Written Answers Nos. 990-1018
990. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any review of the qualifying income thresholds for cost rental housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18281/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Delivering Homes, Building Communities, Ireland's housing plan to 2030, 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. Cost Rental was introduced in 2021 as a new form of housing tenure in Ireland, where the tenant pays a rent which is set to cover the cost of delivering, managing and maintaining the home.
Eligibility and income parameters are a key tool in targeting State-supported Cost Rental homes at those who fall within the moderate income cohort. The primary condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a net annual income under a certain limit, which is currently €66,000 per year for homes in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere, set through secondary legislation. Net income is defined as gross income with income tax, USC, PRSI contributions and pension contributions deducted. The legislation does not set any minimum 'income threshold' for Cost Rental, but as with any letting of a home, the landlord must consider the issues of affordability and tenancy sustainability.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to keep cost rental income limits under review, in order to ensure they remain fit for purpose. My Department is currently progressing this work.
991. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No’s 148,149,150,151,152 of 16 July 2025, if he will provide this Deputy with a complete copy of the Department/NPWS’s correspondence concerning gulls and public health and safety with the HSE in 2017 as cited in his reply; if he will also provide copies of any consistent/similar correspondence that his Department/NPWS has had with the HSE in respect of wild bird species subject to lethal control nationally under the general derogation for the past forty-plus years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra992. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No’s 148,149,150,151,152 of 16 July 2025, and his statement in his reply that he is satisfied that the NPWS carries out their functions in a balanced and measured manner in line with the legislative provisions for the protection of wild birds, if he will confirm that he is also satisfied that, since the withdrawal of the proactive, protective derogation (that ran from 2017-2023), schools that have nesting seagull colonies on their roofs must apply to his Department/NPWS for licences to protect schoolchildren from attack and injury by seagulls, a policy reversal with multiple negative consequences for schools and the children in their care; his views on whether this derogation should be re-instated with immediate effect, and prior to the 2026 seagull breeding season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra993. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department or the National Parks and Wildlife Service has issued any public notices that it is perfectly legal under the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000 (Amended) to remove nests from occupied buildings provided they do not contain eggs or hatched chicks; if no such public notice has been issued, and as the Oireachtas has legislated for this entitlement, will he direct his Department/NPWS to issue such a public notice in the interests of adherence to normal public service standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra994. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a summary of all wildlife licences granted in the period 2019 to 2025 in respect of herring gulls and removal of their nests and eggs, such a summary to include the licence date, location, the reason for which licences were sought, the approved control actions; the specific legal grounds for the granting of the licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 991, 992, 993 and 994 together.
I refer to Dáil Question No. 1376 of the 13th January. The position remains the same.
995. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of meetings which have taken place between him or officials in his Department and an organisation (details supplied) or bodies which are members of the organization in 2025; to provide a list of those meetings; the dates on which they took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the obligations of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, the organisation specified publish information about their engagement with public officials, including myself and the designated officials in my Department, as laid down under the act. This information is available on www.lobbying.ie/.
996. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of maintenance contracts using public funds that his Department or his/her agencies has where a company (details supplied) carry out works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not hold any contracts with the company referenced. My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the attached table.
997. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 654 of 27 January 2026, the number of individual dwellings which were the subject of the remediation claims to date; the total number of estimated dwellings affected which are likely to apply under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023, and it underpins the current grant scheme and the related Regulations which were adopted on 29 June 2023.
The Scheme applies to the owners of dwellings located in Donegal, Mayo, Clare, Limerick and Sligo with further local authority areas to be designated under the scheme shortly.
As at the end of January 2026, 3,225 applications have been received under the current and previous scheme, of these 432 homes have been remediated with 1,136, homeowners notifying their relevant designated local authority of the date of commencement of their works to remediate their homes.
The total grant amount recouped to the five designated local authorities under the scheme from the period 2020 to date, amounts to approximately €272.7 million.
The original estimate following the expert group report was that approximately 7,500 homes may be impacted. This amount may change in the future depending on the number of homes impacted compared to the original estimate.
998. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 645 of 20 January 2026, the reasons why he has no plans to propose amendments to the provisions referred to; whether he has relied on any research or reports in forming this view; to outline any such research or reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18450/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the reply to Question No. 645 of 20 January 2026, electoral law provides that a presiding officer may, at his or her own discretion, or if required by a personation agent present in the polling station, require any person attending to vote to produce one of the specified documents as evidence of identity. If he or she fails to produce the document or if the presiding officer is not satisfied that the person concerned is the person to whom the document produced relates, the person shall not be permitted to vote. The documents which may be accepted are prescribed in regulation 2(b) of the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024.
