Written Answers Nos. 408-434
408. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2025-2028, the mission of my Department is to lead and enable the development of the culture, communications, media and sport sectors, to contribute to an Ireland that is active, connected and thriving.
The main policy and legislative priorities for my Department are detailed in the Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 which is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/organisation-information/statement-of-strategy-2025-2028/.
Some of the main achievements of my Department since 22 January 2025, which have helped to advance key priority areas, are outlined below.
Culture and Arts
• Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 and 2026 took place with over 1,000 free creative activities annually for young people.
• Creative Ireland Programme awarded new funding under the following grant schemes between 2026-28: €2.1m for Creative Health and Wellbeing, €1.6m for Creative Communities on a Shared Island and €2.2m under the Creative Youth Nurture Fund.
• A new Creative Climate Action Fund III of €6.5 million was announced in February 2026 in partnership with the Shared Island Initiative and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. This will support imaginative, large-scale creative, cultural and artistic initiatives that help communities engage with climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural change.
• The Creative Ireland Programme’s 2025 Impact Report has been published and is available at the following link: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/creative-ireland-impact-report-2025/
• Commencement of the construction project for the redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery in Cork.
• National Archives published the records of the 1926 Census. Additionally, the redevelopment project for the National Archives Repository was substantially completed in the first half of 2026.
• Grant funding of €1.4m announced for Culture Ireland’s promotion of Irish arts globally.
• Publication of the Expert Advisory Committee Independent Review of the governance and organisational culture of the Arts Council.
• More than 10,000 applications were received for the new Basic Income for the Arts scheme and assessments are currently taking place.
• Details of the America250 commemorative programme were announced.
• Late-night museum scheme launched in support of the ongoing development of a diverse Night-Time Economy in Ireland. A total of €423k has been awarded to support 47 museums and galleries, including six of the National Cultural Institutions to open later and programme events up until 9pm.
• Funding of €1m allocated to the Grassroots Venue Support Scheme aimed at supporting small established live performance venues. 60 venues around the country have been offered funding of up to €20,000 from the scheme, which is an increase from the 34 venues supported in 2025. In addition, grant recipients include venues platforming Irish comedy and comedians.
• Grant schemes announced for Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available following a competitive application process.
• The report of the Advisory Committee on the Restitution and Reparation of Cultural Heritage was published.
• The Report of the Advisory Committee on Women’s Stories was published in December 2025.
• Launch of UK/Ireland funding of €5m announced for twelve projects under the UK-Ireland Cultural Co-Operation Programme, fulfilling a commitment to establish a strategic partnership to deepen and amplify co-operation between the leading cultural institutions in both countries.
Communications
• The National Broadband Plan marked the completion of NBI’s high-speed fibre broadband deployment in Counties Kilkenny and Longford, with the remaining 24 counties due to be completed this year, bringing the project in on time and budget.
• The total number of Premises passed across the State is over 491,750 with over 180,280 connections completed to date.
• The National Broadband Plan marked the first connections to high-speed fibre broadband on Achill, Arranmore, Bere, Clare, Dursey, Horse, Inishbiggle, Tory and Valentia Islands. The total number of Premises passed across these islands is 4,223, with 890 connections completed to date.
• Funding of €15m per annum over a 5-year fixed period (2026-2030) to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network
• New Sectoral Adaption Plan unveiled to protect Ireland’s communications networks from extreme weather
• Series of measures were put in place to improve resilience and emergency response in the telecommunications sector, including the development of sectoral engagement groups with industry,
• A Terms of Endorsement was established with the managers of .ie, Ireland’s country-code top-level domain name (ccTLD).
• A forum was established to support structured coordination and collaboration between Government and key subsea telecoms cable industry representatives. It will also help progress work to develop preparedness and response structures for subsea telecoms cables incidents which could cause significant disruption to Ireland’s international connectivity.
Media and Broadcasting
• National Counter Disinformation Strategy has been published.
• The Media Regulation Bill and the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill have been published.
• Coimisiún na Meán launched the Digital Transformation Scheme which aims to support the Irish media sector in a time of rapid transition with a focus on digital skills training and technology.
