Written Answers Nos. 46-65
46. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he would advise this Deputy to respond to persons about Government housing policy, especially to those who are older, over 50 and renting, with no prospect of owning a home. [27449/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe clear focus of this Government is to increase the supply of new build social and affordable homes to buy or rent. There is a record level of investment being provided for the delivery of Housing in 2025, with overall capital funding available of €6.8 billion. The capital provision is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing need. This funding will support the delivery of increased numbers of social housing and cost rental homes.
Under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme and the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), local authorities also continue to provide critical housing supports by enabling access to accommodation within the private rented market for eligible households.
The Programme for Government also includes a number of commitments related to increasing the supply of housing for older people. These commitments build upon the policy objectives in Housing for All, which commit to increasing housing available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. Work on these commitments is ongoing within a Policy Group recently established within my Department to consider the implementation of these commitments. This work will be advanced through specific measures in the new Housing Plan that is currently being prepared by my Department.
47. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the social housing development schemes which are and may be affected by his decision to withhold funding for same; if he will provide an assurance that there is no delay in any of the following social housing flat complexes regeneration or refurbishment schemes at Basin Street, Oliver Bond House, Dolphin House, Emmet Buildings, Vicar Street, School Street, Cherry Orchard, Labre Park, La Touche Court, Bernard Curtis House, or Lissadel maisonettes in Dublin. [35132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a project which must be carried out urgently, in consideration of serious issues with PPP bundles and funding which include essential regeneration (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36290/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 429 together.
Within the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, a commitment was specifically made to continue to accelerate social housing regeneration schemes in Dublin. My Department remains committed to supporting regeneration across towns and cities.
The prioritisation and project plans for the regeneration of estates and flat complexes in Dublin City and other local authorities are a matter for the individual Council.
In order to support local authorities in progressing such regeneration plans, my Department is making a number of funding channels available to Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies for such regeneration, including for the redevelopment of flat complexes. These include the:
• Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP),
• Affordable Housing Fund (AHF),
• Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF),
• Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) and,
• Regeneration (for remedial works)
For flat complexes that are proposed for refurbishment or a mix of refurbishment and redevelopment, my Department is making funding available through its Estate Regeneration funding channel.
In relation to the referenced projects, I can provide the following updates with respect to social housing regeneration funding applications for the following projects:
Basin Street
This project is included in Bundle 5 of the national Social Housing Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.
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.
Oliver Bond House
There is currently no active funding application with my Department for the regeneration of Oliver Bond House. Approval in Principle was issued by my Department in March 2022 for the redevelopment of flats in Blocks L, M and N. A subsequent revised proposal was approved in November 2023.
Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised that work is progressing on the redevelopment of Blocks L, M and N which form part of the Phase 1 proposals.
Dolphin House
There is currently no active funding application with my Department for the regeneration of Dolphin House. Phase 1 of this project was completed in 2018 and delivered 100 homes.
Stage 1B has received Pre-Planning approval by my Department.
The Council has advised that in due course, further phases of the Dolphin house will be submitted for consideration. Once received, my Department will liaise with and review the proposals.
Emmet Buildings
There is currently no active funding application with my Department for the regeneration of Emmet Buildings. A number of improvement and upgrade works have been implemented at Emmet Buildings between 2020 and 2023.
School Street
There is currently no active funding application with my Department for the regeneration of School Street. My Department issued Approval in Principle for School Street in August 2021.
Cherry Orchard
Cherry Orchard Point will deliver circa 1100 homes in a partnership between the LDA and Dublin City Council. My Department has issued Approval to Proceed to Tender for Phase 1 of these works.
Labre Park
The Labre Park Regeneration is being delivered in partnership with Cluid Housing. The Council has advised that an updated funding submission will be issued in Q3 2025. Once received, my Department will liaise with and review the proposal submitted.
Lissadell Maisonettes
My Department has not received a funding application from DCC for regeneration of Lissadel Road Maisonettes. Upgrade and improvement works have been carried out at Lissadell Maisonettes.
In relation to Vicar Street, La Touche Court and Bernard Curtis House, the Council has advised my Department that these sites are not currently on their regeneration programme.
48. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to change the funding model for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35550/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of funding local government in Ireland is a complex one, as local authorities derive their income from a range of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services provided, Local Property Tax and grants from various government departments and state agencies for both Current and Capital purposes.
A fundamental prerequisite for effective local democracy is that elected councils have a strong measure of financial power and discretion, and corresponding responsibility. In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, a Local Democracy Taskforce has been established to reform and strengthen local government, and will meet for the first time on 26 June 2025.
The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce sets out an ambitious and detailed work programme, which is expected to give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector. The work of the Taskforce will be focussed across four themes. One such theme will be the funding of local authorities, and will include a consideration of ways to enhance fiscal autonomy on a local level. It is expected that the taskforce will deliver recommendations to me for consideration within nine months.
50. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the suggested cut-off point of March 2024 is not included in the amendments to the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, that will extend the increase in the cap and grant amounts per square-metre to those homeowners who are availing of this scheme. [35223/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his plans to bring forward amendments to the defective concrete blocks grant scheme. [35823/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a homeowner (details supplied) who has been approved for a defective concrete blocks grant will retrospectively benefit from the 10% grant increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 72 and 469 together.
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.
Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) is a complex issue which the Government is addressing by allocating a significant amount of money to affected homeowners to enable them to rebuild their homes and get on with their lives. The overall cost of the scheme is expected to be in excess of €2.2 billion. The Government is making sure that the Scheme is designed and delivered in a manner that meets the needs of homeowners in an efficient and effective manner. Currently, almost 2,750 are at various stages of the scheme.
In Q4 of last year the then Government provided, via Regulations, for an 10% increase in the DCB Scheme cap (to €462,000) and to increases in the scheme grant rates of between 7.4% and 8.7%. These increases recognise the impact of construction inflation on homeowners in the scheme and were made following the receipt and consideration of updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and advice from the Expert Group established to consider the matter.
My Department sought legal advice that confirmed that extending these increases to a wider group of relevant owners, i.e. those who had already received a determination but were experiencing increased constructions costs during their ongoing remediation works, required amending the Act.
I can confirm I received Government approval (on 4 June, 2025) for the priority drafting of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill which includes details of the wider group of relevant owners that can avail of increases in the grant scheme cap and rates approved in October and November 2024. The Bill will also include other technical amendments to ensure the continued smooth operation of the grant scheme for homeowners.
The date chosen is consistent with the date when my Department received the updated costs report from the SCSI. The March 2024 date is also 12 months after the costings that underpin the original rates were set and thus I believe will compensate homeowners for the construction inflation they experienced during the period.
This legislation will be prioritised and progressed as expeditiously as possible. However, it should be noted that amending the Act is ultimately a matter for the Oireachtas.
52. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the latest Construction Status Progress Report, which shows that 5,166 public homes in the pipeline have not progressed in three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35548/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), on a quarterly basis. The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 2024, and is accessible on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2024/ .
The CSR shows that, as of the end of 2024, there were 79 schemes comprising 1,643 social homes that were at their current stage for three years or more.
Timeframes for delivery can be impacted by a number of factors including construction material costs, supply chain issues and the impacts of interest rate movements. At a local level, complexities such as legal issues, retendering projects, reviewing the viability of projects, infrastructure challenges and judicial review of planning permissions can also have an impact.
As sponsoring agencies, it is the responsibility of local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to progress projects through the project lifecycle. My Department remains committed to supporting projects which are put forward and deal with submissions in a timely and efficient manner. Specific details in relation to delays on individual projects should be available from the respective local authority.
53. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement that has taken place between his Department and Uisce Éireann in relation to the progression of taking in charge of water services of completed housing estates, many of them which have been completed for more than 20 years, in view of the fact that Uisce Éireann has taken over the operation and maintenance of water services from local authorities, and to ensure that the development companies can transfer responsibly to Uisce Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35273/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has given a directive to Uisce Éireann and to the local authorities in respect of the taking in charge of estates regarding water supply, sewage treatment services and roads, and in particular, where all of the conditions of planning have been complied with, and where reports have been completed as per the requirements of the local authority clearly indicating that every aspect of the planning and the development of the estate is fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 88 together.
