Written Answers Nos. 483-502
483. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide details on the delay in having broadband installed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73563/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The premises in question was originally located in the BLUE area on the broadband map, which can be accessed on the Department’s website at: 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.
As previously advised in my response to PQ 65251/25 on 25 November 2025 following a query from your constituent, the Department carried out a review of this case and reclassified this address and nearby premises to the Intervention Area (AMBER) in Q2 2025; they will be served by the State-led NBP rollout. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) advises that connecting these reclassified premises requires additional network capacity and the associated and necessary design, planning and build activity.
NBI further advise that they are currently unable to provide a specific anticipated connection timeframe and request that your constituent registers for updates specific to their Eircode via: nbi.ie/eoi/
NBI will publish confirmation of timeframes as they become available on the NBI website: nbi.ie/map/
This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
484. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline progress on the programme for Government commitment to provide affordable spaces for artists to work and collaborate. [73330/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
I am acutely aware of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding suitable workspaces. The lack of space has been a significant barrier for artists, limiting their ability to create and exhibit work. That is why in 2023 the Department allocated €3m in funding to Space to Create, an initiative that aims to provide up to sixty artist workspaces in Dublin City, in partnership with Dublin City Council. Work is ongoing with Dublin City Council to deliver the spaces identified under this scheme.
In addition, the Department launched the Artist Workspaces Scheme in June 2024. This is a €6 million pilot capital funding scheme for Local Authorities to increase the provision of artists’ workspaces across Ireland. The primary focus of this pilot scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to enable them to provide additional capacity and availability of artist workspaces in their regions on a sustainable basis.
Local authorities are invited to propose projects which can accommodate and address the demand for artist workspaces in their regions and produce workspaces that are fit for purpose, design focused and accessible. Capital grants up to a maximum of €300,000 are available to densely populated local authority areas, with capital grants up to a maximum of €150,000 available to the remaining local authorities.
485. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on plans outlined in the Programme for Government to improve the Touring of Works Scheme; and the incentives in place for artistic groups and theatre companies to tour regional venues in Ireland. [73331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
The Touring of Work Scheme is an Arts Council initiative that supports the touring of work across Ireland by individual artists and organisations. It focuses on making great art from different artforms available to more people throughout the country.
I have asked the Arts Council to make direct contact and provide the Deputy with the information requested in relation to plans to improve the Touring of Works Scheme and the incentives in place for artistic groups and theatre companies to tour regional venues in Ireland. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from the Council within the next ten working days.
486. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline progress on developing the night-time economy, including his views on reforming licensing laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Night-Time Economy encompasses a broad range of social, cultural, and economic activities that occur between approximately 6pm and 6am. It involves a vast array of diverse stakeholders, all with different, sometimes competing, interests. The need to balance these diverse needs makes the policy area complex and dynamic.
My Department chairs the Night-Time Economy Implementation Group which is made up of key Government Departments, Agencies and Stakeholders. The Group meets regularly to receive updates, review progress and ensure the recommendations from the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report are implemented and that the recommendations from the Report remains current.
The reform of the licensing laws is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
Separately, significant progress has been made by my Department across the actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, with some actions now completed. This year, I allocated €2.5 million towards the implementation of a range of measures to support the Night-Time Economy, which includes funding support for nine Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford Town, Sligo Town, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The Night-Time Economy pilots are a significant project within the Night-Time Economy policy area and arguably one of the most impactful.
My Department has also been supporting a number of actions in the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report that specifically focus on broadening and diversifying the cultural aspect of the Night-Time Economy offering. These include:
• In March 2025, I launched the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme with an allocation of €500K to support small, independent established venues known for promoting grassroots musicians. The scheme was extremely popular, and 34 venues were awarded funding. I recently announced as part of Budget 2026 that I am allocating €1 million towards a second iteration of this scheme, a 100% increase on the 2025 allocation.
• Culture Night Late is designed to support events that begin after 9pm and continue late into the night on Culture Night. Since 2022, the Department has worked with the Arts Council to support well over seventy late night flagship events across the country. This funding support has provided opportunities for venues to work with new partners and encourage new audiences into our cultural facilities. In 2025, I provided €125K in funding to the Arts Council and €45k to the network of Night-Time Advisors to support events after 9pm on Culture Night. The initiative has been very successful with the majority of events exceeding audience targets in excess of 500.
