Pearse Doherty
Ceist:521. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if SNA support will be allocated for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (521)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. Deputies are welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
The NCSE advise my department that the school received the outcome of their special need assistant allocation appeal and this has resulted in the decision remaining unchanged. The NCSE can make a local special educational needs organiser (SENO) available to the school to discuss their current deployment of SNA supports in the school and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. NCSE in-school support is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.
It is important that a sufficient number of school staff receive adequate training to meet the care needs of students, and adequate cover is in place where staff designated to provide essential care support is absent on any particular day. Resources should also be deployed so that children with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support in the school.
Where specific training is required, the school can liaise with Enable Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Education Support Centres, at a local level to secure guidance and training to meet the care needs of the student. The school’s SENO is also available to advise on the resources available to assist children with special educational needs including opportunities for targeted training.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
Broadband Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (522)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:522. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on a situation in which homeowners are being blocked from getting NBI broadband by another household (details supplied); the options available to the homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52066/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The premises in question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. Whilst, the activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene, I have asked my officials to make contact with eir to enquire on this particular issue, and to explore what the next immediate steps might be.
I do note that is are a choice of broadband operators offering this service in this particular given area, but I acknowledge that they may rely upon eir completing the physical connection to the house initially. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
Cultural Property Inventory
Ceisteanna (523)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:523. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if snap fishing has intangible cultural heritage status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51287/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2015, Ireland ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ireland’s obligations under the Convention include the establishment of a National Inventory for Intangible Cultural Heritage to protect, promote and celebrate Irish living cultural heritage practices, customs, crafts and traditions. The National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage was launched in 2019 and has since expanded to 42 inscribed practices. The Department accepts applications for inscription on an ongoing basis. The National Inventory can be viewed at [nationalinventoryich.ccs.gov.ie/] .
Snap Net Fishing was inscribed on Ireland's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (524)
John Connolly
Ceist:524. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of sports capital grant applications will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51336/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), benefitting over forty sports, as well as multi-sport facilities, throughout the country. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
Sports Facilities
Ceisteanna (525)
John Connolly
Ceist:525. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on progress within his Department on the programme for Government Commitment to conduct a nationwide audit of sports facilities to address shortages in areas underserved, including towns with populations of over 1,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51337/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious future for sport in Ireland where equality of access and opportunity is paramount to everything we do.
The need to catalogue sports facilities to address shortages in areas that are currently underserved was first raised in the National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027 which recognised the importance of having an up-to-date database of sports facilities as the basis for a more long-term planned approach to facility investment. With a clear picture of what facilities were available and where, not only would it give the public more information in making decisions, it would help inform future phases of the Community Sports Facility Fund (CSSF) and the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.
As for the next round of the CSFF, in line with previous rounds a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
Get Ireland Active was launched in October 2023 and represents the first phase of a comprehensive national database of sports facilities. The database currently consists of more than 15,000 opportunities to be active across the country, including with sports and recreation facilities, public places such as playgrounds and trails for walking, running and biking. Additionally, other data – such as the Pobal Deprivation Index – can be overlaid on the database to identify areas that are under/over-served.
A companion mobile phone application has now been developed and is publicly available to download from both the Apple App and Google Play stores. It enables mobile access to the database with the aim of helping people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels to get active and take full advantage of amenities around them.
The database is currently undergoing further development and, once complete, Sport Ireland intends to launch a promotional campaign to raise awareness of Get Ireland Active and the benefits that it can offer.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (526)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:526. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the means by which the purple flag accreditation for Cork city's night time economy contributes to tourism, safety, and local enterprise; the means by which funding is allocated for ongoing night time economy initiatives; and the evaluation mechanisms in place to assess the impact on businesses, public safety, transport, and community wellbeing. [51349/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Purple Flag international accreditation programme is run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in collaboration with some of the local authorities across Ireland and the UK and recognises excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Cork City has held the award since 2015 and the Purple Flag accreditation process is a matter for that local authority and the ATCM.
Since the publication of the Report of the Night-Time Economy in 2021, my Department has instigated a number of grant schemes and initiatives towards the development of a safe, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy across the country. This year, I launched the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, which supports small established music venues in towns and cities across the country. Seven venues in Cork City and County were allocated funding under this Scheme totalling just over €100,000 or 20% of the available funds. Applications were assessed by my officials in order of date and time of receipt. I have previously stated that I will consider another phase of this Scheme as part of this year's budgetary process.
In addition, one of the most impactful actions in the Report was the establishment of nine Night-Time Economy pilots around the country. The aim of the initiative is to stimulate night-time activity in a particular area supported by a full-time Night-Time Economy Advisor. Cork City was selected as one of the nine locations to take part in the pilot. My Department has provided funding for a full-time Night-Time Advisor in each of the selected locations and I have previously confirmed funding for these posts until September 2026.
