Thomas Gould
Ceist:224. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the therapists in special schools pilot in Cork. [54114/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (224)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is in ongoing engagement with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) , the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in relation to the implementation of this pilot.
I can confirm that the Enhanced In-School Therapy Supports Pilot which provides therapy supports to 16 special schools in Cork, Dublin and Galway, will continue for the 2026/2027 school year. This will ensure the continued availability of therapeutic supports for the participating special schools and their pupils in Cork in line with the phase rollout of the Education Therapy Service (ETS).
With regard to the rollout of the ETS, the NCSE has recently completed a recruitment campaign for Senior and Staff Grade Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists for the initial 16 counties, which include Cork. The NCSE are currently offering posts to successful candidates in this campaign to support the 45 special school in the initial phase, announced on the 6th February 2026.
The continued rollout of the ETS will be supported by phased recruitment campaigns, including a national campaign in Q3 2026, to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met.
My Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 193.
Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 221.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (227)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:227. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a school (details supplied) and the need for a new school building. [54145/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme was received in 2021 from the school referred to by the deputy. The application was for funding for the provision of 3x Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms.
Officials from the Department’s technical team carried out an in-depth review of the school site in 2021. The review confirmed that the school and the site are at maximum capacity and that it would not be possible to provide the required accommodation on site unless vast amounts of existing accommodation was to be demolished and replaced with two-storey accommodation. Considering all the relevant impediments to deliver the brief of accommodation and the site constraints, the project was not deemed to be viable.
In September 2025, in written communication to the school, the NCSE confirmed that any historical sanction letters for classes not progressed were void. The National Council for Special Education is continuing to review the SEN provision requirements in the wider area and the outcome of the NCSE review of SEN provision needs in the school planning area is awaited to determine next steps in relation to this school.
The Department's National Development Plan (NDP) involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and the prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. The NDP Plan will seek to optimise outputs from the capital allocation, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
In addition, following a recent meeting with the school authorities it was agreed to carry out a further technical visit to the school and this has occurred recently and the results of this visit will be examined in the wider context of available NDP funding and the priorities outlined in the NDP plan.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (228)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:228. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the funding provided through the ICT grant to Cork schools, or nationally, in each of the years 2019 to date in 2026, in tabular form. [54146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, in December 2025, I announced €35 million in funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) which issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools by the end of January 2026. This ICT funding is being provided to schools to enable the continued embedding of digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment This is the fourth tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and it's associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan, with funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy).
Including the €35m that issued in January 2026, a total of €170 million of the €200 million committed for in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year it is anticipated that providing €35m this year, will enable the balance of €30 million to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027. Clarity and certainty is being provided for school system on annual grant payment timeline which is now set at December/January payment period for each year.
In addition, the Department as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Next Generation EU funding facility, issued a once-off grant of €50 million in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme in order to support those learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide.
This funding underpins the ongoing commitment to supporting and enabling schools to ensure the continued embedding of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment and builds on the €210m in grants that issued under the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of the ICT grant, paid to county Cork schools, for the 2025/26 school year, is set out at the following link.
ICT Grant paid to all recognised Co. Cork schools from 2019 to date
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (229)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:229. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications received from schools in Cork under the emergency works scheme; and the number granted to date in 2026. [54168/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
To date in 2026, there have been 103 applications submitted for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme from schools in Cork with 47 applications approved for funding.
Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 193.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (231)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:231. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current level of funding provided for youth work services in 2026; if additional funding will be allocated in Budget 2027 to support the expansion of youth services and address rising demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54189/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million for 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding available in 2025.
In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million supports existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This significant investment contributes directly to sustaining and enhancing participation levels across all youth funding schemes, which now involve over 450,000 young people nationwide.
Furthermore, capital funding of €4.0 million will be available to support youth organisations and youth services in 2026, representing a significant increase of €3.5 million compared to the 2025 allocation. This capital funding will enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people.