• The Night Time Economy Unit partnered with Creative Ireland for a second year to provide additional funding (€100k) to Local Authorities to run later events for Cruinniú na nÓg, catering to an older cohort of 14 to 18-year-olds.
• Support was provided by my Department to the Dublin by Night Fest in November in Dublin city, which attracted more than 80,000 people to experience a diverse range of cultural offerings. The festival provides an opportunity for Dubliners and visitors to engage with the city in a positive, friendly atmosphere after dark and promotes the city as a safe place to go out and enjoy.
All of these initiatives are helping to strengthen our Night-Time Economy and aim to create a more diverse, inclusive and appealing Night Time Economy for all ages and backgrounds.
I will continue to work with the NTE Sector, our relevant Government Colleagues and Agencies to develop new opportunities within the Night-Time Economy.
487. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures currently in place, and the measures that are being planned, to encourage philanthropic donations to arts, cultural, community and sporting organisations at local or national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy regarding measures to encourage philanthropic donations to arts, cultural, community and sporting organisations at local or national level is set out below.
Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997
Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides tax relief to taxpayers who donate heritage items to Irish national collections. A credit equal to 80% of the market value of the item donated can be set against taxpayers’ liabilities for certain taxes.
The heritage item(s) must be an outstanding example of the type of item involved, pre-eminent in its class, whose export from the State would constitute a diminution of Ireland’s accumulated cultural heritage or whose import into the State would constitute a significant enhancement of the accumulated cultural heritage of Ireland and must be suitable for acquisition by the approved bodies.
A donation may be made to any of the following list of approved bodies:
• The National Archives
• The National Gallery of Ireland
• The National Museum of Ireland
• The National Library of Ireland
• The Irish Museum of Modern Art
• The Crawford Art Gallery Cork Ltd
In addition, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, I have the authority to approve further bodies for the purpose of receiving a donation. Such additional bodies must be funded wholly or partly by the State or by a public or local authority.
RAISE
RAISE is an initiative by the Arts Council aimed at building capacity to promote private investment and drive philanthropic activity for arts and cultural organisations. The Arts Council believe that philanthropy and private investment, along with government support, has a key role to play in promoting Ireland’s vibrant arts and cultural sector. Further information can be found at the following link: artscouncil.ie/developing-the-arts/flagship-programmes/raise
Tax Relief to Certain Sports Bodies Scheme
Under section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, tax relief is available on donations made to approved sports bodies for the funding of sports capital projects (i.e. buildings, land, non-personal equipment etc.).
Building on the success of the existing capital reliefs available under section 847A, under the Finance Act 2024 a new wider scheme of tax relief has been developed: section 847AA. This provides for tax relief for donations to national governing bodies, including the Olympic Federation of Ireland Paralympics Ireland. Key features of this scheme are as follows:
• This tax relief is transferable, meaning that the donor can choose to give the benefit of the relief to the national governing body.
• This tax relief is only available for donations in respect of qualifying projects where the cost of the project is not in excess of €40 million.
• In order to be a qualifying project, a project must concern support for elite athletes, the purchase of sports equipment in certain instances, measures concerning Sport Ireland's women in sport programme and measures to increases the participation of those with disabilities in sport.
• In order for a project to be a qualifying project, my Department must certify that the project meets the above criteria.
488. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline progress on the development of a National Counter Disinformation Strategy. [73335/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Counter Disinformation Strategy was published in April 2025. The strategy sets out 9 commitments and 36 actions to help counter this complex problem.
A Steering Committee to drive and monitor implementation, chaired by my Department, has been established and has met three times since its first meeting in June 2025. A broader Coordination Group to support the Steering Committee and chaired by my Department has also been established and has met once so far. The membership of both groups along with minutes of meetings and terms of reference are available on the Department's website. An update on implementation will be published online shortly.
In fulfilment of the Programme for Government commitment to support implementation of the Strategy, I secured €1.1 million in Budget 2026 which will be allocated in support of media literacy initiatives, fact-checking and research, all of which are identified as commitments and actions in the Strategy. I look forward to continued progress on commitments and actions in the Strategy over 2026.
489. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the options that exist for independent media, such as a media outlet (details supplied) and local and community radio, to access public funding for the development and broadcasting of public service programming; if he has future plans to expand such programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73336/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of quality public service content is not just the preserve of public service media. Our media landscape benefits from a plurality of voices and trusted sources, which enhance democratic participation and ensure that we maintain and promote an independent media that is reflective of contemporary Irish society.
