Written Answers Nos. 590-610
591. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the work his Department is undertaking to enable local authorities to identify suitable sites for urban development zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54808/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Question No. 58 of Wednesday 8 October 2025 which sets out the position in this matter.
592. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is evaluating to deliver higher density housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54809/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Strategic Outcome No. 1 of the National Planning Framework (NPF), which was first published in 2018 and revised in 2025, relates to ‘Compact Growth’, a core objective of the strategy, which seeks to address the impacts of sprawl that characterised Ireland’s patterns of development in recent decades.
In support of the NPF ‘compact growth’ objectives, the ‘Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ were issued as Ministerial Guidelines in January 2024, under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Section 28 provides that planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála shall have regard to Ministerial Guidelines and shall apply any specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) of the Guidelines, within the meaning of Section 28 (1C) of the Act of 2000, in the performance of their functions.
The Settlement Guidelines state that to achieve compact growth, it will also be necessary to increase the scale of new buildings in all parts of our cities and towns, with highest densities at the most central and accessible urban locations, particularly in city centres and close to public transport nodes and interchanges. The SRDCSGs contains density ranges that respond to settlement size (e.g. cities, towns and villages) and general locality in each settlement (i.e. central areas, urban neighbourhoods and suburban areas/areas of urban extension).
Fulfilling the objectives of the NPF and Settlement Guidelines will require a substantial increase in housing output of all types, and need a renewed focus on the delivery of apartments, particularly in city and town centres and areas accessible by public transport. The delivery apartments is particularly challenging and there is a considerable gap between the cost of building an apartment and comparable market prices. Increased costs also present an ongoing challenge to the delivery of social and affordable housing schemes.
The ‘Planning Design Standards for Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in July 2025. The Apartment Guidelines include policies relating to apartment mix/typologies, space standards, dual aspect ratios, floor to ceiling heights, stair/lift cores, and amenity spaces. The overall purpose of the Guidelines is to reduce costs and strike an effective regulatory balance, ensuring that apartment development meets the needs of society in terms of standards and quality, while promoting an increased level of output overall.
To give greater effect to the Apartment Guidelines and facilitate the expedited construction of permitted apartment developments, the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2025 inserted a series of amendments into the Act of 2000 to enable a streamlined modification process for existing uncommenced planning permissions for apartments. This amendment will allow the holder of an existing permission to apply to local authorities or An Coimisiún Pleanála for a certificate to make a limited number of modifications to the permission where such modifications are made in accordance with the SPPRs in the new Guidelines.
Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024, Ministerial Guidelines will, over time, be reviewed and replaced, as appropriate, with National Planning Statements (NPSs). In the interests of clarity all existing guidelines will continue to have effect until such time as they are replaced by an NPS or revoked.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme supports the building of apartments in urban cores for sale to owner-occupiers. The Scheme aims to activate the supply of units which otherwise would not be delivered due to viability challenges by providing funding support to bridge the current "Viability Gap" between the delivery cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater).
Since the Scheme launched, four calls for Expression of Interest have been completed. To date, 13 developments, delivering over 1,600 apartments have been approved. This represents a funding commitment of roughly €200m. The Housing Agency continues to assess remaining applications under the previous calls. Details of the approved schemes are available on the Housing Agency website: [Croí Cónaithe (Cities) | The Housing Agency] (www.housingagency.ie/CroiConaitheCities).
Furthermore, the Land Development Agency is also targeting 8,000 new homes over the course of the Project Tosaigh market engagement and partnership initiative, and is currently on track to deliver 5,000 new homes to eligible households by the end of 2026.
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government that a new, all of government, national housing plan to follow Housing for All, underpinned by multi-annual funding will be published.
The new plan will provide the strategic framework to support the delivery of 300,000 new homes during the period of the Plan and identify actions to support a more sustainable housing system moving forward.
The plan will take a whole of government approach, as Housing for All did, and my Department has been engaging across Government to agree the high-level measures that will be included.
A programme of targeted stakeholder engagement has been undertaken. Written submissions have been received from across Government and from a range of external stakeholders including state agencies, the community and voluntary sector, industry and academics. These submissions have been carefully considered.
I have also met with many stakeholders to hear first-hand what actions they think should be reflected in the Plan.