Regarding Budget 2027; this will be considered by government as part of the annual estimates process. As this process is currently underway, the deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
I would like to note that the department hopes to build on the progress achieved through Budget 2026 and previous years. The department remains committed to advancing key priorities and will continue to explore opportunities for investment that respond to the evolving needs of young people.
Departmental Circulars
Ceisteanna (232)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:232. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has considered the timing of the issuing of circulars to schools; and if efforts will be taken to avoid sending circulars at the end of term time or late on Fridays. [54230/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the vital work that school do every day. I understand the demands of the role and the importance of protecting the time of staff, especially outside of term.
With this in mind, my department has worked closely with our key education partners to put in place processes for how and when the department communicates with schools, including the issuing of circulars. These steps are designed to ensure that schools only receive communications when necessary and are not contacted unnecessarily during school holidays.
My department endeavours to:
• Send direct communications only during core term time in line with the standardised school year.
• Send communication between working hours of 09.00AM and 5.00PM Monday - Thursday.
• Where possible, avoid issuing communications on Fridays.
• Limit communications in the last week of term.
• Limit the number of daily communications issued by the department.
We also issue a fortnightly update to schools which includes all circulars issued during that period, to ensure that schools do not miss any important information. Feedback from schools about this fortnightly update has been very positive.
There are times when circulars may be issued outside of the timeframe advised above. These include circulars which are issued across the public service, such as those relating to the Public Service Agreement, which my department is required to issue at the time prescribed.
We continue to engage with our partners to ensure that the timing of circulars supports the work of schools and welcome any further feedback you may have on this matter.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (233)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:233. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that additional funding is provided for youth services in 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million for 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding available in 2025.
In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million supports existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This significant investment contributes directly to sustaining and enhancing participation levels across all youth funding schemes, which now involve over 450,000 young people nationwide.
Furthermore, capital funding of €4.0 million will be available to support youth organisations and youth services in 2026, representing a significant increase of €3.5 million compared to the 2025 allocation. This capital funding will enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people.
Regarding Budget 2027; this will be considered by government as part of the annual estimates process. As this process is currently underway, the deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
I would like to note that the department hopes to build on the progress achieved through Budget 2026 and previous years. The department remains committed to advancing key priorities and will continue to explore opportunities for investment that respond to the evolving needs of young people.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (234)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:234. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the City Connects Programme; if she plans to expand the scheme on a wider pilot basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Addressing educational disadvantage and ensuring that every child and young person can reach their full potential is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth and for the Government. The new DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence this year, launched as part of the DEIS Strategy to 2035, represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports since the establishment of DEIS. DEIS Plus is designed to provide enhanced, evidence-based supports to a cohort of 121 schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage, identified through a refined data-based model that draws on a range of indicators associated with persistent and intergenerational disadvantage.
This approach ensures that additional resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact, and forms a core element of the wider €48 million full-year investment across both the DEIS Strategy and the DEIS Plus scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people attending DEIS Plus schools will benefit from these targeted supports.
Schools in the DEIS Plus scheme will receive strengthened, research-informed supports across wellbeing, attendance, engagement, guidance, leadership capacity, community partnerships and access to services, including the introduction of a new positive mental health and wellbeing initiative to support a whole-school approach to student wellbeing.
With regard to City Connects, the City Connects pilot was set up in 2020 in Ireland and is led by my department and Tusla Education Support Service, in conjunction with the National Centre for City Connects Ireland (NCCCI) and Boston College.
City Connects offers a systematic way for schools to connect every pupil to the right supports at the right time by knitting together both community-based and in-school resources. At the core of the City Connects practice is the coordinator, who meets with each class teacher and others in the school to discuss the interests and also the strengths and needs of each child in the areas of academics, social/emotional/behavioural growth, health, and family. In this process, the coordinator works closely with school principals, home school community liaison coordinators, School Completion Programme coordinators, and families. Together, they craft an individual plan of services and enrichments for each child. The coorindators also work with the Summer Programme managers in the school to offer some streamlined activities which proved really useful, particularly for schools new to the Summer Programme.
