Written Answers Nos. 176-200
176. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is aware of the Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security: A National Security Assessment published by the UK government recently; the steps being taken to address the biodiversity crisis to strengthen Ireland’s national security in the wake of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17809/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is aware of the publication of the report referenced and will give it due consideration.
177. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding provided for Final County Council for the tenant-in-situ purchase scheme for 2026; the estimated number of homes which will be purchased in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the tenant-in-situ scheme for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; if he can commit to multiannual funding of this scheme; if allowances for the increased cost of housing in Dublin can be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16472/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding being allocated to South Dublin County Council for the Second-Hand Social Housing Acquisitions Programme 2026; how this compares to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on 2026 funding for the tenant-in-situ scheme; if there will be an increase in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 177, 185, 193 and 263 together.
The parameters of the 2026 Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme, including individual local authority priority category allocations were notified to local authorities via Department Circular last week.
Some €373 million will be available for drawdown by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies under the 2026 programme priorities as follows:
• Exits from Homelessness Acquisitions - €150 million
• AHB Priority Delivery Acquisitions, supporting older persons, persons with disabilities, care leavers - €50 million
• LA Priority Acquisitions including tenancy sustainment or tenant-in-situ acquisitions - €157 million.
A contingency fund of €16 million will also be retained. It will be available for local authorities that have drawndown most of their initial allocation but still have capacity to complete further acquisitions and drawdown funding from my Department this year.
The funding available is sufficient to support at least 1,000 acquisitions this year.
The multi-annual approach introduced last year will continue in 2026. Local authorities may commit up to the value of 30% of their base 2026 allocations (total c.€85 million) for acquisitions that will complete or drawdown funding in 2027. This will allow priority acquisitions to progress in the closing months of 2026, with certainty on funding in 2027, if such purchases do not complete this year.
The initial 2025 and 2026 allocations for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin are set out below:
|
- |
Initial 2025 Allocation |
Initial 2026 Allocation |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
€12 million |
€16.2 million |
|
Fingal |
€20 million |
€30.7 million |
|
South Dublin |
€25 million |
€28.3 million |
My Department's Acquisition Cost Guidelines provide cost guidance for the acquisition of second hand properties. They reference lower and upper cost ranges, as well as an average benchmark cost, and reflect the prevailing range of prices across local authorities at the time of issue. They are not applied as absolute ceilings or limits, but are benchmarks for the development and costing of scheme designs at capital appraisal stage. Accordingly, my department considers all acquisition proposals, where the cost of acquiring the property may exceed the guidelines provided, on a case-by-case basis having regard to appropriate value for money considerations. These guidelines are issued annually, with updated guidance expected to issue in Q2 2026.
178. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the pipeline of affordable purchase units being developed by all local authorities and categorise them at stages of development. [17479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable purchase homes due to be delivered in 2026 and 2027 under the local authority affordable purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 210 together.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government is fully committed to delivering housing at scale and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures, including affordable purchase.
The Affordable Housing Fund is available to assist local authorities towards the cost of developing affordable homes where significant affordability needs have been identified. In line with the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the administration of affordable housing schemes, including the identification and development of schemes suitable for AHF support, is a matter for the local authority concerned.
To date, the local authority affordable housing delivery programme is supporting the delivery of over 7,200 affordable homes, including over 6,000 local authority starter purchase homes, across 24 local authorities. To support local authority delivery, grant assistant of over €655m is in place under the Affordable Housing Fund.
In order to further drive delivery, local authorities will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans, for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. These plans will be completed and published by local authorities in 2026.
My Department, along with the Housing Agency and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the Local Government Management Agency, will continue to advise and support all local authorities in respect of their planned response to affordable housing needs in all key urban locations nationwide. The emphasis is on proactively collaborating to identify, develop and deliver viable affordable housing opportunities.
180. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will account for the 8,933 homes across 56 sites in Fingal that remained inactive in 2025 despite having full planning permission; if his Department has audited the total number of such "dormant" permissions nationwide; his plans to ensure the new derelict property tax, set for 2026 legislation, will explicitly target these inactive sites to prevent developers from sitting on land during a record homelessness crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government’s Housing Action Plan, seeks to significantly accelerate the delivery of new homes by focusing on activating land and encouraging housing activity.
