Written Answers Nos. 375-394
375. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the Eircom superannuation fund will be in action to allow for the 2.5% pension increase approved in July of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5110/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eircom (formerly Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, which they are currently reviewing. I will consider NewERA's report and recommendations on the proposal when received and will make a determination on whether to approve it. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
376. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when increases in pensions for former Eircom workers will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5121/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eircom (formerly Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, which they are currently reviewing. I will consider NewERA's report and recommendations on the proposal when received and will make a determination on whether to approve it. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
377. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason a centre in Dublin city centre was not given the funding they requested to stay in their current premises (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5215/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision 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 including the policy objectives for development of the arts.
Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts and culture centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. My Department provides grants as a contribution towards maintaining and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities but does not provide funding for the purchase of buildings.
The Complex had been leasing its building from a private landlord on a site ringfenced for redevelopment. Officials from my Department met with the Chair of The Complex and other members of the team in December 2024 and advised them that my Department was not in a position to fund the purchase of property. Further communication in June 2025 reiterated that position.
More recently, the Complex kept the Department updated of the evolving situation with their tenancy and I am aware that they were in close contact with Dublin City Council during this time. I regret that a solution could not be found with the developer to keep them in their building and I understand the Council are now supporting them in sourcing alternative accommodation.
Separately, my Department is engaged with Dublin City Council on the potential transfer of part of the site of the Digital Hub in the Liberties area of Dublin to the local authority. I have requested that the city council consider whether any of the activities which were conducted at the Complex arts centre could in time be facilitated in the Digital Hub complex. The Department would be happy to work with the City Council on any proposals including consideration of whether any of the Department’s funding schemes could be of assistance in this regard.
More broadly, the Department has allocated €3m in funding to Space to Create, an initiative that aims to provide up to sixty artist workspaces in Dublin City, and these projects are currently being progressed in partnership with Dublin City Council. In addition, under the Artist Workspaces Scheme, €6 million capital funding is available for local authorities to increase the provision of artists’ workspaces across Ireland. In December 2025, I announced just under €1m for five local authorities for the development of up to 22 artist workspaces, which brings the total awarded under this scheme to date at €1.2 million.
378. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is considering adopting similar restrictions to those in Australia, for the use of social media by those under 16 years-of-age; if his Department is carrying out any research in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5236/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLike a range of other European Union Member States, Ireland is examining the question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”.
I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together. However, across the European Union there are differing views whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, and if there were such an age, what age it should be, and whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
In this context, it is important to note that the European Commission is convening a panel of experts to look into the possibility of banning social media for children. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her September 2025 State of the Union speech, and she noted the Australian initiative in that same announcement. The outcome of the work of this panel along with consideration of the Australian initiative will be important as part of any decisions on a digital age of majority.
379. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement his Department has had with Kilkenny County Council regarding its experience in acquiring land for the development of new playing pitches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5259/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement his Department has had with Carlow County Council regarding their experience of acquiring land for the development of new playing pitches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5260/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
While neither of my Department's sports capital funding programmes - the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) - provide for the acquisition of land I would be supportive of any funding proposal that would enable local authorities to acquire lands for sport and recreation purposes.
The Programme for Government commits to supporting local authorities in the acquisition of new lands for parks and playing pitches to help build liveable communities. My Department intends to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in this context to consider how the above commitment can be supported.
Once lands are acquired for sporting purposes, applications for capital investment (including equipment) on those lands can be supported via the CSFF and the LSSIF.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be published shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
In 2024, the second round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding. On 4 November 2024, grants totalling €173 million were awarded to 35 projects. As a result of the significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of the determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
381. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures he is taking to support sport and sports clubs in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two sports capital programmes, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Details of allocations made under the CSFF, by county, can be found on my Department's website at [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/].
Allocations made under the LSSIF can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
In terms of more general support, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various funding programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
382. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures he is taking to support sport and sports clubs in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5273/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two sports capital programmes, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Details of allocations made under the CSFF, by county, can be found on my Department's website at [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/].