The Programme for Government acknowledges that local and national independent broadcasters perform a vital public service and deserve to have this recognised.
2025 saw a suite of funding schemes rolled out to promote and preserve the viability of of public service content providers.
The Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes provided €5.7m in total funding earlier this year for the media sector, the majority of which was awarded to local print media. A second funding round was announced in August of year, which will make a further €6m available to the sector, with funding decisions to be announced by An Coimisiún in due course.
In addition to this, the €4m News Reporting Scheme and the €3m Digital Transformation Scheme were introduced in 2025 to support public interest journalism and to assist in the transition to a more digital media environment, enhancing the viability of our local and independent media. The News Reporting Scheme comprises a further €3m in ring-fenced funding for the commercial radio sector, which are among the most trusted sources of news in the country, to ensure the continued provision of transparent, trusted and independent public service content.
Furthermore, in November of this year Coimisiún na Meán launched a new €3m funding scheme to support news and current affairs on commercial television. The measure will support public service content that informs and educates viewers and empowers democratic discourse.
In Budget 2026, I secured €19m in Exchequer funding for the continuation and enhancement of the aforementioned schemes. €6m was secured to maintain the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes and €4m for the Digital Transformation Scheme, an increase of €1m.
The News Reporting Scheme will also receive an increase of €1m in funding, taking the total available under that scheme to €5m inclusive of ring-fenced funding of €3m for commercial radio. A further €3m was secured to ensure the continuation of the scheme to support news and current affairs on commercial television.
€1m was secured in Budget 2026 for the development of a Community Media Scheme. This reflects the invaluable role that community media plays in community engagement, cohesion, and in the promotion of social inclusion in communities across the State. Coimisiún na Meán are progressing a body of research into current community media supports. This research, when complete, will inform future policy decisions taken including in relation to the design and implementation of the Community Media Scheme. The research will also look at ways to ensure community media are well positioned to access schemes on a more even playing field with larger media counterparts.
In addition to the €19m for the aforementioned schemes, funding of €1.465m was secured for the Sound and Vision Scheme, which provides ongoing vital support TV and radio broadcasters and which will be added to the estimated €14m that the Scheme is likely to receive through the TV licence fee in 2026.
The suite of Schemes now in operation under the Media Fund cater to all parts of the media sector, including supporting the provision of high-quality public interest journalism through the Local Democracy, Courts Reporting and News Reporting Schemes, along with supporting the ability of the sector to invest in digital skills and development through the Digital Transformation Scheme. These supports are in addition to the existing Sound and Vision Scheme, which continues to provide valuable support to both TV and radio broadcasters in the creation of culturally relevant public service content.
A thriving, diverse and independent media is essential for the health of our democracy. These schemes aim to ensure the vitality and plurality of our media sector at local, regional and national level in the context of challenges posed by the rapidly changing media landscape.
490. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide his definition of 'public service broadcasting'. [73337/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe distinct role of public service broadcasting is recognised in Protocol No. 29 of the Treaty on the Function of the European Union (‘the Amsterdam Protocol’), which sets out the unique role of publicly owned and funded broadcasters in meeting the democratic, social and cultural needs of society. It provides the ultimate legal basis for the funding of our public service media providers, RTÉ and TG4.
Based on the Amsterdam Protocol, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), an EU Regulation, defines ‘public service media provider’ as a media service provider which is entrusted with a public service remit under national law and receives national public funding for the fulfilment of such a remit. The term ‘media provider’ is used in lieu of ‘broadcaster’ or ‘broadcasting’ to recognise that public service broadcasters today offer a wide range of media services, such as podcasts and video-on-demand services.
The Broadcasting Act 2009 defines ‘public service broadcaster’ as one of RTÉ, TG4 or the Houses of the Oireachtas Channel. These providers are publicly funded and their public service remit is set out in Sections 114, 118, and 125 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 which, drawing on the Amsterdam Protocol, requires that the services they provide ‘shall have the character of a public service’.