The Manual for Presiding Officers, prepared by my Department for each electoral event, advises presiding officers to seek evidence of identity:
• whenever requested by a personation agent present in the polling station;
• whenever the presiding officer suspects that a person is attempting to commit personation; and
• in the case of 25% of the persons attending to vote selected at random throughout the day.
The purpose of the requirement regarding evidence of identity is to strengthen the safeguards against the offence of personation, particularly against the possibility that the offence may be attempted on a widespread and organised basis. It is not intended that the provision would be so operated as to prevent qualified electors voting.
In 2023, the Government established An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the independent electoral commission. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function sees the commission conduct research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral policy or procedures. In addition, section 68 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for the preparation and publication of a post electoral event review (PEER) by An Coimisiún following any electoral event. To date, the PEERs published by An Coimisiún have not contained any recommendations in relation to the evidence of identity requirements set out in electoral law.
999. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to elaborate on the January 2026 homelessness statistics by giving a breakdown of the lengths of time spent in emergency accommodation by the 17,112 people mentioned in the report; to state or estimate the average length of time that an adult person spends in emergency accommodation; and to state the earliest date on which any of the current 17,112 people first entered emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level.
Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities. Decisions on the assessment of households for homeless services, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of January 2026. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data, and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation's open data portal: https://data.gov.ie/.
My Department also publishes quarterly progress reports which are based on quarterly performance reports submitted by the nine regional lead authorities responsible for the administration of homeless services at local level. The quarterly performance reports include regional information on the duration of stay data for single and family households. The duration of stay data is reported as six-monthly bands ranging from less than six months to more than 24 months. These bands refer to consecutive stays in emergency accommodation and are based on a point-in-time count, informed by emergency accommodation usage on the last night in the quarter.
The most recently published data is in respect of Q4 2025. Progress and performance reports are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data/.
The Housing Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities', commits to further enhancing reporting in relation to the use of local authority homeless emergency accommodation to allow for an expansion of the information gathered and increased analysis of the reasons driving new homeless presentations and the progress being made to support households to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy.
1000. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the recent opening of the state’s first purpose-built social housing with supports for older people (details supplied) if there are plans to roll-out further similar style facilities; if existing developments will be considered for adaptation for such purposes; if a single point of contact exists for stakeholders considering such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18486/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, includes measures which will increase delivery of housing for older people through increased delivery of social housing, increased delivery of more suitable homes in private housing and increased choice to support voluntary rightsizing. Government is committed to increasing housing available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence and to supporting rightsizing on a voluntary basis.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, includes a Government commitment to work collaboratively through the establishment of a cooperation framework between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Health on the integration of health and social care supports and housing for older people. This will include consideration of the learnings from the Richmond Place, Inchicore Pilot Model of supported housing for older people from both Departments' perspective, including the evaluations of this pilot project underway to inform policy in this area.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, housing for older people is being continually delivered under the programmes managed by my Department, whereby Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and local authorities can advance housing proposals for older people.
The design of the Inchicore pilot predates the publication by my Department of the Design Manual for Quality Housing (the Design Manual) which is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/b3e02-design-manual-for-quality-housing/. The Design Manual is intended to guide local authorities and AHBs, and their consultants, on the design of social housing including the internal layouts of individual social homes and its use is now mandatory for all new build social housing, following a Government decision in July 2025. The Design manual provides guidance and examples of a range of housing options including appropriate housing choices for smaller sized households, such as the increasing number of older people who want to remain in their community. The Design Manual includes specific Universal design (UD) internal layouts developed with the input of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design.
1001. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of growing delays in Tailte Eireann property registration times and the subsequent risks to the conveyancing process; if he or his officials have raised the matter with Tailte Eireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
The continued increase in applications received for registration by Tailte Éireann year over year, and challenges in recruitment for some time, have resulted in longer processing times for certain application types, however these delays are alleviating, with significant progress achieved to date in reducing the age profile of applications on hand.
As part of Tailte Éireann's resourcing strategy, an accelerated recruitment programme was launched to address the high volume of vacancies and strengthen operational capacities in response to the increasing service demands. As a result, the Registration team within Tailte Éireann are now fully staffed with additional capacity to support ongoing improvements in the delivery of registration services and contribute to the timely processing of applications.
Outside of recruitment, every effort is being made by Tailte Éireann to further reduce application processing times, including implementation of revised procedures for more efficient handling of the large volume of applications that are lodged that do not meet the minimum requirements to proceed to registration and a targeted, organisation wide approach to reduce the age profile of applications pending registration.
