Written Answers Nos. 412-431
412. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the conservation covenants in use in England and Wales under the Environment Act 2021; if he plans to introduce a similar scheme here in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46872/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that in England and Wales and some other jurisdictions a conservation covenant agreement is a private, voluntary agreement to conserve the natural or heritage features of the land. This can include buildings on the land.
There are no plans to introduce conservation covenants at the moment, however this is something that could be considered in the context of future legislative changes or in the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law.
413. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review and increase the income thresholds for social housing to better reflect the current cost-of-living, to ensure the thresholds are future proofed; when the last such review took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46900/26]
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.
414. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish 2025 derelict sites levy data. [46902/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my response to Dáil Question No. 720 of 28 April 2026, Local Authorities are required to submit an annual return to my Department providing information on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 in their functional areas. These returns are submitted by each local authority to my Department in the following calendar year and are then aggregated into national level statistics. The 2025 data will accordingly be assembled and published in the coming months.
415. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that different definitions of dereliction are being used in the vacant and derelict property refurbishment grant and the derelict sites register; and if he will give a commitment to review the definition in order to align them in order that his Department operates a single definition of dereliction consistent across all schemes. [46919/26]
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.
In order to qualify for the derelict top-up grant the applicant must provide evidence that the property is on the derelict sites register as per the definition as set out below or can submit an independent report confirming that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous.
Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, of any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site. Section 8(5) of the Act, provides that "The register shall be kept at the offices of the local authority and shall be available for inspection at the offices of the local authority during office hours."
A property can be placed on the derelict site register where it is deemed by a local authority to satisfy the criteria of a derelict site under the terms of section 3 of the Act:
3.—In this section “derelict site” means any land (in this section referred to as “the land in question”) which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of—
(a) the existence on the land in question of structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition, or
(b) the neglected, unsightly or objectionable condition of the land or any structures on the land in question, or
(c) the presence, deposit or collection on the land in question of any litter, rubbish, debris or waste, except where the presence, deposit or collection of such litter, rubbish, debris or waste results from the exercise of a right conferred by statute or by common law.
The intention to introduce a Derelict Property Tax was announced in Budget 2026 and it is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in 2026, which will include revised definitions for the purposes of the measure. This tax will, when it comes into effect, replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
416. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department’s plans to counter coastal erosion, dealing with the potential of coastal erosion on housing and infrastructure; and the contingency plans being put in place to relocate people from unsafe coastal areas in view of increasing climate change impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46953/26]
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, and is aware of the ongoing and evolving risks these pose to housing, infrastructure, public safety and coastal communities more generally.
Ireland’s approach to coastal change continues to be informed by the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, published on 26 October 2023, which sets out an initial, evidence-based framework for managing coastal change over the short, medium and long term.
The Report 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 and to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-Government response. 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.
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.
The Office of Public Works continues to lead at national level on coastal hazard and risk assessment, including mapping and monitoring of coastal flood and erosion risk, and on the assessment of technical options and constraints. It also works in partnership with local authorities on the planning and delivery of flood risk management and coastal protection measures. Local authorities remain responsible, in the first instance, for the consideration, planning and implementation of any site-specific coastal protection or flood mitigation measures, having regard to technical, environmental and statutory requirements, and may seek support through OPW funding schemes such as the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
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 any 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.
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.
417. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current enforcement powers and legal tools, in his Department or related semi-State bodies, which can be used to tackle and seize abandoned or derelict vessels on inland waterways; his Department’s plans to measure the scale and scope of this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and is the cross-border navigational authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1000 km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes.
The waterways under its remit are the Shannon Navigation, Shannon Erne Waterway, Erne System, Lower Bann Navigation, Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation.
The Canals Bye Laws 1988 and the Shannon Navigation Bye Laws 1992 provide Waterways Ireland with the powers to remove boats, vessels and other structures from their property which includes relevant navigations and land assets. Waterways Ireland is currently preparing Bye Law revisions to improve the management of its navigations.
The detailed information requested in relation to the plans by Waterways Ireland to measure the scale and scope of this issue is not held in my Department. However, arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org
418. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to include the replacement of double glazed windows under the housing aid for older people's grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46966/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra432. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide additional funding to the housing aid grants for local authorities who have now closed these grants, quoting lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47125/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra442. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the overall funding provided for DPGs, both social housing and private housing, in 2024 and 2025 respectively. [47265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 418, 432 and 442 together.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
The Housing Aid for Older People Grant is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Qualifying works include structural repairs or improvements, upgrading unsafe electrical wiring, drylining, repair or replacement of windows and doors and the repair or provision of central heating (where no central heating exists or the existing system is broken or beyond repair).
