Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:327. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of the social housing income thresholds. [48551/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing Policy
Ceisteanna (327)
Freagraí scríofa
The baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. Income is defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards and local authorities also have discretion to disregard income that is once-off, temporary or short-term in nature and which is outside the regular pattern of a person’s annual income.
My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.
I expect 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.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (328)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:328. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the housing agency review of the HAP limits. [48552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a Housing Assistance Payment (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.
My Department reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This exercise highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continue to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market.
My Department is now nearing completion of its review of the existing HAP rent limits to ensure there is sufficient support under the HAP scheme to assist eligible households in accessing accommodation in the private rental sector.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (329)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:329. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the delivery of affordable homes in the Poolbeg West SDZ. [48553/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to my reply to Dáil Question No. 240 of 19 May which sets out the position in this matter. The position remains unchanged.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (330)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:330. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of requests for increased CALF and CAS funding on individual projects after construction has commenced, where costs have increased above initial stage 1 approval in the past 12 months, by local authority and by funding request approval/rejection. [48554/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department operates a number of funding programmes that assist local authorities to work in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to construct and purchase new homes and make them available for social housing. One such programme that local authorities and AHBs progress Social Housing projects through is the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF).
CALF funding is capital support provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction or purchase of new social housing units. This loan facility can support between 25% and 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the remaining finance sourced by the AHBs from private lenders (usually the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)).
In general, CALF applications for increased costs are the exception rather than the norm. If a request for increased costs is being considered, they will be subject to review by the Department QS team. Between 23 June 2025 to 23 June 2026, CALF did receive requests for increased costs on projects where construction had commenced and those which received approval are outlined below.
|
Local Authority |
Number of Projects |
|
Dublin City Council |
1 |
The Capital Assistance Scheme provides up to 100% capital funding to Approved Housing Bodies for the construction and targeted acquisition of social homes for priority needs categories including persons with a disability ,older persons, persons/families who are homeless, and care leavers.
Applications for increased costs under CAS are in the first instance submitted to the respective Local Authority (LA) by the Approved Housing Body (AHB) concerned, and if the increased costs are supported at LA level and deemed in order and appropriate noting the complexities around a particular project then forwarded to my Department for review at QS level.
Between June 2025 to June 2026, the Department received requests for increased costs on a small number of CAS projects whereby construction had commenced or was completed and the number that received approval by LA are outlined below.
|
Local Authority |
Number of Projects |
|
Cork County Council |
1 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
1 |
|
Dublin City Council |
1 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1 |
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (331)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:331. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the capital funding increases for Uisce Éireann for every year from 2026 to 2030, as per the announcement in Budget 2026. [48555/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Development Plan 2026–2030 provides €11.7 billion in capital funding for Uisce Éireann to support the delivery of large-scale projects and critical infrastructure required to deliver 300,000 new dwellings by 2030.
Uisce Éireann has been allocated €1.41 billion capital from my Department's Vote in 2026. The remaining capital allocations of the €11.7 billion from 2027 to 2030 will be decided as part of the annual budgetary process.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (332)
Charles Ward
Ceist:332. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that a number of homeowners whose applications were upgraded to full demolition and rebuild following successful defective concrete block scheme appeals have been advised by the Housing Agency that their grant amounts cannot be recalculated until I.S. 465 becomes legislation, despite other homeowners in the same circumstances having received revised grant approvals prior to 2 June 2025; the reason for this apparent inconsistency in treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks.
A number of amendments contained in the Act of 2025 came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
The Scheme is implemented under the terms of the DCB Act by the designated local authorities and the Housing Agency. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not therefore in a position to comment on an individual applications under the Scheme.
As Ireland’s official Standards Body, the National Standards Authority Ireland was tasked with the review of I.S. 465: 2018 and have recently (2 June 2026) published a revised standard, I.S. 465: 2026.
As per Section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act, I now intend to launch a review of the operation of the Act as quickly as possible. The 2022 Act mandates that not later than 3 months after completion of this review that I, as Minister, shall make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of my findings and conclusions resulting from that review.
All matters relating to the introduction of I.S. 465:2026 and its interaction with the grant scheme will be considered as part of the review of the 2022 Act.
