Written Answers Nos. 529-551
529. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a child (details supplied) can attain an eligibility report in order to allow them to transfer to a special school due to a change in their living arrangements which makes attendance at their current school unworkable; when the letter process to obtain a parent notify letter will reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72571/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time. This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, an earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the process.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information including that provided through the Parents Notify process to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year. Once this analysis is completed the NCSE will engage with schools to open new special classes. It is expected that these special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
This new timeline was publicised widely and communicated with schools and special education advocacy groups and parent representative bodies. The NCSE also undertook a lot of work at local level to ensure that families were aware of the process and timeline. Consequently the NCSE report a significant level of engagement and contact from families before 1 October.The NCSE advise that the majority of children and young people coming to them through the Parent’s Notify process are already enrolled in school and are being supported by existing special education teachers and special needs assistants.
As with other applications for support, it is important that those who come forward after the closing date are assured that they are not forgotten or excluded from the system. The NCSE and special educational need organiser (SENO) are engaging with the school and family of the student named. SENOs are available to offer advice, support and guidance as required to ensure students with special educational needs are supported to achieve their full potential and may be contacted using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements are available for children with special educational needs and the need for new specialist provision is subject to ongoing review.
530. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if funding will be made available to an organisation (details supplied) [71306/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Complex is a multidisciplinary arts and creative venue in Dublin’s North Inner City, governed by a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The Complex has been leasing its building from a private landlord on a site ringfenced for redevelopment.
Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. This would include policy objectives for development in that county, including the arts.
Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts and culture centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provides grants as a contribution towards maintaining and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities but does not provide funding for the purchase of buildings.
Officials from my Department met with the Chair of The Complex and other members of the team in December 2024 and advised them of this position. Further communication in June 2025 reiterated that position. No funding was sought from this Department for the purchase of the building by the Complex and any refurbishment support would require chargeable title to be in place.
531. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress made over the past 12 months on each of his Department's Programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71634/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to publish an update on progress in relation to the progress made in relation to my Department’s Programme for Government commitments on my Department’s website (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/) shortly.
532. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the contract for the construction of the new National Velodrome and Badminton Centre has been signed; and if so, when his Department expects this work to commence. [71767/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2025, the revised National Development Plan reiterated the Government’s commitment to the continued development of the Sport Ireland Campus, including the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre (NVBC).
The delivery of the NVBC is in keeping with key Government priorities as set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and in my Department’s Statement of Strategy, which includes a high-level goal to continue to invest in new sports facilities, high performance athletes and the hosting of major events.
Government approved, on 3 September 2025, both the funding and the appointment of Walls Construction as the principal contractor for the project. Sport Ireland subsequently entered into a formal engagement with Walls Construction on 22 October 2025, following the required standstill period in accordance with procurement procedures and initial contract discussions. The final contractual arrangements were concluded on 26 November 2025.
A three-month design development period is currently underway with the contractor and construction is expected to commence in early 2026. It is expected that the NVBC will be completed and in use by Q2, 2028.
The project will deliver a 250-metre cycling track, the standard required length for hosting major international events. The NVBC will also deliver up tb 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, seating for 1,000 spectators and ancillary facilities.
The NVBC will address the need to provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. This state of the art facility will afford our track cycling athletes the opportunity to train in Ireland and should have a positive effect on future international performance levels in both sports.
533. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the conditions under which a school can apply for sports capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71815/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for sports facilities in schools is primarily a matter for the Department of Education and Youth.
Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards and schools are eligible to apply to my Department's Community Sport Facility Fund (CSFF) jointly with sports clubs. Such applications must provide evidence of facility-sharing arrangements that will allow sports clubs to use the proposed facilities throughout the year when not in use by the school.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026.
534. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to delays in providing fibre broadband in an estate (details supplied); the actions he will take to engage with a provider to ensure that this issue is progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estate referred to in the question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on 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. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
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 in that regard.
