Written Answers Nos. 108-133
108. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of derelict and vacant properties, to include houses, apartments and flats nationwide, that are across the State; the steps that are being taken to bring these homes back into use; and the estimated timeline for same. [65848/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan will ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated, and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
Data in relation to vacant properties is available from a number of sources such as the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Census 2022 and GeoDirectory.
The CSO has recently developed a new statistical release on residential vacancy. The release, published on 24 September 2025, provides information on the extent of residential vacancy in 2022 and 2023, using ESB data on metered residential electricity consumption, with future regular publications planned. In the release, the CSO note a national vacancy rate of 3.3% at the end of Q4 2023, down from 3.6% in Q4 2022.
In the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report for Q2 2025, the average vacancy rate across Ireland, as measured, had dropped to 3.7%, the lowest rate recorded since 2013.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan outlines the range of initiatives and funding mechanisms that have been introduced in recent years and these measures are successfully reducing the levels of vacancy and dereliction right across the country.
One of the key measures in the Action Plan is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe fund. The grant provides up to €70,000 for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
The CPO Activation Programme, launched in April 2023, requires a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring those properties back into use. This includes the active use of compulsory purchase powers by local authorities. My Department has published CPO Activation Programme data for 2023 and 2024 on its website, which can be accessed at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/bdfef028/CPO_Activation_Programme_-_LA_use_of_CPO_powers.pdf
Under Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Government established a €150 million revolving fund for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties, using their compulsory purchase powers where necessary. My Department has also made funding for staff resources available to local authorities as part of URDF Call 3, to support their work tackling vacancy and dereliction.
All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in place as a key point of contact in their Vacant Homes Office teams. My Department provides annual funding to each local authority to reinforce their capacity to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction. Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will be improved and expanded, a new 'Above the Shop' grant introduced along with a new Expert Advice Grant to support property owners to bring these vacant upper floors into use as homes. The Plan commits to 20,000 homes being brought back into use by 2030, supported via the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
A new Derelict Property Tax will also be introduced, to be administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners, to bring derelict properties back into use.
The Plan's new measures build on the significant work that has been done and outcomes achieved over the past number of years, as well as improving and expanding existing schemes. These initiatives are working and vacancy levels are declining across the country.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
109. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will commit to ensuring that tours of Glenveagh Castle in County Donegal return to being available every day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65787/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Question No. 90 of 8 October which sets out the position in this matter.
110. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his response to the report of the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Strategic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65640/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the publication of the Report of the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Strategic Forum. This document is the result of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder review undertaken throughout 2024.
The Report of the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Strategic Forum presents an ambitious transformative vision for the AHB sector and sets out a detailed roadmap of policy development reforms to enable the realisation of that vision.
A sectoral reform working group will shortly be established, to advance work on the priority policy development reforms outlined within the Report of the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Strategic Forum, as committed to under the National Housing Plan; Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
111. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update regarding the Government’s policy towards access to ancient archaeological sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56039/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the immense interest and pride in our archaeological heritage held by communities across the country. These monuments provide a sense of place and a sense of pride to so many. As well as the fine work of the OPW and Local Authorities in maintaining and improving access to monuments in their own care, my own Department has as a priority the improvement of access to monuments through the archaeological grants mechanism, the Community Monuments Fund, which has a dedicated stream of funding to improve interpretation at monuments and access to them subject to landowner permission.
Facilitating and increasing access to our heritage has also been integrated into Heritage Ireland 2030, the national heritage plan, which sets out a framework for the management, protection and conservation of our heritage, including archaeological heritage and monuments. The focus on access throughout the plan includes physical access to sites and monuments, virtual access through the use of digital technologies and access to heritage as a broader principle related to the suite of social, community and economic benefits that such access can bring.
Specific actions in Heritage Ireland’s comprehensive action plan also focus on increasing and enhancing access to heritage - including archaeological heritage - across these three areas. Actions 30 to 36 of the plan focus on increasing access to heritage in the care of the State, including on a seasonal basis and through provision of enhanced visitor services and interpretation as appropriate. Action 36 centres on increasing and improving universal access to heritage for the elderly, people with disability and children, including through the use of new technologies. Other access-focused actions include increasing support for and access to heritage-focused schemes (Action 62) and enhanced collaboration between and support for bodies responsible for providing access to our heritage (Actions 83 and 85). Cross-sectoral annual updates on delivery of Heritage Ireland 2030 and its action plan by State and heritage bodies have been published on the dedicated [Heritage Ireland 2030 delivery webpage], including the most recently published update on activities carried out under the plan in 2024.
112. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the actions his Department, or organisations and agencies related to his Department, are taking with respect to the recommendations of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate and the Environment report on Lady’s Island Lake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65854/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to Lady’s Island Lake, my colleague, Minister of State, Christopher O’Sullivan has met with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Wexford County Council and Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) along with the National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) and the Water Division within my Department. From this engagement an oversight group for Lady’s Island has been established. This group has met on multiple occasions and is being led and chaired by Wexford County Council.
Wexford County Council is currently preparing a specific action plan to deal with the pollution at the lake, which will follow the framework and mechanisms established within the 2024 Water Action Plan.
Lady’s Island Lake is a Priority Area for Action (PAA) under the existing 2024 Water Action Plan and therefore all mechanisms for undertaking scientific and compliance investigations, delivery of advice and implementing regulatory and supplementary measures under the Water Action Plan will be harnessed. A holistic approach to dealing with the sources of nutrients entering the lake, from agriculture, domestic waste water treatment plants (septic tanks) and urban waste water treatment plant(s), by all implementing bodies is vital. This will involve very close engagement between Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory (ASSAP) and the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) programme.
116. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure an adequate supply of family homes for young people, while acknowledging that this is not specifically about removing families from homelessness, in the context of the fact that half of households in Ireland have children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65843/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile more than 137,000 new homes have been delivered since the beginning of 2021, the pace of housing delivery must accelerate even further in the coming years. To help drive this supply, record levels of investment are being provided for the delivery of Housing in 2026, with overall capital funding of over €9 billion announced in Budget 2026.
Our new national housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, is a wide-ranging action plan focused on housing supply and targeting homelessness.
The Plan sets out a series of key actions that work towards ending homelessness, supporting affordability and addressing the housing needs of people as they progress through life including young families.
By delivering on these actions, we will make buying and renting homes more affordable for young families and support the development of villages, towns and cities across the country.
In partnership with local authorities, the Land Development Agency, Approved Housing Bodies and the development sector, we will ensure the sustained increase in the supply of social, affordable and private homes that we need for all, including young people.
A major goal of this plan is to reduce long-term family homelessness and shorten the time children spend in emergency accommodation. €100 million will be provided in 2026 to buy second-hand homes for families who have been in emergency accommodation the longest.
This plan will also increase the supply of homes for families through continued investment in social housing. We plan to significantly increase the number of new social homes built each year from around 8,000 homes per year now to 12,000 homes per year in the coming years.
We are also investing in the ambitious nationwide Starter Homes Programme. The Starter Homes Programme gives people the chance to buy or rent their first home. These homes include new-build, high-quality homes designed for first-time buyers and affordable vacant properties with support for renovation.
The goal is to provide 15,000 Starter Home supports every year until 2030, while working on long-term solutions to make starter homes more affordable and sustainable.
117. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify his position on the publication of updated language planning guidelines; if he intends to publish draft Gaeltacht planning guidelines; if so, if he will provide a timeline for their publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65497/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Housing Plan 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities' contains an action to publish a National Planning Statement for housing in Gaeltacht areas in the first half of 2027.
Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provided that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage could issue guidelines to planning authorities regarding any of their functions under the Act and planning authorities were required to have regard to those guidelines in the performance of their functions.
That section was repealed on 2 October 2025 as the planning system transitions to operate under the new legislative provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Section 25 of the Act of 2024 provides for a new form of planning policy and guidance known as a National Planning Statement. This provision was commenced on 2 October 2025 and therefore future planning policy and guidance from the Minister will issue to planning authorities in the form of a National Planning Statement. It is intended that existing section 28 Guidelines, which will continue to operate until replaced or revoked, will be replaced over time by National Planning Statements, along with any new guidance that the Minister intends, with the approval of Government, to issue.
The Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, sets out mandatory objectives for local authorities, which must be addressed in the drafting of their Development Plan governing local development policies. Where there is a Gaeltacht area within the planning authority’s administrative area, the development plan must include provisions and objectives for “the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language”.
The Development Plans Guidelines for Local Authorities published in July 2022 give further guidance to local authorities, including reflecting the Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (Limistéar Pleanála Teanga – LPTs as required under the Gaeltacht Act 2012) as well as the inclusion of further policies such as ensuring that development proposals in Gaeltacht areas have a positive impact on the linguistic and cultural heritage that can be robustly assessed at planning application stage.
