Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:533. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the publication of the rural housing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34158/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Schemes
Ceisteanna (533)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the planning system.
Updated Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being considered by my Department. The updated guidelines will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft Rural Housing Guidelines will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF. The guidelines will continue to allow county development plans to provide for housing in the countryside based on the considerations detailed in NPO 28 of the NPF, and will also highlight the need to manage development in certain areas, such as the areas around cities and larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid over-development.
While planning policy is a national, as opposed to an EU competence, due care is being taken to ensure the updated guidelines will not operate to conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, comply with EU environmental legislative requirements and have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. The draft planning guidelines will address these complex environmental and legal issues, while also providing a framework for the sustainable management of housing in rural areas.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (534, 535, 536, 537)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:534. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of apartments completed in the four Dublin local authority areas per year from 2018 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Geoghegan
Ceist:535. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of apartments that received planning permission in the four Dublin local authority areas per year from 2018 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34174/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Geoghegan
Ceist:536. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing commencements to date in 2025 in the four Dublin local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Geoghegan
Ceist:537. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of apartment commencements to date in 2025 in the four Dublin local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534, 535, 536 and 537 together.
Data on new dwelling completions and planning permissions are published quarterly by the CSO on its website.
These data show almost 33,700 new build apartments were delivered across the four Dublin local authorities in the seven years to end 2024. Almost 85,900 planning approvals were granted for apartments over the same period. These account for 77% and 66% of all apartment completions and apartment permissions respectively nationwide in the period.
New home completion data can be accessed at data.cso.ie/table/NDQ06, while planning permission data can be accessed at data.cso.ie/table/BHQ17. The data are available by dwelling type, local authority, and year.
Data on residential Commencement Notices, disaggregated by local authority and dwelling type, are published monthly on my department's website. These data can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/may-commencements-2025/.
The data show some 1,510 notices lodged to date in 2025, including notices for 1,229 apartments. The dip in the number of notices lodged is not unexpected given almost 102,000 notices were lodged nationwide in 2023 and 2024, in response to Government measures to accelerate new home delivery. This included more than 28,000 apartments in Dublin.
Question No. 535 answered with Question No. 534.
Question No. 536 answered with Question No. 534.
Question No. 537 answered with Question No. 534.
Land Development Agency
Ceisteanna (538, 539)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:538. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on the expected or set prices for each category of new home being developed by the Land Development Agency at Cherry Orchard Point, Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Geoghegan
Ceist:539. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the set prices for two-bed apartments across every Land Development Agency development in Dublin completed over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Question No 539 and 538 together.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department and in line with section 12(4) of the Land Development Agency Act 2021 is independent in the performance of its functions.
Arrangements have been put in place by my Department to ensure that public bodies under it aegis have a dedicated email address in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The LDA can be contacted by emailing oireachtas@lda.ie in relation to this matter.
It may be helpful to note that the LDA publishes details on their website for each cost rental development that they completed and advertised to date, which includes details of rent levels charged. This section of the LDA's website is accessible via the following link: lda.ie/affordable-homes/lda-cost-rental .
Question No 539 answered with Question No 538.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (540)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:540. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times that dwellings have been deemed to be inactive and notified to his Department by a local authority in the past five years, in tabular form. [34192/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government, as set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, built on Pathway 4 and set out the various actions that were being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. The Action Plan Progress Report was published in April 2024 and is available here on my Department's website: gov - Vacant Homes Action Plan 2023-2026 (www.gov.ie).
Data in relation to vacant properties is available from a number of sources such as the CSO Census and GeoDirectory publications. In the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report for Q4 2024, the average vacancy rate across Ireland had dropped to 3.8%, the lowest rate recorded since 2013.
My Department has also supported local authorities to collate data on vacant and derelict properties in their administrative areas. Almost all local authorities now have a database of vacant properties which they can update on an ongoing basis. The database is not intended to be a comprehensive count of every vacant and derelict property in their administrative area. It is used by the local authority to engage with property owners and work with them to bring those properties back into use.
While varying levels and rates of vacancy are indicated in the different data sources, the overall trend is downwards and vacancy levels are reducing.
Office of Public Works
Ceisteanna (541)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:541. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the required consent submission by the Office of Public Works to his Department, in relation to progressing the Turoe Stone relocation project to the delivery stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders in respect of the Turoe Stone and it is anticipated that further discussions will be held in due course between the relevant stakeholders to progress and finalise the delivery of the relocation project.
Land Development Agency
Ceisteanna (542)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:542. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable purchase and cost-rental homes, respectively, that will be delivered through Land Development Agency investment in 2025; and the estimated amount of expenditure allocated to deliver same. [34229/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Land Development Agency (LDA) is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department and in line with section 12(4) of the Land Development Agency Act 2021 is independent in the performance of its functions.