As per information available at https://bbchecker.comreg.ie/ the estate in question is currently capable of receiving High-Speed Broadband from open eir’s local High Speed Broadband cabinet.
As per information available at www.openeir.ie/fibre/broadband-checker the estate is also included in open eir Full Fibre deployment programme.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the Department’s webform which can be accessed by clicking on “contact us” in the Contact section on www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/ and the department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
The Department is aware of some evidence emerging, based on conversations with ComReg and commercial operators, that a portion of premises that do not form part of the intervention area may prove not to be commercially viable in terms of being connected to a gigabit network by 2028. The Department are currently investigating reasons for why such instances may arise with a view to identifying solutions.
535. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if supports will be given to ensure that a major arts centre in Dublin city (details supplied) in danger of being closed down at short notice, could stay open to ensure tangible economic benefit to the Irish live events sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71986/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Complex is a multidisciplinary arts and creative venue in Dublin’s North Inner City, governed by a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The Complex has been leasing its building from a private landlord on a site ringfenced for redevelopment.
Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. This would include policy objectives for development in that county, including the arts.
Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts and culture centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provides grants as a contribution towards maintaining and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities but does not provide funding for the purchase of buildings.
Officials from my Department met with the Chair of The Complex and other members of the team in December 2024 and advised them of this position. Further communication in June 2025 reiterated that position. No funding was sought from this Department for the purchase of the building by the Complex and any refurbishment support would require chargeable title to be in place.
536. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount his Department has spent on translation services from a company (details supplied) for the years 2020 to 2025 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72063/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy on translation services provided by specified company for the years 2020 to 2025 to date is set out in the table under
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2025 |
€24,693.82 |
These services were procured from the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Framework for Irish Language Translation Services in line with public procurement guidelines.
537. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress made on the key recommendations from the report ‘A Safe and Respectful Working Environment in the Arts’, which was produced by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media in September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report ‘A Safe and Respectful Working Environment in the Arts’, was produced by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media in September 2022 and was born out of public oral hearings and written submissions from stakeholders across the arts sector.
Based on the findings of the Speak Up: A Call for Change Report, which was funded and supported by the Department, and the Joint Oireachtas Committees report ‘A Safe and Respectful Working Environment in the Arts’, the Safe to Create Programme was launched in October 2022. The Safe to Create Programme addresses the recommendations highlighted in the Joint Oireachtas Committees report which relate to the functions of the Minister and the Department.
Safe to Create set out to put in place a collaborative programme of supports looking to transform workplace culture and practices, and to provide safe and respectful working conditions for those working in the arts and creative sectors. Through the Safe to Create programme, the goal is to transform culture and practices through training, information, voluntary compliance and certification, and provide key support for victims / survivors in the areas of reporting, counselling, and legal advice.
Funded by this Department and managed by the Irish Theatre Institute under the leadership of ITI Director, Niamh O’Donnell, in partnership with the Arts Council, Screen Ireland and Minding Creative Minds, the Safe to Create programme is now leading on a number of actions under the following recommendations from the Speak Up: A Call for Change’ report:
• Recommendation 1. Build cross-sectoral support for change (Correlates with Recommendation 4 & 5 of the JOC Report)
• Recommendation 2. Strengthen reporting and support systems (Correlates with Recommendation 1 of the JOC Report)
• Recommendation 3. Pursue consequences for non-compliance (Correlates with Recommendation 2, 3 & 8 of the JOC Report)
• Recommendation 4. Build capacity to promote a dignified workplace culture (Correlates with Recommendation 7 of the JOC Report)
• Recommendation 5. Invest in further research (Correlates with Recommendation 6 of the JOC Report)
Actions under Recommendation 3 are being led by funding bodies the Arts Council, Screen Ireland and by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Organisations that are found not to be providing a safe working environment for workers risk disallowing themselves from future funding streams.