Allocations made under the LSSIF can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
In terms of more general support, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various funding programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
383. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the status of the introduction of a culture card for youths when they turn 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5274/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs committed to in the Programme for Government, I propose to examine the introduction of a Youth Culture Card and its potential to enhance interest in the arts among young people for 16 and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events. My Department will lead the assessment of modalities, scope, and reach for a Youth Card scheme. Consideration will be supported with advice from my Department, other relevant Departments, the National Cultural Institutions, and stakeholders in the arts sector. My officials are in the preliminary stages of reaching out also to potential stakeholders and partners in relation to the Culture Card. It is important to ensure that any initiative provides access opportunities for all young people and represents an effective and efficient use of resources.
I am satisfied that the participation of young people is crucial to fostering creativity and advancing the arts throughout Ireland. The introduction of a Culture Card could contribute significantly to this goal. Research regarding arts and cultural participation among children confirms the benefits to children when they engage in the arts in their early years and indicates that patterns of participation in the arts are set from a very young age. My Department already actively supports a range programmes and initiatives which create opportunities for all ranges of young people around the country to engage with the arts and culture with little or no further participation cost to the public which includes:
The Arts Council partnering with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) on an Arts in Early Learning & Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) pilot. The pilot is being overseen by a steering group made up of representatives from the DCDE Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Division, the Department of Education Early Years Inspectorate, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), this Department and the Arts Council.
National Library of Ireland provides free online and in-person guided tours of the WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Againexhibitions to both Primary and Secondary School tours. It also offers a limited number of studentships and internships to suitable applicants, partnering with UCD School of Library and Information Studies, the UCD School of History, the Irish Committee of Historical Sciences, and the Heritage Council of Ireland to offer placements that support the NLI’s work across various fields. These programmes allow students to gain hands-on experience, contribute to research, and develop skills that enhance their academic and professional development.
The Chester Beatty offers an ongoing and regular programme of creative workshops, with a particular focus on well-being, for teens aged 12-17 years known as Chester Beatty’s Creative Lab for Teens and is currently working on an Erasmus grant application to work with young people in the Dublin 1 and 7 areas. The proposal is to look at how the museum and heritage sector can address Education for Sustainable Development with young people. The learning resources was presented at the National Forum on Education for Sustainable Development in October 2025.
The National Gallery has an active and engaged youth panel, who connect with many teams within the Gallery, and who create events for young people, by young people. The Youth Panel curated the Gallery’s First Youth Festival in 2024, and the 2025 Youth Festival ran from 29th September to 5th October.
The National Gallery of Ireland appointed an Education Officer: Children and Youth in December 2025. This is the first permanent post at the Gallery which is dedicated to programming for Children and Young people. The Gallery has an active Youth Panel, creating programming and engagement for young people, by young people. In 2025, the Gallery engaged with 77,925 young people and their communities via 69 events, activities and pieces of online content.
Creative Ireland’s Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 aims to embed creativity into the heart of children and young people’s lives. Through a cross-government partnership between this Department, the Department of Education, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Arts Council, a combined inter-departmental budget allocation of over €10 million in 2025, including an allocation through the Government’s Shared Island initiative, provided creative opportunities for 0-24 year olds. With a particular focus on ensuring access for children and young people that are seldom heard and at risk of disadvantage, programmes include:
Cruinniú na nÓg: The annual day of creativity for children and young people up to 18 years of age, took place on 7th June 2025 in collaboration with all 31 local authorities and 3 strategic partnerships, with all events free to attend. In 2025, over 1,000 events took place across the island of Ireland. Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 will take place on 6th June.
I am very conscious that the access provided under official programmes is only part of a wide sphere of activity in the arts. These programmes are complemented by the initiatives on Basic Income for Artists, the availability of exhibition and performance spaces, the provision of art in public spaces, and arts content in the media and on online platforms. Access and exposure to the arts from an early age can establish a lifetime interest and a fulfilling appreciation. I intend to explore the contribution a Youth Culture Card could make to encourage that interest and I would welcome the views of Deputies in that regard.
384. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware that four local authorities have unanimously called on him to have a national commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue of six Fenian prisoners languishing in prison in Freemantle in Western Australia in 1876; if this will be considered by Government; if he has had contact with Australian authorities in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received correspondences from a number of local authorities regarding a formal National Commemoration to mark the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue of 1876, and I acknowledge it as both a remarkable event and a stunning feat of ingenuity and bravery.
This correspondence was brought to the Commemorations Advisory Committee, established in 2025 to provide guidance and advice to the State on commemorative matters. This includes the identification of key events and how they may be appropriately marked.