An Interdepartmental Group (comprising my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and Údarás na Gaeltachta) is still continuing its work in developing specific planning guidance for Gaeltacht areas. There is also a separate Working Group made up of both Departments and Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities with Gaeltacht areas. Interdepartmental Group and Working Group meetings took place in 2023 and bilateral Departmental engagement continued into 2024 and into 2025, with the most recent meeting taking place in July 2025.
Having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, a finalised draft National Planning Statement will be assessed for the purposes of applicability of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) perspective.
119. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the affordable housing being made available to people living in counties Roscommon and Galway. [65683/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030.
The new plan builds upon the significant progress made under Housing for All, with nearly 16,900 affordable housing solutions having been delivered since its launch, including 124 in Galway City, 183 in Galway County, and 119 in Roscommon.
Under the new housing plan, all local authorities are required to prepare a new Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP), replacing existing their existing HDAP’s, which will identify need within their areas and set out how this will be met.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to assist local authorities where significant affordability needs have been identified.
Galway City and Galway County have received funding approval to date to facilitate the delivery of 124 and 130 affordable homes respectively with the support of the AHF. Both local authorities have further proposals in development.
Government has agreed the transfer of 1.4ha of land at Galway Harbour to enable the LDA's planned delivery of 356 new social and affordable homes. Subject to planning permission, construction is scheduled to commence in 2027.
Roscommon County Council has submitted its first application for AHF funding approval recently, which is currently under assessment.
The Ready to Build serviced sites scheme supports local authorities to provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports the purchase and refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties.
Additionally, the First Home Scheme is available to support eligible new home purchasers nationwide.
121. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a progress update on the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA flagship element of Project Ireland 2040, the €2 billion Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is supporting a programme of significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan.
To date, there have been three rounds of funding provided under the URDF, details of which are provided in the table below:
|
Call # |
# Proposals/Acquisitions |
# Individual Projects |
Current Allocations (€) (as of 20th November 2025) |
|
Call 1 - 2019 |
87 |
168 |
412,342,380 |
|
Call 2 - 2021 |
45 |
260 |
1,359,289,418 |
|
Call 3 – 2023 |
1,376 |
n/a |
142,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,914,131,798 |
The 132 successful proposals from Calls 1 and 2 comprise 428 individual projects, of which 136 projects are complete or substantially complete, with a further 54 on-site. The total drawdown to date for URDF funding is just over €510m.
While Calls 1 and 2 were for specific regeneration or development proposals, in January 2023 a third round of funding to address long-term vacancy and dereliction, and support the key objectives of Housing for All and Town Centre First, was announced. As a shift in focus from previous rounds of funding, Call 3 provided a €150 million revolving fund for local authorities to acquire long-term vacant or derelict properties in URDF eligible towns and cities.
As set out in Delivering Homes Building Communities, I intend to extend the reach of URDF Call 3 to better deal with derelict sites or lands, in order to increase the delivery of new homes. This will enable a focus on problematic infill derelict sites where acquiring and developing homes will remove dereliction, and support regeneration of adjoining buildings.
In line with the agreed Programme for Government, and as set out in Delivering Homes Building Communities, the initial €2 billion allocation to the URDF has been extended by a further €500 million to 2030 under the updated NDP. Working alongside other funding streams, this additional funding will expand URDF-type investments to provide broader public investment, including in social and community facilities to support regeneration and the development of sustainable communities.
The detailed arrangements for the implementation of this additional funding stream is currently under development following the completion of the National Development Plan Review process. Further details should issue to the local authorities in the coming weeks.
My Department will work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the URDF. However, responsibility for the composition of any applications for funding and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion will remain, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority.
122. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the victims of defective concrete products scandals in Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, and Limerick do not receive 100% redress as is the case with the pyrite remediation scheme, available to the victims of defective concrete products scandals in Dublin and Leinster. [65159/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme covers 100% of the costs of the remediation works approved, subject to the grant rates and overall grant cap of €462,000.
It is neither a redress nor a compensation scheme, rather it is a grant scheme to enable affected homeowners remediate their homes.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme relates to dwellings that have been significantly damaged as a result of pyritic heave caused by the swelling of hardcore under ground floor slabs. This scheme, which is also not a redress scheme, aims to repair certain homes affected by significant pyritic damage where the homeowners have no other practicable option.
In contrast, the DCB Grant Scheme relates to dwellings which are damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks.
There is only one remediation option under the Pyrite Scheme and the works are repetitive from home to home, which tend to be clustered.
Under the DCB scheme there are five potential remediation options with a bespoke solution potentially required for each affected home.
