Written Answers Nos. 709-733
709. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any update on the expected publication date of the Taskforce on Local Democracy report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Democracy Taskforce, a key commitment in the Programme for Government, was established in July 2025 with the purpose of bringing forward a suite of reforms across the Local Government Sector. The Taskforce was to build on the considerable body of work previously undertaken by the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), CLARE (Congress of Local and Regional Authorities) and Seanad Éireann.
The Local Democracy Taskforce presented its final report to me on 4 March 2026. A key consideration by the Taskforce when considering its Terms of Reference was that the recommendations made would be made in a manner that would allow for the successful implementation of the recommendations.
An Implementation Plan is currently under development that will allow for the implementation of the relevant recommendations by identifying key stakeholders and timelines required for each recommendation. I expect to bring the Final Report, along with an Implementation plan, to Government shortly.
710. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports, remedial measures or discretionary arrangements that are available to a person who purchased a vacant or derelict property but was not advised by the local authority or any relevant State body at the time of purchase of their potential eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; whether any flexibility exists for such cases (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34886/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra732. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if his Department has assessed the cashflow impact on applicants arising from the requirement to complete all works and submit all receipts before any payment under the Croí Cónaithe grant is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra733. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if his Department has examined the feasibility of allowing drawdown of Croí Cónaithe grant funding on the basis of a completion certificate issued by a qualified local engineer, with receipts retained for potential audit, as proposed by Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra734. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if his Department has consulted local authorities regarding administrative or operational challenges associated with the current Croí Cónaithe grant payment process, including the requirement for applicants to submit all receipts prior to payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35061/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra735. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if he intends to review the design of the Croí Cónaithe grant process in light of motions passed by local authorities, including Mayo County Council, requesting that applicants be permitted to draw down funds on the basis of a completion certificate issued by a qualified local engineer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 710, 732, 733, 734 and 735 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022 provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. The property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application.
Proof of vacancy is required to support a grant application. Confirmation of vacancy must be verified by the local authority prior to grant approval. Information on the scheme and conditions is available for applicants in the scheme outline and the 'frequently asked questions' document at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that the grant conditions are met and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Following confirmation of a successful application and the works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the approved work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant. As the grant is administered by the relevant local authority, the matter raised by the Deputy should be referred to that body.
With regard to payment of the grant, this is at the end of the process, when approved works are completed, ensuring that the applicant has carried out the works applied for and for which the grant is being paid. This is also the case for grants such as the SEAI grants and Housing Adaptation Grants, which are paid when works are completed.
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which considered all aspects of the scheme including scheme administration and involved the input of all local authorities. The review of the grant and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government were considered as part of the new housing plan Building Homes, Delivering Communities.
As per an action contained in the housing plan in December 2025 Government approved an additional sum of up to €100,000 per annum for each local authority to support the effective and efficient administration of the grant in addition to the annual payment of €60,000 for the Vacant Homes Office in each local authority. It is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to ensure appropriate resources are assigned to administration of the grant.
Under the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, launched in July 2024, a first-time buyer who wishes to purchase and/or renovate a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligible home but who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders is now able to apply to their local authority for a loan under the scheme. The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan has the potential to help first time buyers and fresh start applicants to complete the purchase and renovation of a vacant or derelict property and provides an avenue to secure the necessary finance to make the project viable.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been very successful since its introduction and is making a real difference in urban and rural areas, supporting bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.
716. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has considered a CALF application for 60 houses in Carndonagh (details supplied); if so, his decision in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of funding programmes that assist local authorities to work in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to construct and purchase homes and make them available for social housing. One such programme that local authorities and AHBs progress Social Housing projects through is the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF).
CALF funding is capital support provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction or purchase of new social housing units. This loan facility can support between 25% and 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the remaining finance sourced by the AHBs from private lenders (usually the HFA) with the housing units provided to local authorities for social housing use under long-term lease arrangements known as Payment and Availability Agreements (P&A).
All funding provided to AHBs to support social housing is made available by my Department through local authorities. Indeed, local authorities, as the statutory housing authorities, are the decision makers in relation to the suitability of a proposed social housing project. For example, local authorities are required to ensure that any project appropriately reflects the housing need in that particular area and that there is sufficient need in the area to support the units over time; provide a level of assurance around the costs associated with projects; the properties comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements; and the objectives of creating and maintaining sustainable communities are being met.
In relation to the specific housing development in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal referenced, I can confirm that my Department is not yet in receipt of a finalised application for this project.
717. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the action plan on delivering housing for older people, as committed to in 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities'; the way in which the consultation process for the action plan will be conducted, including the timelines, stakeholders to be consulted, and the way older people and representative organisations will be directly engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34966/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is committed to increasing housing available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. The Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, 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.
A programme of targeted stakeholder engagement was undertaken in advance of developing Delivering Homes, Building Communities, including engagement with advocacy groups and older person's representatives. Written submissions were received from across Government and from a range of external stakeholders including State agencies, the community and voluntary sector, industry and academics. These submissions were carefully considered as well as meeting with many stakeholders to hear first-hand what actions they think should be reflected in the Plan.
My Department is advancing these measures, now incorporated in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, including the implementation of these commitments through an action plan that is currently being prepared by my Department, and it is expected it will be advanced in the first half of this year.
718. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any review ongoing of the housing assistance payment scheme within his Department with a view to ensuring it is operating as smoothly as possible for tenants in receipt of this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34978/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra719. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any review ongoing of the housing assistance payment scheme within his Department with a view to ensuring it is operating as smoothly as possible for landlords that have tenants that are in receipt of this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34979/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra720. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any review ongoing of the housing assistance payment scheme within his Department with a view to ensuring that anyone entitled to this payment can access it and is fully aware of their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34980/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 719 and 720 together.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Once a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority. The day-to-day operation of the HAP scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority.
Detailed information on the HAP scheme, for both tenants and landlords, is available on the dedicated HAP website (www.hap.ie). This information is kept under review and updated regularly to take account of any developments. HAP scheme information is also available on individual local authority websites and from Citizens Information.
The Office of the Ombudsman completed an investigation into the administration of the HAP scheme to look at ways to improve the operation of the current scheme and highlight good practice in this area. In total, the Office of the Ombudsman reached 19 findings with associated recommendations. The report was published in June 2025. My Department continues to engage with the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to these recommendations and is working with all the relevant stakeholders regarding their implementation. My Department is committed to making any viable changes to ensure that the HAP scheme continues to provide a vital social housing support which assists those with a long-term housing need to access accommodation in the private rental market.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit, or up to 50% in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. Local authorities also have additional flexibility to apply a couple HAP rate to single person households.
My Department reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continues to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. My Department is now undertaking a review of existing HAP rent limits to ensure there is sufficient support under the HAP scheme to assist eligible households in accessing accommodation in the private rental sector. It is intended that the review process will conclude by end of Q2 this year.
725. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the total cost to the exchequer of the housing assistance payment scheme to date in 2026, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34985/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra721. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the total cost to the exchequer of the housing assistance payment scheme for 2022, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34981/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra722. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the total cost to the exchequer of the housing assistance payment scheme for 2023, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34982/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra723. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the total cost to the exchequer of the housing assistance payment scheme for 2024, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34983/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra724. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the total cost to the exchequer of the housing assistance payment scheme for 2025, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34984/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra726. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the total cost to the exchequer of the housing assistance payment scheme since the scheme was established to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34986/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 725, 721, 722, 723, 724 and 726 together.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on social housing delivery activity in all local authority areas on the statistics page of its website. Data in relation to funding provided by the Exchequer for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) tenancies, to end Q4 2025, can be found on my Department’s website at this link:
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/4a68d168/HAP_Funding_and_Delivery_Statistics_Q4_2025.xlsx.
Q1 2026 figures are currently being compiled and will be published when that process is complete.
727. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the housing assistance payment scheme, specifically related to the practical accessibility of HAP for single adults in high-cost areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34987/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. This accommodation should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
The HAP scheme continues to play a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q4 2025, over 131,600 HAP tenancies had been set up since the scheme commenced, of which there were 49,663 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit, or up to 50% in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. Local authorities also have additional flexibility to apply a couple HAP rate to single person households. This additional measure recognises the challenges experienced by single-person households, and the fact that both single and couple households have a one-bed need.
It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the discretion is warranted on a case-by-case basis and also the level of additional discretion applied in each case. Local authorities are encouraged to focus the application of discretion on alleviating financial burden for HAP tenants wherever possible, particularly for those in difficult financial circumstances.
My Department has reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review has highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continues to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. My Department is now undertaking a review of existing HAP rent limits to ensure there is sufficient support under the HAP scheme to assist eligible households in accessing accommodation in the private rental sector. It is intended that the review process will conclude before the end of Q2 this year.