Arrangements have been put in place by my Department to ensure that public bodies under it aegis have a dedicated email address in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The LDA can be contacted by emailing oireachtas@lda.ie in relation to this matter.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (543)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:543. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of private rented accommodation inspections carried out by all local authorities in 2024; the number of inspections in which further enforcement action was taken in all local authorities, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority.
If a property has been found to be non-compliant with the Regulations, it is a matter for the local authority to determine what action is necessary and appropriate. They can issue an Improvement Letter or serve an Improvement Notice. In most cases they opt for the former. Where a landlord fails to comply with an Improvement Notice, the local authority may serve a Prohibition Notice (which directs that a dwelling cannot be re-let until all contraventions are remedied) and may consider instituting legal proceedings. These are seldom needed.
The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. A total of €10.5 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
The number of rental inspections conducted by local authorities has increased significantly in recent years. Increasing from an average of 20,000 a year in the period 2005 to 2017 to over 49,000 in 2022, over 63,500 in 2023, and an all-time-high of over 80,000 in 2024.
Data for 2024 relating to the level of inspections and enforcement actions carried out and legal actions initiated by each local authority is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/da3fe-private-housing-market-statistics/.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (544)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:544. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total value of grant payments issued by local authorities to persons who have completed works using the vacant property refurbishment grant in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025; the number of applications made for the vacant property refurbishment grants in each county, in each month, in the same period, in tabular form; the number of drawdowns for the same grant in each county in the same period; and the average value claimed overall in each county. [34231/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe, 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. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for 2 years or more at the time of application.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes the number of applications, approvals, the type of grant applied for (vacant property refurbishment or derelict top-up grant) and the total amount of grants paid per local authority. The Q1 2025 grants statistics were published on 28 April 2025. This data can be accessed at the following link: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (545, 546)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:545. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an indicative timeline on when responsibility for the Multi-Unit Development Act 2011 will be transferred from the Department of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraShane Moynihan
Ceist:546. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if further consideration has been given to enacting regulations on service charges and sinking funds under the Multi-Unit Development Act 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 546 together.
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 Housing for All, so as to ensure that OMCs are financially sustainable, the Department of Justice, in collaboration with my Department is committed to making regulations under the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (MUD Act), with regard to both sinking funds and service charges. I understand that these Regulations are now at an advanced stage of preparation within that Department.
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.
Question No. 546 answered with Question No. 545.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (547)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:547. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of WTE-qualified historians employed by his Department in the years of 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [34265/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not have any specific requirements for historians and therefore there are no WTE staff employed as historians.
My Department does not keep a record of the qualifications held by staff members, and accordingly there may be staff working in various roles in the Department who are qualified in this area but who have applied for different positions.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (548)
John Connolly
Ceist:548. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the publication of the review into the response of the State and State agencies into the impact of storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Storm Éowyn was named by the UK Met Office on Tuesday 21 January 2025, the fifth named storm of the 2024-25 windstorm season. Widespread red and orange weather warnings were issued across Ireland and the United Kingdom ahead of the rapidly strengthening storm. Ireland experienced one of its most damaging, dangerous and destructive weather events with gale force/storm force winds, including severe damaging and destructive gusts of over 183 km/h, a record for Ireland.
As the Lead Government Department for severe weather, my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management co-ordinated the ‘whole-of-Government’ response to this severe weather event through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG).
Following the conclusion of the response by the NECG, it is the responsibility of the Lead Government Department, under section 6.15 of the Strategic Emergency Management Framework to undertake a review and report to the Government Task Force (GTF).
A review of the coordinated response to Storm Éowyn is currently underway, examining all aspects of the response to Storm Éowyn, with a view to identifying the key lessons across all sectors and the implementation of recommendations. A Steering Group and two subgroups (Humanitarian Assistance and Critical Infrastructure & Essential Services) have been formed with a membership of officials from across Government, utility and energy suppliers, Principal Response Agencies, the transport sector and local authorities. The focus of the review is on planning for future storms and strengthening resilience and coordination across all sectors.
The Review report is currently being drafted and will shortly be brought to the two subgroups for review and input. Once this is completed, the draft report will then be brought to the Steering Group for further input and agreement.
It is anticipated that the review findings will be submitted to the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning once the report is completed.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (549)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:549. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to raise the cap on the first home scheme and the help to buy scheme, specifically for Dublin, as new builds in areas such as Swords exceed the current cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers, and self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country). Full details are available on the First Home Scheme website, www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders, including price ceiling reviews. At its launch, the First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) announced it would review all price ceilings at 6-month intervals. The DAC take into account a range of factors as part of these reviews, including the median price and volume of new builds purchased by first time buyers in each local authority area including each of the four Dublin local authorities.
