Written Answers Nos. 558-582
558. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026 is expected to be signed into law; if he expects the Bill to be enacted before the Dáil Summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45702/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen enacted, the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will enhance accountability, transparency and value-for-money in our public service media providers, RTÉ and TG4, and establish a new statutory framework to support the provision of public service content by the wider sector.
The Bill was published on 28 May 2026 and completed Dáil Second Stage on 10 June 2026, and has now been referred to the Select Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport for Committee Stage.
On 21 May 2026, I wrote to the Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport to inform him I had received Government approval to publish the Bill and that I would be bringing forward a number of technical amendments primarily aimed at addressing the interaction of State aid rules and the statutory remit of RTÉ and TG4 at Committee Stage.
It is my intention that the Bill will be enacted this year which will ensure that the Comptroller and Auditor General is in place to carry out an audit of RTÉ’s financial statements for the financial year 2026. However, it should be noted that the ordering of the business of the Oireachtas is a matter for the Oireachtas in the first instance.
559. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the up-to-date position regarding the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall; and when the project will progress to the next phase of works. [45746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe redevelopment of the National Concert Hall is a major project in the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s capital investment programme under the National Development Plan. Being delivered in partnership with the Office of Public Works, it is a once in a multi-generation investment to revitalise a landmark, heritage site and transform it into a world-class cultural campus.
The project is progressing in two distinct stages:
• NCH Discover, is the first phase of the planned redevelopment that will transform the former Pathology building into a new Learning and Participation hub. This new hub will provide expanded opportunities for music engagement, learning and participation, creativity and wellbeing for people of all ages and backgrounds. In January, construction commenced on site and it is anticipated that the new centre will open in mid 2027.
• The second phase of the project, redevelopment of the main NCH building, is currently in the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy phase of the Infrastructure Guidelines project lifecycle. At this stage of the project, it is not possible to provide a definitive project programme, as the timeline remains dependent upon securing necessary approvals, statutory compliance processes, completing detailed design work, and the conclusion of the procurement process.
560. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if any consideration has been given to the funding of RTÉ and more generally of public service broadcasting, post-2027 when the current three year RTÉ funding package concludes; if a process to consider this matter is being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45869/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the EU level, Article 5 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) sets out an overarching framework governing the funding procedures that must in place in respect of public service media. The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, published on 27 May 2026, gives effect to Article 5 of EMFA and to recommendations made by the Future of Media Commission.
The Bill completed Dáil Second Stage on 10 June 2026, and has now been referred to the Select Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport for Committee Stage.
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will, inter alia, enhance accountability, transparency and value-for-money in our public service media providers by:
• improving the legislative underpinning for the corporate governance of RTÉ and TG4, including by assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ; and
• reforming the system by which Coimisiún na Meán assesses the performance of, and recommends funding for, RTÉ and TG4.
The Bill, when enacted, will replace the current 5-yearly review of the adequacy of public funding with a 3-yearly appraisal of funding and performance in which Coimisiún na Meán will identify the performance commitments and outputs and associated financial inputs, performance indicators and metrics which shall apply to RTÉ and TG4 for a 3-year period. The 3-yearly appraisal will be carried out in accordance with a methodology which shall be adopted by Coimisiún an Meán following a public consultation. The 3-yearly appraisal will also replace the annual statement of performance commitments prepared by RTÉ and TG4 under section 102 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as Coimisiún na Meán, rather than the providers, will ultimately be setting performance commitments.
Following on from the 3-year appraisal, RTÉ and TG4 will each develop and publish 3-year Statements of Strategy. Accordingly, subject to the Bill completing the legislative process in a timely fashion, the next funding recommendations to be submitted by Coimisiún na Meán will be in respect of each of the years 2028 – 2030, be carried out under the provisions set out in the Bill and will be accompanied by performance commitments and indicators to apply to RTÉ and TG4. In accordance with the Bill, the Government will consider the funding recommendations of Coimisiún an Meán in respect of 2028 - 2030 and publish a response.
The reformed system for assessing the funding and performance of public service media set out in the Bill is intended to ensure appropriate levels of public funding are provided to RTÉ and TG4 to allow them to fulfil their public service remit in an effective and efficient manner over the long-term. 560.
561. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the guidelines for wind farms will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra602. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the new wind energy guidelines to replace the 2006 guidelines on wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 602 together.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government 2025, my Department is working with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which holds policy responsibility for renewable energy matters, in respect of the introduction of a number of National Planning Statements related to Ireland's Climate Action Plan target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources up to 80% in 2030. This includes the preparation of National Planning Statements in relation to onshore wind energy development, following a review of the existing 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.