The programme of State commemorations has already been confirmed for 2026, and it was agreed that a national commemoration would not be possible for the Catalpa Rescue, taking into account timeline and resource issues among other considerations.
Notwithstanding this, the State has adopted a collaborative approach to commemorations, whereby the Commemorations Unit of my Department will continue to support project partners and stakeholders in the development and delivery of commemorative events.
We have engaged with relevant stakeholders to explore appropriate ways in which the anniversary may be recognised within the given timeframe, including through community-led commemorations supported under the Local Authority Commemorations Grant programme.
We are aware that Kildare County Council is working with local history groups to develop a number of commemorative activities with a particular focus on Kildare man John Devoy, who led this rescue mission. These will be shared in due course.
In addition, a programme of commemorative events will take place in Western Australia including events in Fremantle from the 27th to 31st March, and a ceremony at the Wild Geese Memorial in Rockingham on Easter Monday. These events are being supported through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Government of Ireland will be officially represented by Her Excellency, Ms. Fiona Flood, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, who will participate alongside Australian Government and local authority representatives.
This approach supports community and international engagement and ensures that the significance of the Catalpa Rescue is acknowledged in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
385. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason pension increases agreed by An Post for its pensioners in September 2025 have not yet been paid; whether these increases are awaiting Ministerial approval; when he plans to sign the necessary sanction to allow payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
386. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 14 December 2025, the progress to date in implementing measures to reduce the access of children under the age of 16 years to social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 480 of 9 December 2025, in view of the prevalence of the internet, digital communications and social media in society, the progress to date in implementing measures to foster a more secure digital environment; if legislative measures are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
Ireland, like other European Union Member States, is examining the question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”. Australia has implemented such a measure and other jurisdictions are considering similar measures.
I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together and in that regard, it is important to note that the European Commission is establishing an expert panel to examine the issue, as announced by the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen in her State of the Union speech.
However, across the European Union there are differing views whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, and if there were such an age, what age it should be, and whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
I plan to make online safety a key theme of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union this year and in that contest, I am determined to make progress on this key issue and will work with other EU member states on effective and practical solutions. Alongside this, the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which is the basis for Ireland's Online Safety Code, will be evaluated over the coming year. Further measures are likely to be proposed at European level during Ireland's Presidency, and Ireland will work with all stakeholders to ensure that additional legislative proposals are robust in addressing harms posed to children online.
388. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the maximum number of housing units that can be built in Dublin City centre based on current land use capacity calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was finalised and approved by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025. The Revised NPF strategy sets out the need to plan for a projected population of at least 6.1m people in Ireland by 2040. Taking into account unmet demand, the strategy sets out a need to plan for the delivery of approximately 50,000 additional housing units per annum nationally, to 2040.
To ensure that local authority development plans reflect the requirements of the NPF in respect of housing as soon as possible, I issued the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in July 2025. These Guidelines set out the housing demand scenario to 2040 for each local authority, by translating the NPF housing requirements into average annual figures and set out the requirement for planning authorities to commence the process of varying their development plan to meet the new housing growth requirements.
Further to the issuing of the Guidelines in July 2025, planning authorities, including Dublin City Council, were requested to assess their current development plans and undertake a review of the adequacy of existing zoned lands to cater for the new Housing Growth Requirement figures and the potential for ‘additional provision’.
This review and analysis informed the preparation of a Chief Executive’s report by Dublin City Council, submitted to elected members on 16 October 2025, which set out the position in respect of the local authority, and the Chief Executive’s recommendations to the members as to what variations to the Plan may be required in order to meet the requirements of the Guidelines. A programme of bringing forward strategic sites for new housing development has commenced with an initial variation to the Dublin City Development Plan 2022 to address the Guidelines, as recently adopted by Dublin City Council.
The specific data sought relating to site-level land use capacity and housing units are maintained and updated by the relevant planning authority as part of the development plan making process and are not maintained by my Department. The relevant data may be viewed on the website of the local authority.
Details of the residential zonings within the development plans and local area plans of the 31 local authorities are available on the websites of the local authorities, with zoning data also available to view on the mapping platform www.myplan.ie.
390. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when town councils will be re-established, especially in towns with larger populations in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government Reform Act 2014 dissolved 80 town councils which represented just 14% of the population. The previous town council system also led to duplication both in administrative and electoral terms. Instead, the Act saw the introduction of 95 municipal districts, representing 100% of the population in 25 of the 31 local authorities at sub-county level, while area committees would operate in the 3 city authorities of Cork, Dublin and Galway, and the 3 Dublin county authorities.
Each municipal district can include several towns and villages and their hinterlands, with local matters dealt with at municipal district level and wider strategic issues decided at county level. The result is an integrated administrative structure in each county, which maximises operational efficiency while ensuring devolved decision-making throughout the county.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a ‘Local Democracy Taskforce’ with the local government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. The Taskforce will bring forward proposals this year which the Government will consider on matters relating to the structure, finance, functions and governance and accountability of local government. I look forward to receiving and considering the recommendations of the Taskforce in due course.
392. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount each council has spent on tourism in 2023, 2024 and 2025; the amount they have budgeted for 2026, by council, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1756/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are independent in the discharge of their functions and the directly elected members are democratically accountable for all expenditure of their authority.
The Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, provides the legislative basis for the local authority budget process. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.
My Department compiles and publishes consolidated local authority annual data based on the statutory revenue budgets adopted by each local authority. Consolidated data in respect of local authority budgets for 2026 is not yet available in my Department, as it is currently being compiled and will be published in due course.
Material in respect of previous years, up to 2025, is available at the following link;
The provision of detailed information on income and expenditure is a matter for each individual local authority. Local authority gross expenditure is published annually by local authorities in their Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and this information, as well as budget documents and other information on the cost of their services, is generally available on each individual local authority’s website. Each local authority is required to prepare an AFS by the end of March following year end and to publish it by the end of June. These financial statements undergo an independent audit by the Local Government Audit Service. When all audits are complete, my Department publishes a consolidated Annual Financial Statement, compiled from the AFS published by each local authority.
This can be found on my Department’s website at the following link: [www.gov.ie/en/collection/e103b-local-authority-annual-financial-statements/].
The total amount spent on tourism by local authorities is not available in my Department but it may be available from individual local authorities. However, the amount of local authority expenditure on ‘Tourism Development and Promotion’ only for 2023 and 2024, which is taken from Appendix 2 of the AFS data for each local authority, is set out in the table below. 2024 is the latest year for which audited figures are available. These figures represent day to day (current) expenditure only. They represent costs associated with tourism promotion as well as costs associated with the operation, management, and maintenance of tourist facilities. They do not reflect any capital expenditure on tourist facilities.
|
Local Authority |
AFS 2023 Tourism Development & Promotion Expenditure |
AFS 2024 Tourism Development & Promotion Expenditure |
|
Carlow County Council |
€125,161 |
€155,000 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€893,286 |
€1,040,723 |
|
Clare County Council |
€28,385,117 |
€31,215,496 |
|
Cork City Council |
€1,247,317 |
€1,336,009 |
|
Cork County Council |
€1,774,677 |
€1,924,845 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€1,507,236 |
€1,735,436 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€9,349,444 |
€9,667,773 |
|
Dun Laoire/Rathdown County Council |
€638,517 |
€881,821 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€606,639 |
€858,279 |
|
Galway City Council |
€991,953 |
€522,883 |
|
Galway County Council |
€417,855 |
€549,261 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€1,775,596 |
€2,228,554 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€305,900 |
€495,096 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€1,656,565 |
€1,987,718 |
|
Laois County Council |
€273,529 |
€297,425 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€524,734 |
€577,534 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
€2,767,303 |
€3,573,955 |
|
Longford County Council |
€301,848 |
€488,400 |
|
Louth County Council |
€1,219,405 |
€1,252,196 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€1,443,559 |
€1,595,941 |
|
Meath County Council |
€388,091 |
€459,241 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€572,086 |
€397,843 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€407,331 |
€524,699 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€374,155 |
€431,492 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€304,239 |
€616,653 |
|
Sth Dublin County Council |
€2,128,201 |
€3,182,991 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€796,565 |
€951,090 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
€2,230,552 |
€2,431,098 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€538,345 |
€762,062 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€368,690 |
€210,330 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€597,767 |
€777,816 |
|
Total |
€64,911,663 |
€73,129,660 |
393. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide more detail on the small wastewater element of Action 15, Enable Developer-led Infrastructure, within the Government’s new infrastructure plan, Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70763/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 15 of the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, referenced in the Question, sets out a targeted and carefully controlled approach to enabling developer-led delivery of standalone wastewater treatment infrastructure. This initiative applies only in specific circumstances, where existing public wastewater capacity is unavailable or constrained, and where delays could otherwise slow housing delivery.