The coordinator cultivates and maintains ties with community partners such as youth services, health providers, sports teams, theatres, and arts programmes, serving as a point of contact for the school and enabling the right connections between pupils and opportunities. The MyConnects software system allows coordinators to catalogue community service providers, to document, track, and report on service referrals, and to follow up on service delivery.
City Connects is currently running in DEIS schools in the North East Inner City (NEIC) serving approximately 2,500 children each year.
The implementation of the DEIS Plus scheme, including the expansion of City Connects, is being progressed by my officials. Any relevant decisions will be made in due course.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (235)
William Aird
Ceist:235. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications, places available and waiting lists for each of the 14 reading classes nationwide for each of the past five school years; whether her Department has undertaken any assessment of unmet demand for specialist reading classes for children with severe dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54247/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
At present, there are four special schools, and fourteen special classes attached to mainstream schools to support students with a specific learning disability such as severe dyslexia. I want to acknowledge the excellent work they do. It is important to note they were established at a time when there were much fewer additional supports in schools.
In pursuit of a more inclusive education system, it is important, as far as possible to support students to attend their local mainstream schools. This means that children and young people can be educated with their peers and are not required to travel long distances to attend special schools or classes.
15,000 special education teachers have been provided to enable schools to achieve this objective. In practical terms this means schools get a substantial additional teaching allocation to support students with special education needs who are in mainstream classes.
The additional resources are intended to support students with the greatest level of need, including those with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia.
Of course, I recognise the importance of building the capacity of teachers in mainstream schools to meet the needs of all students. To support this, 338 places are funded each year for teachers to attend post-graduate special education needs programmes. The NCSE offers dedicated professional learning opportunities for teachers supporting students with additional needs. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) also provides professional learning opportunities that are available to all primary and post-primary school teachers on supporting children and young people with special educational needs.
Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment to assist students. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local special educational needs organiser (SENO) for such support. The need for any additional provision or resources for schools to support students with dyslexia is kept under constant review by the NCSE.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. Under the provisions of this act, all schools are required to have admissions policies which have been approved by the patron following consultation with staff and parents of students who are attending the school. It is a key requirement of the act that all school admission policies are fair and transparent.
Parents may apply to enrol their child in a school of their choosing and where the school has places available for the relevant year, the student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Nonetheless, it may result in some students not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (236, 237)
William Aird
Ceist:236. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress being made through the NCSE Parents Notify online portal in supporting early identification of demand for special education places; the steps being taken to ensure that information gathered through the portal informs timely decisions on the establishment of additional special classes and special school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWilliam Aird
Ceist:237. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth how the Department and the NCSE are using the earlier notification process for special education places to plan for teacher, special needs assistant, accommodation and transport requirements for the 2027/2028 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0063/2026. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time.
This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2027/28 school year, an earlier date of 1 September was set for parents with necessary documentation to be provided by 15 September 2026 or as soon as is reasonably practicable thereafter.
The Parents Notify process provides the NCSE and the department with the information for the potential need for specialist placements in working with schools to forward plan for special education provision.
The NCSE will continue to engage with parents/guardians and schools on this, to ensure all of the relevant information is provided as quickly as possible to facilitate comprehensive forward planning.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
Question No. 237 answered with Question No. 236.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (238)
William Aird
Ceist:238. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will outline the further actions being considered to address schools that continue to publish admission policies containing clauses contrary to Department and NCSE guidance; whether additional compliance measures or oversight mechanisms are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54250/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year.
In addition, I recently announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways my department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.
584 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 68 inclusive special classes. This brings the total number of special classes sanctioned to date to over 4,300. Further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks, if required.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.
Under the provisions of this act, all schools are required to have admissions policies which have been approved by the patron following consultation with staff and parents of students who are attending the school. It is a key requirement of the act that all school admission policies are fair and transparent.
