Written Answers Nos. 120-140
120. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to monitor whether local authorities are actively seeking out and registering all derelict properties within their areas to ensure that action can be taken to bring these properties back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities have been provided with a number of powers and measures to deal with the issue of derelict properties, both in larger urban areas and in smaller rural towns and villages.
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site.
Local authority powers include requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites, acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily, and applying a derelict sites levy on derelict sites with a view to influencing property owners to bring their properties back into productive use or to put them on the market with a view to being put into use. It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.
Under Section 8 of 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. 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.
Local authorities may use the Derelict Sites Act 1990 to financially levy such sites and also to secure their public control/ownership where appropriate. The Derelict Sites Levy is charged at 7% of the market value of the land concerned.
The local authority also can acquire a derelict site in its area, either by agreement with the owner or by compulsory acquisition. Compulsory acquisition via the Derelict Sites Act 1990 is a structured process led by the local authority involving specified timelines and subsequent adjudication by An Coimisiún Pleanála, if appealed by the property owner.
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Activation Programme was launched by my Department in April 2023. The Programme supports a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to the re-use of vacant and derelict properties. It also includes guidance for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers, including under the Derelict Sites Act, to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.
The placing of sites on the Register and the collecting of levies on those sites is part of the overall process that Local Authorities undertake with the owners of derelict sites they identify.
The introduction of 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 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. Updating and maintaining their Derelict Sites/Property Registers will continue to remain the responsibility of local authorities, and Derelict Sites levies that remain outstanding when the new tax is introduced will remain as charges on the land and will be the responsibility of each local authority to collect.
121. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his expectations for new build social housing in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social housing build target for 2026 is 10,200 homes. Building on the record delivery of 9,088 social homes in 2025, there is a strong approved pipeline of projects in place for 2026 delivery, which suggests, subject to projects being satisfactorily progressed on site by LAs and AHBs, that the 2026 target can be achieved.
The latest Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) shows that there were 22,949 homes at various stages of the design and procurement processes nationally at the end of 2025, including 9,703 homes on site. The Q1 2026 CSR is due to be published by my Department at the end of this month and will provide an update on the social housing pipeline.
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.
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.
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:
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/40d6f3cb/REV_2026_BOOK_06.03.26.pdf
122. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his progress toward delivering affordable housing in Dublin west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government's priority is accelerating starter home delivery through the optimum use of public land, increased capital investment, and continued collaboration between the housing delivery partners, including the local authorities, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). This collaboration between the delivery partners is particularly strong in key urban areas, where the need is most acute.
Within the Dublin West area, examples of starter home delivery include the LDA and Fingal County Council delivering 370 new starter homes at Churchfields in Mulhuddart. Over 300 of these homes have now been delivered, with the remaining homes expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
The LDA and a number of Approved Housing Bodies are also delivering cost rental homes in Rathborne, Ashtown (399 homes), which will be delivered in phases from 2026 - 2028.
In addition, the Department has recently approved funding for the delivery of over 100 cost rental units at Hansfield.
Adjacent to the constituency, the LDA, in partnership with Dublin City Council, are progressing plans for the development of Cherry Orchard Point in Dublin 10 which will be delivered in phases. Phase 1 will deliver 708 new homes — 547 cost rental and 161 social homes.
Under the Governments new housing plan, all local authorities, including Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council, will shortly be mandated to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) to clearly identify local affordable housing need and outline how this need can be met. These HDAPs will be completed within 2026.
My Department continues to engage closely with Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, the LDA and the AHBs to ensure that delivery in Dublin West, and adjacent areas, both continues and is aligned with identified need.
123. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an updated on the affordable purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting home ownership is at the centre of Government’s housing policy and our Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The new Housing Plan reinforces and expands the range of existing affordable housing measures being implemented by the Government. In particular, a new Starter Homes Programme, which is a central component of the plan, aims to deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030, including Starter Purchase Homes.
To underpin the delivery of the Starter Homes Programme, the Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding by way of a package of exchequer funded affordability measures, investment through the Land Development Agency and lending by the Housing Finance Agency.
This expanded delivery will build upon the significant progress already made under our previous plan, Housing for All, with over 2,500 local authority Starter Purchase Homes delivered from its launch to the end of 2025. Overall, over 6,600 such homes have been approved with over €570m in support being provided under the Affordable Housing Fund.
The local authority Starter Homes pipeline continues to grow as new schemes are identified, planned and approved and will be enhanced further as the higher Part V requirements introduced in the Affordable Housing Act 2021 begin to bear fruit.