Applications for registration which involve a transfer, charge or release of registered lands, where no change to the registry map is required account for approximately 60% of applications for registration. These applications are typically processed within 15 working days where the application is lodged in order.
Applications submitted electronically through eRegistration account for approximately 18% of all applications received and are processed within 10 working days. eDischarges are typically processed within 2 working days. Tailte Éireann continues to promote electronic registration services to its customers to improve processing times for all applicants.
Processing times for applications which do require a change to the map, and those requiring first registration of property, are improving due to the impact of resourcing and implemented procedural efficiencies outlined above.
It may be noted that the Registration of the legal effect of a conveyance comes at the end of the process, after the documents are executed and should, in the vast majority of cases, not lead to any delay in the conveyancing process as the purchaser is already in occupation of the property. In a recently published guide by the Law Society to avoid delays when selling property (www.lawsociety.ie/globalassets/documents/news/2024/speed-up-your-property-sale.pdf), the seller, or their solicitor, should have all of the required deeds and documents in order prior to putting the property on the market to avoid delays.
In cases where any delay in registration could have a potential impact, Tailte Éireann make every effort to expedite applications which are in order, where valid grounds exist, and where doing so does not impose a conflict in regard to priority given to any prior lodged dealing.
Lodging parties may contact Tailte Éireann in relation to a specific case by email at info@tailte.ie. Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
Tailte Éireann has advised me that improvements have been made to date in throughput times and I am confident that they have the resources and procedures in place to further reduce waiting times across all application types.
The information provided by Tailte Éireann below relates to all applications for registration on the National Land Register, including First Registration applications, as requested. Each application may contain a number of property transactions to be registered, for example a transfer of title, a mortgage/charge and a right of way in favour of the applicant may be lodged within one application. As shown in this table, the number of cases being processed by Tailte Éireann is increasing year on year. The number of applications being received is also increasing year on year, but processes that have been put in place are helping to manage this workload and decrease the backlog.
The number of applications processed in each year refers to all applications which have been brought to a final conclusion within the year and includes applications which have been completed, refused, rejected, withdrawn or abandoned as they could not be processed further.
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total Applications Lodged |
240,803 |
262,661 |
296,039 |
|
Total Applications Processed |
241,569 |
269,740 |
314,327 |
1002. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of staff in Tailte Eireann per annum, under the respective four main function sections of Corporate Affairs, Registration, Valuation, and Surveying from its establishment to 2025, in tabular form. [18517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1003. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total budget for Tailte Eireann per annum under the respective four main function sections of Corporate Affairs, Registration, Valuation and Surveying from its establishment to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1004. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review and extend resources to Tailte Eireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1005. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the revised estimates under Vote 16 for Tailte Eireann reduced the annual target for applications for registration submitted and fully processed electronically by 10% in comparison with the 2025 target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1002, 1003, 1004 and 1005 together.
Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
Tailte Éireann staff figures provided below by function as requested, represent the total number of employees in each functional area as of 31 December of the relevant calendar year. This reference point has been consistently applied across all years to ensure accurate year-on-year comparison.
Staff figures provided as of 31 December in each of the years noted:
|
Year |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Registration |
493 |
510 |
520 |
|
Valuation |
109 |
118 |
118 |
|
Surveying |
167 |
153 |
148 |
|
Corporate Affairs |
160 |
200 |
228 |
|
Total Staff |
929 |
981 |
1014 |
Section 13 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022 provides that the chief executive shall be the accounting officer, for the purposes of the Comptroller and Auditor General Acts 1866 to 1998, in relation to the appropriation accounts of Tailte Éireann.
Tailte Éireann, since establishment in 2023, has not operated on the basis of separate allocated budgets for each of the four functions and it is not possible to provide the information in the required format. Information on Gross Outturn, Pay and Non-Pay, by year, are set out in the table below.
As the largest element of the spend in each year is on staff costs, the allocation of staff resources to each function can be seen through the staff numbers provided in the staff figures table above.
|
Year |
Gross Outturn |
Pay |
Non- Pay Current and Capital |
|
2023 |
€77,068,000 |
€51,564,000 |
€25,504,000 |
|
2024 |
€79,289,000 |
€56,853,000 |
€22,436,000 |
|
2025 |
€87,129,000 |
€62,545,000 |
€24,584,000 |
The pay allocations are reflected in the number of staff in each function.