• In May 2026, Coimisiún na Meán opened applications for the first ‘Shared Island Shared Stories’ funding round. The funding round, operated under An Coimisiún’s Sound & Vision Scheme and part of the Shared Island Media Fund, is for broadcasters and independent producers and will support the creation of high-quality programming for television and radio that promotes cultural exchange, exploration of the island’s heritage and cross-border collaboration.
• In 2026, over €15m was awarded by Coimisiún na Meán through five funding schemes (Local Democracy, Courts Reporting, News Reporting, News & Current Affairs on Commercial TV and Digital Transformation) to enhance the public service content offering available to the public and support media organisations across the State. €1m in funding has been provided to Coimisiún na Meán for a new community media scheme, which is due to be launched in Q3 2026.
• Coimisiún na Meán progressed the implementation of Ireland’s online safety framework.
• Increased funding of €5.4m was secured for TG4 in Budget 2026, with provision for a new digital news service.
Sport
• Record investment of €28.5m in high performance Sport for 2026.
• First NFL Game in Ireland delivered €104.5m for the Irish Economy.
• €4m funding for Women in Sport Programme.
• Publication of a new International Sports Diplomacy Framework for Ireland.
• Funding of up to €5.7m was announced to help ensure that the 2027 Ryder Cup produces a lasting legacy in Adare, in the wider Limerick region and in Ireland as a whole.
• Announced the hosting of the first ever disabled golf event “G4D Ryder Cup” as part of Ryder Cup 2027, creating a legacy of future G4D Ryder Cups.
• Record investment of over €33m in core funding support to sporting organisations
• 2,500 payments made valued at over €72m under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) in 2025 and over 1,600 payments valued at almost €54m in the first 6 months of 2026.
• Confirmation that Ireland will host 7 games of UEFA EURO 2028 including 5 group games, a round of 16 game and a quarter final.
• Commencement of construction in 2026 of the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre and the National Cricket Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus.
409. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the 2% pension rise will be signed off for An Post pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51074/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has signed off on the request for a 2% pension increase for retirees of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51213/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra411. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when An Post pensioners will be paid their agreed pension increase of 2%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51214/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 409, 410 and 411 together.
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 11 May 2026, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of 2%, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, however my Department is working closely with An Post and other relevant stakeholders to complete the process as quickly as possible.
412. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport the number of TV licences that were purchased, per month, from January 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51215/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra413. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport the evasion rate for those avoiding purchasing a TV licence, per month, from January 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra414. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport the number of households nationally that should be purchasing a TV licence, per month, from January 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51217/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport the number of TV licence notices that were issued; the number of court prosecutions that were initiated; the number of convictions for evading/non-payment of the TV licence and associated fines per month, from January 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport the breakdown by percentage rate, the total number of households in the State that have a TV; the total number of households in the State that must purchase a tv licence; the total number of households in the State that have a TV Licence exemption; the total number of households in the State that have evaded purchasing a tv licence, from January 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 412, 413, 414, 415 and 416 together.
Sections 142 and 143 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provide that a person shall not keep or have in his or her possession a television set save in so far as such keeping or possession is authorised by a valid television licence in respect of a premises. The Television Licence (Exemption of Classes of Television Set) Order 2009 (S.I. 319 of 2009) exempts small screen devices (such as mobile phones) and devices capable only of exhibiting television broadcasting services distributed by means of the publicly available internet only (such as laptops). Section 145(12) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the issuance of Free Television Licences by the Department of Social Protection to recipients of the Household Benefits Scheme.
Section 145 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 assigns An Post the role of statutory issuing agent for the purposes of the TV licence. The number of licences issued directly by An Post per month since 2020 is as follows:
|
Month |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Jan |
85,475 |
76,912 |
78,050 |
78,389 |
75,183 |
62,924 |
|
Feb |
77,210 |
74,225 |
70,648 |
71,891 |
61,601 |
68,107 |
|
March |
72,760 |
74,773 |
74,098 |
79,210 |
59,195 |
63,585 |
|
April |
65,290 |
70,661 |
73,942 |
68,795 |
64,566 |
60,960 |
|
May |
67,154 |
67,560 |
73,624 |
73,598 |
63,631 |
57,837 |
|
June |
76,295 |
74,297 |
75,067 |
73,421 |
58,612 |
64,978 |
|
July |
78,710 |
78,655 |
76,769 |
53,882 |
66,768 |
62,631 |
|
Aug |
73,929 |
76,889 |
77,736 |
54,664 |
64,800 |
59,184 |
|
Sept |
98,049 |
93,653 |
93,365 |
66,000 |
69,818 |
72,093 |
|
Oct |
106,293 |
103,505 |
94,905 |
67,722 |
76,916 |
78,330 |
|
Nov |
87,326 |
86,182 |
87,750 |
72,248 |
70,502 |
61,036 |
|
Dec |
72,786 |
74,142 |
71,970 |
64,458 |
60,651 |
56,992 |
|
Total |
961,277 |
951,454 |
947,924 |
824,278 |
792,243 |
768,657 |
At present, my Department uses a variety of publicly available and administrative data to estimate the number of premises in the State that hold a liable television set and the number of premises estimated to be in non-compliance with sections 142 and 143 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. These estimates are used to identify the TV licence evasion rate.