The term ‘public service broadcasting’ is referenced a number of times in the extant Broadcasting Act 2009, in particular in relation to criteria for membership of the boards of RTÉ or TG4, but is not specifically defined in that context. I consider that it is timely to provide a specific definition in law which reflects that public service broadcasting today means the provision of a range of media services directly related to the democratic, social and cultural needs of society by a media service provider which is entrusted with a public service remit under national law, receives public funding for the express purpose of fulfilling that remit and which is a public body. I intend that this will be reflected in the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill when it is published.
While recognising the specific role of public service media providers, it is also vital that we recognise that the wider media sector also provides public service content which informs, educates and entertains. The General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill provides for a definition of public service content and a new statutory framework to fund the production, distribution and archiving of public service content by the wider media sector on a platform-neutral basis. Significant public support is already available for public service content, with funding for schemes to support the provision of content by and capacity of the wider media sector rising from €29.8m in 2025 to €40.1m in 2026, financed by licence fee revenue, Exchequer support and the Shared Island Fund.
491. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the dates the final payments were made to an organisation (details supplied) in respect of sports capital grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73396/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe club referred to by the Deputy was allocated €45,000 in 2017 and €26,333 in 2020 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund. Both allocations are substantially drawn down and the dates on which the most recent payments were made in respect of those allocations are 4 June 2020 and 13 May 2024 respectively.
In order for the club to draw down the remaining portion of the allocations, as referred to by the Deputy, it should upload the final quotes, proof of payment, photo of beneficiary sign and certificates of completion for each grant stating the project is completed to a satisfactory standard. The Sports Capital Unit in my Department can assist the club with any queries it has and can be contacted at sportscapitalprogrammes@ccs.gov.ie.
492. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the final payments in respect of sports capital grants will be paid to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation referred to by the Deputy was allocated a total of €75,254 under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, towards the repair of the roof of a sports hall.
My Department has been liaising with the organisation regarding the need to register the relevant lease with Tailte Éireann as required under the conditions of their provisional allocation. The organisation have also been offered the opportunity to change the purpose of the allocations toward the purchase of equipment.
The Sports Capital Unit in my Department is available to assist the club with any queries it has and can be contacted at sportscapitalprogrammes@ccs.gov.ie.
493. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if consideration will be given to officially recognising Darts as a sport; the procedure to have games officially recognised as a sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73456/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the recognition of sports and National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) in Ireland.
Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as NGBs. The recognition criteria set out the minimum requirements for NGB recognition and the additional criteria that may need to be met to receive financial investment from Sport Ireland.
Decisions relating to recognition are a matter for Sport Ireland and I have no role in the process.
Any organisation wishing to gain Sport Ireland recognition as an NGB is advised to engage directly with Sport Ireland which can advise as to the application process. Sport Ireland can be contacted directly in this regard via e-mail at recognition@sportireland.ie or by telephone on 01-8608800.
494. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the planned nationwide survey of children about their online experiences will include questions on gambling and gambling-related harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73587/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoimisiún na Meán's strategy statement 2025-2027 sets out how it is working towards, amongst other things, an online media landscape that upholds the rights, wellbeing and development of children and their safer engagement with content. With that in mind, my Department and An Coimisiún have been engaging with relevant stakeholders to explore the feasibility of implementing a survey in schools in 2026. The structure, format and content of the planned survey has yet to be decided but the views of relevant stakeholders will be taken into consideration in doing so.
Online safety for children will be a key priority for me during Ireland's EU Presidency, which will run from July to December 2026. As part of preparations for this role, my Department will be working with children and young people to ensure that their voices are heard and reflected in discussions around the topic which will into our six-month Presidency programme.
495. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the new criteria for executive engineers could be amended (details supplied). [73280/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 160 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides the Minister with the power to declare qualifications of such classes and descriptions as he or she thinks fit for a specified employment under a local authority or for such of the employments as belong to a specified class, description or grade. A Working Group was established by my Department in April 2024 to undertake a review of the existing suite of engineering qualifications in the local government sector and to propose changes to those qualifications where necessary.