The Arts Council have introduced a special condition that all organisations in receipt of Strategic and Arts Centre funding are required to fully adopt and implement the Safe to Create Code of Behaviour, including requiring all staff to undertake the three online training courses, developed for the sector in partnership with Screen Ireland. Screen Ireland similarly require full legal compliance to all health and safety in the workplace and employment legislation. In addition, they require their funding recipients to maintain Dignity at Work policies that include appropriate action and grievance procedures to address employee complaints and grantees must undertake relevant Dignity at Work online, self-led training.
Recommendation 5 of the Speak Up report called for investment in further research, noting that without a full picture of the size and demographics of the sector, accurate and worthwhile analysis of issues – and progress – is difficult to achieve around Dignity at Work. As a result of this recommendation, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Irish Theatre Institute re-engaged the research team to undertake a significant research programme from 2022-2025 to examine the prevalence and impact of harmful behaviours in Ireland’s arts/creative sector, and to measure the impact of the Safe to Create programme. Both research reports, AMPLIFY: A Call for Transformative Action and Influencing Change, were initiated following this recommendation.
In June 2023, Safe to Create launched Inform to Transform, an anonymous information gathering tool for the arts and creative sector. In the first year over 100 reports (June 2023 – Sept 2024) were submitted from individuals across art forms including theatre, visual art, literature, comedy, film, circus, craft and design. The analysis of the submitted information provided insights on harmful behaviour in the workplace, highlighting areas of concern, informing the development and focus of Safe to Create supports and feeding into recommendations for the sector.
Further research and work continues to be developed as part of the Safe to Create Programme. For further information on the Safe to Create Programme and all of the resources available to both individual artists and arts organisations, please visit the Safe to Create website: www.safetocreate.ie/.
538. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of WTE manuscripts that are currently employed by the Department to date in 2025. [72222/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 3 FTE Keeper of Manuscripts currently employed by the Department to date.
These staff support the National Archives of Ireland working with the Director and senior management team to deliver on the strategic direction of the institution as well as contributing to the delivery of the statutory functions of the National Archives of Ireland.
539. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of data breaches recorded by Government departments and State agencies, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [72511/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department in its current configuration was established in June 2025. Details in respect of Data Protection included any breaches are published in my Department's Annual Reports and the most recent report in respect of 2024 can be found at the link under
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/d0ac3582/DTCAGSM_Annual_Report_2024_EN.pdf
Details of any data breaches in agencies under my Department's remit are operational matters for those agencies.
540. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consider allowing native Irish language speakers to build homes in their own localities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72350/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030- An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness, we will publish a National Planning Statement in H2 of 2026 that will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set in the NPF. The new Housing Plan also 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.
Rural Housing Guidelines were last issued in 2005 as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These Guidelines provide that people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, on the basis of an economic or social need, should be facilitated in all rural areas. In areas under strong urban influence, the policy is to direct urban generated housing into cities, towns and villages. In a rural area suffering persistent and substantial population decline, the policy is to accommodate anyone wishing to build a house, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations.
Historically there has been a strong tradition of rural housing construction in Ireland, with approximately one-quarter of all delivery nationally for the last 30 years falling within this category. Rural housing continues to be an important component of new housing delivery with on average c.4,000-5,000 new rural dwellings being built annually.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the planning system.
Updated policy direction and guidance in respect of rural housing, initially in the form of a section 28 Guideline which will now be reviewed and prepared as a National Planning Statement, is currently being considered by my Department.
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 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA).
541. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for establishing and implementing the protocol in the new housing plan to allow individuals who are fleeing DSGBV to transfer time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71319/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030: An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness, a protocol to allow households fleeing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to transfer time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority will be established and implemented in H1 2026.
Under existing legislative arrangements, a household may apply for social housing support to one local authority only, which may be the authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which it has a local connection. However, the local authority may agree, at its discretion, to assess the household for support without the need to meet the normally resides or local connection criteria.