To inform the deliberations of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Reform and Enhancement of the Television Licence, my Department has undertaken a review of the methodology used to determine the estimated evasion rate and has recommended a number of amendments. Following the consideration of the Report of the TWG, the revised methodology and estimated evasion rate for 2024 and 2025 will be made available.
Some of the data used to estimate the evasion rate is published quarterly and annually, and accordingly the evasion rate is calculated on an annual basis. The annual estimate in the format requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form below.
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Licencable Properties |
1,679,798 |
1,657,286 |
1,641,573 |
1,618,113 |
|
Direct Issuances |
57.2% (961,277) |
57.4% (951,454) |
57.7% (947,924) |
50.9% (824,278) |
|
DSP Free TV Licences* |
27.6% (463,819) |
28.9% (478,482) |
30.1% (494,312) |
32.2% (521,790) |
|
Estimated Evasion Rate |
15.2% |
13.8% |
12.1% |
16.8% |
*As the number of ‘free’ licences issued fluctuates within each month, the monthly figure is based on the average number issued within any given month.
As statutory collection agent, operational issues regarding collection and enforcement are primarily a matter for An Post, who make every effort to promote the purchasing of a TV licence and thereby ensure compliance. This includes issuing reminder notifications in accordance with section 149 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and undertaking household visits in accordance with section 146 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to confirm possession of a liable device and valid TV licence, or otherwise.
An Post has informed me that the number of summonses issued by An Post and the number of cases brought to court per year are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Summonses Issued |
Cases Brought to Court |
|
2020 |
9,555 |
4,581 |
|
2021 |
7,507 |
4,328 |
|
2022 |
14,915 |
9,610 |
|
2023 |
13,276 |
9,830 |
|
2024 |
10,120 |
5,567 |
|
2025 |
9,476 |
4,797 |
The figures provided for 2020 and 2021 reflect reduced operational activities due to the impact of necessary public health restrictions. A monthly breakdown is not held by the Department. Not all summonses sought in any given year are brought to court in the same calendar year and may not be heard until the following year.
Details regarding the number of prosecutions, convictions and decisions of the District Court are a matter for the Courts Service and the Department does not hold this data.
417. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total cost required to fund all accepted applicants and all unapproved valid submissions for all rounds of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51222/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total ask from applications made under the 2018 and 2024 round of LSSIF amounted to €837 million.
The initial call for the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) opened in November 2018. Applications were confined to Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport with a total ask of €172m across 72 proposals.
First allocations were announced in January 2020 with €86.4m awarded to 33 projects. In December 2023, an additional €37.6m was allocated to 27 of those original projects as part of a top-up allocation to address inflation costs, bringing the cumulative funding under the first round of the programme to €124m.
The 2024 round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applicants. As a result of this significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage.
Grants totalling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects was allocated under the second round of LSSIF. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 reached €297 million.
Details of allocations under the LSSIF can be found on the Department’s website by using this link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/54403-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/
With regards to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round.
418. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide the web link to his Department’s Q2 2026 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; to confirm the date on which this report was published; and, if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [51559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Purchase Order report relating to payments for goods, services or works procured to a value greater than €20,000 for my Department are available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/purchase-orders/#2025
In line with obligations arising from the Public Service Reform in 2011, and under Section 8 of the FOI Act, 2014, these reports are published quarterly in arrears. Accordingly, the report relating to Q2 2026 is in progress and will be published before end of Q3 2026.
419. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on his plans to support the night-time economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the Night-Time Economy Task Force Report in 2021, a high-level Night-Time Economy (NTE) Implementation Group was established by my Department. The group consists of representatives from key departments, agencies, and stakeholders and is chaired by my Department. The group continues to meet regularly to oversee the progression and implementation of the actions in the NTE Taskforce Report.
Significant progress has been made across the original 36 actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, with some actions now completed. The work of the Implementation Group to date has made valuable impacts in bringing the benefits of a vibrant NTE into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government. This year, the Implementation Group established five thematic subgroups covering the areas of:
• safety
• licensing, planning and regulation
• late night transport, tourism, experience economy, retail and events
• night-time culture
• economic and NTE data
I have allocated €3 million in 2026 towards the implementation of a range of measures to support the Night-Time Economy, this included an allocation of €1 million to support 60 venues under the Grassroots Venue Support Scheme, €423k supporting 47 museums and galleries under the ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme, €190k towards Culture Night Late and the continued funding support for 9 Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford Town, Sligo Town, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
The Night-Time Economy pilots are a priority project for the Department. Last year, we commissioned Communiqué International to conduct an independent review of the 9 Night-Time Economy pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, the future roll-out of the pilots and whether a further roll-out is warranted and what needs to be put in place to make this model effective.
I have now examined the findings in the Report from the review, and I have met with my officials in relation to the recommendations outlined in the Report. Discussions have now commenced between my Department and local government in relation to the outcomes of the review and the future roll-out of this important project.
My Department will continue to work with the relevant departments and agencies to examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse, safe and inclusive night-life across the country.
420. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51762/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra421. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra422. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51798/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 421 and 422 together.
It should be noted that my Department was re-configured as the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport at the beginning of June 2025. The previous configuration of my Department, as the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, was established in September 2020. The details sought by the Deputy in the period since September 2020 to 2025 for the current functions under the remit of my Department are set out below.
|
Year |
Company |
Project |
Contract Value (incl. VAT) |
Final Cost (incl. VAT) |
|
2020 |
BearingPoint |
Emergency Call Answering Service Process & Technology Review |
€76,875 |
€76,875 |
|
2021-2022 |
BearingPoint |
ICT Strategy and Workflow Processes |
€248,383 |
€244,401 |
423. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of anti-doping rule violations recorded under the Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Programme, broken down by sport, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51883/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes the administration of the anti-doping programme by the Anti-Doping unit within Sport Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
424. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the extension to the fuel subsidy support scheme will open to the construction sector; and the Department that will be overseeing this. [51841/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra425. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the priority the Government is giving to the delivery of affordable housing throughout County Kerry for working individuals and families who are above the income threshold for social housing but cannot afford to purchase a home at current market prices; if funding has been set aside to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing schemes in Kerry. [51039/26]
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 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.
To date, over 140 starter home supports have been delivered in Kerry to the end of 2025, through the First Home scheme (16 homes), the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant (121 homes) and the Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme (4 homes).
In response to demand for affordable homes within the urban areas of Killarney and Tralee, I understand that Kerry County Council - which like all Local Authorities has lead responsibility for determining and addressing housing needs within its geographical area - has recently engaged with the development sector, seeking partnerships to develop affordable housing.
In order to further drive the required delivery of starter homes under the new housing action plan, local authorities, including Kerry 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 areas. These HDAPs, replacing those previously drawn up under Housing for All, will be informed by local affordable housing need, and will involve collaboration with delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency, the Approved Housing Bodies and the wider development sector, as applicable.
Both my Department and the Housing Agency remain available to assist Kerry County Council with the planning and development of affordable housing schemes, supported through the Affordable Housing Fund.
426. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consider raising the retirement age beyond 62 to 66 for a retained or a full-time fire fighter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50770/26]
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.
427. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
428. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria for a settlement to attain village status; and the number of such applications that have been made, by county, in the past ten years, both successful and unsuccessful. [50865/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. All existing development plans were prepared and adopted in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Section 10(2A)(f) of that Act required that the Core Strategy of each county development plan include a settlement hierarchy and provide details of aggregate projected population in villages and smaller towns with a population of under 1,500 persons.
