Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
44. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to support housing for families in Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22989/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted by the Deputy that housing policy is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage .
That said, the provision of housing for those living and working in Gaeltacht areas is an extremely important issue as it is essential to developing the language, services, employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities in the Gaeltacht. Minister Browne and I have been working closely on this with officials since my appointment as Minister.
The recently published Government Housing Plan contains a commitment by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to publish a National Planning Statement for the Gaeltacht in the first half of 2027, while also stating that the feasibility of Údarás na Gaeltachta working with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to support housing construction for Irish speaking communities will be examined.
I have recently facilitated a meeting between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Uisce Éireann with a view to ensuring that progress is made on this matter without delay.
It is worth noting, however, that Údarás na Gaeltachta has a secondary role in this space as the primary responsibility lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the local authorities.
On a related matter, I met with the LGMA and relevant local authorities on Thursday 19th February to discuss the matter of Gaeltacht housing. At that meeting I recommended that relevant local authorities integrate the specific needs of the Gaeltacht into County Development Plans, and consult with Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure that any housing policy to be implemented is appropriate to address the housing shortage in the Gaeltacht.