Parents may apply to enrol their child in a school of their choosing and where the school has places available for the relevant year, the student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Nonetheless, it may result in some students not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Under Section 67 of the Education Act, the NCSE may designate a school place for a child with special educational needs. The NCSE are required to carry out this function in accordance with the provisions set out in primary legislation.
The NCSE advise that in total, since the Section 67 process has been in place, the NCSE have initiated Section 67 with 27 schools in respect of the designation of placements. As a result of effective collaboration between my department, patrons, schools and the NCSE a total of 140 applicants secured placement, following the initiation of this process.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (239)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:239. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of premises in County Clare connected under the National Broadband Plan to date; the number remaining; the scheduled works for the remainder of 2026; and the projected completion timeline for the county. [53842/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government initiative to deliver high-speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. In addition, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy published in December 2022, sets out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
In the Deputy’s own county of Clare, a significant investment of €89 million is being made under the NBP. There are 19,990 premises passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 20,851 (90%) premises available to order/pre-order, with 6,916 premises now connected. A further circa 3,000 premises in County Clare will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the network deployment.
Currently, the NBP is expected to come in on time and on budget with the main infrastructure build on schedule to be complete by end of 2026.
The NBI rollout is split into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across Ireland and not limited to municipal districts due to network design.
The rollout in County Clare includes the DA’s of Corofin, Dunry, Feakle, Gort, Kilkishen, Kilrush, Labasheeda, Limerick, Milltown Malbay, Newport, Ogonnelloe, Rahey Cross and Tiermaclane, all of which are available to order / pre-order.
Network build is in progress for the DA of Lisdoonvarna (2,319 premises) which has an anticipated date of connection of July to November 2026. Network build is also in progress in the DA’s of Ballinderry (2 premises) and Behagh (537 premises) which have an anticipated date of connection of October to December 2026.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website, at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Along with the NBP intervention plan, progress is being made by commercial operators in expanding their next generation networks throughout the country including the deputy’s own county of Clare ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity Strategy are achieved. These plans will see improved high speed broadband access across County Clare.
Post Office Network
Ceisteanna (240)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:240. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of post offices operating in County Clare, and to provide corresponding figures for 2016. [53843/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Post is a commercial State company with a mandate to act commercially and as such day to day operational matters, including decisions in relation to the size, distribution, and future of the network as well as service provision, are matters for the Board and the management of the company.
Operational matters relating to the network are a matter for the Board and management of An Post and are not matters in which I, as Minister, have a role. This is an operational matter for An Post. As details regarding the Post Office Network are held directly by the company, the Deputy may contact the body directly, at OireachtasEnquiries@anpost.ie.
Telecommunications Services
Ceisteanna (241)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:241. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of mobile phone coverage blackspots identified in County Clare and to outline any plans to address them. [53844/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the liberalised and competitive Irish mobile telecoms market, network coverage is the responsibility of network operators, who operate on a commercial basis, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). These operators consistently prioritise improving their networks’ coverage. However, mobile service quality is not uniform in all areas as it must overcome varying challenges such as different geographical terrains, varying physical and natural obstructions as well as different user demands.
In 2023, ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award (MBSA2) to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable operators to provide improved mobile services. The award of these MBSA2 licences represented a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services, including 4G and 5G, in Ireland and included significant coverage obligations for operators. Those licence obligations place a key focus on delivering improved coverage to population centres, rather than solely focusing on geographical coverage.
The MBSA2 licences includes legal commitments from the operators to provide, by 2030: a 3 Mbit/s service to 99% of the population and 92% of the geographic area of Ireland; a 30 Mbit/s service to 95% of the population, 90% of motorways, and 80% of primary roads; and a 30 Mbit/s service to 345 specific locations, consisting of 40 business and technology parks, 65 hospitals, 24 higher education campuses, 14 air and seaports, 160 train and bus stations, and 42 top visitor attraction information points.