With the majority of Part 2 of the Act of 2000 having recently been repealed, and the corresponding provisions of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 brought into operation, all future plan-making will take place under the provisions of the Act of 2024.
Section 43 of the Act of 2024 which sets out the content of the development plan, provides that a settlement hierarchy is a ranking of settlements (the definition of which include villages) in the functional area of the planning authority taking account of their role and functions, having regard to—
(a) any relevant designations in the National Planning Framework and the regional spatial and economic strategy,
(b) the existing and planned population of each settlement,
(c) the type of services available in each settlement,
(d) existing and planned investment in the capacity of transport (including public transport), community facilities, water services, and utility infrastructure, and
(e) the potential for economic and social development of each settlement.
The power to make or vary a development plan is a reserved function and accordingly is a matter for the elected members of each local authority. The plan-making process is subject to oversight by the Office of the Planning Regulator through its statutory plan evaluation function.
The existing settlement hierarchy, and corresponding settlement strategy, for each local authority functional area is set out in the relevant development plans and may be viewed on the respective websites of each planning authority.
429. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way spatial planning policy is assisting or seeking to assist in the preservation and proliferation of public services in rural communities. [50868/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out high-level national policies and objectives, which are essential to achieving proper planning and sustainable development, with a clear vision to guide future development and investment decisions. The strategy sets out the spatial planning policy approach to accommodating projected population growth to 2040 in a manner which delivers balanced regional development, based on a city-focused and compact growth pattern of development intended to reverse the pattern of sprawl that have been a feature over recent decades.
One of the key areas of policy focus in the NPF on ‘compact growth’, which addresses the need for a more sustainable form of development in Ireland’s cities and towns, in particular. This policy initiative was introduced in response to an identified need to counter the trend of urban sprawl, to support the targeted delivery of infrastructure services, to promote cities and towns to be self-sustaining and viable places in which to live and work.
To this end, specific targets are set out in the NPF in relation to the proportion of new residential development that should take place within the existing built up area of settlements of different scales. There is a target to deliver at least half (50%) of all new homes that are targeted in the five Cities and suburbs and at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements other than the five Cities and their suburbs, within their existing built-up footprints.
With regard to rural areas, the NPF complements and builds on existing government policy set out in Our Rural Future 2021-2025 and Our Living Islands National Islands Policy 2023-2033. It recognises that the Irish countryside is, and will continue to be, a living and lived-in landscape focusing on the requirements of rural economies and rural communities, based on agriculture, forestry, energy, inland waterways, marine, tourism and rural enterprise, while at the same time protecting the capacity of the receiving environment and avoiding ribbon and over-spill development from urban areas.
National Policy Objective (NPO) 24 of the Revised NPF seeks to support the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades and by managing the growth of areas that are under strong urban influence to avoid overdevelopment, while sustaining vibrant rural 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, currently 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.
All future development plans will be made for a period of 10 years 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.
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 deciding individual planning applications, planning authorities are restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the development plan and the policy of the Government, the Minister or any other Minister of the Government. By virtue of section 34(13) of the Act, a person shall not be entitled solely by reason of a permission to carry out any development e.g. where other statutory obligations may apply.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (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. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the system.
The Government agreed a proposed policy direction for rural and Gaeltacht housing on 30 June 2026. This means that the Draft National Planning Statement (NPS) on Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing, prepared by my Department under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, can now move to environmental assessment under relevant EU Directives, prior to its approval by Government.
The new draft Statement refines and updates the existing 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines to reflect the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the established policy in the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which is to facilitate new rural housing for those with a local rural housing need, balanced with preventing urban generated sprawl in rural areas under urban development pressures, protecting and promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Gaeltacht, and the regeneration of rural towns and villages.
The proposed new policy approach seeks to provide more clarity and consistency across the various planning authorities by defining the relevant planning and local needs criteria to be applied in local development plans and in the consideration of planning applications for single rural housing in rural and Gaeltacht areas.
The draft NPS will now be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the EU SEA and Birds and Habitats Directives, including any necessary associated consultation, in advance of the planned publication of a final National Planning Statement following Government approval, before the end of 2026.
Under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Until they are replaced by any final National Planning Statement, the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2005 remain in effect.
430. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has modelled or investigated the impact of planning regulations on the availability of shops in small rural villages. [50871/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Retail Planning Guidelines were issued as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in 2012.