Uisce 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 is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures. Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
54. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a timeline for the publication of new wind energy guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35608/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra430. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to an exchange during Leaders’ Questions on 21 May 2024, the timeframe set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024 for when the revised wind guidelines will be published and the review into the 2006 wind energy development guidelines completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36260/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 430 together.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.
Further to this engagement, DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise remit, appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is now substantially complete.
My Department, in conjunction with DCEE, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance.
The evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Act 2024, which was signed by the President on 17 October 2024, and the recent revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF) reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose.
In addition to this work, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines as part of the review process. In this regard, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines as part of the SEA process whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines. Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.
My Department notes the commitment in the recently published Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future to prioritise the publication of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, having regard to international best practice and standards. In light of this commitment, my Department is working towards concluding the finalisation of review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, having regard to the intended public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews including the revision of the NPF.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended or, subject to commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force, pending the finalisation of the review.
55. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position on the review being carried out by his Department on the croí cónaithe/vacant property grant; for consideration to include derelict farm buildings under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35869/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he plans to encourage the use of vacant space over commercial buildings for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35867/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new national ‘over-the-shop’ grant scheme will be launched; to outline the eligibility and funding timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the croí cónaithe scheme can be retrospectively applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27551/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 67, 70 and 99 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for 2 years or more at the time of application.
Under the conditions of the scheme a grant application must be approved by the local authority prior to works applied for commencing. The grant process involves the local authority receiving, reviewing and validating applications and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property. Grant funding is available for refurbishment works as detailed in the scheme outline and application and issued in respect of works approved.
Following confirmation of works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, the grant will be paid. Payment of the grant at the end of this process is to ensure that the applicant has carried out the works applied for, and approved, and to safeguard that the grant is related to the works which have been completed.
Vacant commercial or public use buildings, including above the shop vacant premises are currently eligible for the grant, where they will be used as a principal private residence or made available to rent, subject to meeting the other eligibility requirements of the scheme.
In conjunction with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, other supports and grants may be used to bring these properties in towns and villages into use.
The Conservation Advice Grant is designed to support owners of traditional buildings where the building is a protected structure or located in an architectural conservation area. Buildings previously used for commercial purposes qualify for the grant where the intended use is a single dwelling over the shop.
Planning exemptions may also be available for the conversion of certain commercial properties into residential use. Planning regulations, introduced in 2018, which exempted certain vacant commercial premises, including ‘over the shop’ type spaces, from requiring planning permission to change to residential purposes were extended to the end of 2025. The scope of the exemption was also extended to include ‘public houses’. The exemptions support the reuse of vacant commercial buildings as homes, increasing housing supply and regenerating communities. From 2018 to the end of 2023, almost 1,200 notifications had been received from developers which could result in over 2,700 new homes being provided.
The Repair and Leasing Scheme also supports refurbishment of vacant commercial, public use and residential properties and is available for vacant above the shop premises, for use as social housing. This scheme provides an interest free loan of up to €80,000, including VAT, for each individual unit completed in a formerly vacant property. For example, where a vacant former shop is converted into 4 apartments, a loan of up to €320,000 is available. The scheme is increasingly being used to convert vacant commercial properties into social housing units.
The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments to tackle vacancy, including a commitment to expand the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to create an ‘Above the Shop’ top-up grant. My Department is currently progressing work in this area.
A review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024. That review has been completed and is under consideration.
56. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he is changing the planning process to assist people to own their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted on 17 October 2024 and introduces a number of key reforms to the planning process that will assist the delivery of housing, including -
• the introduction of mandatory statutory time periods for decisions on all consent processes including, for the first time, for An Coimisiún Pleanála - to give confidence and certainty to both the public and stakeholders involved in the delivery of key infrastructure such as housing,
• 10-year Development Plans that will be more strategic in nature, including an interim review of the plan after 5 years to provide greater certainty that there is sufficient zoned land available to align with the needs of the housing and economic development,
• significant reforms to the planning judicial review processes and the introduction of an ability to suspend the duration of a permission while it is subject to judicial review proceedings, so as not to lose the time available for completing a development,
• measures to deter any misuse of planning processes through spurious planning submissions and appeals and a ban on requesting payment for not opposing development,
Given its scale, the Act of 2024 is being commenced on a phased basis to facilitate the transition from arrangements under the current Planning and Development Act (Act of 2000) to the new legislative framework. A comprehensive Implementation Plan has been published that includes a detailed commencement schedule for the Act and a range of initiatives to support training and engagement for the planning sector. This is available at gov.ie/planning.