Further to the commencement of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 on 2 October 2025, provisions for National Planning Statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. All existing Section 28 guidelines will, over time, be revoked and replaced with new National Planning Statements. Any current section 28 guidelines will however remain in force until revoked or replaced by a corresponding National Planning Statement. The timing of the issuing of National Planning Statements will be based on Government priorities.
In respect of sectoral national planning statements in particular, such as the onshore wind energy development, there is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of these National Planning Statements. In that context, my Department is working closely with the DCEE as the Department with policy responsibility for this area of Government policy in order to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of this National Planning Statement, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, European obligations such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), and considerations such as noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. Further to this my Department, in conjunction with DCEE, which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the National Planning Statement, which is highly technical in nature. As part of their work, which is now substantially complete.
In the interim, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
In line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment will be carried out on any draft National Planning Statement regarding wind energy development, with opportunity for consultation by the public and all stakeholders on the draft National Planning Statement.
562. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce a scheme that will support relocation for those living in homes located close to areas at risk of coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to managing coastal change in Ireland, including coastal erosion and coastal flood risk.
The Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, published on 26 October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations to inform the development of an integrated, whole-of-Government approach to coastal change management. These recommendations are structured around three pillars:
governance and capacity building;
improved understanding of risk and technical options; and
management responses to coastal change
Following publication of the Report, the Government approved the establishment of an inter-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department, to coordinate progression of the recommendations. The Steering Group includes representatives from relevant Government Departments and State bodies with responsibilities relating to climate adaptation, flood risk management, planning, environmental protection and local government. A number of working groups have also been established to advance specific thematic areas, including Planning, Legislation, Nature-Based Solutions, and Training and Skills.
Recommendation 15 of the Report relates to the development of managed retreat options. It provides that consideration should be given to the measures and mechanisms that may be required to support a managed retreat option for communities, homes and properties at risk from coastal change, where such an approach is deemed necessary. It also recognises the importance of adequate lead-in time, communication and consultation with affected communities, and alignment with local planning policy.
Managed retreat, including potential relocation supports, is one of a number of possible long-term responses to coastal change. It raises complex social, legal, financial, planning and community issues and would require detailed consideration before any policy position or scheme could be developed.
Progress to date has focused on putting in place the governance structures and evidence base necessary to inform future policy decisions. This includes strengthening interdepartmental coordination, progressing work on coastal risk assessment and technical analysis, examining relevant policy and legislative frameworks, and considering how best to communicate and consult with communities that may be affected by coastal change.
While work is ongoing to examine the matters identified in Recommendation 15, no decision has yet been reached on the viability of managed retreat as an option in Ireland, or on the introduction of a scheme to support relocation for those living in homes located close to areas at risk of coastal erosion.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Steering Group, the Office of Public Works, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to progress this important work within the broader national climate adaptation and resilience framework.
563. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated annual cost of providing a housing first tenancy, including the cost of wraparound health and social supports, to a single adult experiencing long-term homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing First approach to addressing homelessness places direct access to housing first and foremost for vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time, and those unable or resistant to accessing homeless services and who may then become habitual rough sleepers. These individuals often have complex high support needs such as mental or physical health problems, addiction issues or dual diagnosis (the presence of mental ill health and a substance addiction).
Housing for All committed to the further expansion of Housing First. A new National Implementation Plan, which provides for a further 1,319 tenancies covering the period 2022-2026, was published in December 2021. These targets are based on an analysis of need, which involved all key stakeholders and was supported by The Housing Agency. The implementation of the Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the criminal justice sector (the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service) and Local Authorities, in conjunction with NGO partners. A key initiative under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 is the further expansion of the Housing First programme to create 2,000 tenancies to help eliminate long term homelessness.
The cost of a Housing First tenancy is dependant on the individual circumstances of each Housing First client, e.g. the level of support required and where the tenancy is located. As a result, my Department does not hold the specific details requested.
564. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount in the capital budget as set out in table 12 of the Annual Progress Report 2026 that is designated for the construction of new-build social housing units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45063/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Delivering Homes, Building Communities plan, announced in November 2025, aims to deliver 300,000 homes by 2030; including a yearly average of 12,000 social homes and 15,000 affordable supports between 2026 and 2030.