Furthermore, measures such as the First Home Scheme, the Help-to-Buy Scheme, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are also available to help make home ownership more affordable.
In addition, under the new Plan, local authorities will shortly commence the updating of their Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. Each local authority HDAP will be informed by identifiable affordable housing need within their area and will include collaboration with their delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency and the Approved Housing Bodies, as applicable. These plans will be completed and published by local authorities later in the year.
124. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on widening the income limits for qualification for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review the operation of local authority affordable housing purchase schemes, specifically the use of lottery-based allocation systems, in view of the fact that these systems are excluding applicants who have been on waiting lists for extended periods; if he plans to issue revised national guidelines to ensure greater transparency, fairness, and priority for long-term applicants in the allocation of affordable purchase homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 201 together.
The affordable purchase scheme (Starter Home Purchase Scheme) was introduced under the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Local authorities make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers who cannot afford to purchase these homes at open market value. The local authority takes a percentage equity share in the home equal to the difference between the open market value of the home and the reduced price paid. This means that 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. There are no income limits for this scheme.
For the Starter Home Purchase Scheme, each local authority will have a Scheme of Priority for the allocation of homes. The Affordable Housing Act 2021 allows for the Scheme of Priority to include matters such as priority be given to applicants based upon date and time of application and priority given to eligible applicants in relation to a particular dwelling, or class of dwelling, having regard to the size or composition of the eligible applicant’s household.
Homes made available under the Starter Home Purchase Scheme are not allocated by lottery, and Local Authorities do not retain waiting lists for affordable purchase housing.
Under the Delivering Homes, Building Communities action plan, Cost Rental is a key element of the Government’s strategy to enhance affordability in the rental sector and provide secure, long-term housing for middle-income households. The fundamental principle underpinning Cost Rental is that rents are set to cover the costs of developing, managing, and maintaining homes. This ensures the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme, while shielding rents from market pressures. Cost Rental is an expanding housing tenure in Ireland, with more than 6,000 homes delivered by Q4 2025 and a substantial pipeline of future developments now in place.
Cost Rental is aimed at households within the middle-income range who are not eligible for social housing, but who may face significant affordability challenges in the private rental market. Income eligibility criteria play a key role in ensuring that these State-supported homes are targeted effectively at this group. The primary requirement is that a household’s net annual income falls below specified limits, which, since 1 August 2023, are set at €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere under secondary legislation. Net income is calculated as gross income less deductions for income tax, USC, PRSI, and pension contributions.
The legislation governing Cost Rental provides flexibility in setting household income limits, enabling a broad range of factors to be considered rather than relying on a single metric. These factors can include prevailing economic conditions, Government policy priorities, and both the current position and future direction of the Cost Rental sector.
The Programme for Government 2025 includes a commitment to “keep Cost Rental income criteria under review” to ensure they remain appropriate and effective. My Department is progressing this work.
125. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline any plans for the development of affordable housing in Arklow, County Wicklow. [47895/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of existing affordable housing measures being implemented by the Government. In particular, a new Starter Homes Programme aims to deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
To underpin the delivery of the Starter Homes Programme, the Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding by way of a package of Exchequer funded affordability measures, investment through the Land Development Agency and lending by the Housing Finance Agency.
To date, my Department has not received any applications or plans for new starter home delivery in the local area of Arklow.
In order to further drive the required delivery of Starter Homes under the new plan, local authorities, including Wicklow County Council, will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs). These HDAPs will replace those produced under the previous housing action plan, Housing for All, and will involve local authorities identifying local Starter Home need within their area, in particular in urban locations, and putting in place a plan to meet this need. The preparation of the plans will involve local authorities collaborating with the delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency, the Approved Housing Bodies and the wider development sector, as applicable.
Each local authorities' HDAP will be reviewed by my Department, prior to being completed and published during 2026.
126. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority home loans issued, by county in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of LAHLs, by county that have been refused for the same periods; the average household income by county, for those who have been refused a LAHL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48244/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for a Local Authority Home Loan are made through the individual Local Authorities and the final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the Credit Policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lenders, the local authorities.
Information on the number of applications for a Local Authority Home Loan made to local authorities, the number of applications refused or the average household income for these applications is not held by my Department.