For example, in Clare, those specific locations include Ennis Hospital, Ennis and Sixmilebridge train stations, Shannon airport, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and Clonroad More bus station, Ennis.
To meet those obligations, mobile networks operators continue to add new capacity to their networks using both their newly acquired radio spectrum and by upgrading the radio technologies on their networks.
ComReg confirms that call blocks, call drops, and network availability, on mobile networks, remain stable even with increasing traffic volumes. A call block is a call made to a number, but the call fails and does not connect; a call drop is an unexpected disconnection of an established phone call. ComReg is satisfied that mobile network operators are meeting their licence requirements over the whole network. ComReg will conduct an assessment of operators’ compliance with their 3-year obligations under the MBSA2 licence this year.
ComReg also updates its online national outdoor mobile coverage map at coveragemap.comreg.ie. This helps customers select the best service for them. Where customers experience poor coverage, they should contact the customer care team of their mobile phone operator to make a complaint. The complaint can then be escalated to ComReg if not resolved to the consumer's satisfaction within 10 days.
Finally, my Department’s Digital Connectivity Strategy published in 2022 sets ambitious targets for fixed and mobile connectivity and this strategy is currently being updated.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (242)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53875/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December is an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and my Department is committed to supporting the whole-of-Government effort to deliver a successful Presidency.
The visit by the College of Commissioners which took place in Cork on 2-3 July 2026 is part of every Presidency’s Programme of events and represented the first collective engagement between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission during Ireland’s Presidency term. The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen political relationships, establish a shared understanding of Ireland’s Presidency priorities and discuss how we will work with the Commission though our term to ensure we can deliver effectively on our policy objectives to the benefit of citizens in Ireland and across Europe.
During the programme, structured discussions involving Ministers and Commissioners focused on a range of important policy issues. As Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, I took part in comprehensive discussions with other Ministers and Commissioners – including EVP Henna Virkkunen - on the topics of industrial competitiveness and the single market. I took the opportunity to discuss some of the key files within my remit and which I intend to take forward during the Presidency.
The programme concluded with a plenary session, jointly chaired by the Taoiseach and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen which allowed collective discussion on some of the themes emerging form the various cluster discussions. The plenary also provided an opportunity for Ministers and Commissioners to exchange views on the opportunities and challenges that will arise during the Irish Presidency term.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (243)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:243. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review correspondence from a person (details supplied); if he will clarify if this grant is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
The Housing Aid for Older People Grant is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Qualifying works include structural repairs or improvements, upgrading unsafe electrical wiring, drylining, repair or replacement of windows and doors and the repair or provision of central heating (where no central heating exists or the existing system is broken or beyond repair). A grant may be paid for the cost of repairing a standalone fossil fuel boiler or installing electricity/biomass-based heating solutions (i.e. electric heaters or wood pellet stoves).
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.
Wastewater Treatment
Ceisteanna (244)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:244. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his Department's efforts to address deficits in wastewater infrastructure in the villages of Craughwell and Clarinbridge in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53744/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have approved funding for the Craughwell and Clarinbridge wastewater projects under Measure A8 of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme. This funding remains available to Galway County Council for the delivery of these projects.
Responsibility for progressing the projects rests with Galway County Council, working in collaboration with Uisce Éireann.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (245)
Joe Neville
Ceist:245. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has examined the potential for a nationally supported and professionally managed home sharing programme to increase the use of underoccupied homes in order to provide affordable accommodation and support for older people to age in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities aims to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030, including 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable housing supports by the end of 2030. To achieve this, the largest ever housing budget in the history of the State has been secured in 2026, with in excess of €9 billion in capital funding through the Exchequer, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).
Government is committed to increasing housing available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence and to support voluntary rightsizing. The Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, includes measures focused on increasing 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.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities also includes a commitment to develop an action plan on delivering housing for older people and this plan is currently under preparation.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (246)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:246. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proposed changes to planning exemption regulations; the timeline for these changes to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53785/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to Dáil Question No. 455 of the 30 June 2026 and the position remains the same.