At the end of December 2024, the First Home DAC published the outcome of its scheduled 6-monthly review of the price ceilings that apply to qualifying homes and subsequently revised price ceilings in relation to 3 local authority areas. The revised price ceilings came into effect on 1 January 2025. The next 6 monthly review is due to be completed in the coming weeks.
More information on price-ceiling reviews is available at the following link:
www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-scheme/property-price-ceilings/.
In relation to The Help to Buy (HTB) this scheme is administered by the Department of Finance and any development of the scheme comes under the remit of that Department. Details of HTB can be found on the Revenue’s website, www.revenue.ie.
Question No 550 answered with Question No 502.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (551)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:551. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding and department supports are available under ‘Measure A8- Waste Water Collection and Treatment Needs for Villages and Settlements without Access to Public Waste Water Services’ of his Department’s Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 and accompanying circular L1/22; the process for towns and settlements who are looking to apply for funding under this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34502/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2023, approval in principle of some €45 million of funding was given pursuant to my Department's Multi-annual Rural Water Programme to a number of projects for the wastewater collection and treatment needs of villages without access to public wastewater services.
Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of these projects and, under the terms of the programme, are designated as co-funders responsible for contributing 15% of total project costs.
The local authorities are required to work in consultation with Uisce Éireann, reflecting the fact that the infrastructure being built will ultimately fall to be owned and operated by Uisce Éireann.
In respect of the projects approved funding in principle, there has been significant follow-up engagement between the local authorities concerned and Uisce Éireann allowing them to collectively confirm the most efficient construction options and to provide certainty to the local authorities on the funding contribution required from them for each project.
Decisions on the next steps will be made when the local authorities confirm that all of the necessary arrangements are in place.
The Measure A8- Wastewater Collection and Treatment Needs for Villages and Settlements without Access to Public Wastewater Services scheme was designed to support demonstration projects and progress with this portfolio of projects will inform a longer-term strategic approach to the issue of wastewater infrastructure in small villages not currently served by Uisce Éireann.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (552)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:552. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he would consider extending housing adaptation grant schemes to include support for the purchase of generators for homes with a dependence on electrically powered medical equipment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are funded by my Department, with a contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The provision of alternative sources of mains energy supply are beyond the scope of the grants scheme. My colleague, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, is responsible for policy considerations in relation to alternative sources of mains energy supply. In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a number of schemes which provide grant funding towards home energy upgrades. Further information in relation to these schemes can be found on the SEAI website at the following link: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (553)
John Brady
Ceist:553. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a newly built social housing estate (details supplied) has been vacant for seven months post-completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Wicklow County Council encountered an issue which delayed the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations process and ultimately the allocation of these homes. This issue has since been resolved satisfactorily and I am pleased to report that the Wicklow County Council allocations team are at advanced stage with all eligible new tenants. Tenants who have so far responded and accepted an offer for this new development, will start receiving keys from early this week.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (554, 555)
John Brady
Ceist:554. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount that has to date been spent on the public private partnership bundle 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Brady
Ceist:555. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he will ensure the houses due to be completed in the public private partnership bundle 3 will be completed; if he will consider working with the local authorities to have these properties developed and manages by the local authorities in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34517/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.
On 3 June, following a careful evaluation, my Department made the decision not to proceed with the contract award for Social Housing Bundle 3 under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This decision was taken as the overall cost of the project was deemed to be too high.
Despite this, my Department, together with the relevant Local Authorities, remains fully committed to delivering the social housing originally envisaged under Bundle 3. To that end, my Department is actively engaging with the PPP programme leaders, the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), and the four Local Authorities with sites included in the bundle to urgently advance these projects through an alternative procurement and delivery strategy. This is likely to take the form of a Design & Build Public Works Contract, incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
My Department has already held meetings with the NDFA and the relevant Local Authorities to progress these housing developments. The delivery of the homes remains a priority, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure their completion.
Planning permission has already been secured for all sites within the bundle, enabling the immediate progression of an alternative procurement and delivery programme for the 486 homes.
My Department has recouped to the Local Authorities the costs for purchasing some but not yet all of the sites included in Bundle 3 at a cost to date of €7.8m. Also, costs to date of €2.775m have been expended on Design Team and Technical Advisors to bring these sites to planning including out-line design. The investment in site purchases and design work up to planning stage is essential and retains its value regardless of the ultimate delivery mechanism.
Question No. 555 answered with Question No. 554.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (556)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:556. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if provision has been made to continue the Economic and Social Intervention Fund in Limerick in 2026 and beyond, given that it is a critical instrument to help address disadvantage in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department currently supports a programme of large-scale regeneration projects in Limerick, Dublin and Cork.
These regeneration projects target the country’s most disadvantaged communities, and seek to address the causes of disadvantage in these communities through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration.
The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) was adopted by the then Limerick City Council in February 2014. This plan set out a programme of physical, social and economic interventions over a ten-year period from 2014 to 2023.