The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the grant scheme.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2026 increased substantially by €30 million to €129.5 million, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
Details of the allocations and drawdown for 2024 are available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/
Details on the original Exchequer allocations for 2025 are available on my Department's website at the following link: 13,000 older and disabled people to benefit from over €117 million Housing Adaptation Grant funding https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/13000-older-and-disabled-people-to-benefit-from-over-117-million-housing-adaptation-grant-funding/ The final drawdown per local authority for 2025 will be published shortly on my Department's website.
My Department is aware that some local authorities have paused the acceptance of priority 2 and priority 3 applications but are continuing to consider priority 1 applications. Priority 1 is defined as individuals who are terminally ill, primarily dependent on family or a carer, or where adaptations to the home would support applicants leaving hospital or residential care.
My Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity and my Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year. My Department is actively engaging with local authorities to facilitate redistribution of any such savings as early as possible this year. A number of local authorities have applied for an additional Exchequer allocation. My Department is giving consideration to these requests and will make a decision in this regard in due course.
My Department also provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. The detailed administration of the programme is a matter for each individual local authority including prioritisation and implementation of the required measures. Therefore, details in relation to individual applications are not collated by my Department and may be available from the respective local authority upon request. Details identifying allocation versus drawdown is available at the link below.
Details of the allocations and drawdown for the years 2015 to 2025 are available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-allocation-and-drawdown/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c472d-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-allocation-and-drawdown-2011-2020/
419. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a regulatory impact assessment was carried out on the Housing and Residential Tenancies Amendment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026; if so, to provide a copy of the assessment; and if not, the reason, such an assessment was not undertaken. [46972/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has completed a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the Housing and Residential Tenancies Amendment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. The RIA considered the effects Part 2 of the Bill which introduces a statutory framework governing eligibility for social housing support, centered on lawful residence and habitual residence requirements.
The provisions also introduce, for the first time, a statutory appeals mechanism for local authority decisions, enhancing procedural fairness, transparency, and consistency in decision making. The majority of the proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Acts, in Part 3 of this Bill, are technical in nature rather than providing for the implementation of significant new policies.
A link to the RIA can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/regulatory-impact-assessment-for-housing-and-residential-tenancies-miscellaneous-provisions-bill-2026/
420. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans to extend the cost rental scheme to County Mayo in view of the amount of persons that do not qualify for social housing but find themselves homeless and unable to afford market rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46982/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCost Rental housing is a key element of the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities action plan, and is designed to provide secure, long-term rental accommodation at rents that are significantly below market levels for households whose incomes exceed the threshold for social housing support but who may struggle to afford private sector rents. The main eligibility condition for Cost Rental comprises an annual net income limit of €66,000 in the four Dublin local authority areas and €59,000 in the rest of Ireland. Tenants are selected on an open application basis and, where demand exceeds supply, a lottery is used to select potential tenants.
The Department's funding schemes are already available to Cost Rental providers on a nationwide basis.
The Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme provides funding to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to finance development or acquisitions of new cost rental homes, on a sliding scale basis of up to 55% of the total capital costs for the homes. The 55% CREL model incorporates a mix of a long-term loan (up to a maximum of 35% of capital costs) along with a State equity investment element (up to a maximum of 20% of capital costs). The CREL scheme is available nationwide and AHBs have delivered more than 3,500 Cost Rental homes across 17 Local Authority Areas through the Cost Rental Equity Loan since the passing of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 to the end of 2025. In total, 117 projects have been approved for CREL since its inception in 2021 to date, with anticipated cumulative delivery of just over 8,600 homes by the end of 2029 with associated CREL funding support of €2bn.
The Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental investment scheme (STAR) launched in 2023. The scheme supports the delivery at scale of Cost Rental homes, to be let at a minimum of 25% below comparable market rental levels in high demand urban areas. The STAR Scheme is available nationwide and provides equity investment up to a maximum of €175,000 per unit in Dublin and €150,000 per unit in the rest of Ireland, with an additional €25,000 available for meeting the sustainability criteria as set out in the Scheme. To date, 10 applications have been approved for funding for the delivery of 2,422 cost rental homes under the Scheme.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is also available to all local authorities, including Mayo County Council, to assist towards the cost of developing affordable housing at locations where significant affordability needs have been identified. To date, the local authority affordable housing delivery programme is supporting the delivery of over 7,900 affordable homes, including over 1,200 cost rental homes. Overall, to support local authority delivery of both Starter Purchase and Cost Rental homes, grant assistant of over €714m is in place under the AHF.