Following the conclusion of the work undertaken by the Working Group which recommended a number of changes and a consultation process with the relevant public sector unions about the proposed changes, revised qualifications for engineering posts including Executive Engineer were declared on 25 July 2025 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/qualifications-for-local-authority-employees/
The revised qualifications including those for Executive Engineer will improve the ability of the sector to attract and retain high quality candidates with appropriate engineering qualifications, while also at the same time providing flexibility and consistency across the sector. Further information on the comprehensive review that was undertaken by the Working Group is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/policies/local-government/#review-of-engineering-qualifications-in-the-local-government-sector
496. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans in place to improve the pre-application engagement process for renewable energy projects under the implementation of the RED III directive; if he intends to increase resources or staffing within the National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service or other relevant bodies to enable developers to submit more robust applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73519/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra497. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to introduce measures to ensure greater consistency across local authorities in their approach to assessing and issuing certificates of completeness for renewable energy planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra498. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration is being given to maintaining the current system whereby renewable energy developers may choose to submit their planning applications either to local authorities or to An Coimisiún Pleanála; the rationale for any proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together.
The Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) permitting provisions have been transposed into the Irish planning code primarily through the European Union (Planning and Development) (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 274 of 2025), supported by Departmental guidance issued to planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála (the Commission).
The existing statutory framework, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, continues to determine whether a renewable energy proposal is made to the relevant planning authority or to An Coimisiún Pleanála, having regard to the nature, scale and legislative provisions applicable to the particular development type (including, where relevant, the Strategic Infrastructure Development arrangements). The RED III transposition measures are focused on process and consent timelines and do not, of themselves, alter the general allocation of functions between planning authorities and the Commission.
One statutory requirement that RED III did introduce is that where an application for relevant categories of renewable energy development is made to a planning authority, the authority must within 45 days either:
• acknowledge completeness (where satisfied the application includes the information required to process it), or
• request that the applicant submit a complete application without undue delay.
My Department has issued circulars and supporting material to assist consistent implementation (including CEPP 1/2025 and CEPP 2/2025, and subsequent circulars reflecting any amendments).
My Department recognises the importance of robust pre-application engagement and front-loading of information (including environmental assessment material) to support timely assessment and decisions on high-quality applications within RED III permit-granting timelines.
In this regard, I have been advised by An Coimisiún Pleanála that it will advise applicants during pre-application consultations on the information required to facilitate the completeness check, including issuing a schedule or checklist to inform that process. The Commission has also published RED III information guides (including guidance for prospective applicants and for planning authorities), which explain the Commission’s approach to the completeness check and the information it expects to be addressed through pre-application consultation.
In addition, my Department has published a RED III “Further Information” / FAQ document on gov.ie, to address practical or operational queries received from the local government sector. The FAQ document is being treated as a live document that may be updated as required.
RED III also provides for a Single Point of Contact to be designated in each Member State. In Ireland the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been appointed to this role, with planning authorities and the Commission required to notify SEAI of relevant RED III application milestones for permit-granting timeline purposes.
In relation to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), National Monuments Service and other prescribed bodies, my Department continues to engage with key stakeholders as implementation of the RED III measures beds in. The resourcing of the National Parks and Wildlife Service falls within the broader remit of my Department as part of the annual budgetary process. In that broader context, Budget 2026 included an increase in funding for nature and heritage, including an increase for the NPWS.
My Department will continue to engage with planning authorities, the Commission and relevant prescribed bodies on implementation issues as the RED III measures bed in, including in relation to guidance, pre-application engagement, and the practical operation of the new completeness check arrangements.
499. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a builder can be compelled to carry out remedial works on the roof of a home at no cost to the homeowner where breaches of NSAI S.R.82:2017 – Slating & Tiling: Code of Practice have been found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Regulations apply generally to new buildings and to existing buildings which undergo an extension, a material alteration or a material change of use. These Regulations set out the minimum legal performance requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is delegated under the Building Control Act 1990 as amended to the local building control authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities) who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers. Interpretation of the legislation is ultimately a matter for the Courts. My Department has no function in assessing whether any particular works comply with the Building Regulations.
Building regulations do not apply to the management, operation or maintenance of existing buildings. However, in general, matters that arise during building works are a matter for resolution between the contracting parties involved: the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. While my Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building standards and building control, it has no general statutory role in resolving matters arising in privately owned buildings, including dwellings.
500. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the new tenancy legislation from March 2026, where a rental property is split into two tenancies, if one tenant decides to leave before the lease ends after four years and a new tenant is also entitled to a six-year lease, whether this six-year tenancy will roll into a possible ten-year lease; how the property owner will then be able to reset the rent every six years if the tenants are on two different rolling contracts; if it will be possible to charge different rents to people in the same property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73289/25]
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 impending Bill is informed by a review of the Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) carried out by the Housing Agency, as requested by the Department.