My Department keeps the DCB Scheme under continuous review through consistent and regular stakeholder engagement.
123. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reports, analysis or other information his Department have received in relation to the impact of the accommodation recognition scheme on the private rental market; the engagements he has had with other Government Departments, State agencies or third parties in respect of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is managed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration (DJHAM) and is payable to those providing pledged accommodation to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) through the Irish Red Cross (IRC), the local authority-led Offer a Home (OaH) scheme and private arrangements to BoTPs.
ARP is a tax-free payment for each property and is set at €600 per month. The scheme is provided for in Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and is referred to under the legislative title of the Financial Contribution for Hosting Temporary Protection Beneficiaries Scheme and in March 2025 the scheme was extended to 31 March 2026, at which point it will cease if not extended.
Following concerns raised by my Department on the possible impact of the ARP on the private rental market, in August 2024 the RTB carried out an analysis of properties in receipt of ARP that were also registered with the RTB since scheme began. The analysis has been conducted on a number of occasions since this time and clearly indicates that a significant number of former rental properties are now signed up to the ARP scheme.
Given already severe constraints on the availability of private rental sector accommodation and the impact that further reductions on supply could have on homelessness as well as schemes such as HAP and RAS, in July 2025 the Government approved amendments to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, limiting the eligibility of certain properties for ARP and amending the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide for necessary data sharing. In effect, rental properties will not be eligible to avail of new ARP applications. These changes are made with a view to safeguarding such accommodation for tenants and to address any potential for impact on the rental market.
Officials will continue to work collaboratively to advance legislative amendments to give effect to this change and it is expected that a memorandum to Government will be submitted in the coming weeks seeking the Government’s approval of the publication of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which will include the legislative amendments to the ARP scheme.
125. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the Housing Agency’s report on defective concrete blocks in Fingal; the findings relevant to the Red Island area of Skerries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will urgently authorise an increase in the number of personnel working at Tailte Éireann; to review the policy of returning paperwork to solicitors without providing reasons or context for the returns, as this is causing significant frustration and delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65720/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
In 2023, a request for a planned increase in the pay-bill subhead of Tailte Éireann’s Vote was supported by my Department and subsequently granted in the Estimates for 2024. As part of Tailte Éireann’s resourcing strategy, the Accelerated Recruitment Programme was launched in early 2024 to address the high volume of vacancies and strengthen operational capacity in response to increasing service demands.
The programme introduced standardised recruitment processes, across internal, external, and mobility routes, to ensure consistent and efficient staffing. Since its launch in February 2024, the resourcing team have focused on filling 147 priority roles. In addition, a further 321 vacancies (including 182 within the Registration function) have been filled across Tailte Éireann through a combination of new hires, promotions, and mobility placements. The remaining 78 active Tailte Éireann vacancies, 17 of which relate to the Registration function, are currently progressing through various stages of the recruitment cycle, with a target to reduce overall vacancy levels across Tailte Éireann to approximately 3% by end Q4 2025.
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. Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at [oireachtas@tailte.ie].
128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a minimum BER standard for the private rented sector was not included in the new housing plan; when a minimum standard will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65490/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to improving energy efficiency in the private rental market, which will contribute to meeting our overall national climate targets in relation to emissions reduction, help alleviate fuel poverty, help to protect tenants' health and improve comfort levels in rental homes.
Work in this area is being informed by research my Department commissioned from the ESRI. An ESRI research paper published earlier this year explores the investment requirements for energy efficiency upgrades in the private rental sector.
It found that there are significant investment needs in the sector as most properties have a BER rating below a B, with the aggregate cost of upgrading residential rental stock estimated to be between €7-8bn in 2023 prices. The report also identifies a number of barriers to investment by household residential landlords. Any measures introduced must be feasible and proportionate, and not have unintended consequences which will impact on supply in the rental market.
The Government’s Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness - Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 - commits to examining policy measures to incentivise increased energy efficiency in the private rental market. The ERSI’s valuable research will support the development of appropriate policy and actions.
129. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his funding plans, such as the previous urban regeneration and development fund, to support local authorities in developing amenities where there have been significant housing developments to ensure it’s not just about delivering housing but communities that families can thrive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65811/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA flagship element of Project Ireland 2040, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is supporting a programme of significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan.
To date, there have been three rounds of funding provided under the URDF which has resulted in the allocation of approximately €1.9 billion of funding, with URDF supported projects now active in every local authority area in the country.
Under Calls 1 and 2 there were 132 proposals, comprising of more than 400 individual projects, approved for funding. While €1.72 billion under Call 1 and 2 was allocated to support specific regeneration projects, the latest round of funding (Call 3) is supporting a programme of acquisitions in each local authority to address long term vacancy and dereliction.
In line with the agreed Programme for Government, and as set out in Delivering Homes Building Communities, the initial €2 billion allocation to the URDF has been extended by a further €500 million to 2030 under the updated NDP. Working alongside other funding streams, this additional funding will expand URDF-type investments to provide broader public investment, including in social and community facilities to support regeneration and the development of sustainable communities.
The detailed arrangements for the implementation of this additional funding stream is currently under development following the completion of the National Development Plan Review process. Further details should issue to the local authorities in the coming weeks.
My Department will work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the URDF. However, responsibility for the composition of any applications for funding and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion will be, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Kildare County Council.
130. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his Department’s efforts to fulfil the Programme for Government’s commitment to establish a unit in the Housing Agency to regulate owners’ management companies to ensure effective governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65826/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and his Department (DJHAM) continues to have responsibility for the oversight of Owner Management Companies (OMCs) and related regulations.
Under the Programme for Government, my Department will take responsibility for the Multi-Unit Development Acts (MUDs Act) 2011 to streamline support for owners’ management companies and improve oversight.
The primary purpose of the MUDs Act is to reform the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments and to facilitate the fair, efficient and effective management of OMCs.My Department is committed to making regulations under the MUDs Act, with regard to both sinking funds and service charges. I understand that these Regulations are now at an advanced stage of preparation within that Department.
A timeline for the transfer of functions from the DJHAM is being advanced and engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
As part of the transfer, my Department will consider any resources required to enable the work, within my Department and the Housing Agency.
131. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department are putting in place to unlock the housing potential of the Saint Waleran's site at Gorey, County Wexford. [65823/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government recognised the need to accelerate home building by unblocking infrastructure delays and coordinating investment in servicing zoned land.
I have established a Housing Activation Office in my Department to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development. The Office is actively engaged in identifying barriers to housing delivery and is coordinating with local authorities and infrastructure agencies to address these barriers.
In the coming months I will be bringing forward a €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund to support direct investment in housing infrastructure. This new fund will complement investment by infrastructure agencies, such as Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks, who have also received funding under the National Development Plan to support housing growth.
This joined-up approach will help accelerate housing delivery by unblocking infrastructure constraints and ensuring that investment is targeted to where it can have the greatest impact. This will help support local authorities in achieving their housing targets in line with the Revised National Planning Framework.
While I cannot comment on any individual sites in advance of the opening of the Housing Infrastructure Investment fund, there will be close engagement with stakeholders, including Wexford County Council, to identify priority areas for investment.
132. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce legislation to require providers of public relations and communications services to political parties and candidates to publicly disclose their clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electoral Act 1997 (as amended) provides the statutory framework for dealing with political financing and sets out the regulatory regime covering a wide range of inter-related issues such as the establishment of election expenditure limits; the disclosure of election expenditure; the reimbursement of election expenses; the funding of political parties; the setting of limits on permissible donations; the prohibition of certain donations; the disclosure of donations; and the preparation and publication of annual statements of accounts by political parties.
The principal objectives of the Act are to ensure that there is openness and accountability in the relationships that exist between election candidates, elected members and political parties and those who would support them, whether by way of financial assistance or otherwise. The Standards in Public Office (SIPO) Commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the relevant Parts of the Act and has published a range of guidelines to inform election candidates, Members of the Oireachtas, Members of the European Parliament, political parties, corporate donors and third parties of their obligations under the Act.
In this regard, section 31(1) of the Act provides for a definition for election expenses and confirms that they are those and only those set out in paragraph 1 of the Schedule to the Act, which are incurred on the provision of property, goods or services for use at an election during the relevant election period. More specifically, the Schedule to the Act provides that election expenses fall under a number of broad categories. One of these categories is publicity which includes expenses incurred in connection with "dealings with the media, media advice and training".
Under the Act, statements of election expenses, which must be accompanied by a statutory declaration, must be furnished to SIPO by the election agent of each candidate, and by the national agent of each political party, within 56 days of polling day. These statements must be in writing, in a form directed by SIPO, and must include all election expenses (whether paid or not) incurred by such agent in relation to the election and the several matters to which such expenses relate.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin published its inaugural Research Programme 2024-2026 on 10 July 2024. Its research programme includes a commitment to undertake a review of the Electoral Act 1997. This policy area will be reviewed further by my Department once An Coimisiún has considered and reported on the issue.