The Night-Time Advisor for Cork City has been engaging with the local community, stakeholders and businesses and their feedback and insights have been incorporated into the Night-Time Strategy for Cork City which was published in 2024. https://publications.corkcity.ie/view/356745440/
The Report and the associated actions are monitored by an Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from the NTA, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Fáilte Ireland, Department of Justice and An Garda Siochána. This group meets regularly to review progress. I recently met with the Implementation Group to hear from stakeholders across Government about their priorities and see how best we can continue to work together to improve the quality of Night-Time activity across the country.
At the end of 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a full review of the Night-Time pilots and to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Night-Time Advisors. The review will also examine the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas and make recommendations regarding the potential future roll-out of the programme.
I understand that the review has now concluded, and I look forward to reviewing its findings and, in consultation with key stakeholders including the local authorities, mapping out the path forward for this valuable initiative.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (527)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:527. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount expended on cloud storage solutions in the past five years and to date in 2025; and if he will provide the data storage supplier, in tabular form. [51359/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department’s document storage solution is a mixture of eDocs and on premise (on-prem) fileshare which are provided through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer's (OGCIO'S) build to share suite. To date, my Department has incurred a one-off onboarding cost of €133,000 for this service.
|
Year |
Activity |
Cost (€) |
|
2021 |
|
0 |
|
2022 |
|
0 |
|
2023 |
|
0 |
|
2024 |
eDocs onboarding |
133,000 |
|
2025 |
|
0 |
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (528)
James O'Connor
Ceist:528. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 597 of 17 September 2025, the status of the review of the previous round of community sports facilities fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), benefitting over forty sports, as well as multi-sport facilities, throughout the country. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round is currently being undertaken, with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the programme and process for future calls. This review aims to identify aspects that worked well and those that can be further improved. The Department will then amend its own guidelines for making an application to improve the process for future rounds.
It is envisaged that the review will be completed in the coming months and this will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
Museum Projects
Ceisteanna (529)
Robert Troy
Ceist:529. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline any grants available to a person wishing to convert an old building into an interpretive museum, and if there are any grants available for preservation of old buildings if used to educate, or as a museum. [51507/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the interest at community level throughout the country to preserve and celebrate aspects of our culture and heritage. These initiatives, often reflecting local or sectoral interests, can contribute to a sense of community and a pride in place or tradition. In many cases, regional and thematic museums, galleries and cultural centres across the country have been initiated in partnership with or supported by local authorities. In this context, I would advise that project promoters first consult with the local authority for their perspective, particularly in the context of their sectoral or local development plans.
In relation to capital support from my Department, the focus is on opportunities to assist in the development and maintenance of existing arts and cultural facilities. Currently, under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, grants of up to €20,000 are available to not-for-profit dedicated arts and culture organisations at 85% grant funding rate. Local authority owned facilities are subject to a maximum 60% grant funding rate.
Larger grants of up to €50,000 are provided under Stream E at a maximum grant funding rate of 70%, or 60% for local authority owned facilities. Full details are available on my Department’s website.
As part of the Programme for Government, the Government has also committed to examining the feasibility of a minor capital works grant scheme to support arts and cultural facilities that are not funded through The Arts Council. Work in relation to this proposal is underway in my Department at present.
There are also two schemes operated by my Department that would be of relevance when a museum project has progressed towards maturity and stability.
• The Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme is a scheme of funding support for local, regional and specialised museums, with their own permanent premises, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of capital funding for exhibition costs. The scheme provides grants for capital works which enhance the exhibition/display facilities within the museum or which promote access to the museum. The objective is to create a fund to assist museums in contributing to the national and local culture through exhibition programmes for both locals and visitors alike. The Scheme operates on a matched funding basis (75:25), where 25% of the proposed costs must be provided by the applicant. Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. Full details of the scheme including eligibility requirements are available on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/en/service/676e1-regional-museum-exhibitions scheme/
• The Mobility of Collections Scheme supports the dissemination of the National Collections to regional museums with a view to greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The Scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country. Details of the 2024 Scheme may be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/6a6bd-mobility-of-collections-scheme/
The 2025 schemes closed for applications in April. It is currently envisaged that these funding schemes will run again in 2026. Parties interested in the scheme can register at csu@ccs.gov.ie to receive updates on the next round of the scheme.