My Department cannot provide legal advice but the current application of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025 (the RTA) will continue in the specific circumstances referred to in the Question.
Chapter 6 (Rules governing operation of Part in cases of multiple occupants) of Part 4 (Security of Tenure) of the RTA applies where a dwelling is subject to a single Part 4 tenancy: revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2004/act/27/revised/en/html#PART4-CHAP6
Part 3 (Rent and Rent Reviews), including section 20 (Frequency with which rent reviews may occur), of the RTA applies in the same manner to any dwelling the subject of a single Part 4 tenancy – i.e. irrespective of whether multiple tenants (and licensee(s)) are in occupation: revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2004/act/27/revised/en/html#PART3
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.
501. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidance available to a person (details supplied) attempting to buy a modest home, who works full time and holds significant savings, but finds themselves priced out of the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73455/25]
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 plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, inter alia, the new Starter Homes Programme, delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
In addition to a keen focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, work to further extend the First Home and Help to Buy Schemes to 2030, an increase in affordable tenancies and an expanded local authority delivered starter homes for purchase programme.
With a strong focus on deliverability, the Plan will enable housing delivery partners to accelerate the supply of new starter home supports, providing thousands of individuals and families with increased access to secure and affordable housing solutions nationwide.
Information and guidance on the affordable housing supports in place for First Time Buyers, fresh starters and other eligible applicants is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, and includes information on the schemes below.
• Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
Local authorities make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers who cannot afford to purchase these homes at open market value with a maximum mortgage and 10% deposit. The local authority takes a percentage equity share in the home equal to the difference between the open market value of the home and the reduced price paid. This means that if a home is purchased at a 20% reduction on the open market value, the local authority will have a 20% equity share in the home. For more information visit: www.affordablehomes.ie
• First Home Scheme
The First Home Scheme provides finance to help first time buyers, self-builders or those making a fresh start to bridge the gap between a deposit and mortgage, and the price of a new home. This Scheme takes a percentage ownership of your home, which you can buy back later. For more information on the scheme visit: www.firsthomescheme.ie
• Local Authority Home Loan
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for first-time buyers and certain other eligible applicants who have been refused a mortgage through a regular mortgage lender. The scheme is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. It also includes the purchase of homes through Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme. The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan is available at the following link: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
• Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan
The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan is a Government backed mortgage and loan for the purchase and renovation of derelict and non-habitable homes. The property must be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, whether derelict, non-habitable or simply vacant. For more information visit: purchaseandrenovationloan.ie/
• Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available for turning a vacant house or building into a permanent home or a rental property. A grant of up to €50,000 is available. If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available. For more information: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/
• Help to Buy
The Help to Buy scheme can help with a deposit for a new or self-build home. It is a refund on income and DIRT tax paid in Ireland in the last four-years. The scheme comes under the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance. Information on Help to Buy is available at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx
A number of the above schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
502. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of tenant in situ applications, for social housing and cost-rental properties, completed, by local authority, for the years 2023 and 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73457/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of acquisitions under my Department's social housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme, including for tenancy sustainment (via tenant in situ), is delegated to the local authorities.
Critically, 'tenant in situ' is not a scheme. Rather it is a policy tool available to local authorities to prevent social housing supported households in the private rented sector from falling into homelessness. It should only be used as a last resort by local authorities when all other options have been exhausted. Accordingly, there is no application process for landlords or tenants. It is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a tenant in situ acquisition is the appropriate policy response in a given situation.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics quarterly for social housing delivery, including for social housing acquisitions by local authorities. These data are currently available to end Q2 2025 and can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
The data show 1,829 social housing acquisitions completed in 2023, with 1,081 acquisitions supporting tenancy sustainment. Some 1,501 acquisitions were completed in 2024, with 1,054 helping sustain social housing tenancies. It is estimated that more than 700 acquisitions have been completed so far this year, including 480 tenancy sustainment acquisitions.
Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) was introduced on 1 April 2023 for tenants in private rental homes not in receipt of social housing supports but at risk of homelessness because a landlord has served a valid Notice of Termination on foot of an intention to sell the property. The scheme is managed by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department. To end-Q3 2025 the Housing Agency has acquired or had bids accepted for 259 homes.
Data on affordable housing delivery, including CRTiS acquisitions, can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery
