Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
96. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider allowing local authorities to include attic conversions in their own social housing stock to meet the needs of existing tenants as an alternative to tenants having to apply for transfers to larger homes as their household size increases. [6930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social homes to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or to relieve general overcrowding situations.
Typical works to accommodate older persons or people with a disability include adaptations such as stair-lifts, level deck showers, ramps and grab rails, widening door opening widths, improving circulation spaces and extensions to provide necessary accommodation at ground floor level.
Typical works to relieve overcrowding generally comprise extensions and alterations. While attic conversions would not be common they are not precluded subject to compliance with the relevant planning and building regulations. The final decision on works on local authority owned social housing are primarily a matter for the authority concerned.
Under section 4(1)(f) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), an exemption from the requirement for planning permission is provided for works carried out on behalf of, or jointly or in partnership with, a local authority, pursuant to a contract entered into by the local authority concerned.
Otherwise, certain works set out in Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) require a public consultation prior to the Chief Executive of the local authority reporting to the elected members of the Council, who as a reserved function, resolve to accept, amend or refuse the proposal for such works.
Furthermore, all works on local authority housing stock must comply with the Building Regulations 1997 (as amended), which set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings, extensions to existing buildings (including houses), as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Documents (Parts A - M respectively) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms. Where works are carried out in accordance with the relevant technical guidance, such works are considered to be, prima facie, in compliance with the relevant regulations.