My Department, the Housing Agency, and Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association continue to be available to assist Mayo County Council to develop an affordable delivery programme that will respond effectively to identified localised affordability needs in key urban locations, including cost rental where appropriate. The emphasis is on proactively collaborating to identify, develop and deliver viable affordable housing opportunities.
421. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether it is the intention of his Department to allow retained firefighters to continue to work until 65 years-of-age; if so, if he will detail the work undertaken by his Department to date; and whether he has consulted with a union (details supplied) on the matter. [47012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 was enacted. This Act amended, among other matters, the law in relation to the age at which certain public servants are required to retire. Part 11 of the Act provided the then Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (M/PENDR), to make orders, enabling line ministers – Justice, Defence, and Housing – to make regulations regarding the retirement age of uniformed services. Indeed, these regulations were made in August 2024, with the consent of M/PENDR, raising the mandatory retirement age to 62.
Given this was addressed less than two years ago, in consultation with fire service staff representative organisations including SIPTU, there are no plans to revisit this matter presently.
422. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that the cost of doing the initial pyrite assessment for a homeowner is currently €3000 which is not refundable, if the home is not entered into the remediation scheme; his views on whether that this is unaffordable for many households; if he is aware of supports in place to assist with the cost where a homeowner has a concern regarding the presence of pyrite but does not have the means for this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and the implementation of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, which is administered by the Board with the support of the Housing Agency. The provisions of the Act apply solely to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave, resulting from the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material.
It is important to note that the Pyrite Remediation Scheme is a measure of last resort, intended for homeowners who have no other practical means of redress.
I would refer you to the document outlining the Scheme, including the application process, which can be found on the Pyrite Resolution Board website: https://www.pyriteboard.ie/Pyrite/media/Pyrite/Updated/22-10-27-Pyrite-Remediation-Scheme-Adopted.pdf
A dwelling to be considered eligible under the Scheme must have a significant level of damage which is explained in paragraph 3.3 of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme document.
In making an application to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, an applicant is only required to submit a copy of a Building Condition Assessment to I.S. 398-1: 2017 prepared on the dwelling (as explained in paragraph 3.3 and 6.3 of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme document).
A dwelling owner who makes an application to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme that is successful and is included in the Scheme, the vouched costs for the Building Condition Assessment report can be recouped up to the set limit (in paragraph 9.5 of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme document).
In making an application to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, an applicant is not required to arrange or have any hardcore tests undertaken.
Further information is available from the Pyrite Resolution Board, contact details for which are as follows: Email: info@pyriteboard.ie; Phone: Lo call 1800 252 842
Elected Members can make queries to oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie
423. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that the erection of solar panels on commercial buildings may render the surface area of those panels part of the rateable valuation of a commercial building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47063/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency and provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act), and I, as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have no function in decisions in this regard.
Tailte Éireann has overall responsibility under the Act, for the maintenance of all Valuation Lists used by Local Authorities in the calculation of rates liability. Under Schedule 3 of the Act, all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. There is a very specific range of exemptions that can be applied, and Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4.
Solar Panels do not qualify for exemption under any section of Schedule 4 of the Act. Electricity generation stations are identified as relevant property under Schedule 3 Paragraph 1 (m) of the Act. In addition, Section 51 of the Act allows for the valuation of plant, such as Solar Panels, which are part of a relevant property.
As a result, Solar Panels on commercial buildings, as referenced in the question, will be assessed as part of a relevant property in accordance with the provisions of the Act. As a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Act and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the Higher Courts.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation by Tailte Éireann made under the provisions of the Act 2001. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. Following the process with the Valuation Tribunal, there is a further right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
424. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacancy officers and other such vacancy and dereliction-related staff in each of the 31 local authorities, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan aims to ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and effective and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which they are responsible. My Department oversees strategic workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis. However, granular data, in terms of the number or grade of staff assigned to specific work areas, is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from the local authorities concerned.
A number of structures have been established to support local authorities to tackle vacancy and dereliction. All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in place as a key point of contact in their Vacant Homes Office, with annual funding of €60,000 provided to each local authority by my Department. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction.
Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.
My Department has also provided €180,000 to each local authority to support processing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications. Technical and legal support is also available to support local authorities in administering the grant through the Housing Agency.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities committed to increasing funding for local authorities to support the administration of the grant, with up to an additional €100,000 being made available to each local authority per annum. My Department wrote to all local authorities in April 2026 to advise them of the process for draw down of this additional funding, the amount of which will be based on submitted business case from each local authority.