In addition the outcome of the National Development Plan Review in July 2025 will be reflected in the Plan, which provided for records levels of capital expenditure by Government on infrastructure including housing.
The new Housing Plan will be published shortly.
593. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which modern methods of construction are currently being utilised to increase housing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54810/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraModern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a collective term which describes innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction.
The Programme for Government contains a range of initiatives to support MMC. These include an MMC Innovation Fund to directly fund new and existing factories, as well as targets for MMC use in at least 25% of all State-backed housing, resourcing the National Standards Authority of Ireland to ensure regulatory certificates are issued in a timely manner, and broadening the rollout of MMC training programmes.
My Department, working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and other relevant stakeholders, is progressing work to increase delivery capacity in the residential construction sector through promoting the adoption of MMC.
Under Housing for All a range of initiatives have already been put in place to support MMC. These include the Accelerated Delivery Programme to deliver over 1,500 MMC dwellings through Local Authorities led by my Department. In addition, building on this experience Wexford County Council are currently tendering a 3D Pilot Project of 22 social housing units utilising offsite three dimensional construction methods which are essentially what are referred to as modular units. Other initiatives include the Construct Innovate Technology Centre, the National Demonstration Park for MMC and the National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas, the Build Digital project, the Built to Innovate initiative; Training for industry, procurers and Building Control in MMC; Publication of the Modern Methods of Construction Introductory Guide, and the establishment of the Timber in Construction Working Group.
On Friday 3 October last, my Department published the Design Approaches study to raise awareness and actively promote the adoption of standardised housing design including layouts, construction methodology, building services and building components, which can reduce costs and promote Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), while also maximising sustainability and maintaining quality.
In promoting MMC, using new technologies, and as we seek to reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment, the Government will also ensure that we can have confidence in the quality of our new systems. Compliance with high standards, including compliance with all parts of the Building Regulations, will continue to be central to the success of MMC in Ireland.
594. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is evaluating to promote the conversion of older buildings for housing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54811/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to tackling vacancy and dereliction. The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, set out the range of measures and actions being pursued to return vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.
In March, I published the 2025 Progress Report which shows the significant progress that is being made and it is available on my Department's website at the following link: gov - Vacant Homes Action Plan 2023-2026 (www.gov.ie).
(www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/).
One of the key measures in the Action Plan supporting the refurbishment of older, vacant and derelict buildings for housing is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The grant can provide up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for use as homes and up to €70,000 where the property is derelict.
The grant has been, and continues to be, very successful in bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use and making the refurbishment of these properties an affordable option for buyers across the country.
To the end of June 2025, over 13,700 grant applications have been received across the country, almost 10,000 have been approved and over 2,800 grants have been paid, amounting to over €155 million.
My Department publishes data on the grant on its website on a quarterly basis, providing breakdowns by local authority. This data can be accessed at the following link: [Vacancy grant statistics].
[Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics]
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024. The review considered all aspects of the scheme. The findings of the review have been considered in the context of the development of the new Housing Plan.
There are a wide range of other schemes in place which also support the refurbishment and conversion of older buildings for housing.
The Repair and Leasing Scheme provides an interest free loan of up to €80,000 per home delivered, to support the refurbishment and conversion of vacant buildings for use as social housing. The scheme is increasingly used to renovate vacant commercial properties, including 'Above the Shop' spaces.
Planning exemptions are available for the conversion of certain vacant, commercial properties into residential use and these are proving successful in bringing new life into cities and towns around the country. In 2024 over 290 exemption notifications were received for over 700 homes, the highest yearly figure since their introduction.
My Department also supports local authorities, with funding available under the Social Housing Investment Programme to acquire and redevelop vacant and derelict buildings, from single properties to more extensive buildings, for use as social housing.
Through the Living City Initiative, a tax relief can be claimed for money spent on refurbishing or converting old residential or commercial buildings in 'Special Regeneration Areas'. The scheme aims to bring life back into heart of these areas by encouraging people to maintain and convert suitable properties.
In Budget 2026, Minister Donohoe announced enhancements to the Living City Initiative scheme and also its extension to 2030, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to tackling dereliction and supporting regeneration in our cities and regional centres. The scheme will be extended to the five regional centres under the National Planning Framework - Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo. The process of extending the schemes to these areas will begin over the coming period with the assistance of the relevant Local Authorities in mapping the Special Regeneration Area for each of the five centres.