The aim is not to replace public provision, but to complement Uisce Éireann’s networks in particular locations, especially for smaller developments. Developers may, under strict conditions, deliver wastewater treatment plants to help deliver housing where public wastewater capacity is not yet available. Once completed, all such infrastructure will be transferred to Uisce Éireann, which will own, operate, and maintain it as part of the public wastewater system.
This approach will be underpinned by a clear technical, environmental, and regulatory framework. Standards will apply to design, construction, performance, operation, and environmental protection. Proposals will be assessed by Uisce Éireann before commissioning, with oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local authorities. The EPA is also preparing General Binding Rules for small wastewater treatment plants, which will provide a practical framework for smaller facilities while ensuring consistent environmental standards.
A key part of this initiative is strengthened engagement between developers and Uisce Éireann. Structured procedures will provide clear points of contact, guidance on standards and approval pathways, and ongoing interaction to ensure proposed infrastructure aligns with public systems. Early engagement will help reduce uncertainty, manage risk, and improve coordination.
Coordination between Uisce Éireann, the EPA, planning authorities, and relevant divisions of my Department will also be enhanced to streamline approvals, clarify roles and responsibilities, and provide greater certainty for all parties.
By enabling developer-led delivery under strict standards, while ensuring that all new infrastructure is transferred to and operated by Uisce Éireann, this new initiative supports timely housing development, safeguards public health, and protects the environment — ensuring that small wastewater infrastructure is effective, sustainable, and fully integrated into our public system.
394. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on any planned improvements to current regulations or planning guidelines to make it easier for sports clubs to develop and upgrade their facilities; the actions being taken to address the planning obstacles faced by clubs in Dublin Bay North in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that planning authorities may include objectives in their development plan facilitating the provision and siting of facilities necessary for the community, including open spaces and sports grounds. The local authority development plan is the principal planning policy tool to achieve these objectives at a local level. All current development plans across the country were adopted under the Planning and Development Act 2000, which required planning authorities to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of their functional areas.
Part 3, Chapter 5 (Development Plans) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 commenced on 31st December 2025. Sections 44 to 51 of the Act of 2024 require planning authorities to include various strategies and objectives in preparing their development plans made under the 2024 Act, including in relation to the sustainable development of their functional area.
When preparing a development plan, planning authorities were required under the 2000 Act to have regard to any Ministerial Guidelines issued by the Minister under section 28 of that Act, and to apply any specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) contained within those Guidelines.
Ministerial Guidelines will, over time, be replaced with National Planning Statements (NPSs) issued under the 2024 Act. All Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES), development plans, planning schemes or planning frameworks must be ‘materially consistent’ with any National Planning Policies and Measures and take ‘due account’ any National Planning Policy Guidance contained within an NPS.
The Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2022), which were issued under section 28 of the 2000 Act, require that when making zoning decisions, consideration must be given to the future availability of (or the capacity to provide) supporting local community and amenity services and infrastructure, including recreation and sports facilities.
The Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines (2024), which were issued under section 28 of the 2000 Act, set out that planning authorities should plan for an integrated network of well-designed neighbourhoods that can meet day-to-day needs (including sporting needs) within a 10 to 15-minute walk of all homes. In the case of larger settlements, the residents of less central neighbourhoods should have opportunities to travel by public transport and other sustainable modes such as greenways to access higher order services and amenities at more central and accessible locations.
Facilities to be funded by development contributions schemes made by elected members under section 48 of the 2000 Act, and conditions attached to permissions requiring contributions to be made towards such schemes, may include open spaces, and recreational and community facilities.
In accordance with section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001, local authorities are independent in the performance of their functions. The Office of the Planning Regulator is presently carrying out initial research into sporting facilities and the planning system. As part of this, they are liaising with Sport Ireland and other sporting bodies to examine how local authorities can more effectively plan for the provision of sports and recreational facilities within communities.
Responsibility for Government policy on sport and the funding and functions of Sport Ireland lies with my colleague the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