A household meeting either the 'normally resides' or 'local connection' condition may specify up to three areas of choice for receipt of support in the areas of all local authorities in the county and city concerned and, if qualified, will be entered on the housing waiting list of each of those local authorities. Accordingly, under existing arrangements, the four Dublin local authorities have arrangements allowing social housing applicants apply for housing in up to two of the other Dublin authorities simultaneously. Similar arrangements apply in the two Cork and two Galway local authorities.
A household may, not less than 12 months after the date on which it is first entered on a housing authority’s housing list, notify the housing authority of application that it wishes to change one, or more than one, area of choice in the application area and a household may change one, or more than one, such area not less than 12 months after its most recent change of an area of choice. An applicant does not lose any time on the list by changing their area of choice.
Generally, is not possible for a household previously on one social housing waiting list to carry the time spent on that list when applying to another local authority. However, local authorities may provide for exceptional or emergency cases to qualified households, allowing immediate housing outside of normal waiting lists priorities, should circumstances require.
542. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidance provided to local authorities in regard to the assessment of savings when it comes to assessing income for social housing support, in particular when it concerns a disabled person whose savings are a result of receiving an inheritance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended, prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority in different bands according to the area concerned, with income defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards and local authorities have discretion to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
My Department issued a guidance note March of 2021 to assist local authorities when applying the Household Means Policy which stated savings are relevant to the income assessment only in so far as they generate an income for applicants, by way of dividend or interest. Should an inheritance generate income by way of dividend or interest then the dividend or interest may be relevant in the income assessment.
More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/
543. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of appeals with the appeals board at present in relation to defective concrete blocks; the number of appeals which have been decided to date; the average length of time each appeal is taking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
An Appeals Panel has been established to assess appeals made under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete (DCB) Blocks Grant Scheme. The Panel offers those affected by decisions made by the Housing Agency and Local Authorities an opportunity to have their cases assessed by an independent group of industry experts.
The points of appeal that are available to a DCB applicant include the validation stage by the local authority, the damage threshold determination made by the Housing Agency, the remediation option, and the grant amount approved and where a local authority refuse to make a grant payment pursuant to grant approval.
The Panel will review the merits of each individual case and consider all details free from any undue influence or restrictions. At the time of writing 180 appeals have been received from homeowners.
It should be noted that the Appeals Panel is statutorily independent in the performance of their functions of myself as Minister, my Department and of the Housing Agency. My Department provides limited administrative support during the initial stage of the process, in that appeals submitted by homeowners are forwarded to the Panel.
However, I understand that the Panel is in the process of assessing appeals and the Chair of the Appeals Panel has begun to issue notifications to appellants.
544. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the new guidelines for erection of modular units in residential back gardens. [71386/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Question No. 308 of 2 December which sets out the position in this matter.
545. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Burren National Park in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; the refurbishment works that are scheduled to commence at this National Park during the first half of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71405/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has carried out extensive refurbishment and related capital works in the Burren National Park between 2024 and 2025 in order to address longstanding shortcomings in facilities and provide adequate support to staff. To this end, the purchase of McGann’s Farm in Tullycommon in 2024 has provided an important base for staff within the region and will support operations within the Park for years to come.
Continued investment will be required in coming years to ensure ongoing improvements to visitor infrastructure and staff facilities, enhancing the experience for visitors to the area while supporting the NPWS’s core mission to protect nature.
A table outlining projects and their status in the Burren National Park is attached.