My Department publishes information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount). Information on drawdowns, approvals, average drawdowns, and average approvals for Local Authority Home Loans [and its predecessor] are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid
127. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an outline of his Department's current actions and future plans in the area of biodiversity which is within the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan provides the overarching framework for protecting and restoring nature in Ireland. The Plan integrates biodiversity considerations into public decision-making through a statutory ‘Biodiversity Duty’ on public bodies, and is supported by strengthened governance, improved reporting, and a transparent progress tracking system. Public bodies must take biodiversity into account in the performance of their functions and report annually on progress made. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, working with the interdepartmental Biodiversity Working Group, monitor delivery of the Plan, which is underpinned by strong collaboration across government, local authorities, communities and stakeholders.
The NPWS plays a central role in supporting the protection and restoration of Ireland’s biodiversity through evidence-based conservation, habitat management, and policy support. It manages our National Parks and Nature Reserves, enforces wildlife legislation and issues licenses regulating activities that might impact protected species. NPWS-led projects such as Wild Atlantic Nature, LIFE on Machair, and the recently concluded Corncrake LIFE demonstrate the impact of targeted, place-based conservation, working with farmers and communities to restore habitats, improve land management practices, and support species recovery in some of Ireland’s most sensitive landscapes. Building on the success of Corncrake LIFE, and working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Natura Communities for Birds initiative will continue and expands these efforts, supporting long-term, community-led conservation actions to secure sustainable outcomes for priority bird species and their habitats. Initiatives such as the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, operated by the NPWS, enable local authorities to deliver locally focussed biodiversity projects within their communities. The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme supports landowners to actively conserve, restore and enhance habitats and species of conservation importance while contributing to sustainable rural livelihoods.
The NPWS also leads on the drafting of a Nature Restoration Plan for Ireland, currently under public consultation. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation established legally binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems across land and sea, including the goal of restoring at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The Nature Restoration Plan translates the targets of the EU Nature Restoration into a national programme of restoration, setting out how Ireland will restore degraded ecosystems over the coming decades. For further information, see
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/consultations/first-public-consultation-on-irelands-draft-national-nature-restoration-plan/ .
128. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to ensure that zoned residential land is brought forward for development in a timely manner; the actions being taken to support and challenge local authorities in identifying and activating undeveloped residentially zoned land within their areas; whether targets, reporting requirements or other accountability measures are in place to monitor progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government Action Plan on housing supply and targeting homelessness, identifies the implementation of the Residential Zoned Land Tax in Action 1.12 as a key measure to penalise land hoarding and to ensure that zoned and serviced land is developed in an effective and timely manner for new homes.
As part of the process for identifying land liable to Residential Zoned Land Tax, all local authorities published annual draft maps on 1 February 2025 that identified lands considered to fall within the scope of the tax, as well as lands which they proposed to exclude from the annual final maps for 2026. Landowners and other interested parties had until 1 April 2025 to make a submission to the relevant local authority about whether or not land on this annual draft map met the criteria for being subject to the tax. Further to determinations relating to these submissions and any related appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the maps were finalised and a final map indicating land liable to the tax for 2026 was published on 31 January 2026, in advance of the tax coming into effect on 1 February 2026. The tax is administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
Overall, circa 5,130 hectares of land comprising residential zoned land is identified on the final maps for 2026. Under the legislation, local authorities are required to publish the total area of land in hectares contained on their maps:
|
Local Authority |
Final RZLT Map for 2026 (Hectares of Residential Zoned and Serviced Land approx.) |
|
Carlow |
33 |
|
Cavan |
85 |
|
Clare |
170 |
|
Cork City |
249 |
|
Cork County |
418 |
|
Donegal |
192 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
76 |
|
Fingal |
633 |
|
Galway City |
115 |
|
Galway County |
208 |
|
Kerry |
220 |
|
Kildare |
255 |
|
Kilkenny |
58 |
|
Laois |
154 |
|
Leitrim |
22 |
|
Limerick |
192 |
|
Longford |
18 |
|
Louth |
168 |
|
Mayo |
98 |
|
Meath |
285 |
|
Monaghan |
60 |
|
Offaly |
105 |
|
Roscommon |
27 |
|
Sligo |
106 |
|
South Dublin |
194 |
|
Tipperary |
223 |
|
Waterford |
104 |
|
Westmeath |
240 |
|
Wexford |
35 |
|
Wicklow |
388 |
Figures provided by the Revenue Commissioners (Sept 2025) indicate that approximately €70m of the €120m declared liability in 2025 was deferred due to a recent grant of planning permission, a commencement of a planning permission or a request to rezone land, indicating that housing development is being activated on land liable to the tax.
