing an application for AHF assistance, including an overview of the marking matrix used to assess applications. Circular 06/2023, which issued to all local authorities on 21 February 2023, provides further guidance to local authorities such as Mayo where localised need with affordability constraint has been identified.
My Department has been liaising with Mayo in the development of its affordable housing delivery programme to respond appropriately to identified need in its area. To date it has received funding approval from the AHF to assist in the delivery of 18 affordable homes across two affordable purchase schemes in Westport, where Mayo County Council has demonstrated a sufficient new housing need with affordability constraint and submitted funding applications which met the criteria for the AHF scheme.
My Department, along with the Housing Agency and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the Local Government Management Agency will continue to advise and support Mayo in respect of its planned response to affordable housing needs in all key urban location within its area. The emphasis is on proactively collaborating to identify, develop and deliver viable affordable housing opportunities.
Ultimately, the viability of a housing project is assured when planning permission is secure and costs following procurement are known. Approval-in-principle may be given pending the outcome of planning and procurement. Projects which involve challenging circumstances which means they are unlikely to succeed can also be resubmitted for consideration where a resolution has been found.
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) was introduced to assist first-time buyers purchasing Local Authority-delivered new homes. This scheme uses an equity share model to give eligible purchasers the opportunity of home ownership. The assessment of eligibility and the level of support available is household-specific, so purchasers are only supported when they need this assistance to afford the home.
The same overall eligibility criteria apply for all persons applying for a Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme nationwide, including for those applying under the fresh start principle. Section 10 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 outlines this overall criteria for eligibility, which include confirmation of the combined financial means of the applicants; that none of the persons making the application has previously purchased or built a dwelling; that none of the persons making the application owns, or is beneficially entitled to an estate or interest in any dwelling; and that each of the persons making the application has a right to reside in the State.
Eligibility under Section 10 of the Act is further set out in the S.I. No. 20/2023 – Affordable Housing Regulations 2023 and S.I. No. 21/2023 Affordable Housing Regulations 2023. This includes the provision that the equity share required cannot be less than 5% and not greater than 40% of the market value of the dwelling concerned.
In line with Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 the administration of affordable purchase housing schemes is a matter for each local authority who will have the specific information sought relating to the delivery of affordable homes by municipal district in their functional area.
Affordable Housing statistical reports are based on the delivery of affordable homes which have been completed and publicly advertised to eligible affordable housing applicants. Comprehensive programme-level statistics are published by my Department on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and delivery partners in each local authority area.
Data for the years 2022 to 2024 inclusive 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/?#affordable-housing-delivery
Given the rural profile of County Mayo, it is worth noting that the Ready to Build serviced sites scheme is available which supports local authorities to provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home. Further information with regard to the scheme is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/33209-ready-to-build-scheme-serviced-sites-for-new-homes/ or by contacting directly the Vacant Homes officer at Mayo County Council.
Finally, the First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in purchasing new homes on the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The Scheme is supported with an overall budget of €740 million and is available nationwide.
519. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing schemes, including social, affordable, cost rental or other supports, which are currently available in the Ballina municipal area and the Claremorris municipal area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33893/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Housing is delivered through a range of local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes. Where a local authority such as Mayo County Council is seeking to deliver social housing, Exchequer funding is made available under the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP), my Department provides 100% of these costs to local authorities.
Social housing is also provided by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). 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.
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.
The Affordable Housing Fund is available on an open, rolling basis to assist local authorities towards the cost of developing affordable housing for purchase or for rent in key urban areas where affordable housing needs have been identified. My Department and the Housing Agency are available to assist Mayo County Council in this regard and will consider any evidence presented by the Council in respect of a demonstrated need for the provision of affordable housing with AHF support at these locations.
In support of City and Towns regeneration policies, such as Towns Centre First, the Ready to Build serviced sites scheme is available which supports local authorities to provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home. Further information with regard to the scheme is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/33209-ready-to-build-scheme-serviced-sites-for-new-homes/ or by contacting directly the Vacant Homes officer at Mayo County Council.
The First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in purchasing new homes on the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The Scheme aims to support in the region of 8,000 households in acquiring new homes in the private market in the years 2022 to 2026 with an overall budget of €400 million. The scheme is available nationwide.
Other measures such as 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.
525. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to include tenants of houses acquired by local authorities under the part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2021 in the tenant purchase scheme; if not, the options available for tenants of these properties who wish to purchase their own home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33902/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme. The scheme is underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 (as amended).
The regulations provide for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including those provided to local authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Part V provisions seek to promote social integration and secure mixed tenure, sustainable communities. Accordingly, Part V properties are excluded from the scheme to ensure the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time and the properties remain available for people in need of social housing support. My Department monitors schemes such as this on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable, however, there are no plans to amend the scheme at this time.
There are a number of options available to those who wish to purchase their own home outside the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme, as set out below. A number of these schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
Local authorities will make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers who cannot afford to purchase a home at its open market value with a maximum mortgage and 10% deposit. The local authority will take a percentage equity share in the home equal to the difference between the open market value of the home and the reduced price paid.
This means that if a home is purchased at a 20% reduction on the open market value, the local authority will have a 20% equity share in the home.
Eligible applicants are able to apply for affordable housing in all local authority areas that are providing affordable homes under the scheme. Each local authority’s website should be referred to in the first instance for further information. For more information visit www.affordablehomes.ie.
First Home Scheme
The First Home Scheme provides finance to help first time buyers, self-builders or those making a fresh start to bridge the gap between a deposit and mortgage, and the price of a new home. This Scheme takes a percentage ownership of your home, which you can buy back later. For more information on the scheme visit www.firsthomescheme.ie.
Local Authority Home Loan
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for first-time buyers and certain other eligible applicants who have been refused a mortgage or have been offered insufficient mortgage offers through a regular mortgage lender. The scheme is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. It also includes the purchase of homes through Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme.
The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan is available at the following link: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
Help to Buy
The Help to Buy scheme can help with a deposit for a new or self-build home. It is a refund on income and DIRT tax paid in Ireland in the last four-years. The scheme comes under the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance. Information on Help to Buy is available at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx.
A list of affordable housing supports available under Housing for All can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, this includes information on the schemes above.
526. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a policy change will be considered to provide the Revenue Commissioners with the power to collect levies under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 from individuals or businesses with properties on local authority derelict sites registers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33981/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra531. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has investigated the possibility of putting the Revenue Commissioners in charge of the collection of derelict and vacant site levies, given the poor rate of collection by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34121/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 531 together.
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. Each local authority maintains a Derelict Sites Register under section 8 of the Act for sites which they consider are derelict under the Act. Sites entered on the Derelict Sites Register are subject to an annual derelict sites levy of 7% of market value which will continue to apply until the site is rendered non-derelict.
My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 and invited local authorities to make initial submissions on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. A focused working group of nominated staff members from a number of local authorities was subsequently established and the group met on three occasions during 2022. Discussions on the review have been ongoing and it is intended, in the context of related policies, legislative amendments and funding schemes that have been developed since the review commenced, in addition to the increasing challenge associated with dereliction, to now further consider the potential to improve the legislation, the operation of the legislation and related supporting mechanisms.
The Vacant Site Levy has been replaced by the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), introduced by amendments to the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended). This tax came 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. Legislation to repeal the Vacant Site Levy will be forthcoming. Vacant Site Levies which have been issued by local authorities remain a change on the land and their collection is a matter for the local authority.
My Department will continue to engage proactively with local authorities to ensure that all derelict and vacant site levies due are paid and that the measures can achieve their full potential, in tandem with the review of the Derelict Sites Act to identify opportunities to improve the operation of the legislation.
528. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an organisation (details supplied) is a solvent company. [34060/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities.
The named organisation informed the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and my Department of potential financial issues in the organisation in July 2023. The organisation also advised that it had separately informed the Charities Regulator and the AHB Regulator (AHBRA).
My Department and the DRHE formed an Oversight Group, chaired by an independent governance and legal expert, to review the financial and governance issues raised and to advise the Department appropriately. The DRHE also appointed PwC to undertake a review and preliminary and final reports were provided to the Oversight Group.
On 28 November, the Government approved funding on an exceptional basis of up to €15 million to be paid to the named organisation. Funding was provided between December 2023 and 31 March 2024. There are 32 conditions attached to the provision of exceptional funding, including actions already undertaken/underway as well as additional actions to be undertaken by the organisation.