|
Year 2024 |
Works Commissioned |
Location in Burren National Park (NP) |
Complete (Y/N) |
|
1. |
Stockyard for Conservation Grazing |
Slieve Carron Nature Reserve (NR) |
Y |
|
2. |
Upgrade Road (Section of Marked Trail) |
Green Rd, Gortlecka |
Y |
|
3. |
Preparing and Submitting a Planning Application: Upgrade Existing Septic Tank to Effluent Treatment System and Soil Polishing Filter. |
Glencolumbkille South |
Y |
|
4. |
Condition Survey/Report, Conservation Report and Project Plan (Purcell’s Farm Complex); MOU with Irish Natural Stone. |
Purcell’s Farm Complex (Ruins): Keelhilla, Slieve Carron NR |
Y |
|
5. |
Preparing and Submitting a Planning Application to refurbish Research Centre (Burren Field Study Centre); MOU with Galway University. |
Carron Research Station, Fahee, Carron, Ennis. |
Y |
|
Farmhouse, Tullycommon |
|||
|
6. |
Asbestos Report, Removal and Disposal |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
7. |
Permission for Septic Tank Upgrade |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
8. |
Application Declaration of Exemption for Extension to Dwelling |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
9. |
Radon Test |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
10. |
SEAI Technical Assessment Report |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
11. |
Rewire House & Pump |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
12. |
Security CCTVs, Gate, Access Door & Lighting |
Farmhouse Area |
Y |
|
13. |
Rock Breaking & Concrete Works for Security Gate Entrance |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
14. |
Entrance: Refurbish Steel Gate, Piers, Wall |
Farm Entrance |
Y |
|
15. |
Driveway: Fence and gate |
Farm Entrance |
Y |
|
16. |
Driveway Gravel |
Farm Entrance |
Y |
|
17. |
Farmyard Gravel |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
18. |
Planning for 4 Agricultural Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
19. |
Stone for Shed Foundations |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
20. |
Concrete & Steel Mesh for Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
21. |
Shed Foundations |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
22. |
Supplies for Shed Roof Repairs |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
23. |
Electrical Works on Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
24. |
Construction of 2 Haybarns & 2 Lean-to open sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
25. |
Slate for Traditional Farm Buildings |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
26. |
Roofing/Gutters of Traditional Farm Buildings |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
27. |
Upgrade Farm Boundary Road |
Farm Boundary |
Y |
|
28. |
Orchard Fence |
Farm |
Y |
|
29. |
Submersible Pump Work |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
30. |
Fencing off Walking Trail |
Road adjacent to farm |
Y |
|
Year 2025 |
Works Commissioned |
Location in Burren National Park (NP) |
Complete (Y/N) |
|
31. |
Refurbish Ruin/Grounds: Clearing, Demolition, Roof and Flooring. |
Glencolmbkille National School (Ruin) |
Ongoing |
|
32. |
Restoration Services (Purcell’s Farm Complex) |
Purcell’s Farm Complex (Ruins): Keelhilla, Slieve NR |
Ongoing |
|
33. |
Consultation and Close Out for Works (Burren Field Study Centre) |
Carron Research Station, Fahee, Carron. |
Y |
|
Tullycommon |
|||
|
34. |
Supplies for Traditional Farm Buildings |
Farmhouse |
Y |
|
35. |
Refurbish Traditional Horse Stables |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
36. |
Rebuild Gable, Internal Repointing, Exterior Air-vents of Old Stone Building |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
37. |
Electrical Works on Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
38. |
Fire Alarms for 2 Machinery Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
39. |
Fire Management Plan and Fire Safety Equipment |
Farmhouse, Sheds and Yard |
Y |
|
40. |
Supplies for Reroofing Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
41. |
Construction of Replacement Haybarn |
Farmyard |
Ongoing |
|
42. |
Electrical Works on 4 High Bay Sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
43. |
Gravel - Roads around sheds |
Farmyard |
Y |
|
44. |
Install Cattle Crush & Water Pipes from Shed to Pump |
Farmyard |
Ongoing |
|
45. |
Submersible Pump Work |
Farmyard to Shed |
Y |
|
46. |
Removal of Old Wall & Water Tank. Excavate & Install New Water Tank, Water Pipes and Channels with Retaining Wall Around Shed. |
Farmyard |
Ongoing |
|
47. |
Establish Heritage Orchard; including Fencing; MOU with Irish Seed Savers. |
Rockforest |
Ongoing |
|
Year: 2026 |
Planned works |
Location in Burren National Park (NP) |
Status |
|
48 |
Refurbish of the Carran Field Study Centre |
Carran Village |
Proposed |
|
49 |
New Visitor Centre |
Corofin |
Proposed |
|
50 |
Reception area/all ability trail |
Rockforest |
Proposed |
|
51 |
Composting toilets |
Slieve Carron, Keelhilla, Kenny’s Cross |
Proposed |
|
52 |
Continued restoration of Purcell’s Farm Complex |
Purcell’s Farm Complex (Ruins): Keelhilla, Slieve NR |
Ongoing |
|
53 |
Continued refurbishment of Farmhouse |
Tullycommon, Carran |
Ongoing |
546. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process for quarry testing; the person or body responsible for sourcing/choosing the samples; whether the testing process will be updated in view of the status of the review of IS465; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71454/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Construction Products Regulations ((EU) No 305/2011 (CPR) sets out rules for the marketing of construction products, including aggregates for concrete and concrete blocks, in the EU.