In addition, there has been significant recent activity to zone additional lands in response to the issuing in July 2025 of the ‘NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines’. The Guidelines have led to variations to development plans being commenced in 30 of the 31 local authorities to date to provide for additional residentially zoned lands.
129. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to the croí cónaithe scheme the number of people who have applied, been approved, and been drawn down in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to the croí cónaithe scheme the number people have applied, been approved, and been drawn down in Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 142 together.
The 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: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.
130. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline recent funding under the Local Authority Waters Programme; the funding allocated to Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the funding provided to the River Basin Management Service (formerly known as the Local Authority Waters Programme), and Dublin City Council is set out in the table below.
My Department has not provided any funding to Fingal County Council under the Water Quality Programme.
|
Allocations from the Water Quality Budget to: |
2026 |
|
River Basin Management Service |
€13,294,534.00 |
|
River Basin Management Service Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership |
€5,230,000.00 |
|
River Basin Management Service Nature Based Solutions |
€4,458,433.00 |
|
Dublin City Council - Acclimatize |
€181,879.00 |
|
Dublin City Council - Bathing Water Information Portal |
€50,000.00 |
|
Dublin City Council - Urbans Nature Based Solution Pilot Project |
€410,817.00 |
River Basin Management Service The River Basin Management Service (formerly known as the Local Authority Waters Programme) works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement. The Service was established to fulfil requirements under the EU Water Framework Directive and is funded by my Department. The Service coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan, the Water Action Plan 2024.
Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership The purpose of the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is to support the objectives of the Water Action Plan. It was recognised that there is a significant proportion of farmers which may be having a significant impact on water quality but do not tend to participate in voluntary Agri-environmental schemes for various reasons. The focus of the Farming for Water EIP is on reducing losses of phosphorous, nitrogen and sediment and pesticides to water from agricultural lands by promoting the adoption of innovative best practice in nutrient management, the application of nature based Natural Retention Measures (NWRM) and other suitable measures. The EIP is co-funded by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (€50million to support farmers to implement measures) and my Department (€10million for the administration of the project plus an additional €29million from National Development Plan (NDP) funding for targeted projects and bespoke measures).
River Basin Management Service Nature Based Solutions The need for a national Nature Based Solution (NbS) fund to support Local Authorities and public bodies to retrofit, mainstream and upscale NbS in the urban environment was identified by key stakeholders working with the River Basin Management Service and DHLGH as part of the National Nature-bases Solutions Strategy. In response my Department has established a new national NbS Capital Fund, funded by my Department and administered by the River Basin Management Service.
Bathing Water Information Portal The Bathing Water Information Portal (BWIP) is intended as a centralised web-based platform for Irish Local Authorities to generate standardised statutory and supplementary bathing water information. This project is being managed by Dublin City Council, on behalf of my Department.
Dublin City Council - Acclimatize Acclimatize II project is a research project being carried out by UCD, which is focusing on potential pollution pressures entering Dublin Bay, with particular focus on the effect on bathing sites around Dublin Bay. The Acclimatize II project is managed by Dublin City Council and funded by member organisations of the Dublin Bay Bathing Water Task Force, which includes my Department.
Dublin City Council - Nature Based Solution Pilot Project My Department is working on the implementation of urban Nature Based Solutions at a national scale to address the pressures from urban runoff, such as increased rainfall patterns due to climate change. Urban Nature-based solutions are also highlighted in the National Adaptation Framework and the Water Sectoral Adaptation Plan as solutions to address the impacts of climate change. A pilot research project funded by my Department, commenced in 2023 and will be completed in 2026 with Dublin City Council. This project will provide valuable information on how nature-based solutions work in the Irish urban situation and compile research on the reduction in pollution from urban runoff by using nature-based solutions.
131. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the long-awaited sewerage schemes for the villages of Broadford and Cooraclare in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47825/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have approved funding for the Broadford and Cooraclare wastewater projects under Measure A8 of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme. This funding remains available to Clare County Council for these projects, subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme.
Responsibility for progressing the projects rests with Clare County Council, working in conjunction with Uisce Éireann, to deliver the projects.
132. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress being made on the new National Planning Statement on Rural Housing; the measures being considered to ensure that young people and families with genuine local connections can build homes in their own communities; when the revised rural housing policy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48111/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which his Department is ensuring that rural planning policy supports sustainable communities while also enabling appropriate housing development in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47609/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reform rural housing planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46792/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the implementation of the Programme for Government commitments on rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new planning rules accommodating those seeking to build on their own land will be implemented at local authority level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48297/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra317. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the proposed new rural planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48302/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 151, 158, 163, 190 and 317 together.