The Government is committed to maintaining the momentum in social housing delivery with a key focus of the social housing programme to increase the number of new-build homes.
In 2026, over €9 billion is being provided in capital investment for Housing, inclusive of Land Development Agency investment and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) lending. The 2026 capital funding is supplemented by over €2 billion in current funding to address housing needs.
A key priority for this capital investment is on the delivery of social homes, with almost €3.03 billion in Exchequer funding available to support social housing delivery through capital programmes in 2026.
Capital costs for new build social housing units include estimated costs for unit construction (incl. external / site development works) along with allowances for site purchase costs, design team fees, utilities, site investigations, surveys and public art etc.
The projected output in 2026 across the full range of Housing programmes, including the social housing delivery programmes, is set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) is which is available at the following link:
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/40d6f3cb/REV_2026_BOOK_06.03.26.pdf
565. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average all-in cost of delivering a new-build social housing unit in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively, by a one-bedroom apartment, two-bedroom apartment, three-bedroom house; the breakdown of these costs between construction, land acquisition, professional fees, VAT, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45064/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
2023 |
|
Construction Costs (incl. abnormals) |
|
Abnormal Costs |
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
|
|
3bed house |
296,277 |
183k - 446k |
36,381 |
3k - 90k |
|
1bed apartment |
290,316 |
170k - 340k |
32,446 |
5k - 65k |
|
2bed apartment |
375,152 |
203k - 538k |
44,290 |
9k - 90k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
Construction Costs (incl. abnormals) |
|
Abnormal Costs |
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
|
|
3bed house |
322,036 |
234k - 460k |
41,140 |
4k - 123k |
|
1bed apartment |
306,042 |
191k - 425k |
36,281 |
4k - 95k |
|
2bed apartment |
382,736 |
214k - 480k |
33,567 |
17k - 95k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
Construction Costs (incl. abnormals) |
|
Abnormal Costs |
|
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
Average Cost Per Unit € |
Range of Costs per Unit € |
|
|
3bed house |
298,242 |
209k - 544k |
29,865 |
1k - 110k |
|
1bed apartment |
327,132 |
158k - 468k |
34,893 |
6k - 72k |
|
2bed apartment |
342,491 |
206k - 475k |
29,837 |
7k - 72k |
|
Year |
1 – bed apartment |
2 – bed apartment |
3 – bed house |
|
2023 |
€322,112.43 |
€382,132.96 |
€340,691.28 |
|
2024 |
€347,316.47 |
€407,437.50 |
€336,668.13 |
|
2025 |
€375,826.44 |
€444,963.15 |
€358,052.20 |
|
Year |
1 – bed apartment |
2 – bed apartment |
3 – bed house |
|
2023 |
€88,839.52 |
€104,975.27 |
€94,432.92 |
|
2024 |
€100,293.55 |
€117,204.36 |
€94,215.02 |
|
2025 |
€108,810.10 |
€129,922.03 |
€101,529.00 |
566. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a detailed progress report in regard to the proposed wastewater treatment system for Beaufort village, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to an application from Kerry County Council, I approved significant funding for the Beaufort wastewater project under my Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme.
Responsibility for progressing the project now rests with Kerry County Council, working with Uisce Éireann, to deliver the project.
567. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in noting that Dublin City Council has had to pause its financial contribution scheme, when will his Department allocate funding and introduce a national right sizing policy that will allow local authorities re-establish this important scheme. [45104/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra569. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department will allocate funding and introduce a national right sizing policy that will allow local authorities re-establish a scheme given that Dublin City Council has had to pause its financial contribution scheme. [45155/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 569 together.
The 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 and choice in private housing and increased choice to support voluntary rightsizing.
I understand that existing financial contribution schemes in place in some local authorities are non-statutory and therefore a matter for the individual local authorities, in this case Dublin City Council. Consideration will be given to the review of the operation of existing local authority financial contribution schemes and my Department is advancing these measures now incorporated in the new housing plan.
568. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the proposed review of rural housing planning policies will include a review of planning restrictions affecting applicants seeking permission for one-off housing developments along the N56 in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I intend to publish a National Planning Statement in of the second half of 2026 that will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
My Department is currently preparing a draft Statement for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024, in order to provide consistency in the approach to rural housing across the Country.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European Directives and international agreements. Due care is being taken to ensure the new Rural Housing National Planning Statement will not conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, will comply with EU environmental requirements and will have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice.