In the interim it is my understanding that those scheme participants who had received a determination under the former standard (IS 465:2018) can, should they choose to do so, continue on with their works.
Wind Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (333)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:333. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress that has been made on wind farm guidelines; the stage the process is at; when the new guidelines will be in place; when a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government 2025, my Department is working with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which holds policy responsibility for renewable energy matters, in respect of the introduction of a number of National Planning Statements related to Ireland's Climate Action Plan target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources up to 80% in 2030. This includes the preparation of National Planning Statements in relation to onshore wind energy development, following a review of the existing 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.
Further to the commencement of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 on 2 October 2025, provisions for National Planning Statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. All existing Section 28 guidelines will, over time, be revoked and replaced with new National Planning Statements. Any current section 28 guidelines will however remain in force until revoked or replaced by a corresponding National Planning Statement. The timing of the issuing of National Planning Statements will be based on Government priorities.
In respect of sectoral national planning statements in particular, such as the onshore wind energy development, there is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of these National Planning Statements. In that context, my Department is working closely with the DCEE as the Department with policy responsibility for this area of Government policy in order to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of this National Planning Statement, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, European obligations such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), and considerations such as noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. Further to this my Department, in conjunction with DCEE, which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the National Planning Statement, which is highly technical in nature. As part of their work, which is now substantially complete.
In the interim, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
In line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment will be carried out on any draft National Planning Statement regarding wind energy development, with opportunity for consultation by the public and all stakeholders on the draft National Planning Statement.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (334)
Séamus McGrath
Ceist:334. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties that have been refurbished under the repair and lease scheme in each local authority area to date. [48572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Data on the repair and lease scheme (RLS), including delivery, to end 2025 is published on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/#repair-and-leasing-scheme-rls.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (335)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:335. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the defective concrete block scheme for social housing will commence. [48592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, as amended by the Act of 2025, underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks.
The Act also provides for the Defective Concrete Blocks Social Homes Scheme.
This is a scheme for the purpose of enabling a designated local authority or an Approved Housing Body with dwellings located in a designated local authority area to remedy damage caused to dwellings, owned by the local authority or Approved Housing Body, by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction.
The manner in which the Scheme will be operationalised in practice by local authorities has been the subject of careful consideration before the Scheme can be finalised. This work is now complete, with the Scheme being developed by my Department in conjunction with relevant stakeholders.
The work of the drafting of the Scheme, by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, is underway and matters are currently being progressed by my Department. Once this process is finalised I plan to bring the Scheme to Government for approval so as to enable the remediation of social housing stock to begin in the near future.
Social Media
Ceisteanna (336)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:336. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of complaints made by his Department to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts for each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [48616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Met Éireann which is part of my Department reported social media accounts to Bluesky and TikTok respectively in January 2025 for falsely claiming to represent Met Éireann and posting offensive and/or inaccurate content. The accounts in questions were duly removed.
Since 2020 the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has engaged from time to time with a number of social media companies regarding inappropriate or inaccurate posts on topics such as wildlife crime and invasive species.
Outside of this, my Department has made no complaints to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts in each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (337)
Pa Daly
Ceist:337. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the estimated full-year cost of employing one FTE, per staffing grade, in regard to workforce planning in An Coimisiún Pleanála, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48730/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Coimisiún Pleanála (An Coimisiún) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under Planning and Development Act 2024, as amended, and certain other Acts
The following table sets out the information requested:
|
Grade |
Cost (€) |
|
CEO |
252,970 |
|
Chief Officer |
116,397 |
|
Chief Planning Commissioner |
221,451 |
|
Deputy Chief Planning Commissioner |
172,880 |
|
Planning Commissioner |
150,732 |
|
Director (Planning) |
112,366 |
|
Assistant Director of Planning |
105,186 |
|
Senior Planning Inspector |
91,111 |
|
Planning Inspector |
79,803 |
|
Ecologist & Env/Mar Scientist |
87,510 |
|
Director (Administration) |
108,152 |
|
Senior Administrative Officer |
83,113 |
|
Senior Executive Officer |
60,029 |
|
Executive Officer |
38,803 |
|
Admin Assistant |
31,921 |
|
|
|
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 An Coimisiún Pleanála in this regard is [Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie]
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (338, 339)
Pa Daly
Ceist:338. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of biodiversity officers in each local authority; to provide a breakdown of the estimated cost to hire one additional FTE climate action officer in each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48733/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:339. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost to double the funding for biodiversity officers, broken down by cap ex and op ex, in tabular form. [48734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.