As set out in the Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 Action Plan, I intend to publish a finalised 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 National Planning Statement 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.
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 local 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 development pressures.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) 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 draft 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.
I intend to bring a draft NPS to Government in the coming weeks setting out a proposed policy direction, and thereafter the draft NPS will be subject to assessment for the purposes of compliance with relevant EU Directives, including any necessary associated consultation, before a final draft of the NPS will be brought to Government for approval to issue.
All existing section 28 Ministerial Guidelines, including the 2005 sustainable rural housing guidelines, continue to have effect until they are revoked or replaced by a corresponding National Planning Statement.
133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timescale for merging social and cost rental housing over time to form a single affordable rental sector, based on the principle of cost recovery as referenced in Delivering Homes, Building Communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, commits to implementing a pathfinder project to inform the policy, legislative and financial reforms needed to allow for due consideration to be given to the Housing Commission recommendation to merge social and cost rental housing over time to form a single affordable rental sector, based on the principle of cost recovery.
Following a consultation period in the second half of 2026, it is anticipated that Terms of Reference to deliver on this project will be agreed and this pathfinder project will be progressed.
134. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta cé na céimeanna ar leith atá glactha ag a Roinn le 10 mbliana anuas chun an cruachás tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht a éascú do theaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag iarraidh tithe a fháil ar cíos, a cheannach nó a thógaint. [47280/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar atá leagtha amach sa phlean ‘Tithe á dTógáil, Pobail á gCothú 2025-2030 - Plean Gníomhaíochta don Soláthar Tithíochta agus chun Dul i nGleic leis an Easpa Dídine’, tá roinnt gníomhartha ann lena dtacaítear le seachadadh méadaithe tithíochta agus le rogha tithíochta trí infheistíocht shuntasach i soláthar na dtithe sóisialta, ceannach agus tithe ar cíos a dhéanamh níos inacmhainne, dul i ngleic le tithe folmha agus tréigthe chun tithe a chur in úsáid arís ar fud na tíre, agus soláthar an stoic tithe nua a mhéadú ar fud na Tíre, ceantair Ghaeltachta san áireamh.
Faoin bPlean Gníomhaíochta, ullmhóidh gach údarás áitiúil Plean Gníomhaíochta um Sheachadadh Tithíochta, ina leagfar amach a seachadadh tithíochta sóisialta agus inacmhainne go dtí 2030 atá beartaithe, i gcomhréir leis na spriocanna a leagfaidh mo Roinn síos chun a chinntiú go seachadfar 72,000 teach sóisialta faoi 2030. Agus a Phlean á ullmhú aige, léireoidh gach údarás áitiúil riachtanas chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an meascán ceart de thithe ann le freastal ar riachtanas áitiúil agus ar thosaíochtaí áitiúla. Tabharfaidh seachadadh tithíochta sóisialta atá beartaithe aird ar riachtanas mar atá sainaitheanta óna liosta feithimh le haghaidh tithíocht shóisialta.
Tugann an Ciste Croí Cónaithe (Bailte) cúnamh airgeadais dóibh siúd atá ag iarraidh teach nua a thógáil i dtuath na hÉireann. Faoin scéim Croí Cónaithe, Réidh le Tógáil, cuireann údaráis áitiúla láithreáin sheirbhísithe ar fáil i mbailte agus i sráidbhailte, ar lascaine ar luach an mhargaidh, do cheannaitheoirí aonair chun réadmhaoin a thógáil lena háitiú ag an gceannaitheoir mar a phríomháit chónaithe phríobháideach. Maidir leis sin, in éineacht leis an Deontas Athchóirithe do Réadmhaoin Fholamh de chuid Croí Cónaithe le haghaidh tithe folmha agus tréigthe, chomh maith le líon na scéimeanna infheistíochta suntasacha atá ailínithe anois chun cur chuige Lár Bailte ar dTús i leith beartais a chur chun cinn, tacófar le bailte agus le sráidbhailte tuaithe agus Gaeltachta tithe nua a sheachadadh trína bhfreastalaítear ar riachtanais agus ar ardaidhmeanna éagsúla a bpobal.