The NPS will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework, in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment), where the policy approach is to facilitate new rural housing for those with a local rural housing need, and wider rural areas where there is greater flexibility to build single rural housing. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.
With regard to development on national roads, the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines, issued in 2012 as Ministerial Guidelines by the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), set out the circumstances under which access can be provided. Planning authorities are required to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their functions.
The Guidelines state that local authority Development Plans must include policies which seek to maintain and protect the safety, capacity and efficiency of national roads and associated junctions, avoiding the creation of new accesses and the intensification of existing accesses to national roads where a speed limit greater than 50 kmh applies. The guidelines do state that, in certain circumstances, planning authorities may identify stretches of national secondary roads where a less restrictive approach may be applied as part of the process of reviewing or varying the relevant development plan.
Development plans and any relevant local area plans may provide for a limited level of direct access to national roads to facilitate orderly urban development on the approaches to or exit from urban centres that are subject to a speed limit of 60 kmh before a lower 50 kmh limit is encountered. The Guidelines also state that access to national roads will be considered by planning authorities in accordance with normal road safety, traffic management and urban design criteria for built up areas where a 50 kmh limit applies.
Both the zoning of land under the Planning and Development Acts, and the setting of speed limits under the Road Traffic Act, are reserved functions of local authorities. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a Local Authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
The local authority development plan is the principal planning policy tool to achieve these national objectives at a local level. When preparing a development plan, planning authorities were required under the 2000 Act to have regard to any Ministerial Guidelines issued under section 28 of that Act, and to apply any specific planning policy requirements contained within those Guidelines. Ministerial Guidelines will, over time, be replaced with National Planning Statements (NPSs) issued under Section 25 of the new Planning and Development Act of 2024. Going forward, all development plans must be ‘materially consistent’ with any National Planning Policies and Measures and take ‘due account’ of any National Planning Policy Guidance in an NPS.
In the interests of clarity, all current Ministerial Guidelines will continue to have effect under Section 27 of the Act of 2024 until such time as they are revoked or replaced by a National Planning Statement.
570. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether for procurement spend, a purchase order can be raised within his Department's financial management systems without reference to a contract, framework agreement, procurement process or other authorising arrangement; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45168/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra571. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether an invoice can be paid by his Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; the number and value of payments made during quarter one of 2026 which were not associated with a purchase order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 571 together.
Purchase orders can be raised within my Department's financial management systems without reference to a contract, framework agreement, procurement process or other authorising arrangement, and invoices can be paid without a purchase order having been raised.
At present, purchase orders are used by only a small number of business units within the Department. Of the 4,820 invoices paid in the first quarter of this year, 4,684 were not linked to a purchase order. The value of invoiced payments made in the first quarter of 2026 that were not associated with a purchase order was €12,547,016.
It is important to note that procurement expenditure accounts for less than 1% of the Department’s overall spending. Accordingly, the introduction of a purchase order system would confer only limited benefits in terms of enhanced visibility of upcoming expenditure. Nevertheless, the Department will examine the wider introduction of purchase orders as part of its transition to the NSSO Financial Management Shared Services system.
572. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the position in respect of the cessation of the pyrite remediation scheme; his plans to continue support persons in geographical areas where pyrite is a known cause of disruption in dwellings; the number of households supported since the scheme opened; and expenditure on same. [45207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pyrite Remediation Scheme was set up to remediate dwellings that have been significantly damaged as a result of pyritic heave caused by the swelling of hardcore under ground floor slabs. The Scheme was launched in February 2014, and a total of 2,932 homes have had remediation completed to the end of 2025.
Expenditure for the scheme which includes all homeowner costs along with remediation costs to the end of 2025 is €210.1 million.
One of the eligibility requirements of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme was that a dwelling must have a level of damage that achieves a Damage Condition Rating of 2, defined in Irish Standard I.S. 398-1:2017 Part 1 and explained in Section 3.3 of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme.
In February 2026, the Pyrite Remediation Scheme has been widened to include applications for dwellings that have a Damage Condition Rating of 1 (DCR1) with progression, subject to satisfying the eligibility requirements of the revised scheme.
There are two significant elements to the widening of the Scheme:
• To apply under DCR1 with progression, the damage exhibited to the floor slab has to be at or above a certain specified level; and
• The testing and assessment to determine inclusion will be undertaken by the Housing Agency, with oversight and approval by the Pyrite Resolution Board.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme will close to applications on 30 November 2026. The works programme will continue up to the end of 2029 when it is expected that all dwellings that have been significantly damaged as a result of pyritic heave will be remediated.