A new Derelict Property Tax was also announced in the Budget. This tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy, and it will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. These measures will support the many existing measures introduced to tackle vacancy and dereliction.
Last year, my Department published a revised "Bringing Back Homes" guidance manual. The manual provides property owners, members of the public, local authorities and those involved in the construction industry with clear and detailed guidance to facilitate the reuse of old and vacant buildings – bringing them back as homes.
The new Programme for Government, "Securing Ireland’s Future", includes a range of commitments to continue our work in tackling vacancy and dereliction and supporting town centre living. These measures are currently being considered in the context of the forthcoming National Housing Plan.
I firmly believe that the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions taken will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
595. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the methods his Department is currently assessing to speed up the planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54812/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has overseen considerable legislative and structural reform of the Irish planning system over the past two years.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) has been reviewed to reflect Ireland’s housing and infrastructure goals associated with a growing population and economy, and provides the planning system with a strategic plan to shape the future growth and development of our Country to 2040.
In addition, the Planning and Development Act 2024 (the Act) represents the most significant update of planning legislation in a quarter century and contains many impactful reforms.
The Act introduces statutory time periods for decision making for An Coimisiún Pleanála (An Coimisiún) for the first time. Increased resource allocation to An Coimisiún Pleanála has reduced the number of cases on hand from 3,638 in May 2023 to 1,362 cases in July 2025, which is a 62.5% decrease. In terms of processing timelines, all large Scale Residential Development applications (100 units or more) have met their statutory objective period target of 16 weeks, since September 2024.
The new Act also contains important reforms in relation to Judicial Review (JR):-
• removing the requirement to apply for leave to apply for JR, which reduces time and removes unnecessary legal costs to all parties.
• requires that an application for JR may only be made on the grounds of challenge raised by the applicant in the statement of grounds filed with their application.
• provides that an applicant for JR will not be permitted to plead a ground in JR proceedings unless they have a sufficient interest in the matter to which the ground relates.
Alongside the above reforms, my Department is also currently revising exempted development Regulations, developing a Planning Excellence Framework and implementing the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources, which covers a range of measures to address resourcing challenges across the sector.
596. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department are evaluating to reduce building costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54816/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra600. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will assess the amount construction costs will be reduced if planning application wait times are reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54821/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 600 together.
The delivery of new housing is multifaceted and relies on many different factors such as the supply of zoned serviced land, an efficient planning system, timely delivery of infrastructure, the availability of adequate development funding at a reasonable price, the cost of construction, adoption of efficient technologies and practices, acquisition of professional services and the additional charges levied by the State on the economic activity.
While Government does not have control over some of the main factors which have been driving up the general cost of delivery, such as the increased cost of construction materials and the increased cost of private finance, it is addressing many areas which influence the cost of delivery.
Briefly, these include recent housing market taxation measures as announced at Budget 2026, the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024, the establishment of the Housing Activation Office, the revised apartment guidelines, the standardised design study to promote standardisation and the adoption of modern methods of construction.
The Planning and Development Act is introducing statutory time periods for decision making for An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for the first time and their resources have been increased to deal with cases. This will speed up the consent process. A reduction in planning application waiting times will provide greater clarity for the costs associated with undertaking a development project including the cost of finance and professional fees relating to planning matters.
The upcoming National Housing Plan will include any additional complementary measures to address the cost of delivery in addition to the substantial actions already taken.
597. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress which has been made by local authorities in updating regional strategies under the revised national planning framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54817/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was finalised and approved by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025.
The Revised NPF provides the basis for the review and updating of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs) and local authority development plans to reflect such critical matters such as updated housing figures or projected jobs growth, including through the zoning of land for residential, employment and a range of other purposes.
New legislation underpinning the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and National Planning Statements was commenced on 2 October 2025. This includes section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, which provides that each regional assembly shall commence a formal review of their regional spatial and economic strategy within 6 months of the commencement of this part of the Act. The three regional assemblies represent the Eastern and Midland, Northern and Western, and Southern Regions respectively.
Under the Act of 2024, which is being commenced on a phased basis, the making and review of a RSES is linked to the NPF so as to help ensure that each RSES is based on up-to-date policies and data, and as such, a review of a RSES will be undertaken following the making of a revised or new NPF.
598. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is evaluating amendments to the housing needs and demand assessment process to assist with housing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) provides Local Authorities with evidence-based insights into housing needs across all tenures analysing demographic trends, affordability data and housing stock pressures. This framework allows local authorities to make informed decisions about future housing requirements, and provides evidence to inform revised housing strategies and plans.
The HNDA is currently undergoing a review and is at an advanced stage. As well as updating the tool to make it more useable, the review expects to update the data underpinning the HNDA tool using housing demand data provided by the ESRI as part of their paper, "Population projections, the flow of new households and structural housing demand" published in 2024. Additional changes to the tool are expected to include revised CSO and RTB data on incomes and prices, as well as revised assumptions within the tool.
The revised tool and guidance are expected to be published this year in tandem with an outreach to each local authority to provide guidance and workshops.
599. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the work his Department is undertaking to ensure that there is no net decrease in land supply from rezoning by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54819/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Question No. 53 of Wednesday 8 October 2025 which sets out the position in this matter.
601. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options or supports available to a person (details supplied) to financially assist with purchasing a property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54852/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed to introduce a new national housing plan to follow Housing for All, including a Starter Home programme to promote home ownership and secure long-term rental. Delivering on that Programme for Government commitment will form part of our new housing plan.
While work is being undertaken to progress a new plan which will build on progress to date, the measures detailed in the Housing for All plan will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure and affordable housing.
These measures are primarily aimed at supporting affordability constrained households, including single income households, with incomes too high to qualify for social housing, including the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, the First Home Scheme and Cost Rental.
In addition, the Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for creditworthy applicants who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
Other measures such as the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Scheme, the Help to Buy Incentive, the Ready to Build Scheme and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are also available to help make home ownership more affordable.
More information about the range of schemes available, including specific scheme criteria, can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/campaigns/doors-open/ .
602. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person may combine the croí cónaithe (towns) scheme and the help-to-buy scheme to purchase a property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54853/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 two years or more at the time of application.
The Help-to-Buy incentive is a scheme to assist First-time Buyers in meeting the deposit requirements for newly-built houses or apartments, as well as self-build homes. The scheme has restrictions on what can be considered as a qualifying property. The property must never have been used, or have been suitable for use, as a residential home. If the property was non-residential, but has been converted for residential use, it may qualify for Help to Buy.
The scheme comes within the remit of the Revenue Commissioners. More information on Help to Buy, including on restrictions and eligibility, is available at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx.
603. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, given spiralling building material and tradespeople costs, he will consider substantially raising the maximum adaptation grant of €40,000, which older and disabled people report as being significantly inadequate to cover the costs of necessary adaptations of their homes to facilitate independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54854/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 completed a review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme in 2024. The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%). The Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
The funding provision for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme increased by €25 million in 2025, with almost €100 million allocated. Budget 2026 provides a further increase of €30 million for the scheme, with almost €130 million available, continuing the year on year increases since 2014. This increase will facilitate the continued implementation of the recommendations set out in the review ensuring that the grants remain fit for purpose for older and disabled people.
604. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a house that had block work completed before 2008 will be considered substantially complete for the vacant property grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54871/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 two years or more at the time of application.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
The objective of the grant is to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. Works must relate to the refurbishment of an existing dwelling in keeping with the objectives of the scheme. While the Department issues guidance on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, it has no direct role in deciding on individual applications. The grant is administered and managed by local authorities, who process and decide on applications and issue grant payments on completion of approved refurbishment works.
Queries on eligibility are a matter for the Vacant Homes Officer in the relevant local authority area in the first instance.
Vacant Homes Officers (VHOs) are in place in all local authorities and play a vital role in supporting Government measures to target vacancy at a local level. VHOs are available to provide advice, support and guidance to the public in relation to the schemes in place to tackle vacancy. A full list of VHOs and their contact details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f59b3-vacant-homes-officer-contacts/ .
605. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 598 of 15 July 2025, if there is a further update on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54921/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Government approval was granted for the priority drafting of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill which will contain 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 along with a number of technical amendments. This legislation is being progressed as expeditiously as possible and the Bill is now included in the Autumn 2025 Government Legislation Programme for Priority Publication.