A new Oversight Group was set up to oversee the implementation of the conditions attached to the exceptional funding. The new Oversight Group comprises of officials from my Department, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and a local authority representative nominated by the CCMA. The Oversight Group continues to monitor the conditions attached to the exceptional funding.
In addition, AHBRA and the Charities Regulator have also conducted an examination of the financial and governance issued being experienced by the organisation, those examinations have now concluded and the reports have been published. The organisation is working with the Regulators to address governance issues identified in the organisation and the AHB Regulator has appointed an independent expert to review the progress being made in implementing the necessary corrective actions.
My Department continues to work with the named organisation to ensure the continuity of homeless services and has not been made aware of any issues related to their solvency, at this time.
529. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for clarification on the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34066/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2025 was signed into law on 19 June 2025. The Act came into operation on 20 June 2025 to immediately extend and expand the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) to cover the entire country until 28 February 2026.
Further legislation will be developed later in 2025 to give effect to the policy proposals recently announced by Government, to regulate rent increases nationally and to introduce stronger protection for renters. Under the policy proposals announced, stronger tenancy protections will apply to new tenancies created from 1 March 2026. These changes will significantly enhance the current provision of tenancies of unlimited duration with the introduction of tenancies of minimum duration (TMD), involving rolling 6-year tenancies, for any new tenancy created from 1 March 2026 by a smaller landlord (with 3 or fewer tenancies) with a new tenant. In limited circumstances during a 6 year TMD, a smaller landlord will be allowed to end a tenancy. A smaller landlord will also be allowed to terminate a tenancy using the limited grounds under section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025 (the RTA) at the end of each 6-year period while the tenancy continues to exist.
A number of provisions will apply to mitigate the impact of TMDs on smaller landlords. A smaller landlord will be allowed to terminate a tenancy at any time if:
• the landlord intends to sell the rented dwelling due to financial hardship (to be prescribed in law) and does not wish to do so with the tenant(s) in situ;
• the landlord requires the property for himself/herself or an immediate family member (spouse/civil partner, child or parent) to occupy as a principal private residence;
• The tenant is breaching his/her tenancy obligations; or
• The property is no longer suitable to the accommodation needs of the tenant household.
In advance of the end of each 6-year period of a TMD, a smaller landlord will be allowed to serve a notice of termination under any of the existing grounds for termination. These include:
• the landlord intends to sell the property;
• the landlord/family member requires the property for occupation;
• the landlord intends to substantially refurbish/renovate the property; or
• the landlord intends to change the use of the property.
Larger landlords (with 4 or more tenancies) will not have the right to terminate a tenancy in the context of sale; landlord/family member occupation or change of use. A provision allowing for the necessary vacation of a rented dwelling (to protect tenants’ health and safety) during substantial refurbishment/renovation works will be considered. A larger landlord will have the right to terminate a tenancy where the tenant is breaching his/her tenancy obligations or the property is no longer suitable to the accommodation needs of the tenant household.
For all tenancies, landlords will have the right to reset the rent to market rent, where the rent is below market rent, between tenancies, where a tenant leaves of their own volition or has breached their tenant obligations.
For existing tenancies, landlords continue to have the right to terminate a tenancy in line with the provisions in place in the Residential Tenancies Acts that applied at the time the tenancy was created.
530. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34095/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
532. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will commit to the recommended expedited delivery of a new fire station in Ballincollig; if his Department will carry out an immediate assessment into reopening the Ballincollig fire station on an interim basis considering the ongoing lack of full fire service coverage on the western side of Cork city and recognising the findings of the Crowe Strategic Review of the Fire and Building Control Department (June 2022); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34154/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In June 2025 Cork City Council published an updated strategic review report which made recommendations of a three phased approach to modernising fire services aligning with the growth of Cork city and its evolving risk profile.
Included within the first phase of recommended development is a new full-time station in the south-western suburbs, to be located adjacent to the N40 South Ring Road, optimising fire cover. It is noted that this option offers improved response times, whilst also being closer to major population centres, business, industry, and large buildings such as hospitals and colleges.
To date my Department has not received a funding application for the outlined Phase 1 proposals of the most recent Crowe review report to Cork City Council on Cork City Fire Cover.
My Department will be identifying new priority fire service infrastructural projects for the period 2026 – 2030 in the coming months. My Department will work closely with Cork City Council to progress identified priority infrastructural projects, within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding.