A network of 26 Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) has also been established, working with wider local authority teams focused on town centre regeneration, supported by a National Town Centre First Office. Town Regeneration Officers are funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
My Department has also made funding for staff resources available to local authorities as part of Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, to support their work tackling vacancy/ dereliction.
Tackling vacancy and dereliction requires co-ordination of activity within local authorities, and Vacant Homes Officers are working with Town Regeneration Officers, Derelict Sites Teams and other relevant teams to ensure a planned and proactive approach with measurement of outcomes. This is occurring in local authorities, with reorganisation of staff resources and establishment of structures to support co-ordination.
The Housing Plan's new measures build on the significant work that has been done and outcomes achieved over the past number of years, as well as improving and expanding existing schemes. These initiatives are working and vacancy levels are declining across the country.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
425. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of new HAP tenancies created in 2025; the number of these that were homeless HAP tenancies; the number that were based on the 30% financial hardship ; the number on the standard rate; and the average costs for each three categories, standard, 30% uplift, homeless HAP 50% uplift. [47103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. Under HAP, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for housing support through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme. The HAP scheme continues to play a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals.
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.
The average use of discretion at the end of Q4 2025 was 71.3%. The average level of discretion granted to HAP tenancies is 30.3%. The average level of discretion granted for Homeless HAP tenancies is 40.9%.
In 2025, 6,556 new HAP tenancies were set up. Of these, 2,328 were Homeless HAP. The monthly gross average cost per HAP tenancy at the end of Q4 2025 was €1,027. The monthly average cost per HAP tenancy funded by the Exchequer i.e. net of average differential rent, at the end of Q4 2025 was €769. This funding represents the portion paid by my Department after receipt of the differential rent which is paid by the tenant to the local authority. It does not include administration costs related to the Scheme.
My Department does not hold the additional information requested.
430. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a local authority can reduce, defer or suspend a rate demand for a business within their administrative area who are taking over a former derelict building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47119/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended and I, as Minister, have no function in this regard.
The Valuation Act provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose, which are occupied and the nature of that occupation is such to constitute rateable occupation or are unoccupied but capable of being the subject of rateable occupation, are rateable under Schedule 3 unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act.
The amount of rates liable on a property is determined by multiplying the valuation of the property set by Tailte Éireann by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) set by the local authority. The ARV is decided by the elected members of each local authority in their annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority.
There are a number of statutory provisions that allow for local abatement of rates. Local authorities may decide to offer assistance or money in kind, as provided for under section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001, in order to promote the interests of the local community, which includes, inter alia, the economic or general development of the administrative area (or part of it) of the local authority concerned. This may include vacant business premises rates incentive schemes or town centre activation schemes designed to encourage reoccupation of vacant retail/commercial premises.
Section 15 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 provides for rates waiver schemes. It adds to the suite of options available to local authorities to support local businesses and ratepayers. These rates waiver schemes are subject to a public consultation process and are approved by the elected members at either a plenary meeting of the Council or the annual budget meeting. Elected members are empowered to make schemes to support local and national policy objectives, by waiving the paying of commercial rates in certain circumstances. It is open for a local authority to design a waiver scheme as long as it supports county development plans, local area plans, local economic and community plans and the national planning framework. The budgetary impact of any waiver decision will also have to be managed by the elected members when making budget decisions for the following year; any reduction in income coming from rates will need to be factored into the overall budget planning.
431. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if supports are available to local authorities to purchase and develop industrial and warehouse lands and estates within their administrative areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47121/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Acquisition Fund was established to fund the acquisition of developable land to underpin the delivery of housing out to 2030.
Under the new housing plan, Delivery Homes, Building Communities, the Land Acquisition Fund (LAF) will be reformed, streamlined and expanded to ensure it is fit for purpose and can support the level of ambition in the Plan. To this end, the fund will be increased from €239m to at least €500m and this increased capacity will help establish the fund as a revolving fund, providing greater flexibility and also ensuring it will operate in perpetuity and help secure a sustainable pipeline of land for delivery of social and affordable housing over the long-term.
The Land Acquisition Fund is overseen by my Department and managed by the Housing Agency. The process for application and draw down of funding is set out on the Housing Agency website available at: https://www.housingagency.ie/land-acquisition-fund
As of the end of May 2026, over €84.6m has been spent from the fund on 32 site acquisitions, which can deliver 2,331 new homes.
There is nothing to prevent the type of lands referred to being repurposed for housing and supports would be available from my Department to turn such lands into social and/or affordable housing schemes. It would be a matter for local authorities in the first instance to bring forward any such proposals for funding consideration under the various funding schemes available from my Department.