Sna ‘Pleananna Forbartha - Treoirlínte d’Údaráis Áitiúla’ a foilsíodh i mí Iúil 2022, tá treoir tugtha d’údaráis áitiúla, amhail maidir le hullmhú na straitéisí tithíochta ina dtugtar aird chuí ar riachtanais chónaitheoirí na Gaeltachta, agus ina léirítear Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta ar ainmniú ar leith iad faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012 agus a bhaineann le pleanáil teanga, a bhfuil freagracht feidhme ar mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta, aisti.
San Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2024, a thosaítear ar bhonn céimnithe, leagtar amach an oibleagáid freisin atá ar údaráis áitiúla straitéisí a ullmhú agus cuspóirí a áireamh, nach mór aghaidh a thabhairt orthu agus a bPlean Forbartha á dhréachtú, lena rialaítear beartais forbartha áitiúla i leith aon cheantair Gaeltachta. Sa chás go bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta laistigh de limistéar riaracháin an údaráis phleanála, ní mór cuspóirí a áireamh sa straitéis plean forbartha chun “an oidhreacht theangeolaíoch agus chultúrtha a chosaint, lena n-áirítear cur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail”.
Sa chás go leagtar amach i bplean forbartha cuspóirí a bhaineann go sonrach le lonnaíocht i leith aon cheantair Gaeltachta, beidh gá le 'Plean Limistéir Tosaíochta' ina dhiaidh sin don cheantar Gaeltachta sin chun treoir a thabhairt dá fhorbairt, dá athnuachan nó dá athghiniúint agus chun a shonrú conas a chuirfear na cuspóirí ábhartha a bhaineann go sonrach le lonnaíocht sa phlean forbartha chun feidhme. Tá tús curtha leis an bhforáil seo den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2024 anois agus cuirfidh na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha san áireamh í agus iad ag ullmhú pleananna forbartha nua 10 mbliana.
Ar deireadh, áirítear i gClár an Rialtais freisin líon suntasach tiomantas maidir le soláthar an bhonneagair chun tacú le tithíocht ar fud na tíre. Tá mo Roinn ag obair le hUisce Éireann agus le húdaráis áitiúla chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar riachtanais bonneagair uisce agus fuíolluisce i gceantair thuaithe, lena n-áirítear pobail Ghaeltachta.
Cabhraíonn infheistíocht trí bhearta amhail an Clár Uisce Tuaithe le tacú le huisce óil sábháilte, le seirbhísí fuíolluisce feabhsaithe agus le seachadadh tithíochta sna ceantair sin.
Thug mo Roinn Ciste Infheistíochta Bonneagair Tithíochta ar fiú €1 bhilliún isteach atá á bhainistiú ag an Oifig um Ghníomhachtú Tithíochta chun an comhoibriú agus an comhordú a fheabhsú i measc soláthraithe bonneagair.
Cabhraíonn na bearta sin lena chinntiú gur féidir freastal ar riachtanais tithíochta agus tacú le teacht aniar fadtéarmach an phobail le bonneagar bunúsach.
Bíonn mise agus mo Roinnse ag plé go rialta leis an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta maidir le tithíocht agus leis an mbonneagar riachtanach chun tacú le forbairt tithíochta. Leanfaidh mo Roinn ar aghaidh ag obair le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus le páirtithe leasmhara eile freisin lena chinntiú go bhfuil soláthar leordhóthanach tithíochta agus seirbhísí pobail sa Ghaeltacht.
135. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a report on the work of the Housing Activation Office. [48062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Activation Office (HAO) has been operational for almost a year and is coordinating and accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure required to unlock housing on sites nationwide.
The office works with a range of key stakeholders to identify and resolve infrastructure constraints, align investment and progress infrastructure projects that unlock housing lands and accelerate the delivery of housing. This includes ongoing regular engagement with the 31 local authorities, infrastructure agencies and industry.
I convened a Housing Activation Delivery Group and a Housing Activation Industry Group in November 2025 to support the work of the Housing Activation Office, strengthen coordination and ensure that momentum across infrastructure and housing delivery is maintained. These groups continue to meet on a quarterly basis, with the next meetings scheduled to take place in July 2026.
On 21 January 2026, the Government launched a new multiannual €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to support direct investment in housing enabling infrastructure. The fund is managed by the Housing Activation Office in my Department.
The core objective of the HIIF is to unblock infrastructure constraints and activate lands that are identified for housing development. By investing directly in transport, water, electricity and other enabling infrastructure, the fund will ensure that land is properly serviced and ready to deliver homes.