With regard to resources allocated to Tailte Éireann, the following table represents the resources allocated to Tailte Éireann since its establishment in 2023, reflecting year on year increases. The resources allocated are reviewed each year as part of the annual estimates process. My Department has been supportive of the request for an increase in Vote 16 for 2026, and previous increases to the pay bill, and I am confident that Tailte Éireann has the resources it requires for 2026.
|
Year |
Gross Vote |
|
2023 |
€84,104,000 |
|
2024 |
€87,167,000 |
|
2025 |
€91,167,000 |
|
2026 |
€103,072,000 |
Finally, in regard to Tailte Eireann's annual target for applications for registration submitted and fully processed electronically, the targets set by Tailte Éireann for 2026 are based upon expected demand for this service in 2026. All applications for Registration on the National Land Register which are submitted fully electronically continue to be fully processed electronically.
1006. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if alternative EA MLA issued accreditation schemes other than the NSAI are acceptable for modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Building Regulations 1997-2024 set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. Their aim is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). The Building Regulations are set out in functional terms. They are performance based and technology/material neutral.
The related Technical Guidance Documents (TGD A - M respectively), available at www.gov.ie/en/collection/d9729-technical-guidance-documents/, 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 regulation(s).
The overarching requirements of Part D (Material and Workmanship) of the Building Regulations is that all works should be carried out:
Using proper materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.
• With a proper standard of workmanship and the appropriate use of any material to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Regulations.
Requirement D1 requires that all works to which these Regulations apply shall be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner.
Definition D3 defines “proper materials” as materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used. The definition also provides means by which this can be demonstrated by reference to established standards, specifications, assessments, CE Marking and includes materials which comply with an Irish Agrément certificate.
Irish Agrément certification applies to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms, for example Modern Methods of Construction. NSAI Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and with the terms of the certificate. Such certificates may be in addition to, but not conflict with, CE marking.
All new dwellings must comply with the building regulations, building control regulations and achieve a durability in the order of 60 years for all key elements.
Responsibility lies with the owner, designer, builder and/or assigned certifier to ensure and demonstrate compliance with Parts A to M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. The local Building Control Authority should be consulted in advance of the commencement of works, to discuss alternative means of demonstrating the requirements of the Building Regulations.
Enforcement of the Building Regulations is delegated under the Building Control Act 1990 to 2025 to the local building control authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities) who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers. This Department has no function in assessing whether product certification, or any completed works, comply with the Building Regulations.
1007. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans if any, to adapt a one nation national minimum standard approach for all housing types similar to the 2025 design standards for apartment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, “the Settlement Guidelines”, were issued as Ministerial Guidelines in January 2024, under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Under the provisions of Section 28 of Act of 2000 Planning Authorities are required to have regard to Ministerial Guidelines in performing their functions and to apply any Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) contained within the Guidelines. Section 5 of the Settlement Guidelines sets out policy and guidance in relation to development standards for housing, including separation distances (SPPR 1), private open space (SPPR 2), public open space, car parking (SPPR 3), bicycle parking (SPPR 4) and daylight.
The Design Manual for Quality Housing, published by my Department in 2022, provides comprehensive guidance for designing high-quality housing. Although the Manual primarily applies to social housing and is not a statutory planning document, its use more broadly is encouraged. The Manual includes a range of standards and design templates relating to the size, layout and internal configuration of houses (and apartments). Critically the Manual facilitates ease of adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) which can speed up delivery and reduce costs.
1008. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will revise the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, amended in June 2016, to account for the cost-of-living crisis and the development of residential areas in Bands 2 and 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18528/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. 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.
1009. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next round of URDF funding will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 Programme for Government called for the establishment of a new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund to continue and expand the types of investments made under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a further €500 million to 2030 under the updated NDP has been made available for this purpose and, therefore, I announced a new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund on 5 March last.
This new fund, which will remain open for applications until 1 May, will continue to support urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities. With a focus on supporting policies such as ‘Town Centre First’ and City Task Forces, the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund will deliver transformative and impactful projects that will regenerate eligible areas.
The new fund will also provide a greater focus on disadvantaged areas. In that respect, I am conscious that, as set out in Pobal’s HP Deprivation Index and despite nationwide improvements in deprivation measures, the gap between Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas and the national average has increased. To address this imbalance, I am increasing the maximum funding available to projects located within areas defined in the Pobal Index as ‘Disadvantaged’, ‘Very Disadvantaged’ or ‘Extremely Disadvantaged’, to 90% of the overall project costs with recipients providing the balance. This increase will make it easier for projects from disadvantaged areas to apply from here on in. All other supported projects may receive a maximum 75% funding support as was the case under the URDF programme.
The 2025 Programme for Government provided a commitment to ensure towns which fall slightly below the population thresholds (of 10,000) are considered for applications under the new fund. A review by my Department of the latest Census 2022 data to assess the additional towns that should be included has been carried out. Informed by this review, I have decided that the criteria under the new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund will be changed so that those towns with a population greater than 9,000 will be included. This will bring more towns into the scope of the scheme. Towns with more than 2,500 jobs, and which function as significant centres of employment, were also already eligible areas under the URDF scheme and will remain so under the new Fund.