In addition, the National Planning Framework (NPF) revision process was approved and published in April 2025. The revised NPF provides the basis for a review and updating of regional strategies and local authority development plans through the zoning of land for residential, employment and other purposes to reflect matters such as updated housing figures, projected jobs growth and renewable energy capacity allocations
Furthermore, on 27 May 2025, Government approved the priority drafting of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Bill has two overall objectives:
• to provide targeted measures to address unactivated planning permissions that may be due to expire shortly. This will be done by enabling holders of permissions for housing developments that have not yet commenced to apply for an extension of duration of up to 3 years, provided that an environmental impact assessment or appropriate assessment is not required for the proposed extension. It will also allow holders of permissions that have been through, or are currently subject to, a judicial review to apply to a local authority for a retrospective suspension of the duration of the permission for the period the judicial review was ongoing,
• to ensure that following the approval of the revised NPF, the updated housing requirements - in excess of 50,000 additional housing units per annum- can be incorporated into the planning system as quickly as possible and to give clarity to the sector that this can be done under the Act of 2000 while the Act of 2024 is being commenced.
It is intended to that this Bill will be enacted before the Summer recess.
57. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that, according to reports this week, house prices have risen to a ten-year high; if, given that in Laois this inflation has risen by 17%, combined with a shortage of affordable and cost rental homes, he will increase the threshold for afford to buy and cost rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35833/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CSO's Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) measures the change in prices actually paid for homes. The latest RPPI for April 2025 shows the increase in prices paid for homes has been dampening nationally for some time now, with annual price rises moderating from 10.1% in August last year to 7.5% in this April. At the same time, the rate of growth in new home prices has fallen for seven consecutive quarters to Q1 2025. The falling rate of month-on-month increases in the RPPI also suggests a likely continuing moderation of price increases in the near term, though possibly at a slightly lower pace than was seen in the early part of this year.
In Laois specifically, the average purchase price of all homes by household buyers was €278,839 in April 2025, down 13% month-on-month and some 9% lower than the Q1 average for the county.
Government is fully committed to delivering affordable housing at scale, and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures. A comprehensive implementation strategy is in place to support the various affordable housing schemes, both for purchase and cost rental, now being delivered by a range of delivery partners. Overall since the launch of Housing for All, nearly 13,000 affordable housing options have been delivered by a range of delivery partners, including over 240 in Laois.
The affordable support under the First Home Scheme for new-build purchases and self-builds is governed by price ceilings, set for each local authority area and reviewed nationwide at 6-month intervals. First Home undertook its sixth scheduled review of the ceilings in June 2025, and it was decided to maintain the price ceiling for Laois at it current level of €375,000.
For Cost Rental homes, like the 28 delivered in Portlaoise last year by the Clúid AHB with Government support, eligibility is determined by the net household income of applicants. Since August 2023, the net household income limit in Laois has been €59,000. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is keeping the parameters for Cost Rental eligibility under review, in order to ensure that the scheme effectively targets these homes at the intended tenant cohort.
58. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he plans to take in relation to the transfer of lands from commercial State bodies to expedite the development of suitable sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35627/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Development Agency (LDA) is working with key landholders across the public and commercial State sectors to transfer land to the LDA in a managed process that meets its needs while minimising disruption to its operations. The Government is currently considering options to accelerate this process while ensuring that the transfer process remains smooth and does not impact the ongoing operations of State bodies.
In particular, the Government is considering an amendment to the LDA Act to provide for a direction to be issued to a commercial state body to dispose of land to the Agency. This direction would only be issued following a process to ensure that such a disposal would not impact the financial stability of the body or their capacity to meet any other legislative obligations that apply.
59. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications that have been processed by his Department under the single stage process, per county, for 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; his views on what the strengths and weaknesses of the programme are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35400/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, a single-stage approval process was commenced on a pilot basis as a new streamlined approval mechanism, for projects with a maximum all-in budget of less than €2m (and no more than 15 units). This process was subsequently reviewed with the maximum budget threshold increased in 2020 to €6 million (and no more than 25 units). The value limit was increased again in 2023 from €6 million to €8 million.
Since its introduction in 2016, a total of 164 projects across 26 local authorities have availed of the single stage approval process. Over the period in question, 86 projects were approved, 6 were withdrawn and 11 remain at proposal status.
The details of approved projects over the period requested are provided in tabular form, by local authority and year, set out in the attached file.
There has been limited uptake of the single stage approval process, since its introduction in 2016, owing in large part to local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) reluctance to proceed on the basis of a single budget approval.
In line with The Programme for Government 2025 commitment to seek efficiencies in the pre-construction approval process by introducing a single stage approval process for all standardised social housing projects, my Department has been reviewing the existing single and four stage approval process. Any new approval process agreed will replace the existing processes.
Number of Single Stage Projects Approved by Local Authority* and Year
|
County/Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Total Per County |
|
Carlow |
2 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
20 |
|
Clare |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Cork County |
3 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
22 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
14 |
|
Dublin City |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Fingal |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Galway County |
1 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
6 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
14 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Longford |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Louth |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
15 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
South Dublin |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Total Per Year |
25 |
24 |
28 |
9 |
*only those LA's listed as having an approved single stage project are listed.
60. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the first home scheme will be extended to second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35778/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, for eligible first-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home, within regional price ceilings.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.
The Programme for Government states it will work with the Banks to expand the First Home Scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes. I requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for such an expansion and the matter is under consideration.
61. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an up-to-date report on the operation of the tenant-in-situ scheme nationally, and specifically in relation to South Dublin County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe clear focus of Government is to increase the supply of new build social and affordable homes. This is key to addressing the housing challenge and in particular preventing and ultimately eliminating long term homelessness, and that unquestionably must be the priority for all local authorities including South Dublin County Council.
My Department is continuing to providing substantial financial support to local authorities to acquire second-hand properties for priority categories of need including tenants-in-situ who have been in receipt of supports under HAP or RAS and who had received a Notice of Termination. The other priority categories for second-hand acquisitions are properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; one-bedroom properties to deliver on Housing First targets; and specific housing required for people with a disability or the elderly.
Over the last three years, my Department has provided funding for second hand acquisitions for a number of priority categories, including Tenant -in -Situ, demonstrating a clear commitment to respond to shorter-term pressures that can arise. This year we are providing €325 million to local authorities for second-hand acquisitions which has been apportioned across all 31 local authorities. South Dublin County Council has been given an initial capital funding allocation of €25 million for their acquisitions activity this year and this gives them the flexibility to respond to these acute situations, while we continue to support their construction programmes. To date in 2025, local authorities have recouped approximately 30% of the funding allocated and South Dublin County Council has recouped funding of €5.1m from its €25m allocation.
Local authorities were also issued a circular in April 2025 setting out the arrangements for 2025. As was the case in previous years, local authorities are best placed to determine the most appropriate way to prioritise which acquisitions to pursue within the priority categories for second hand acquisitions, based on needs within their area, including tenant in situ, at the same time supporting anyone who is in threat of homelessness via their Tenancy Sustainment and Placefinder services.
My Department continues to engage with all local authorities to address any challenges which have emerged in order to ensure that tenant in situ acquisitions can continue in 2025 where no other solutions exist for the affected households.
62. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra431. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out the schedule and timeline for commencement of each section of the Planning and Development Act 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36583/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 431 together.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted on 17 October 2024. A comprehensive Implementation Plan, including a detailed commencement schedule, has been published on www.gov.ie/planning and outlines a range of initiatives to support training and engagement for the planning sector.
The Act of 2024 is being commenced on a phased basis to facilitate the transition from the arrangements under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Act of 2000) to those under the new legislative framework. The phased commencement will take into account the need for key stakeholders, such as local authorities, regional assemblies, the Office of the Planning Regulator and An Coimisiún Pleanála, as well as the wider public sector and others who engage with the planning system, to be fully prepared as new provisions are brought into operation.