Where a construction product covered by a harmonised standard is being placed on the EU market, the CPR requires the manufacturer to draw up a ‘declaration of performance’ and affix a ‘CE’ marking to the product. In order to do so, manufacturers must test and declare the performance of their construction products using a common technical language prescribed in the harmonised standard. Typically, the manufacturer shall carry out:
an assessment of the performance of the construction product on the basis of testing (including sampling), calculation, tabulated values or descriptive documentation of that product;
factory production control;
testing of samples taken at the manufacturing plant by the manufacturer in accordance with the prescribed test plan.
Notified Bodies are designated by my Department to carry out third party tasks in accordance with the systems of assessment and verification of constancy of performance as provided for in Annex V of the CPR. The notified factory production control certification body shall decide on the issuing, restriction, suspension or withdrawal of the certificate of conformity of the factory production control on the basis of the outcome of the following assessments and verifications carried out by that body:
initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and of factory production control;
continuing surveillance, assessment and evaluation of factory production control.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. NSAI has produced additional guidance to some harmonised standards, under the CPR, in the form of Standard Recommendations (SRs) which set out appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of certain construction products in Ireland.
Ultimately, the manufacturer is responsible for compliance with the CPR and in particular for the Declaration of Performance/CE marking of the construction product he or she is placing on the market, having full knowledge of the raw material (as is legally required by the CPR via the relevant harmonised European Standards) and having regard to the end product’s suitability for use in construction works in accordance with the relevant Standard Recommendations published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.
In respect to enforcement of the CPR, each of the building control authorities (local authorities) have been designated as the principal market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the CPR, within their administrative areas. In addition, Dublin City Council - National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office, NBCMSO, has been appointed as a competent authority for the carrying out of market surveillance functions on a nationwide basis.
Building control authorities will liaise with NBCMSO to support compliance with the CPR and to determine appropriate action on enforcement matters, as they arise.
Market surveillance activity should enable non-compliant products to be identified and kept or taken off the market with unscrupulous and/or criminal economic operators prosecuted and penalised for their actions. In this context, it is important to note that the overarching objective of a market surveillance authority is to ensure that compliant products are placed on the market. Where non-compliance is identified, market surveillance activities should be designed to encourage economic operators to take appropriate corrective actions to redress the position within a reasonable period of time.
Market surveillance authorities have significant powers including to obtain access to the place of manufacture or storage, request technical information, select samples of the construction product and carry out evaluations, examination or tests on such samples. Where construction products are placed on the market which do not comply with the requirements set out in the CPR, market surveillance authorities have powers to direct the relevant economic operator to take the necessary corrective actions to bring the product into compliance. Where this does not work, there are further procedures that may result in the product being withdrawn or recalled from the market, its use subject to special conditions, or the products availability on the market being prohibited or restricted.
Separate to the above, the NSAI have published I.S. 465:2018 which is solely intended for use by those who intend to provide assessment and testing services for dwellings that are suspected of being affected by defective concrete blocks. As such, I.S. 465:2018 does not have a bearing on the rules for placing construction products on the market in accordance with the CPR.