My Department continues to liaise with key stakeholders and monitors the operation of the Scheme with a view to ensuring it delivers for affected homeowners. The Implementation Steering Group for DCB meets regularly and keeps the scheme under review. Further to my reply of 15 July 2025, the group met on 4 September 2025 with a further meeting scheduled to take place this month.
606. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to calls from homeowners engaging with the defective concrete blocks grant scheme that engineering and other mandatory professional fees be excluded from the grant cap and covered separately; that storage and temporary accommodation supports be made available to all applicants during remediation, regardless of their grant level; and that the entire scheme be reviewed with a homeowner-first, rights-based approach that properly reflects the scale of this crisis. [54956/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The grant scheme covers the costs of the remediation works approved subject to the grant rates and overall grant cap of €462,000. The cap and rates are informed by cost reports produced by the SCSI and work undertaken by the Expert Group in determining appropriate grant rates for the scheme and included within these rates are professional fees a homeowner may incur in remediating their dwelling. As these costs are included within the grant rates there is no requirement for a separate grant.
I received Government approval 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 contain other technical amendments to ensure the continued smooth operation of the grant scheme for homeowners .
Provision for ancillary grants being alternative accommodation costs, storage costs and immediate repair works to a maximum value of €27,500 are provided for within the overall grant scheme cap. The forthcoming Bill that is included in the Autumn 2025 Government Legislation Programme for Priority Publication will examine the procedures for these ancillary grants.
Section 51 of the Act mandates that I commence a review of the operation of the Act by June 2026 (three years after the Act's commencement) and make a report to each House of the Oireachtas regarding the findings and conclusions of such a review within a further 12 month period.
Furthermore, a review of the operation of the Act is required within three months of the completion of any review of I.S. 465:2018 by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. A report to each House of the Oireachtas of the findings and conclusions resulting from that review is required not later than three months after the completion of the review.
607. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of derelict properties in counties Longford and Westmeath in 2023 and 2024. [54957/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to maintain a Derelict Sites Register, indicating any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site.
A property can be placed on the Derelict Site Register where it is deemed by a local authority to satisfy the criteria under section 3 of the Act i.e. (i) it is in a dangerous or ruinous condition; (ii) it is in a neglected or unsightly condition; or (iii) there is a presence of litter, waste or debris on the site. Section 8(5) of the Act, provides that "The register shall be kept at the offices of the local authority and shall be available for inspection at the offices of the local authority during office hours."
Local authorities are required to provide data on derelict sites included on the register within their functional area as part of their annual return on the operation of the Act. The 2023 statistics from Longford and Westmeath County Council, are provided in the Table provided. My Department is currently engaged with all local authorities in the process of collecting and collating the 2024 annual returns.
|
Local Authority |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2023 |
|
Longford |
35 |
|
Westmeath |
76 |
Tackling dereliction is a key priority for Government with the re-use of derelict properties providing much needed housing and also being a catalyst for the wider revitalisation of communities. A number of targeted measures and initiatives have been established including Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which provides a €150 million revolving fund specifically for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties, if necessary using their compulsory purchase powers, and to carry out any associated works needed to make them more attractive for re-use or sale. On completion of the most recent review of this element of the URDF programme, over 1,370 residential and commercial properties were approved by my Department for inclusion on the approved programmes for all 31 local authorities.
Funding of €1.5m has been allocated to Longford under the Third Round of Funding Support, with forward funding of €300,000 approved. There are currently 6 properties on the Council’s Approved Programme.
Funding of €2.5m has been allocated to Westmeath under the Third Round of Funding Support, with forward funding of €500,000 approved. The Council now have 40 properties approved for inclusion in the Call 3 Approved Programme with 16 recently approved for inclusion.
My Department also introduced Planning and Development Regulations, that provide an exemption from the need to obtain planning permission for the change of use of certain vacant commercial buildings to residential use, including ‘above the shop’ living. The most recent local authority returns from 2024 show that local authorities have received notifications of 1,457 exempted development proposals to date, with plans put forward that result in the provision of 3,429 new homes nationwide.
These exemptions can be combined with other funding supports such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) and the Repair and Leasing Scheme in order to bring a building into a residential use. At the end of Q2 2025, over 13,730 applications had been received for the VPRG, almost 10,000 approved and over 2,800 grants paid to date as refurbishment works have been completed. Further information on the range of supports is also available on my Department’s website.