Under the ‘4Dublin Housing Supply Pipeline’ initiative, the four local authorities in the Dublin Region (Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council) provide combined quarterly data to my Department on new residential planning permissions and housing construction activity for permitted developments. The most recently published data available on Gov.ie at 4Dublin Housing Supply Pipeline Monitor Q3 2025 Report indicates 8,312 uncommenced residential units located on 52 inactive sites in the Fingal County Council area.
The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) has been in effect since 2025 and aims to encourage the activation of new housing on appropriately zoned residential lands nationally. The tax is payable at 3% annually on land which is suitably zoned and serviced for residential development, and includes vacant and idle mixed use land in addition to greenfield sites. Liable sites are identified on maps published annually on 31 January each year by the 31 local authorities and are available to view in an aggregated format at RZLT Mapping | National Planning Geospatial Data Hub
The RZLT acts as an incentive to activate planning permissions on land identified as being suitable for housing through the zoning of lands in development plans. While a deferral of the tax may available for the first year after planning permission is granted, sites that remain inactive but with uncommenced planning permissions will continually accrue the tax on an annually basis until construction commences. A deferral of the RZLT is available while construction of the housing development is being undertaken, pending completion of the development.
The Government’s intention to legislate for a derelict property tax was announced as part of Budget 2026 and this measure is identified in Action 4.1 in Delivering Homes, Building Communities. It is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in the Finance Act in 2026 alongside a scoping exercise to identify derelict properties in each Local Authority.
Currently, the Derelict Sites Levy is an annual Levy of 7% of the market value of land identified on the Derelict Sites Register of the local authority. The rate of the Derelict Property Tax is yet to be determined but it is envisaged that the tax rate would not be lower than the current 7% Derelict Sites Levy rate.
Subject to the necessary legislation being introduced in Finance Bill 2026, preliminary registers will be published by local authorities in 2027. Local authorities will continue to have a role in the process, as updating and maintaining their Derelict Sites Registers will continue to remain the responsibility of the local authorities.
Derelict Sites levies that remain outstanding and owed to the local authority when the new tax is introduced will remain as a charge on the properties concerned and remain the responsibility of each local authority to collect.
The future derelict property tax, operating in conjunction with existing taxation measures like the RZLT, will aid the activation of sites and properties to increase housing supply in Fingal and across the State.
181. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total funding allocated for affordable housing since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17494/26]
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. The Government is continuing to invest an unprecedented level of funding to support housing delivery, which will underpin, inter alia, the new Starter Homes Programme, delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
In respect of starter homes delivery, there are a number of important affordability measures, supported by an investment package of direct Exchequer funding, investment through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and lending by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).
The table below sets out the expenditure details for 2021 to 2024. Finalised figures for 2025 , including expenditure pertaining to the delivery of affordable homes, are currently being validated and will be published in due course.
|
- |
2021 €m |
2022 €m |
2023 €m |
2024 €m |
|
Affordable Housing (Exchequer expenditure) |
13 |
100 |
284 |
761 |
|
LDA Investment |
9 |
51 |
457 |
545 |
|
HFA Loan Advances (LA & AHB) |
918 |
1,156 |
1,161 |
1,458 |
The 2026 Exchequer allocations for my Department are published in the Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service 2026 and can be accessed at the following link.
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/653f8c26/Revised_Estimates_for_Public_Services_2026.pdf.
182. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review will be carried out in six months’ time to measure the impact of the new rent rules, in order to have accurate information on the effect on housing both in County Laois, and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 will have on renters in Kerry; his views on whether the increase will be affordable for the people of Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 182 and Question No 208 together.
The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 was signed into law by the President on 24 February 2026.
The policy measures, including modifications to rent controls, came 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 changes also provide significantly stronger tenancy protections.
For existing tenancies (i.e. those created on or before 28 February 2026), resetting of rents to market value will not be allowed. The restriction on annual rent increases will continue to apply to existing and new tenancies.
A tenant moving into a dwelling on or after 1 March 2026 will have certainty that while they remain in the tenancy their rent can only increase by inflation, up to a maximum of 2% in all tenancies other than new apartments or SSA for the following six years. Rent increases in tenancies that began before 1 March 2026 will be restricted to inflation, up to a maximum of 2%.