Finally, it should be noted that a number of State agencies are currently responsible for regulating different aspects of quarries as set out below.
Planning authorities may grant planning permission for a development on lands such as a quarry. A person is not entitled solely by reasons of a planning permission to carry out development.
When making a decision on a planning application for a quarry, the relevant planning authority is required to have regard to the particular local circumstances of the proposed development and may attach appropriate conditions to the permission on a case by case basis.
My Department issued statutory Guidelines to Planning Authorities on Quarrying and Ancillary Activities in April 2004, to which planning authorities must have regard when considering a planning application for a quarry. The Guidelines include planning guidance on the attachment of appropriate conditions to quarry-related permissions.
Where blasting is required, the issuing of a permit for the use of explosives in the extractive industry, or for other purposes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána, which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, whose Department has issued the Guide to Explosives Legislation in Ireland.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment published guidelines in 2006 on Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry, which complement the 2004 Quarrying Guidelines issued by my Department and include advice on the management of environmental issues associated with blasting in quarries, such as pollution, noise and vibration.
Furthermore, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) - which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment - is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety in the workplace, including specific requirements in relation to the operation of quarries under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2013 and their associated guidance.
547. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will run an awareness campaign urging people to come forward if they suspect they have defective concrete in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71455/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation on the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme including government legislation, guidelines and the application process is readily available on the Government website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/defectiveconcreteblocks/.
The scheme is administered by local authorities and is currently open to applications in five counties, namely Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo. These designated local authorities also provide extensive online information regarding the scheme and via walk in services.
My Department has also been supportive of applications by designated local authorities for Defective Concrete Blocks Community Facilitators. Their role is to support and guide the homeowner through the application process and facilitate access to relevant support services.
I am satisfied that the communication mechanisms that I have referenced are sufficient at this time to inform people about the defective concrete blocks issue and the options open to then should they suspect their home is damaged as a result of such blocks.
548. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to a query raised regarding the categorisation of a landlord (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71472/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 14 October 2025, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025, which is now the subject of priority drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Council and pre legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Bill will amend the current system of rent controls and provide new measures to protect tenants, including stronger security of tenure, to come into effect for new tenancies created on or after 1 March 2026.
The Bill will include a number of provisions to mitigate the impact of 6 year Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMDs) on a smaller landlord. On 10 June 2025, the Government agreed to define a smaller landlord to mean a landlord who is not a company and has 3 or fewer tenancies.
A detailed communications campaign by this Department, in conjunction with the RTB, will continue to publicise the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026.
Up-to-date information is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/government-reforms-to-the-rental-sector-starting-1-march-2026/.
The information provided in this reply is based on the policy measures approved by the Government on 10 June 2025 to come into effect on 1 March 2026, in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill will be published as soon as possible and will be subject to debate, and open to amendment, during the legislative process in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
549. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units built in 2024 and 2025, by each Dublin city and county local authority through direct contracting with builders, with figures provided on a per local authority basis, and distinguishing houses and apartments. [71536/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra550. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of the social housing units built in 2024 and 2025 by Dublin city and county local authorities, the number that were delivered under part V arrangements, with figures provided separately for houses and apartments, for each local authority. [71537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, on a local authority basis. Data on social housing delivery and performance against target is also published.
This data is available to the end of Q2 2025 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments, their location and their funding programme that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 2 2025. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/.
Below are two tables that outline the build totals for the four Dublin LA’s, which separates apartments, houses and Part V units. The below data represents 2,891 units out of a total of 3,197 units delivered between 2024 – Q2 2025 and my Department is working with local authorities to obtain unit level data for the outstanding units.