Call 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. A total of 138 applications were received under Call 1 from 30 Local Authorities and the Land Development Agency. Following a detailed assessment process led by the Housing Activation Office, 82 projects have been approved for inclusion in the HIIF programme under Call 1.
A full list of projects accepted to the HIIF programme can be accessed at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/9d47d273/Housing_Infrastructure_Investment_Fund_Call_1_-_List_of_Projects.pdf
The HAO team will work directly with local authorities and the Land Development Agency to progress the projects and will also work with critical utilities such as Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks to ensure complementary investment in water and energy in tandem with the delivery of the 82 projects.
The HAO will continue to develop the HIIF and intends to broaden its scope to include a wider range of public and private sector delivery partners. The primary aim is to build a rolling programme of investment that addresses obstacles to the delivery of housing.
The initial focus of the HAO has been on local activation, and the focus will now broaden to include a more strategic phase of work. This includes the identification of larger and more transformative infrastructure investments that are required to support housing delivery at scale.
136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his plans to deliver more affordable housing in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the housing 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.
Over 1,200 starter home supports have been delivered in Meath to the end of 2025, through 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 Rental Tenant in Situ scheme (6 homes).
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 projects have been approved to date under the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme in County Meath, with 154 Cost Rental homes delivered to date, and a further 164 expected to be delivered by the end of 2028.
In order to further drive the delivery of affordable housing under the new plan, local authorities, including Meath County Council, will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. These plans will be completed and published by the local authorities in 2026.
In addition, to further support the development of Meath’s work in this area, my Department is funding 5 additional administrative and technical staffing posts.
137. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken by his Department to ensure that counties identified for population growth under the National Planning Framework have the necessary housing, water, wastewater and community infrastructure in place in advance of future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was finalised and approved by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025. The Revised NPF identifies the need to plan for approximately 50,000 additional households per annum to 2040 and provides the basis for the review and updating of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs) and local authority development plans to reflect such critical matters such as updated housing figures and projected jobs growth, including through the zoning of land for residential, employment and other purposes.
National Policy Objective (NPO) 105 of the Revised NPF requires planning authorities and infrastructure delivery agencies to focus on the timely delivery of enabling infrastructure to priority zoned lands in order to deliver planned growth and development. NPO 103 specifies that when considering zoning land for development purposes that cannot be serviced within the life of the relevant plan, such lands should not be zoned for development. Planning for the provision of infrastructure, amenities and services is a core element of the statutory plan-making process and is key to promoting the development of sustainable communities.
The local authority development plan is the principal planning strategy document which sets out the relevant policies and objectives to guide the physical development of each city and county over a six-year period, including both urban and rural areas.
It is through the development plan, that planning authorities set out relevant objectives, policy support and development management standards for development, as well as identifying suitable locations or areas for specific forms of development. The power to make or vary a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority.
Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (under which all existing development plans were prepared) required planning authorities to include objectives in their development plan for the provision of infrastructure, and the integration of the planning and sustainable development of the area with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. The legislation further provides that objectives must be included for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities.
All future development plans will be made under Part 3, Chapter 5 (Development Plans) of the Planning and Development Act 2024, which was commenced on 31 December 2025. Sections 44 to 51 of the Act of 2024 require planning authorities to include various strategies and objectives in their development plans including in relation to the sustainable use of land, integrated transport, infrastructure, and the amenities, facilities and services required meet the social, recreational and cultural needs of the community.
To facilitate the move to plan-making under the Act of 2024, I signed the Planning and Development (Prescribed Persons - Statutory Plans) Regulations 2025 in October 2025. These Regulations prescribe certain public bodies for the purposes of stakeholder consultation in the plan-making process under that Act. Included among those prescribed are infrastructure providers such as Uisce Éireann, Eirgrid, ESB Networks, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Separately, as part of the process to prepare a development plan, section 54(5)(c) of the Act of 2024 requires each planning authority to take such measures as it considers appropriate to consult the providers of (i) energy, (ii) telecommunications, (iii) water services, (iv) transport, (v) any other infrastructure, (vi) education, (vii) health, (viii) policing, and (ix) any other services, in order to ascertain any long-term plans for the provision of infrastructure and services in the functional area of the planning authority.
The statutory requirement to notify prescribed authorities and consult with service providers during the plan-making process enables providers of public infrastructure and services to contribute from an early stage and ensure that their inputs inform the process. Such engagement also has the secondary function of allowing infrastructure providers to take account of the planned quantum and distribution of proposed development in specified areas over a medium-term horizon.
