Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2025
91. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the work of the Strategic Housing Activation Office; when the permanent head of the office will be announced; the powers of the office; if he intends to underpin the office with legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53939/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made significant progress in establishing the Housing Activation Office.
Senior specialists from Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the local government sector are now in place.
In addition, senior staff from my Department are assigned to the Office, with expertise in Planning, Project and Programme Management. The appointment of a Head of Office with the appropriate knowledge and expertise is also being progressed as a matter of priority.
The Office is actively engaged in identifying barriers to housing delivery and is coordinating with local authorities and infrastructure agencies to address these barriers. The Office is also developing a new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund under the National Development Plan to support direct investment in infrastructure needed at a local level to unblock housing development.
I intend to convene the Housing Activation Delivery Group in the coming weeks, bringing together senior representatives from Government Departments and infrastructure agencies to support the work of the Office. I will also convene a Housing Activation Industry Group that will provide for regular engagement with industry. I will personally chair both of these groups.
In relation to the matter of powers, the Office will coordinate across the areas of multiple Government departments and agencies that already have legislative powers. A decision was made to establish the Office without powers in the first instance and to focus on driving change through coordination, dedicated funding and with the backing of Government to unlock barriers. This will be kept in review as the Office evolves.