An element of the LRFIP was the Economic and Social Intervention Fund, (ESIF), and over the ten year period of the LRFIP (2014 to 2023) approximately €36m has been made available to Limerick City and Council from my Department. This fund has supported a range of social and economic initiatives to strengthen the local communities in the target areas of Moyross, Ballinacurra Weston, St. Mary’s Park and Southill.
This fund is an integral part of the overall approach to regeneration, and helps to leverage additional mainstream funding for the benefit of the areas. Through ESIF, my Department provided initial seed funding to launch programmes under the following categories:
• Community
• Education and Learning
• Families and Youth at Risk
• Employability and Work
• Health, Well Being and Aging Well
At the conclusion of the LRFIP at the end of 2023 my Department agreed to extend ESIF funding for 2024 and 2025.
It is imperative however that projects funded under ESIF are transitioned to a sustainable funding model going forward. Limerick City and County Council has commenced this process so that the progress to date can be built on and sustained in to the future.
In 2023 Limerick City and County Council requested and received approval for €4m.
In 2024 they requested €2.6m and received approval for this amount.
To date in 2025 my Department has agreed to a payment of €1.683m in respect of ESIF.
Looking ahead and taking account of the need to manage the wind down of financial support from my Department through the National Regeneration Programme for these initiatives, it is proposed that for 2025 and subsequent years the funding approved will decrease annually. Provided that a valid submission is received from Limerick City and County Council my Department will consider providing ESIF funding up to a maximum of:
€2m in 2025
€1.5m in 2026
€1m in 2027
€0.5m in 2028
Accordingly, the Social and Economic initiatives in Limerick will cease to be funded through Regeneration funding from 2029.
There are a number of existing funding streams across various Departments / Organisations that fund projects, groups, etc. in the same space as the types of projects currently being funding through ESIF, which may be suitable as alternative future funding sources. Also, there are some strategic bodies that provide good assistance to groups seeking funding. Some examples are as follows:
Sports Capital & Equipment Programme
Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
The Wheel
Local Community Development Committees
ETB’s
Funding submissions for social projects from 2025 will only be considered where they fall outside the remit of other Departments.
School Uniforms
Ceisteanna (557)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:557. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost if the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance increased to €170 for children aged between 4-11 years old and €305 for children aged over 12. [33522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
The rates of payment for the 2025 scheme are €160 for children aged between 4 and 11 years and €285 for children aged 12 and over.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear payments totaling €57.04 million were made to 149,510 families in respect of 264,400 qualified children in 2024.
The estimated full year cost if the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance increased to €170 for children aged between 4-11 years old and €305 for children aged over 12, based on the 2024 recipient numbers and expenditure, is €60.86 million i.e. an additional cost of €3.82 million.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (558)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:558. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to ensure that women forced to leave the civil service due to the marriage bar can access a non-means-tested State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33599/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The marriage bar was a legal requirement for women in the Irish civil service and some areas of the public service to retire from employment after marriage. While the legislation applied only to the civil and public sector, a similar policy was adopted by other sectors, such as the banking sector. The marriage bar for civil servants was removed from legislation in 1973.
The impact of the marriage bar on State Pension eligibility for many women varied depending on the sector they worked in and whether they returned to paid employment. Therefore, it is difficult to identify all those whose entitlement to State Pension was impacted by the marriage bar. It is also worth remembering that most civil and public servants recruited prior to 1995 are not entitled to the State Pension (Contributory) and would not have been entitled to it had they continued working as a civil or public servant, regardless of gender and marital status, due to the application of a modified PRSI rate.
Provisions exist for the award of a mixed insurance pro-rata State pension, where a person has substantial periods of PRSI coverage that are not reckonable for State Pension (Contributory) purposes (i.e. modified contributions). In order to qualify for a pro rata pension, a person must have a minimum of 260 full-rate paid contributions since their entry into insurance.
The State Pension (Contributory) system currently gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role. PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Since April 2019, State Pension (Contributory) applications are assessed under all possible methods with the most beneficial payment rate paid to the applicant.
In January 2024, Long Term Carers Contributions were introduced which allow those who provided full time care to incapacitated individuals to receive reckonable contributions for the time spent giving that care, provided they cared for at least 20 years. Long Term Carers Contribution are considered the equivalent of paid contributions and can be used to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). They are available to those who reached State pension age (66) on or after the 1 January 2024 and to those who had already reached State pension age at that date.
Where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for State Pension (Contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
• The State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the State Pension (Contributory); or
• An increase for a qualified adult (IQA) (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory) where their spouse has a contributory pension; or
• Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the SPC for the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over.
This combination of both the Contributory, Non-Contributory (social assistance) State pensions and IQA means that no person with a viable income need falls outside these schemes.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.