Written Answers Nos. 320-328
321. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the progress of the regeneration of Noonan Road, Cork, and surrounding streets. [23429/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA submission in respect of a regeneration proposal for Noonan Road, St. Finbarr's Road, Dean Street and Fort Street was received in my Department on 11th March 2026.
My Department is currently reviewing this proposal and will be liaising with Cork City Council in this regard over the coming weeks.
322. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the number of affordable houses, cost rental and cost purchase, planned for Cork City and County Councils; and on the targets he has set for same. [23430/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis, including for social housing provision and starter home delivery activity by local authority and delivery partners, for each local authority area. Data from 2022 to Q3 2025 is currently published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, with the Q4 for 2025 data due to be published shortly.
In terms of starter homes delivery, almost 19,000 starter home supports have been delivered since the launch of the previous housing plan, Housing for All, including nearly 4,000 in Cork. Within the combined Cork City and Cork County Council areas, from Q1 up to the end of Q3 2025, a total of 838 starter home supports have been delivered, across affordable purchase, cost rental, the First Home Scheme and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The upcoming Q4 figures are expected to show further significant progress in the delivery of starter home supports, both within Cork and nationally.
Both Cork City and Cork County councils have established a significant pipeline of affordable housing delivery in the Cork area, and continue to work proactively with all delivery partners. Cork City Council has funding approval in place for 11 schemes to deliver 535 affordable homes with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund by end 2027, of which 312 have been delivered by end Q3 2025. In addition, Cork County Council has funding approval for 20 schemes supported by the Affordable Housing Fund to deliver 800 affordable homes by end 2027, of which 287 have been delivered by end Q3 2025.
In order to further drive the required delivery of starter homes under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 - 2030, local authorities, including Cork City and County Councils, 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 HDAPs, replacing those previously drawn up under Housing for All, will be informed by affordable housing need within the local authority area, and will involve collaboration with the delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency, the Approved Housing Bodies and the wider development sector, as applicable.
323. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the remedies or supports available in the case of a person who experiences frequent interruptions to their mains water supply due to topography and low pressure, as verified by Uisce Éireann, but who is simultaneously ineligible for a local authority grant for a new well, on the basis that the property is connected to the public mains. [23465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures. I have no role role in operational matters such as providing remedies for customers experiencing interruptions to their mains water service.
It is open to any customer of Uisce Éireann’s to lodge a formal complaint with the Utility, details on how to do so are provided at the following links:
https://www.water.ie/contact/business-customers/complaint/
https://www.water.ie/contact/general-enquiry/domestic-complaint/
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) also provides a free complaint resolution service for customers who have submitted a complaint to Uisce Éireann and are unhappy with the outcome. The details on this process can be found at https://www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint/complain-to-the-cru/
The Water Charges Plan sets out a compensation mechanism for Business Customers when water quality is compromised and unfit for human consumption such as when Drinking Water Restriction Notices apply. Such customers who pay charges are entitled to a rebate under the Customer Handbook as agreed with the CRU. However, implementation of the Water Charges Plan is a matter in the first instance for Uisce Éireann. Any issues, which cannot be resolved by Uisce Éireann to the satisfaction of the customer can be referred under the formal complaints process to the CRU. Compensation for business customers is therefore an operational matter for Uisce Éireann, operating under the regulatory oversight of CRU.
Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
324. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of the inadequate income eligibility limits for social housing 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. [23488/26]
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.
325. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the eligibility population threshold for towns applying under the newly announced Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund; to confirm whether the threshold is 10,000, 9,000, or another figure; the basis for the threshold applied; whether it is based on Census 2022 settlement populations; and whether towns with a population below 9,000 for example, Lusk approximately 8,806 can be considered under this fund or are intended to be directed to alternative regeneration schemes. [23502/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, which I announced on 5 March last, will continue to support urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities, building on the success of the previous Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) in that respect. The new Fund will also provide a greater focus on disadvantaged areas.