In total there are 36 Biodiversity Officer posts across the 31 Local Authorities, of which one is currently vacant with recruitment ongoing.
Of the Biodiversity Officers currently in place, the majority are part of the Heritage Council Biodiversity Officer Programme, which is funded by my Department. This programme provides a funding subvention for Biodiversity Officer salaries to the relevant Local Authority. In the first year following recruitment the Heritage Council provides 75% of salary costs; in the second year 50%; in the third and subsequent years 25%. Each local authority is responsible for paying the remaining portion of the salary from its own funding.
With regard to the cost of doubling the funding for biodiversity officers, of which there are currently 36 across all local authorities, the estimated costs would be as follows:
|
Area |
Cost for 1 Officer |
Total additional 36 officers |
|
Current expenditure |
€81,297 |
€2,926,689 |
|
Capital expenditure |
€20,000 |
€720,000 |
|
Total: |
€101,297 |
€3,646,688 |
The current expenditure figures above cover the full cost of employing a Biodiversity Officer, including salary costs starting at Point 1 of the Local Authority Grade 7 pay scale, plus estimated travel and subsistence costs. The salary costs include any Heritage Council subvention, which varies depending on number of years since they were recruited, as outlined above, plus the remaining portion of salary that is paid for by the Local Authority. The figures provided for capital expenditure include an amount of €20,000 per officer, which is made available to Biodiversity Officers via the Heritage Council to implement the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
In relation to Community Climate Action Officers, these are under the remit of my colleague, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, and neither my Department, nor the Heritage Council, have any involvement in this regard.
Question No. 339 answered with Question No. 338.
Local Government Reform
Ceisteanna (340)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:340. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered the review of local Government and that Ireland has fewer councillors per capita than any other European country; and his plans to increase the number of councillors prior to the next local elections. [48748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority administrative area into local electoral areas by order. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries or municipal districts.
The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections, and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.
The issue of councillor numbers is one which was included in the terms of reference of the Local Democracy Taskforce. The Taskforce was been asked to “examine how the current number of councillors is determined and explore proposals for a framework for amendments including taking into consideration population growth since the 2014 reforms and the consequent need for an increase in the numbers of councillors to ensure appropriate representation of citizens”.
The Local Democracy Taskforce presented its final report to me on 4 March 2026. A key consideration by the Taskforce when considering its Terms of Reference was that the recommendations made would be made in a manner that would allow for the successful implementation of the recommendations.
An implementation plan is currently being drafted with a view to bringing the report and implementation to plan to Government for consideration shortly. Following this, the report and implementation plan will be published and the process of implementing the reform policy ultimately agreed by Government will commence.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (341)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:341. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list all powers that have been devolved to local authorities; and all powers that have been taken from local authorities since he came to office. [48749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
Local Area Plans
Ceisteanna (342)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:342. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific measures taken or planned to increase the accountability of local authority Chief Executives and Directors of Services to elected councillors for executive decisions, in line with the Programme for Government; when councillors can expect to see practical changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48816/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Democracy Taskforce, a key commitment in the Programme for Government, was established in July 2025 with the purpose of bringing forward a suite of reforms across the Local Government Sector. The Taskforce, as part of its work programme considered the Structures, Functions, Funding and Governance & Accountability arrangements currently in practice across the sector with a view to bringing forward reforms in these areas. In its work on Governance & Accountability the Taskforce was asked to develop proposals to rebalance the power between elected councillors and the executive.
The Local Democracy Taskforce presented its final report to me on 4 March 2026. A key consideration by the Taskforce when considering its Terms of Reference was that the recommendations made would be made in a manner that would allow for the successful implementation of the recommendations.
An implementation plan is currently being drafted with a view to bringing the report and implementation to plan to Government for consideration shortly. Following this, the report and implementation plan will be published and the process of implementing the reform policy ultimately agreed by Government will commence.