The Department also provides support to the Irish Museums Association which fosters mutual support and best practice in museum management including local museums.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (530)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:530. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if consideration will be given to increasing grant funding for amateur athletes playing inter-county games to ensure, at the very least, they are not out of pocket due to the increasing financial pressures faced by players as the level of State funding has not changed in years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52023/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland provided €5.6 million in 2024 in respect of the Government's support for intercounty Gaelic Games in addition to the annual investment in games development. This funding is payable to the GAA which, in collaboration with the LGFA, the Camogie Association and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), is responsible for its distribution to teams and players along with its reporting and oversight.
The GPA has submitted a pre-Budget funding submission to me and to my officials in which it seeks a significant increase in Exchequer funding support. This will be given due consideration in the context of the resourcing outcome for my Department from Budget 2026 negotiations and taking account of the funding demands across a wide range of sports.
Media Sector
Ceisteanna (531)
Ged Nash
Ceist:531. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of staff authorised for Coimisiún na Meán; the actual number of staff in the organisation as of 1 September 2025; the number of staff who have resigned or left the organisation over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52074/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Coimisiún na Meán have a total staff ceiling of 303, as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation, plus the 5 Commissioner posts making a total of 308 with effect from April 2025.
Prior to that, the sanctioned staff level was 205 plus the 5 Commissioner posts. In April, the Department of Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation sanctioned 98 new posts to enable An Coimisiún to meet its expanded range of responsibilities.
Recruitment to the organisation is continuing. The total number of staff in the organisation at the end of August 2025 was 225 compared to 182 at the end of August 2024. As an organisation, Coimisiún na Meán is independent of my Department and the total number of staff who have resigned or left the organisation is an operational matter for Coimisiún na Meán.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (532, 551)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:532. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme will be in place and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51929/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Grace Boland
Ceist:551. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department have completed the work needed to allow the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme be reviewed for pre-legislative scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51298/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 551 together.
The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme (‘Scheme’) is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation (the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill), the timeline for which is subject to Oireachtas process. The General Scheme of the Bill will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in the Dáil autumn term.
The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded; however, it is not currently possible to indicate a precise timeline for when qualified recipients will receive payment under the Scheme.
An Interim Remediation Scheme has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works. The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013. The administration of this Scheme, under which Owner Management Companies (OMCs) can receive funding to carry out the necessary remedial works, is being managed by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department.
As of the end of August 2025, 214 applications have been received and validated, having met the required eligibility criteria. These applications represent 19,735 residential units, with circa 76% in the Dublin region.
To support the implementation and increase the efficiency of the Interim Remediation Scheme, four pathfinder projects are currently underway. The projects have been selected from applications made to the Scheme, representing 595 residential units. The pathfinder process, which will also inform the development of the Statutory Scheme, is facilitating the design of templates and standards for documents to be prepared by Competent Professionals, including procurement arrangements, proposals for fire safety assessments, fire safety risk assessments, interim measures, remedial work plans, and other project-related paperwork.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (533, 562)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:533. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an Owners Management Company (OMC) will be able to retrospectively apply for funding under the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme for works already completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51930/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Tom Brabazon
Ceist:562. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if owner management companies will be able to apply for the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme retrospectively. [51520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 562 together.
The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme (‘Scheme’) is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation (the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill ('the Bill')), the timeline for which is subject to Oireachtas process. The General Scheme of the Bill will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in the Dáil autumn term.
The Government is committed to consideration of remediation costs already incurred as part of the drafting of the Bill. The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Statutory Scheme, including provision for retrospective payment, is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation.
A Retrospective Costs Pathfinder project using a representative sample of Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) has been established to identify an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly. In particular, the Pathfinder project will support development of a robust process around: Alignment with the existing Interim Remediation Scheme processes;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframes;
• Certification and Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment processes.
As the design of the retrospective element of the Statutory Scheme will be informed by the outcomes of the Retrospective Costs Pathfinder project, it is not currently possible to provide further details of how retrospective payment will operate in practice. The aim is to identify a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding.
Invasive Species Policy
Ceisteanna (534)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:534. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of the risk of rapid spread of invasive asian hornets with multiple confirmed sightings in Cork the contingency and monitoring plans his Department has; the funding allocated in 2025 for eradication or containment; and the way in which the Government will support beekeepers and agricultural/horticultural businesses in high-risk zones [52111/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Parks & Wildlife Service led the response to the recent Asian Hornet operation, which led to the location and safe removal of two Asian Hornet nests. Monitoring is still being carried out to ensure that the immediate threat has been neutralised. A workshop with beekeepers is planned in the coming weeks to discuss the lessons learned from this first nest and to determine an action plan for next year. Decisions on eradication and containment will arise out of that workshop.