In order to provide greater security of tenure for tenants, the Act provides stronger tenant protections by significantly restricting “no fault evictions” for new tenancies created (i.e. first time tenancies between parties) on or after 1 March 2026. The existing provision for tenancies of unlimited duration will be strengthened by the incorporation of 6 year TMDs.
To safeguard from economic evictions to set higher rents, the provision to reset rents to market value are only allowed where previous tenants leave of their own volition, where previous tenants have breached their tenant obligations or where the dwelling is no longer suitable to the accommodation needs of the tenant household.
The RTB Rent Index report, published quarterly, is designed to measure developments in rental prices faced by those taking up new tenancies in the private rental sector and more recently, utilising Annual Registration data, existing tenancy rent price developments. This information is available on the RTB website.
My Department, the RTB and I will continue to keep the operation of the residential rental sector and the Residential Tenancies Acts under continuous review.
183. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding levels to local authorities, by county, for the disability adaptation to housing stock scheme for council houses and adaptation grants for people with disabilities for private houses. [17607/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
Details of the allocations and drawdown for the years 2014 to 2024 are available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/
The total funding drawn down by local authorities in 2025 will be available on my Department’s website in early 2026.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2025 was increased substantially by €25 million to €99.5 million, or over €117 million when accounting for the local authority contribution.
Budget 2026 provides an increase of €30 million for the scheme, with almost €130 million in Exchequer funding available for the Scheme, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution delivering the continued year-on-year increases in funding for the grant scheme since 2014. This significant increase in funding will support the payment of some 17,000 grant claims.
My Department will issue notification shortly of each local authority’s allocation for 2026 under the scheme. Importantly, all local authorities can commit up to 75% of their 2025 allocation when approving applications to be paid in 2026 ensuring a seamless transition of the schemes remaining open from year to year.
My Department also provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people, disabled people or overcrowded situations. This programme includes capital funding to Local Authorities for Improvement Works in Lieu scheme (IWILs) of local authority housing with a single allocations issued each year. €26.5 million is available this year to support this important work.
The number of local authorities that received funding under the Disabled Persons Grant / IWILs scheme for the years 2017 up to 2024 is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/544a0-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-units-funded-by-the-department/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0d9e5-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-units-funded-by-the-department-2017-2020/
Detail of delivery under the 2025 Disabled Persons Grant Programme will be published shortly.
184. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action being taken to support biodiversity protection in the Cooley mountains; the supports for landowners to eliminate bracken from the mountains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as well as the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024, all of which prohibit the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a native species to Ireland. It is not categorized as an invasive alien species, although is very abundant and can be a nuisance species in some habitats where it may dominate. This tends to happen on mountainside (acidic moorland), field/pasture boundaries and open woodlands. The different methods to control bracken are cutting, burning, crushing/tramping, spraying and soil fertility.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is responsible for the regulation of specific noxious weeds under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, with updated 2025 legislation. Key noxious weeds include ragwort, creeping thistle, spear thistle, docks, and blackgrass. Designation of plants as noxious weeds is a matter for that Department.
186. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress that has been made in the past three months on wind farm guidelines; the stage the process is at; when the new guidelines will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the drafting of wind turbine guidelines that were promised in November; the progress has been made to date; when these guidelines will be published; when will they come in to force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14594/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 389 together.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines which will inform a new National Planning Statement on Wind Energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
National Planning Statements replace Ministerial guidelines, often referred to as section 28 of the Act of 2000 and are subject to environmental screening and assessment and require approval by Government, such is the central importance of planning matters to delivery of objectives across a wide range of areas.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Climate, Environment, and Energy (DCEE) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the draft National Planning Statement, which is highly technical in nature. This work is now substantially complete. In addition to work on the noise aspects of the National Planning Statement, the evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Act 2024 and the revision of the National Planning Framework reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised National Planning Statement, once issued, is fit for purpose.
Ireland currently has over 5 GW of onshore wind generation with a target of 9 GW provided for in the Climate Action Plan and the National Planning Framework, by 2030. Meeting our national targets for wind energy is imperative to securing our energy security, both for delivery of critical public services and underpinning our economy. This will require further integrating renewable technologies in an appropriate manner and in full consultation with local communities.