The remediated homes are spread across nine local authority areas, with the majority located within the Fingal County Council boundary. The Scheme will continue in these areas where approved.
The management and operation of the scheme, including application processing, is a matter for the Pyrite Resolution Board, details of which can be found on the Pyrite Resolution Board website at www.pyriteboard.ie
Elected representatives can make queries to oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie
573. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has an any way to identify which Parliamentary Questions are AI generated; and the amount it costs, on average, to answer a Parliamentary Question. [45374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not currently utilise any tools or platforms to assess whether Parliamentary Questions (PQ) may have been generated using artificial intelligence.
It is not possible to determine the average cost of the preparation of replies to PQs. The level of resources required can vary significantly depending on the nature, scope and complexity of the question.
574. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the direction to local authorities will issue to allow victims and survivors of domestic abuse to move from one local authority list to another while retaining their years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45417/26]
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.
Furthermore, in 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence. The issuing of this 2017 policy and guidance was a significant action in the second national strategy on DSGBV 2016-2021, and has since played an important role in addressing the housing needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV, providing direction to local authorities in supporting these households. It covers a range of scenarios that may arise for victims and survivors of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports. The new protocol, when developed, will add to the suite of supports available to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
575. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties delivered for people with disabilities by Meath County Council, for each of the years 2021 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 and Implementation Plan with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality. The Strategy and Implementation Plan may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/. The Implementation Plan sets out the actions to achieve the vision of the joint Strategy for delivering housing and related supports for disabled people to 2027 operating under the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030.
Housing for disabled people is funded under the capital schemes for local authority housing through the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) and, in particular, the AHBs through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for the provision of independent living accommodation to meet the needs of people with specific categories of needs, including disabled people.
My Department does not hold data on the number of properties delivered for disabled people by local authorities including Meath County Council.
Statistics in relation to local authority social housing stock are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in the annual Local Authority Performance Indicator Report. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including the number of social housing units in local authority ownership at a given time. The most recent report, relating to 2024, is available on the NOAC website at the following link: www.noac.ie/noac_publications/report-77-noac-performance-indicator-report-2024/
Details on overall social housing delivery by each local authority can be found on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 2025. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/ A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2025
576. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social, affordable and cost rental homes completed in Meath in 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing action plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. This action plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
This expanded delivery, under the new housing plan, will build upon the significant progress already made under our previous plan Housing for All, with over 22,000 starter home supports having been delivered from its launch to the end of 2025.
Over 1,200 starter home supports have been delivered in Meath to the end of 2025, primarily via the Affordable Purchase scheme (102 homes), the First Home scheme (842 homes), the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant (105 homes), the Cost Rental scheme (via Approved Housing Bodies - 154 homes), and the cost rRental tenant in situ scheme (6 homes).
To date, Meath County Council has received funding approval to deliver 300 new homes for purchase across 16 schemes, supported by the Affordable Housing Fund to end 2027. By the end of 2025, 102 of these homes had already been delivered.
A further three schemes are currently under assessment, with the potential to deliver an additional 32 new homes for purchase.
In addition, 8 Approved Housing Bodies projects have been approved to date under the Cost Rental Equity Loan scheme in County Meath, with 154 Cost Rental homes delivered to date, and a further 164 to be delivered by the end of 2028.
To further support the development of Meath’s work in this area, my Department is funding 5 additional administrative and technical staffing posts to help deliver on affordable housing.
My 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 2025 is currently published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, with Q1 2026 data due to be published shortly: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/.
As outlined in the housing action plan, all local authorities will be required to prepare new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAP), which will identify housing needs within their areas and set out how this will be met over the rest of the decade. Scheme criteria and support levels for affordable homes schemes are kept under regular review, taking account of developments in the housing market. My Department will continue to engage with all delivery partners to further develop delivery and to ensure that we continue to address demand identified at a local level.
577. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions that are being taken, and the progress being made, on monitoring the housing targets in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. These statistics provide delivery data at local authority level, including data on housing delivery vs targets. Data is available to the end of Q4 2025 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/ .
Under the new housing plan, Building Homes, Delivering Communities, each local authority will prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP) which sets out their planned delivery of social and affordable housing to 2030 in line with targets which will be set by my Department. My Department will be communicating with local authorities in this regard and will monitor progress on the targets by referring to these HDAPs.