At the same time, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) operates an Asian Hornet Monitoring Programme. Programme participants are provided with Asian Hornet traps free of charge. Participants are required to monitor their trap on a regular basis and report any suspicious sightings. That Department has been continuously monitoring for the Asian Hornet as part of a broader surveillance programme (Sentinel Apiary Programme) since 2016. The aim of the Sentinel Apiary Programme is to ensure the early detection of three exotic pests, Small Hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelaps spp. and the Asian Hornet.
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (535)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:535. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the transposition of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51100/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU/2024/1275) (EPBD) is the European Union’s main legislative instrument aiming to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings. The recast Directive, which was adopted by the European Parliament and Council, came into force in May 2024. The Directive requires transposition of the relevant Articles by 29th May 2026.
Significant work is being undertaken across Government and by the SEAI to determine the impacts of the requirements of the Directive, including those related to minimum energy performance requirements, BER Ratings and the progressive renovation of the residential building stock.
Articles with earlier transposition dates have been transposed in accordance with the Directive. These are Article 17(15) related to subsidies for fossil fuel boilers and Art 13(10)d related to Building Automation and Control systems.
Work is continuing in my Department on the transposition of the Directive.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (536, 557, 559, 596)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:536. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on proposals to review planning laws in relation to permitting the installation of cabin-type accommodation in back gardens to temporarily house family members who cannot source housing elsewhere in view of the current housing crisis; if he will confirm that permissions will be granted solely to accommodate family members with strict criteria to preclude exploitation of the relaxation of rules for profit; if he will indicate when the review will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51108/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:557. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans and timeline to change regulations for small dwellings, such a portacabins, to be built in residential gardens for caring responsibilities and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51409/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:559. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans he has to amend the planning regulations in relation to listed buildings to permit solar panels to be erected as exempt development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51506/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDanny Healy-Rae
Ceist:596. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a matter regarding planning (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52149/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 536, 557, 559 and 596 together.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted in October 2024 and is in the process of being commenced. In the meantime, 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 four-week public consultation period on the matter concluded on 26 August 2025. The consultation on exempted development regulations generated a significant response from the public, with over 900 submissions received via the online consultation portal.
These submissions are currently being reviewed and will inform new draft Exempted Development Regulations, which must then be subject to screening for Environmental Assessment, before being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This will also necessitate engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
New Regulations under the Planning and Development Act 2024 (the Act of 2024) will be signed into law in tandem with the commencement of Part 2 and Part 4 of the Act of 2024 and the updated exempted development provisions will form part of the new Regulations. While the commencement of Part 4 of the Act of 2024 is currently scheduled for the end of 2025, certain elements of the new exempted development provisions, including agricultural effluent storage arising from the need to facilitate compliance with the EU Nitrates Directive, will be progressed for advance inclusion in the current Regulations and will also be carried forward into the new Regulations.
Fire Service
Ceisteanna (537)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:537. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department will announce a new Fire Service Capital Programme for the period 2026 to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51115/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Capital funding allocations for 2026 will be a matter of discussion between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in the context of the Budget and Estimates process. It is premature to comment on the proposed Fire Service Capital Programme 2026 -2030 prior to confirmation of the final outcome of that process.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (538, 539)
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin
Ceist:538. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if further funding will be available for local authorities to help with the backlog for housing adaptation grants for older people and disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51145/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFionntán Ó Súilleabháin
Ceist:539. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency currently priority one on the Local Authority list for the housing adaptation grant for older people and disabilities, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51146/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 and 539 together.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities. My Department does not hold information in relation to the current number of applicants and their respective medical priority. This information may be available directly from the local authorities.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2025 has been increased substantially by €25 million to €99.5 million, or over €117 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014. As part of the annual budgetary process, consideration will be given to increasing this funding in future years in line with the commitments under Housing for All and the Programme for Government.
My Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity and my Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year.
My Department advises local authorities annually that, as far as practicable, a percentage of the allocation under the schemes should be ring fenced in respect of any emergency applications which might arise under these schemes during the course of the year. Consequently, all local authorities manage their schemes to ensure access to the grants programme is maintained to the extent possible throughout the year in the highest priority cases and further information in this regard would be available directly from the local authorities.
Question No. 539 answered with Question No. 538.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (540, 541)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:540. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to address delays in local authority housing transfers, particularly in Cork city and county, and the average waiting time for approved transfers in 2024-2025. [51150/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:541. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will review the current local authority housing transfer system, with particular reference to waiting times for approved transfers in Cork city. [51166/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 541 together.
Applications for transfers from social housing tenants are considered solely by the relevant local authority concerned in accordance with that authority’s allocation scheme, which is made by the elected members under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 in accordance with the Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011.
I have no role in the management of social housing transfer applications which is a matter solely for the local authority concerned. My Department does not hold the data requested, which is available from Cork City Council and Cork County Council directly.