Additional supports are also available under HAP for homeless households or households at risk of homelessness, including financial supports and access to the Place Finder service. The Place Finder service assists such households primarily by providing access to deposits and advance rental payments. These elements are the core financial supports and are available to prospective tenants in all local authority areas. To qualify for these specific additional supports, a household must have been determined by the relevant local authority to be homeless within the meaning of section 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
Finally, a landlord or an agent acting on behalf of a landlord is not legally obliged to enter into a tenancy agreement specifically with a HAP recipient. However, on 1 January 2016, the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 introduced ‘housing assistance’ as a new discriminatory ground. This means that discrimination in the provision of accommodation or related service and amenities against people in receipt of rent supplement, HAP or other social welfare payments is prohibited. Further information is available at: www.ihrec.ie/your-rights/housing-assistance-payment/housing.
If a person feels that they have been discriminated against by a landlord or their agent, they can make a complaint under the Equal Status Acts to the Workplace Relations Commission. Further information is available on the Commission’s website: www.workplacerelations.ie/en/.
729. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the specific mechanisms being used by his Department to address the affordability of housing in the wider Dublin area, where housing is priced at a particularly high level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34989/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra728. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the specific mechanisms being used by his Department to address the affordability of housing at a national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34988/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 729 and 728 together.
Affordability and the chance to own a home are at the heart of the 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. These measures support the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent nationally including at high levels in the wider Dublin area.
I am committed to increasing the supply of genuinely affordable homes in Dublin and across the State. Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, among other things, the new Starter Homes Programme delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
A number of affordable housing supports are currently in place, and more information is available online at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/. A number of these schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
Starter Home Purchase Scheme
Local Authorities make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers, who cannot afford to purchase a home at its open market value with the maximum mortgage available to them. The Local Authority takes on a percentage share in the value of home, equal to the difference between the open market value of the home and the reduced price paid. For example, if a home is purchased at a 20% reduction on the open market value, the Local Authority will have a 20% equity share in the home, which can be bought back later. Dublin delivery is 25% of Starter Purchase national delivery since 2022 to Q4 2025. For more information visit www.affordablehomes.ie.
First Home Scheme
The First Home Scheme provides finance to help first-time buyers, self-builders or those making a fresh start, in order to bridge the gap between a deposit and mortgage, and the price of a new home, within price ceilings established across the country. This Scheme takes a percentage share in the value of the home, which you can buy back later. 25% of approvals issued have been for buyers in the Dublin region. For more information on the scheme visit www.firsthomescheme.ie.
Local Authority Home Loan
The Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) is a Government-backed mortgage for first-time buyers and certain other credit-worthy applicants who have been refused a mortgage or who have been offered an insufficient mortgage through a regular mortgage lender. The scheme is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. It also includes the purchase of homes through the Starter Home Purchase Scheme. The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. To note, LAHL also supports the Tenant Purchase Scheme for social housing, for which applicants can apply for 100% financing (i.e. no deposit is required).
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a payment a customer can get if they are turning a vacant house or building into their permanent home or a rental property. A grant of up to €50,000 is available. If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available. For more information visit www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan
The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan is a Government backed mortgage and loan for the purchase and renovation of derelict and non-habitable homes. The property must be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, whether derelict, non-habitable, or simply vacant. For more information visit: https://purchaseandrenovationloan.ie/.
Help to Buy
The Help to Buy scheme can help with a deposit for a new or self-build home. It is a refund on income and DIRT tax paid in Ireland in the last four-years. The scheme comes under the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance. Information on Help to Buy is available at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx.
Cost Rental
Cost Rental tenancies are a form of long-term sustainable home rental targeted at middle-income households. Under the Cost Rental model, rents for homes are set to cover only the cost of financing, building, managing and maintaining the homes. The Cost Rental system offers prospective tenants the advantages of security of tenure, rents which are at least 25% below the rents charged for similar dwellings in the same areas and minimal rent increase. An applicants annual net household income should not exceed €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere. To note, Dublin is 72% of cost rental national delivery since 2022 to Q4 2025. More information on cost rental homes is available at https://affordablehomes.ie/.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis, including for starter home delivery activity by local authority area. Data from 2022 to 2025 is currently published on the statistics page of my Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
730. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects, funded under the remit of his Department that have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
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731. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans to introduce regulations surrounding the transparency of money paid to property management companies by residents who feel as though their money is not be administered correctly. [35054/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility for the Multi-Unit Developments Act, 2011 (the MUDs Act), falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The Programme for Government committed to moving the responsibility for the MUDs Act to my Department to streamline support for OMCs and improve oversight. A timeline for the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is currently being advanced. Engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