In addition, under section 213 of the 2000 Act, a local authority is empowered, for the purposes of performing any of its functions (including facilitating the implementation of its Development Plan), to acquire land, permanently or temporarily, by agreement or compulsorily. This includes the acquisition of sites for infrastructure and facilities.
Pursuant to section 48 of the 2000 Act, a planning authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála may attach a condition to a grant of planning permission requiring the payment of a contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities that it is intended will be provided, by or on behalf of a local authority. This may include for open spaces, and recreational and community facilities or other forms of public infrastructure. The basis for such contributions is set out in a development contribution scheme as adopted by the elected members.
It is important to note that local authorities are independent statutory bodies with democratically elected councils and their own management system. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
Separately, my Department has established a Housing Activation Office within the Department to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development. The Office is actively engaged in identifying barriers to housing delivery and is coordinating with local authorities and infrastructure agencies to address these barriers, including through the provision of funding under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund.
138. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with the Minister for Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht to examine additional housing supports and measures to assist individuals and families who wish to buy, build or continue living in Gaeltacht communities; the steps being taken to ensure housing policy supports the long-term sustainability of Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48112/26]
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 Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030. The new 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 nationwide, including in Gaeltacht areas.
The Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to increase housing supply, including through the new Starter Homes Programme. with a view to delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030. With a strong focus on delivery, the Plan will enable housing delivery partners to accelerate the supply of new starter homes, providing thousands of individuals and families with increased access to secure and affordable housing solutions nationwide.
A list of affordable housing supports in place, for all areas of the country including Gaeltacht areas, is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/. A number of these schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
These supports include the schemes such as the vacant property refurbishment grant, a payment for supporting the turning of a vacant house or building into a person’s permanent home or rental property. It is also available for converting an entire former commercial or public use building into residential units.
The Government’s new housing plan recognises that the availability of an appropriate mix of suitable housing is key to the sustainability of thriving Gaeltacht communities. In this regard, my Department will issue new planning policy and guidance under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, known as a National Planning Statement, for new housing in the Gaeltacht, in order to provide clarity and consistency within the planning system in relation to the protection of the Irish language.
There is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of National Planning Statements. In this regard, engagement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) is ongoing in relation to the potential incorporation of Gaeltacht elements within the draft NPS. An Interdepartmental Group, comprising my Department, the DRCDG as the relevant policy Department for the Gaeltacht and Údarás na Gaeltachta also, as well as a separate Working Group made up of both Departments and Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities with Gaeltacht areas, is supporting the development of specific planning guidance for Gaeltacht areas.
Having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, a finalised draft National Planning Statement will be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA).
Under Section 25 of the 2024 Act, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister.
139. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline his proposals and associated targets to deliver age friendly housing in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [48260/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, includes measures to 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.
Each local authority previously prepared a Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP), including Cavan and Monaghan, setting out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, including details of proposed delivery of housing for older people. Housing Delivery Action Plans are published on the websites of the respective local authorities. Existing social housing targets set under Housing for All run to the end of 2026. These targets were developed based on the social housing waiting list for each local authority and data obtained from the Housing Needs Demand Assessment, which profiles future demand for social housing.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities each local authority, including Cavan and Monaghan, will prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan setting out their planned delivery of social and affordable housing to 2030 in line with targets which will be set by my Department in order to ensure the 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable housing supports will be delivered by 2030. In preparing their HDAP, each local authority will reflect local need to ensure the right mix of homes to respond to need and priorities, including housing for older people.
140. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on proposals to provide for developer led water and wastewater infrastructure to allow for the construction of homes. [47896/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2026, the Government approved a new Developer-Led Infrastructure (DLI) initiative for wastewater services to support housing delivery in areas where wastewater constraints are impacting development.
Under the initiative developers may, subject to agreement with Uisce Éireann, finance and construct wastewater infrastructure to Uisce Éireann standards. On completion, the infrastructure is transferred to Uisce Éireann for operation and maintenance.
The DLI initiative is intended to accelerate housing delivery, particularly in towns and villages where wastewater constraints have delayed development, while complementing Uisce Éireann’s ongoing investment programme.
Uisce Éireann, in consultation with relevant statutory bodies, has focused on delivery, developing supporting procedures and guidance.
Uisce Éireann have put in place arrangements to manage developer engagement, including a structured pre-connection process and ongoing technical engagement on proposed developments.