The Guidelines recognise that the retail sector is a key component of the economies cities, towns and villages throughout the country and the country as a whole. The Guidelines aims to ensure that the planning system continues to play its role in supporting competitiveness and choice in the sector, while also promoting the vitality and viability city, town and village centres. The Guidelines also recognise that retail development in smaller towns and villages serve their surrounding rural areas by providing a range of essential facilities and services.
The Guidelines support a plan-led approach to the provision of new retail development. Under the Guidelines, retail strategies are to be prepared at regional and local levels, which project future retail needs and requirements aligned to the settlement hierarchy established by the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and City and County Development Plans. The aim of the retail strategies is to inform and develop proposed retail design policies and objectives and the retail planning guidelines advise that planning authorities may wish to address specific issues that affect the appearance or functioning of a town or city and its retail areas.
The local authority development plan is the principal planning policy tool to achieve requirements of Guidelines at a local level. The Guidelines state that role of small towns and villages in the provision of retail services to their local urban and rural populations should be defined in development plans. The guidelines encourage local authorities to protect an appropriate level of retail provision in the rural area and recognises the need for small shops outside of settlements to serve dispersed populations. Appendix 2 of the Guidelines also contain a framework for assessing the vitality and viability of town centres via a ‘health check’ which will inform the retail strategy and development plan.
All current development plans across the country were adopted under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Part 3, Chapter 5 (Development Plans) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 commenced on 31 December 2025. Sections 44 to 51 of the Act of 2024 require planning authorities to include various strategies and objectives in preparing development plans made under the 2024 Act, including in relation to the sustainable development of their functional area. Section 45 of the Act requires local authorities to the promote sustainable economic development, including retail provision.
Launched in 2022, the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy Approach for Irish Towns is a joint initiative of my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. TCF sets out a framework to facilitate and resource the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure they are vibrant, viable places to live, work, invest in, and visit.
A National TCF Office, based in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), co-ordinates stakeholder engagement at a national level and across local government. Dedicated Town Regeneration Officers are also established in 26 local authorities and are working in concert with the wider local authority teams focused on regeneration and town revitalisation.
Under the Policy, local communities and businesses are enabled to form a local Town Team, supported by their Town Regeneration Officer and relevant Local Authority, to create a bespoke new Town Centre First Plan that sets out a unique vision for their town and contains proposals to guide and direct investment and maximise the particular strengths and assets of their town. Over 60 such TCF plans have been completed across the Country and these are now moving into the implementation phase of the local projects identified in the plans. Local authorities identify and nominate towns that receive supports under the funding measures and the relevant details are available on the website at https://towncentrefirst.ie/.
Importantly, the TCF approach is also underpinned by a broad range of capital funding streams across Government which have been aligned with the policy aims of TCF. These include the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Built Heritage grants, the THRIVE scheme to revitalise our heritage buildings and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. The experience of recent funding calls for proposals has shown that the TCF approach is having an impact, resulting in higher quality applications based on clear local input. The Programme for Government commits to the continued resourcing of the TCF model and to establish a Town Regeneration Team in every local authority.
In line with the agreed Programme for Government, on 5 March 2026, I announced a new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund to replace the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Applying many of the key criteria established by Government in 2018 for the URDF, the fund will continue to deliver more compact and sustainable development through a programme of part-funding regeneration projects in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns. To date, there have been three rounds of funding provided under the former URDF which has resulted in the allocation of €1.9 billion of funding, with projects now active in every local authority area in the Country.
431. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the proposed national planning statement for the Gaeltacht to be published; whether it is intended to publish a draft for public consultation before it is finalised; how Gaeltacht communities and representative organisations will be consulted during its preparation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50899/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra432. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to support the delivery of additional housing in Gaeltacht areas; whether his Department has assessed how the proposed changes to planning policy may affect the availability of housing for people wishing to live in their local Gaeltacht communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50900/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra499. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the public consultation and engagement with the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage he intends to undertake with respect to the Sustainable Rural & Gaeltacht Housing DRAFT National Planning Policy. [51824/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 431, 432 and 499 together.
The Government agreed a proposed policy direction for rural and Gaeltacht housing on 30 June 2026. This means that the Draft National Planning Statement (NPS) on Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing, prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, can now move to environmental assessment under relevant EU Directives, prior to its approval by Government.