It should be noted that existing HDAPs run to the end of 2026 and it is expected that new HDAPs, which will run to 2030, will be in place early in Q4 2026. Each local authority's current HDAP is published on its website.
578. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties which have been brought back into use under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in County Meath, by year since 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, 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. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes the number of applications, approvals and the total number and value of grants paid per local authority. This data also includes a breakdown of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Derelict Property Top-up Grant for every quarter. The Q1 2026 grant statistics were published on 24 April 2026. This data can be accessed at the following link: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#2025
The grant has been, and continues to be, very successful in bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes across the country.
579. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 568 of 21 March 2026, if he can provide an update on the Navan Local Distributer Road - LDR 1A project application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCall 1 of the HIIF opened for applications from local authorities and the Land development Agency (LDA) on 21 January 2026 and closed on Friday 27 February 2026. Applications have been received from local authorities across the country, including Meath County Council, and from the LDA.
Following an assessment, I approved 82 projects for inclusion in the HIIF programme under Call 1, which were announced on 16 June 2026. I can confirm that Meath County Council's project - Navan Local Distributer Road - LDR 1A has been accepted on to the HIIF Programme.
A full list of projects accepted to the HIIF programme under Call 1 can be accessed at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/9d47d273/Housing_Infrastructure_Investment_Fund_Call_1_-_List_of_Projects.pdf
580. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding provided for Meath County Council for the tenant-in-situ purchase scheme for 2026; the estimated number of homes which will be purchased in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTenancy sustainment, or tenant-in-situ, is not a stand alone programme or scheme. Rather it is an eligible category of acquisition introduced as part of my Department's Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme in 2023.
Tenant in situ acquisitions are an option for local authorities to support households in the most precarious housing situations. Such acquisitions are, and will continue to be, available to local authorities for use as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted. However, they will never be the sole, or even the primary, option. The default first options should almost always be securing the sustainment of the tenancy with the landlord, securing alternative accommodation through the Tenancy Sustainment and Placefinder services, or allocating a local authority or Approved Housing Body tenancy via a new build home or re-let.
The parameters of the 2026 Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme, including individual local authority priority category allocations were notified to local authorities in February. Some €373 million will be available for drawdown by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies under the programme priorities as follows:
• Exits from Homelessness Acquisitions - €150 million
• AHB Priority Delivery Acquisitions, supporting older persons, persons with disabilities, care leavers - €50 million
• LA Priority Acquisitions including tenancy sustainment or tenant-in-situ acquisitions - €157 million.
There is no separate tenant in situ allocation and such acquisitions should be met from within the overall LA Priority Delivery allocation. Ultimately, it is a matter for each local authority to determine how best to deploy this allocation across emerging priorities throughout the year.
A contingency fund of €16 million will also be retained. It is available for local authorities that have drawn down most of their initial allocation but still have capacity to complete further acquisitions and drawdown funding from my Department this year.
While the total funding available is sufficient to support at least 1,000 acquisitions this year, the level of acquisitions nationally and at local authority level will only become clear towards the end of the year. Critically, there is adequate funding available to support any and all acquisitions that can be progressed, completed and drawn down from the Department this year.
Moreover, the multi-annual approach introduced last year will continue in 2026. Local authorities may commit up to the value of 30% of their base 2026 allocations (total c.€85 million) for acquisitions that will complete or drawdown funding in 2027. This will allow priority acquisitions to progress in the closing months of 2026, with certainty on funding in 2027, if such purchases do not complete this year.
The 2026 allocation by priority category for Meath County Council is set out below:
|
Category |
Allocation |
|
Exits from Homelessness Acquisitions |
€2,000,000 |
|
AHB Priority Delivery Acquisitions, supporting older persons, persons with disabilities, care leavers |
€800,000 |
|
LA Priority Acquisitions including tenancy sustainment or tenant-in-situ acquisitions |
€2,900,000 |
581. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review HAP limits for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45424/26]
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.
Maximum rent limits for HAP were set for each housing authority area in 2016 in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection (DSP). In reviewing the rent limits, my Department worked closely with DSP and monitored data gathered from the Residential Tenancies Board and the HAP Shared Services Centre.
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. Discretion can be increased up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits for Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin. 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 continue 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 shortly.
582. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review social housing income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45425/26]
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.
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.
These considerations are ongoing but I envisage that the analysis will be concluded shortly to facilitate a final determination on next steps. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