Delivery of this National Planning Statement has been assigned to a dedicated unit which has been working in recent months on various regulatory and legislative aspects of this policy area, including matters such as noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), repowering, community dividend, grid connections and landscape. This team is supported by technical expertise, both internal and where appropriate, external, in environmental law, environmental assessment; noise, planning policy, renewable energy and the ecological sciences.
The PO-led team is also working on a range of measures to progress the Government's ambitious targets regarding climate action, energy security and renewable energy infrastructure, including wind energy development and has also has responsibility for where Ireland's commitments and international obligations regarding climate and the environment interact with the planning system more generally.
In line with EU Directive requirements, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft National Planning Statement as part of the review process. In this regard, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines as part of the SEA process whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft National Planning Statement. A finalised National Planning Statement will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase and this in turn will be subject to approval of Government.
My Department is working towards concluding the finalisation of a draft National Planning Statement for Wind Energy having regard to the intended public consultation and the impact of associated reforms and reviews including the revision of the NPF. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force, pending the finalisation of the review.
187. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to publish a National Planning Statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will update the rural housing guidelines to remove some of the unnecessary barriers to building in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently amend the National Planning Framework and the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines as county development plans are aligned with these national policies which prohibits many applicants building a family home on their own land and-or buying a site and building a permanent place of residence around the town or village where they live and work. [17614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra384. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to allow for more one-off houses to be built to increase housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17486/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030- An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness, I intend to publish a National Planning Statement in of the second half 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 National Planning Framework (NPF).
My Department is currently preparing a draft National Planning Statement (NPS) for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024 in order to provide consistency in the approach to rural housing across the country.
The NPS will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment), and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European Directives and international agreements. Due care is being taken to ensure the draft National Planning Statement will not conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, will comply with EU environmental requirements and will have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice.
The NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, which remain in effect pending the finalisation of the draft National Planning Statement, enable planning authorities to prepare and adopt local development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.
When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the National Planning Framework, the provisions of the relevant development plan and any relevant Ministerial guidelines, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect until they are revoked or replaced by a new National Planning Statement.
188. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans any changes to cost rental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Delivering Homes, Building Communities action plan, Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, but that rents are not subject to market pressures. Cost Rental is a growing housing tenure in Ireland, with over 4,800 homes delivered by Q3 2025, and a substantial future pipeline now in place.
Cost Rental is targeted at people within the middle-income cohort, who do not qualify for social housing but who may be facing acute affordability pressures on the private rental market. Eligibility for tenancies in Cost Rental homes is primarily determined by the net household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC, and pension contributions) of applicants, which is assessed at the point of application. In August 2023 the Government increased the net household income limits to €66,000 for Cost Rental homes in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere. These limits were introduced across the Cost Rental sector from 1 August 2023 by the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Eligibility) Regulations 2023.
In line with the commitment in the 2025 Programme for Government, my Department is keeping the parameters for Cost Rental income eligibility limits under review, in order to ensure that the scheme effectively targets these homes at the intended tenant cohort.
190. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses and duplexes within the South Dublin County Council area that received planning permission with conditions restricting the bulk buying or multiple sales to a single purchaser and ring-fencing them for owner occupiers following the introduction of new guidelines in May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17871/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has implemented a range of measures in recent years to ensure a balanced housing market across all tenures, including home ownership, social housing, and private rental.
In May 2021, conscious of the need to increase stock for home ownership, the government introduced a series of measures designed to prevent the bulk buying of houses and duplexes. The Section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities “Regulation of Commercial Institutional Investment in Housing” aimed to prevent multiple housing and duplex units being sold to a single buyer.
These guidelines seek to ensure that new ‘own-door’ houses and duplex units in lower-density housing developments should no longer be bulk-purchased by institutional investors in a manner that causes the displacement of individual purchasers or social and affordable housing, including cost-rental. The measure does not apply to apartments or housing set to be provided for social or affordable purposes.