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. This data can be accessed at the following link: (www.gov.ie/en/collection/4bbe4-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#:~:text=A%20grant%20of%20up%20to,property%20up%20to%20%E2%82%AC70%2C000).
The new Programme for Government ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’ also includes actions that aim to further continue work on addressing dereliction and regeneration challenges. These measures will be considered in the context of the forthcoming new National Housing Plan that is currently being prepared by my Department, including consideration of potential funding and financial supports to assist in encouraging the use of vacant or derelict buildings in towns and cities for new homes.
608. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any technical, legal, operational, or policy constraints preventing his Department, when publishing quarterly reports of payments or purchase orders over €20,000, from including additional columns that link each payment to its underlying procurement process specifically tender/contract title; name and address of the awarded contractor/supplier; contract award date; contract duration; expected contract value (excl. VAT); maximum contract value (excl. VAT); the unique identifier from the relevant contract award notice; and where such constraints exist, to provide details explaining his Department’s current process for reconciling each reported payment with the corresponding published contract award notice on eTenders. [55062/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department maintains high standards in the management of the public funds entrusted to it and is fully committed to transparency, fairness and accountability in all its purchasing activities.
My Department publishes a range of procurement related information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme on its website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/organisation-information/procurement/, including an annual report of public contracts awarded over €25,000 (exclusive of VAT). Further procurement award information can be found on the eTenders website where, in accordance with Circular 05/2023, contracting authorities are required to publish contract award information for all procurement over €25,000 (exclusive of VAT), including any contract awarded under a Framework Agreement.
In the absence of interoperability between my Department’s financial management system and the eTenders platform, the inclusion of the suggested additional information in the quarterly reports of procurement related payments would require a prohibitive amount of time and staff resources to achieve.
609. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all contracting authorities under the aegis of his Department are in full compliance with Circular 05/2023, in particular the mandatory requirement to publish contract award notices for all contracts above €25,000; and if he will provide details of the monitoring or enforcement arrangements in place to ensure this requirement is met. [55079/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraState bodies under the aegis of my Department are independent in the performance of their functions and my Department does not routinely monitor compliance with Circular 05/2023 as this is a matter for the bodies themselves.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department 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 contact email addresses are set out in the attached table.
It should be noted that my Department engages in a number of ways with the State bodies under its aegis regarding the requirement to comply with all relevant procedures pertaining to public procurement. An annual survey on compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies is issued to all the State bodies each year and includes a series of questions on public procurement procedures. State bodies are asked to confirm that they have in place comprehensive procurement policies and procedures that have been made available to all staff. They are also asked to confirm on an annual basis that procedures are in place to detect non-compliance with requirements for public procurement and that they have a contracts database/listing in place for all contracts/payments in excess of €25,000 with monitoring systems in place to flag non-competitive procurement. Responses to the survey in 2024 confirmed that all bodies complied with these public procurement procedures.
Oversight agreements in place with the State bodies also include provisions requiring the bodies to comply with public procurement guidelines. Finally, the Chairperson's Comprehensive Report to the Minister, required under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, requires Chairpersons of the relevant State bodies to confirm adherence to relevant procurement policy and procedures.
610. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the measures his Department is taking to address homelessness among the over 65s and to prevent people retiring into homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55086/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCritical to supporting households to exit homelessness is our continued investment in the social housing programme. Budget 2026 has continued the record level of investment in social housing, with €2.9bn in capital allocated to support the delivery of social homes by local authorities. This continued investment in the social housing programme will increase the supply of stock available to allocate to households on the social housing waiting list, including households in emergency accommodation.
A key focus of local authorities and their service delivery partners is to support households experiencing emergency accommodation to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy. Budget 2026 provides an allocation of €513.5m to provide homeless emergency accommodation and supports. Capital funding of €50m has been allocated to support the provision of quality emergency and transitional accommodation.
The Government’s new Housing Plan will be published shortly. The Plan will contain a suite of robust and targeted actions that will increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens. The Plan will also include a range of measures to address homelessness.
In addition, the Programme for Government 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 established to consider the implementation of these commitments through specific measures in the new Housing Plan that is currently being prepared by my Department.