As set out in my 5 March announcement, and following completion of a review of the latest Census 2022 data by my Department to assess the additional towns that can be included, I have decided to lower the limit for eligible towns from a population of 10,000 to 9,000. More towns will now be able to benefit from the funding we are providing as a result. 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.
Lusk does not meet the revised eligibility criteria for funding under the new Fund. However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG), is targeted at settlements and rural areas with fewer than 10,000 people located outside city boundaries and the Dublin metropolitan area. Further information on the RRDF and its current Call for Proposals can be accessed on the DRCDG website: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/#eligibility
326. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department will reconsider an additional emergency winter payment for disabled people due to the current war on Iran and subsequent oil crisis which is causing very significant increases in fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people which will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures. This contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people, incluidng increases to personal rates of payment and the Fuel Allowance.
In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from Disability groups and advocates, it was agreed to establish a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, as well as disabled people and their advocates. I will be hosting this Summit on 13 May.
On 20 February, I launched a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment and the Strategic Focus Network Summit can best be delivered. It will run for just over 6 weeks, closing on the 7th April. I want to all voices to be included in this consultation. I encourage any interested parties to visit gov.ie/COD, where they will find guidance on how to engage with the consultation in whatever format best suits them.
After the Summit we will produce a briefing paper outlining the key lessons and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of government delivers in this area. This will inform the next Programme Plan of Actions under the strategy.
We also know that many people and families, including disabled people and their families, are facing higher energy costs at the moment as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. That is why we have announced a €250 million energy relief package this week.
As part of this package, the Fuel Allowance season will be extended by an additional four weeks. This means that the 470,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, which include many disabled people, will receive additional financial support of €38 per week until May 1st, totalling €152.
For anyone who needs immediate assistance, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is available to them now. Under the scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Furthermore, under the scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income. Heating Supplement is not restricted to the fuel season and can be paid throughout the full year.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment or a Heating Supplement is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
327. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the per diem rate of payment for electricity allowance for the years 2010 to 2026, in tabular form; the way this rate is calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €317 million this year on the Household Benefits Package for over 552,000 customers.
The rate of payment of the Household Benefits electricity allowance for the years 2010 to 2026 is listed below. Prior to 2013 the rate of electricity allowance was a monthly rate of payment.
|
Date From |
Date To |
Electricity Rate Payable |
|
01/12/2009 |
31/10/2010 |
€40.70 (Monthly Rate) |
|
01/11/2010 |
31/08/2011 |
€43.80 (Monthly Rate) |
|
01/09/2011 |
30/09/2011 |
€35.80 (Monthly Rate) |
|
01/10/2011 |
31/12/2012 |
€39.40 (Monthly Rate) |
|
01/01/2013 |
- |
€1.15 per day |
In Budget 2013 the structure of the electricity and gas allowance was changed from a unit-based allowance to a cash credit which is currently €1.15 per day. The rate was aligned to the best average market rate available for 150 units including standing charges and VAT at the urban rate, but not including the Public Service Obligation. The changed structure of the allowance was designed to encourage customers to achieve better savings through greater mobility between energy suppliers.
There has been no recent increase to the gas/electricity element of the Household Benefits Package since the gas/electricity element was changed from a unit-based allowance to a monthly cash allowance in January 2013. Successive Governments have instead targeted the limited resources available at increases to core Social Welfare payments and also to more targeted payments such as the Fuel Allowance payment. In 2010 the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance payable was €20, the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance currently payable is €38. This represents a 90% increase in the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance payable since 2010.
Any decision to enhance the Household Benefits Package would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
Finally, my Department does provide income tested Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have an urgent need, which they cannot meet from their own resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers and include help towards recurring costs that cannot be met from the person's own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via http://www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the position.
328. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the concerns regarding the funding shortage of a charitable organisation raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of a funding shortage for a charitable organisation raised in the correspondence of this PQ is not a matter for Social Protection but may be for my colleague in the Minister for Health.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