Social Housing units built in 2024:
|
LA |
Apartments |
Houses |
Build Total Excl Part V |
Part V Apartments |
Part V Houses |
Part V Total |
Total |
|
Dublin City |
785 |
10 |
795 |
132 |
0 |
132 |
927 |
|
DLR |
110 |
10 |
120 |
175 |
9 |
184 |
304 |
|
Fingal |
94 |
162 |
256 |
1 |
33 |
34 |
290 |
|
SDCC |
356 |
143 |
499 |
209 |
0 |
209 |
708 |
|
Total |
1345 |
325 |
1,670 |
517 |
42 |
559 |
2,229 |
Social Housing Units built in Q1-Q2 2025:
|
LA |
Apartments |
Houses |
Build Total Excl Part V |
Part V Apartments |
Part V Houses |
Part V Total |
Total |
|
Dublin City |
212 |
8 |
220 |
27 |
0 |
27 |
247 |
|
DLR |
47 |
0 |
47 |
30 |
1 |
31 |
78 |
|
Fingal |
118 |
115 |
233 |
70 |
10 |
80 |
313 |
|
SDCC |
7 |
17 |
24 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
|
Total |
384 |
140 |
524 |
127 |
11 |
138 |
662 |
551. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost per local authority for constructing houses in 2024 and 2025 where the local authority directly contracted builders, with figures provided separately for each local authority. [71538/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra552. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost per local authority for constructing apartments in 2024 and 2025 where the local authority directly contracted builders, with figures provided separately for each local authority. [71539/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 552 together.
My Department assesses, approves and records local authority social housing delivery on a project basis, rather than on the basis of individual unit types.
Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) funded construction projects by local authorities must, like all publicly-funded construction programmes, comply with the Infrastructure Guidelines (Public Spending Code) and Capital Works Management Framework. My Department periodically issues Basic Unit Costs (BUCs) for each local authority area, for use as a key benchmark for the development and costing of scheme designs at capital appraisal stage. While not a record of actual delivery costs, BUCs are based on an analysis of returned data from tendered social housing schemes over an extended period and updated based on published tender index information as required.
To monitor tender cost trends and to inform BUC levels, my Department analyses the tender data for the construction cost element of new build schemes approved under the SHIP & CAS four stage approval processes for each unit type, where sufficient information is available to allow such costs to be extrapolated and where the information available is appropriate for comparison purposes. The most recent Basic Unit Costs (BUCs) were issued in Q2 2025.
A copy of the BUCs have been provided to all local authorities and can be made available to public representatives on request.
Outlined in the table below are average construction costs (incl. VAT), recorded as part of the aforementioned analysis for projects tendered in 2024 (1-4 bedroom houses and apartments). Data for 2025 is not available at this time.
The table also sets out the range of average unit costs (across different projects). The range of costs recorded vary, depending on design, mix of unit types (e.g. bedroom numbers, apartment/house); and on the level of abnormal requirements for each scheme, for instance existing site conditions, demolitions, service diversions, site access requirements. Average abnormal costs are also separately identified in the below table.
SHIP Construction 2024
|
2024 |
Construction Costs (incl. abnormals) |
Construction Costs (incl. abnormals) |
Abnormal Costs |
Abnormal Costs |
|
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
|
Overall (1-4 beds) |
323,994 |
205k - 460k |
39,702 |
3k - 123k |
The costs in the above table relate to the construction element only of the all-in delivery cost. Other items that make up the all-in total include:
• Design/technical fees: Design fees vary from project to project, depending on the location, size and complexity of a scheme (and depending on whether design services are provided by a local authority in-house or via external appointment). As a guideline/indicator, design fee are generally expected to range between 7.5% to 12.5% of construction costs.
• Land cost: Land costs will vary significantly from project to project, depending on location and ownership status (i.e. land costs could vary from existing local authority land at no cost to land purchased at market value).
• Utilities: Connection fees for Irish Water, ESB, gas, etc. As a guideline/indicator, utility connection costs are generally in the order of €7k per unit.
• Other Costs: Other items that make up the all-in delivery cost can include site investigations/surveys, archaeological requirements, Percent for Art contributions - and will vary from scheme to scheme.