The new draft Statement refines and updates the existing 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines to reflect the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the established policy in the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which is to facilitate new rural housing for those with a local rural housing need, balanced with preventing urban generated sprawl in rural areas under urban development pressures, protecting and promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Gaeltacht, and the regeneration of rural towns and villages.
The proposed new policy approach seeks to provide more clarity and consistency across the various planning authorities by defining the relevant planning and local needs criteria to be applied in local development plans and in the consideration of planning applications for single rural housing in rural and Gaeltacht areas.
The draft NPS will now be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the EU SEA and Birds and Habitats Directives, including any necessary associated consultation, in advance of the planned publication of a final National Planning Statement following Government approval, before the end of 2026.
Under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Until they are replaced by any final National Planning Statement, the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2005 remain in effect.
Additionally, with regard to the development of new housing in Gaeltacht areas, the Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities published in July 2022 already give guidance to local authorities in relation to the preparation of housing strategies that have particular regard to the needs of Gaeltacht residents. This guidance reflects the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (Limistéar Pleanála Teanga), which are a separate designation under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 for which my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht holds functional responsibility.
My Department and I regularly engage with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on housing and the necessary infrastructure to support increased housing delivery and housing choice across the country, including in rural and Gaeltacht communities. As set out in the ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ Housing Action Plan, this includes significant investment in the provision of social homes coupled with addressing vacancy and dereliction through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and a number of significant investment schemes that are now aligned to advance the Government’s Town Centre First policy approach.
My Department will also continue to work with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to address water and wastewater infrastructure deficits that are constraining new housing growth, including through the group water schemes, private well grants and Domestic Wastewater Treatment System Grant schemes and new Developer Led Wastewater Infrastructure (DLI) Initiative, to support vibrant rural towns and villages including in Gaeltacht areas.
433. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has reviewed the current criteria around the T-test (subsurface percolation test), which assesses subsoil permeability for an on-site wastewater treatment system (e.g., a septic tank or treatment plant) as part of the on-going review around rural planning guidelines (details supplied). [50901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assessments in relation to water, waste water and so on, that were carried out on the Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing Draft National Planning Policy Statement; when the strategic environmental assessment and appropriate assessments were commissioned; who has been commissioned to undertake them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51347/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 467 together.
The Government agreed a proposed policy direction for rural and Gaeltacht housing on 30 June 2026. This means that the Draft National Planning Statement (NPS) on Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing, prepared by my Department under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, can now move to environmental assessment under relevant EU Directives, prior to its approval by Government.
The new draft Statement refines and updates the existing 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines to reflect the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the established policy in the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which is to facilitate new rural housing for those with a local rural housing need, balanced with preventing urban generated sprawl in rural areas under urban development pressures, protecting and promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Gaeltacht, and the regeneration of rural towns and villages.
The proposed new policy approach seeks to provide more clarity and consistency across the various planning authorities by defining the relevant planning and local needs criteria to be applied in local development plans and in the consideration of planning applications for single rural housing in rural and Gaeltacht areas.
The draft NPS will now be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the EU SEA and Birds and Habitats Directives, including any necessary associated consultation, in advance of the planned publication of a final National Planning Statement, following Government approval, before the end of 2026.
Under Section 25 of the 2024 Planning and Development Act, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage .
Until they are replaced by any final National Planning Statement, the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2005 remain in effect.
As set out in the Draft Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing National Planning Statement, the EPA Code of Practice (and any subsequent updates or replacements) should form the basis for the assessment of proposed domestic waste water treatment systems.
The EPA Code of Practice: Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Population Equivalent 10), issued in 2021 (which replaces earlier manuals) sets out a detailed methodology in relation to site assessment and in relation to the selection, installation and maintenance of an appropriate domestic waste water treatment system.
The Code of Practice for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems was last updated by the EPA in 2021. The 2021 code and associated material is available to view online at: www.epa.ie/publications/compliance--enforcement/waste-water/2021-code-of-practice-for-domestic-waste-water-treatment-systems.php
434. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to allow for the replacement of old or defective double-glazed windows under the housing grant scheme, with new double-glazed windows, especially if they are not fit for purpose, drafty, rusty or leaking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50907/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