The Guidelines include requirements that a new form of condition be inserted in applicable new planning permissions, to the effect that:
(1) all houses would have to be made available for sale and for first occupation by separate, individual households for a period of years after completion of the home. (In the case of mixed developments, the provision only applies to the houses and duplex units);
(2) exempts housing to be provided for social or affordable purposes from this requirement; and
(3) if, after a period of two years, the local authority is satisfied that despite reasonable efforts, a market has not emerged, the condition will lapse.
These measures have succeeded in preventing the inappropriate bulk purchase of a very significant number of homes and securing those homes for purchase by homeowners, with planning permission granted for over 63,962 units with conditions prohibiting bulk purchase by, or multiple sale to, a single purchaser of those homes since May 2021. Out of this 63,962 figure, 3,643 relate to conditions attached to permissions granted by South Dublin County Council, a further 9,175 relate to permissions for Strategic Housing Developments granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála, some of which may include sites within the South Dublin County Council functional area.
192. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will allocate funding to councils to improve the state of repair of social homes. [17822/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, is a matter for each local authority under s.58 of the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities must also ensure all tenanted properties comply with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. To this end, they must make adequate budgetary provision for housing repairs and cyclical maintenance utilising the significant housing rental income available to them as part of the annual budgetary process.
Notwithstanding the legal obligation on local authorities, some €40 million is available under the Planned Maintenance and Voids Programme in 2026 to complement local authorities' own investment in social housing maintenance. A further €140 million and €28.5 million is available respectively through my Department's Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme and Disabled Persons Grants to support social housing remedial works. Programme requirements and allocations will be formally notified to local authorities in respect of each very shortly.
A further €50m is available in 2026 under my Department's National Regeneration Programme for social housing estate remediation projects being advanced by individual local authorities.
194. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review social housing income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17575/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he intends to raise the income limits for social housing eligibility. [17821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review on income eligibility limits for social housing, specifically in Cavan and Monaghan; if he will have these income limits increased without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17476/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra247. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the income threshold for applicants for social housing, accounting for the rise in monthly rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review the qualifying criteria for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 199, 218, 247 and 252 together.
The baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Cavan and Monaghan are both in Band 3. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution.
My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.
I am not in a position at this point to indicate the outcome of these considerations but I envisage that the analysis will be concluded early in 2026 to facilitate a final determination on next steps, which I expect will include an increase in the income limits. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
195. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his Department’s review of the National Social Housing PPP Programme, specifically bundles 4–7, which was initiated following the cancellation of PPP bundle 3, and was forecast to be complete for Q1 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17832/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the acute need for new social housing supply in areas of high demand, and is committed to delivering these in a timely and cost efficient manner.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Governments priority is on accelerating delivery through the optimum use of public land, increased capital investment, and continued collaboration with housing delivery partners.
On 3 June 2025, after careful evaluation, my Department decided not to proceed to contract award for Social Housing Bundle 3 through Public Private Partnership. This decision was made due to the overall costs for the project being considered too high.
As was stated at that time, my Department and the relevant local authorities remain fully committed to delivering the social housing that the Social Housing PPP programme was designed to provide through an alternative direct delivery strategy.
The sites originally selected for Social Housing PPP Bundle 3 are currently being procured by the responsible local authorities, through a Design & Build model. I have provided funding approval for all these sites through the Social Housing Investment Programme – SHIP.
In light of the high tender costs for PPP Bundle 3, my Department initiated, with the assistance of the NDFA, a review of PPP Bundles 4 to 7 to determine the most appropriate procurement and delivery strategy in order to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the available public resources.
This review of PPP Bundles 4 to 7 has confirmed that the traditional PPP structure would yield similarly high costs. To ensure expeditious delivery of homes on the 28 sites impacted, I have approved a recommendation to deliver the 2,981 homes associated with these sites by way of Local Authority direct delivery.
Moving forward, I have instructed my Department to continue to evaluate all delivery methods and funding models in order to ensure that the output of new build social homes can be maximised and delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible.
196. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a report on the work of the LDA to develop State-owned lands and strategically assemble land from both public and private sources to create a more stable and affordable housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17491/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Development Agency (LDA) published its 2nd Report on Relevant Public Lands in 2025, which is a statutory report in accordance with Section 52 of the Land Development Agency Act of 2021. The Report identifies a total of 102 parcels of land as having potential to deliver housing-led development.