While replacing the URDF, the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund will continue to build on its success to date and apply many of the key criteria established by Government in 2018 for the URDF.
My Department will work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. However, responsibility for the location and composition of applications for funding and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion will remain, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority.
1010. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding his Department's review of the current exempted development regulations; when he expects these changes to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1016. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the merits of relaxing regulations to allow homeowners to build larger stand-alone cabins in back gardens and create additional housing capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1010 and 1016 together.
The Deputy is seeking information already provided in answer for PQ Ref: 17243/26 (Dáil No. 169), which was answered on 04 March 2026, and the position remains the same.
1011. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff from his Department seconded to other Departments or agencies in the Civil Service, per annum from 2022 to date in 2026; and the details of the Department or agency, in tabular form. [18596/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1012. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff from his Department seconded to a firm in the private sector, per annum from 2022 to date in 2026; and the details of the company, in tabular form. [18614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1013. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff from his Department seconded from a firm in the private sector, per annum from 2022 to date in 2026; and the details of the company, in tabular form. [18632/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1011, 1012 and 1013 together.
There were no staff seconded to or from my Department to firms in the private sector in the years 2022 to date.
Details of the number of staff in my Department who were seconded to other Departments or agencies in the Civil Service during this period are set out in the table below.
1014. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide affordable housing in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18695/26]
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 2025 – 2030. The plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, under a new Starter Homes Programme, which will deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
In order to further drive the delivery of affordable housing under the new plan, local authorities will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), 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 also publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and other delivery partners. Delivery data from 2022 up to end Q3 2025 is currently available on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
The published data shows that 121 affordable housing solutions have been delivered in Kerry during the reporting period, including 101 vacant property refurbishment grants and 16 First Home scheme approvals.
In addition, the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to all local authorities, including Kerry County Council, to assist towards the cost of developing affordable housing at locations where significant affordability needs have been identified.
My Department, the Housing Agency and Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association continues to be available to assist Kerry County Council to develop an affordable delivery programme that will continue to respond effectively to identified localised affordablity needs in key urban locations such as Killarney and Tralee, including where appropriate affordable purchase homes that may be delivered with the support of the AHF and Part V planning obligations.
1015. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management have reviewed protocols, procedures and preparedness of fire services for dealing with Lithium battery fires following an incident (details supplied) last year and given proposals for battery energy storage systems across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), supports fire authorities by establishing fire service policy, setting national standards for fire safety and fire service provision, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects. The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981.
Fire Services operate an Incident Command System with risk management protocols and specialised equipment when dealing with incidents involving electricity, ensuring the safety of firefighters working in such hazardous conditions. Firefighters are highly trained in effective and safe firefighting operations. Dynamic Risk Assessment at the incident scene, as part of the Incident Command system, is a key function in ensuring safe working.
The NDFEM has developed a suite of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) to support effective firefighting operations. SOG 5.1 ‘Incidents Involving Electricity’ examines the hazards, risks and control measures for incidents that involve electricity. SOG 5.01a identifies the hazards posed to firefighters by new technologies in PV panels and battery storage. The core training delivered locally on SOGs underpins a risk based approach to safe working at incidents involving electricity and the associated emerging technologies.
1017. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to respond to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to housing assistance payment rent limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18794/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department received correspondence in relation to the details supplied on 4 March 2026, and that a response issued on 11th March.
1018. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the protocol to allow households fleeing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to transfer time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority; when this protocol will be implemented, to outline the resources that will be provided to local authorities to support the implementation of this protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18804/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, is a priority for my Department and the Government. The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice working in conjunction with Cuan, the statutory DSGBV agency under the remit of the Department of Justice.
Currently, is not possible for a household previously on one social housing waiting list to carry the time spent on that list when applying to another local authority. However, and in line with a commitment in the housing plan, a protocol to allow households fleeing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to transfer time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority will be established and implemented this year.
My Department has already engaged with local authorities and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to develop this protocol. The structures to progress this commitment are in place, including a dedicated group of local authority Directors of Housing that is working with my Department to ensure that the protocol is workable, meets the needs of those who can benefit from it, and is finalised as soon as possible.
Notwithstanding this commitment, local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need at any moment in time. Local authorities may also provide for exceptional or emergency cases to qualified households, allowing immediate housing outside of normal waiting lists priorities, should circumstances require. Households may also move and relocate between housing authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme where the household income is within the relevant income limits.