The Implementation Plan is intended to be a ‘living document’ that informs and guides the commencement and roll-out of the Act of 2024 and it will be revised and updated to remain reflective and relevant throughout the period of the Act's implementation.
As part of the first phase of commencements, Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 22 of the Act of 2024 came into operation on 9 June 2025. These provisions set out the initial steps in a broader process concerning the designation of a candidate 'urban development zone’ or ‘UDZ’. The overall aim of the new UDZ process is to provide for an updated and more flexible approach to the planning and delivery of areas with significant potential for large scale development and the associated necessary infrastructure, replacing those provisions that provide for the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) process under Part IX of the Act of 2000.
Part 17 of the Act of 2024 that provided for the restructuring of An Bord Pleanála by separating its decision-making role from its corporate and organisational functions and renaming it 'An Coimisiún Pleanála' came into operation on 18 June 2025.
The remaining elements of the first phase of commencements for the Act of 2024 that are scheduled to be brought into effect are:
• Judicial Review (Chapter 1 of Part 9)
• Funfairs (Part 16) and supplemental provisions.
• Event Licensing (Part 16) and supplemental provisions.
Following the completion of the first phase of commencements, it is anticipated that the following elements of the Act of 2024 will be brought into operation later this year.
• Plans, Policies and Related Matters (Part 3)
• Environmental Assessments (Chapters 1 & 2 of Part 6)
• Housing Strategy and Supply (Chapter 1 of Part 7)
• Office of the Planning Regulator (Part 18)
• Urban Development Zones (Chapters 3 to 6 of Part 22)
It is then intended to bring the remaining provisions of the Act of 2024 into effect before the end of 2025.
The commencement of the Act of 2024 is a complex task and it is important throughout this reform process that there is minimal disruption to the current planning system which must remain operational given its critical importance to facilitate the delivery of strategic infrastructure and housing. The commencement schedule will be regularly reviewed to ensure that provisions can be brought into operation as early as possible.
64. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide in the planning regulations that front garden storage for bicycles and personal powered transporters measuring no more than 1.4m in height and 4m2 in area would be classified as exempted development and not require planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35772/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted in October 2024, it is in the process of being commenced and the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (Act of 2000), and associated Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Regulations of 2001) remain in force until the relevant sections of the Act of 2024 are commenced and the corresponding sections of the Act of 2000 are repealed.A review of the current Exempted Development Regulations is ongoing and a wider public consultation on exempted development regulations is due to be undertaken shortly. Members of the public, state bodies and all other parties will be able to make submissions in writing as part of the consultation process.The Government cannot pre-empt the outcome of any consultation and therefore no decision has been made in respect of any revisions to current exempted development provisions. This includes exemptions for storage units in front garden – colloquially known as ‘bike sheds’ – for bicycles, e-scooters and other such personal mobility devices. Any update to Exempted Development Regulations will require positive resolutions by both Houses of the Oireachtas before it can be signed into law.
65. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable purchase properties completed nationally in 2023 and 2024; his plans for 2025 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35782/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is fully committed to delivering affordable housing at scale, and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures, including affordable purchase. A comprehensive implementation strategy is in place to support the various affordable housing schemes now being delivered by a range of delivery partners. Overall, nearly 13,000 affordable housing solutions have been delivered since the launch of Housing for All.
In 2023 and 2024, nearly 1,300 local authority affordable purchase homes were delivered nationwide.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and delivery partners in each local authority area. Data for the years 2022 up to Q4 2024 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.
Under Housing for All, the affordable housing delivery target for 2025 is 6,400 and a very strong pipeline is already in place across our delivery partners, including Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and the First Home Scheme.
Building on this progress, my Department will continue to engage with all delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery pipeline for 2025 and beyond, and to ensure that the affordable housing programme responds effectively to the affordable housing needs identified at a local level.
Under the Programme for Government, the Government committed to introduce a new Starter Home programme across the public, private and AHB sector which promotes home ownership and secures long-term rental tenures for young people and fresh start applicants. My Department is currently progressing that commitment and it will form part of the next housing plan.