My Department has engaged with all landholding bodies to further assess the suitability of sites in their ownership for the development of housing. This engagement is nearing completion, and I expect that further site recommendations will be brought to Government for consideration for transfer to the LDA.
Some of the sites identified may be suitable to progress to design and planning following transfer, subject to achieving statutory consents and agreement, while others are large, complex and may be in operational use. It is important to note that while suitable and prioritised, many of these sites require further inputs, such as master planning, enabling works, relocation of existing operations, before the LDA can make applications for statutory consents or development.
Real progress is being made on advancing the transfer of lands to the LDA and constructing homes. An example of this is in Naas, where 219 homes are being developed at Barracksfield West on the site of the former Devoy Barracks. The first phase, comprising 66 Affordable Purchase homes, was launched in November 2025.
It may be helpful to note that the LDA is required under legislation to establish and maintain a Register of Relevant Public Lands. More information on the Register and the current use of relevant public land sites is available on the LDA website via the following link: https://lda.ie/public-lands/register-of-relevant-lands.
To further secure and expand its delivery pipeline, the LDA has also acquired 7 private sites through its' Private Land Acquisition Initiative. These sites have the collective potential to deliver over 13,200 additional new homes.
197. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Social Housing Support Household Means Policy 2021 is being revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17482/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
Under the Policy, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
My Department recently undertook a review of the Household Means Policy in order to ensure that it continues to be appropriate. Based upon this review, it was decided that Child Maintenance payments paid and received will now be disregarded, which builds on the decision made by the Minister for Social Protection in June 2024 to no longer assess child maintenance payments as income for any social welfare payments. This change in relation to child maintenance will assist more households being able to access social housing supports. Spousal maintenance payments remain assessable.
The list of income disregards in the Policy has also been updated to reflect changes made to certain Government payments, some of which have ceased to exist or have been renamed since the Policy was last updated. The revised Household Means Policy 2026 and associated Circular issued to all local authorities earlier this week.
200. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions that will be taken to promote and bring to a wider audience the massively significant Baltinglass hillfort complex, and many other archaeological sites in this area of west Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage an bhfuil aon céimeanna ghlactha chun stádas Séadchomhartha Náisiúnta agus na cosantaí reachtúla a gheobann leis a bhronnadh d’iomlán an mogall de dhúin barr-cnoca ag Baile an Bhrioscmhálaigh atá lasmuigh de Bealach Coinglais i gContae Chill Mantáin a chreidtear gurb é seo cead baile na hÉireann le beagnach 600 teach tógtha ar an suíomh 2,000 bliain roimh bailte na Lochlannaigh a bhí luaite roimhe mar chéad bailte na tíre. [16465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 238 together.
The complex of prehistoric monuments known as the Baltinglass Hillforts comprises up to thirteen hillforts in south-west Wicklow and neighbouring parts of Kildare. It represents the densest distribution of such prehistoric monuments in Ireland and its significance is acknowledged and appreciated by me and my Department.
The National Monuments Service (NMS) of my Department, through our Community Monuments Fund supported a high-resolution LiDAR data collection over an area of over 100 square kilometres within this landscape. This survey enabled expert archaeological appraisal of the landscape for previously unidentified monuments and allowed the creation, for the first time, of a comprehensive map of the hillfort landscape. This funding support by my Department contributed directly to the discoveries announced recently, including of Brusselstown Ring which is within the cluster. The NMS has also supported research on the wider hillfort landscape through the Royal Irish Academy archaeological grants scheme. It also provided funding support for a beautiful publication launched last year of seminal, legacy archaeological excavations at Rathgall Hillfort, to the south of the Baltinglass cluster.
The recent research and focus on the hillforts of the region has raised awareness of them and their significance greatly and I pay tribute to those expert archaeological researchers for their tremendous work. This will assist in their future protection and conservation. The Baltinglass hillforts are in private ownership and thus there is no automatic public access to them. The monuments are afforded statutory protection under the National Monuments Acts and also under relevant objectives of county development plans.
My Department will of course always welcome discussion on any substantive proposals it may receive on improving access to these monuments that may emerge in liaison with those landowners who are long-standing custodians of these important monuments.
The State plays a role in promoting monuments that are in its ownership and managed by the Office of Public Works. From time to time, as resources and opportunities permit, the State will acquire heritage structures and monuments - such acquisitions are considered within the context of available resources as well as the taking into consideration the similar existing properties within the State portfolio, gaps in the State portfolio and the cost of acquisition and maintenance over the short and longer term to the Exchequer.
Tá suas le trí dhún déag in iardheisceart Chill Mhantáin agus i gceantair chomharsanacha Chill Dara sa choimpléasc séadchomharthaí réamhstairiúla ar a dtugtar Dúnta Cnoic Bhealach Conglais. Is ionann é agus an dáileadh is dlúithe de shéadchomharthaí réamhstairiúla den sórt sin in Éirinn, agus aithnímse agus tuigimse a thábhacht i bpáirt le mo Roinn.
Thacaigh Seirbhís na Séadchomharthaí Náisiúnta (SSN) de chuid mo Roinne, trí Chiste na Séadchomharthaí Pobail atá againn, le bailiú sonraí LiDAR ardtaifigh thar achar os cionn 100 ciliméadar cearnach laistigh den tírdhreach sin. Cumasaíodh leis an suirbhé sin measúnú seandálaíochta saineolach a dhéanamh ar an tírdhreach le haghaidh séadchomharthaí nár aithníodh roimhe seo, agus bhíothas in ann dá bharr, den chéad uair, léarscáil chuimsitheach de thírdhreach na ndúnta cnoic a chruthú. Leis an tacaíocht mhaoinithe sin ó mo roinn, cuireadh go díreach leis na fionnachtana a fógraíodh le déanaí, lena n-áirítear imfhálú Bhaile an Bhrioscmhálaigh atá laistigh den bhraisle. Chomh maith leis sin, thacaigh an SSN le taighde ar thírdhreach na ndúnta cnoic níos leithne trí scéim deontas seandálaíochta Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann. Chomh maith leis sin, chuir sí tacaíocht mhaoinithe ar fáil d’fhoilseachán álainn a seoladh anuraidh faoi thochailtí seandálaíochta oidhreachta ceannródaíocha ag Dún Cnoic na Rátha Gile, ó dheas de bhraisle Bhealach Conglais.
Tá feasacht mhór fúthu agus a dtábhacht mar gheall ar an taighde agus an fócas a rinneadh le déanaí ar dhúnta cnoic an réigiúin, agus molaim na taighdeoirí seandálaíochta saineolacha sin go hard as an obair iontach a rinne siad. Cabhróidh an méid sin lena gcosaint agus lena gcaomhnú amach anseo. Tá dúnta chnoic Bhealach Conglais faoi úinéireacht phríobháideach, agus mar sin níl aon rochtain phoiblí uathoibríoch orthu. Tá cosaint reachtúil do na séadchomharthaí faoi Achtanna na Séadchomharthaí Náisiúnta agus faoi chuspóirí ábhartha phleananna forbartha contae freisin.
Ar ndóigh, cuirfidh mo roinnse fáilte i gcónaí roimh phlé ar aon mholtaí substaintiúla a gheobhaidh sí maidir le rochtain ar na séadchomharthaí sin a fheabhsú a d’fhéadfadh teacht chun cinn i gcomhar leis na húinéirí talún sin atá ina gcoimeádaithe fadbhunaithe ar na séadchomharthaí tábhachtacha sin.
Tá ról ag an Stát i gcur chun cinn séadchomharthaí atá faoina úinéireacht agus atá á mbainistiú ag Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí. Ó am go ham, de réir mar a cheadaítear de bharr acmhainní agus deiseanna é, gheobhaidh an Stát seilbh ar struchtúir oidhreachta agus séadchomharthaí - breithnítear na fálacha sin a bheith i gcomhthéacs na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil chomh maith leis na maoine comhchosúla atá ann cheana féin laistigh de phunann an Stáit, bearnaí i bpunann an Stáit agus costas na fála agus na cothabhála don Státchiste sa ghearrthéarma agus san fhadtéarma a chur san áireamh.
