Written Answers Nos. 247-275
247. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered legislation to allow social housing tenants whose joint tenant has been abusive to them and there is a safety or protection order in place, to separate their joint tenancy to allow local authorities to provide them with a transfer as a sole applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to addressing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and recognises the critical importance of secure housing for victim/survivors. This is reflected in the national strategy Zero Tolerance (2022–2026) and ongoing work across my Department.
Local authorities assist victims and survivors with both their emergency and long-term housing needs under the Department's "Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in Relation to Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence with Emergency and Long-Term Accommodation Needs", first published in 2017.
This guidance sets out the role local authorities can play in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, including assisting existing social housing tenants and working closely with domestic violence services and other agencies. Under those arrangements, local authorities can assess victims as homeless where they are residing in refuges, prioritise cases through their allocation schemes utilising exceptional and emergency allocation provisions, assist households to access HAP and RAS supports, and work with victims who are existing social housing tenants where tenancy issues arise.
These guidelines set out where a victim of domestic violence applies for social housing support in their own right while still a joint tenant, it is a matter for the relevant local authority to address the contractual issues arising in relation to the joint tenancy agreement. Accordingly the household may transfer out of their existing tenancy and into a new tenancy agreement with the housing authority or they may access an independent tenancy in the private rented sector utilising the various housing supports offered by the State.
As part of a broader Government commitment under the third national strategy, a detailed examination of is underway which commits to reviewing this existing housing guidance to ensure victims can remain in or return to the home where safe and desired, and also to consider whether legislative change is appropriate in the context of joint tenancies.
My Department is working closely with Department of Justice, Cuan and the Courts Service to further these commitments. This work has identified that the dissolution of joint tenancies in domestic violence cases is particularly complex, requiring careful balancing of victim protection, legal rights, and operational feasibility. Progress is being made and I anticipate proposals on potential options will be brought to me, including potential legislative change, for consideration later this year.
248. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if current social housing tenants, including HAP and RAS tenants, will be included in the improved protocols for the allocation of social housing to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that HAP and RAS tenants will not be able to access the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence social housing transfer protocol. [53948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 254 together.
The Protocol to allow victims and survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV) to transfer their time on the social housing waiting list between different local authorities gives effect to a commitment contained in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, which recognised that fleeing domestic violence continues to be a significant factor in presentations to homeless services and committed to removing barriers faced by victims and survivors. The action is detailed below:
“In order to further ensure that there is no barrier to a household fleeing domestic violence to receiving services, a protocol will be agreed with local authorities to provide that victims of DSGBV, subject to meeting all other social housing eligibility requirements, can transfer previous time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority.”(pg 61)
The Protocol allows victims and survivors of DSGBV assessed as qualified for social housing support, and who satisfy the necessary evidential requirements, to apply to another local authority and, subject to meeting the receiving authority's eligibility criteria, retain their original qualification date for waiting-list purposes. An important feature of the Protocol is that it will be actively monitored as it is rolled out, this monitoring will help ensure that the Protocol is meeting the needs of victims and survivors and will allow any concerns to be identified and addressed quickly should they arise.
Under existing legislation and guidance, local authorities have long provided significant mobility supports to victims and survivors of domestic violence including that households may also move and relocate between local authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme where the household income is within the relevant income limits.
Local authorities also assist victims and survivors with both their emergency and long-term housing needs under the Department's "Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in Relation to Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence with Emergency and Long-Term Accommodation Needs" [], first published in 2017. This guidance sets out the role local authorities can play in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, including assisting existing social housing tenants and working closely with domestic violence services and other agencies. Under those arrangements, local authorities can assess victims as homeless where they are residing in refuges, prioritise cases through their allocation schemes utilising exceptional and emergency allocation provisions, assist households to access HAP and RAS supports, and work with victims who are existing social housing tenants where tenancy issues arise. These guidelines are currently being reviewed and the Protocol will form part of the updated Policy and Procedural Guidance.
249. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a practice of local authorities advising prospective applicants that they will not consider two-bedroom properties for the local authority tenant in situ purchase scheme; if this policy is based on a direction from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53800/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra'Tenant in situ' is not a scheme. Rather it is a policy tool available to local authorities to prevent social housing supported households in the private rented sector from falling into homelessness. It should only be used as a last resort by local authorities when all other options have been exhausted.
Any decision to progress an acquisition or otherwise, is a matter for the relevant local authority to determine, having regard to the local circumstances, other options available, and whether an acquisition is the appropriate policy response in those circumstances.
Accordingly, there is no application process for landlords or tenants.
250. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for a review of IS 465:2026 to be completed; when the technical reviews will commence; when those affected by pyrite and seeking a technical review can expect an outcome to their review; if he will commit to expediting this process in recognition of the delays already faced by these homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB).
A number of amendments contained in the 2025 Act came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) have recently (2 June 2026) published a revised standard, I.S. 465:2026.
As per section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act, I now intend to launch a review of the operation of the Act as quickly as possible. The 2022 Act mandates that not later than 3 months after completion of this review that I, as Minister, shall make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of my findings and conclusions resulting from that review. The Review will commence shortly and measures are being put in place to ensure this happens in line with the terms of the 2022 Act as set down.
Matters relating to the technical review can be considered as part of the review. The review will seek conclusions and recommendations regarding several aspects of the Act and how they interact with the DCB Grant Scheme. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for its completion at this point in time.
251. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific timeline for the signing and enactment of the Building Standards Agency (Establishment) Order; the precise calendar month in the second half of 2026 targeted for the formal launch of the interim Building Standards Agency; the projected timeline for the publication of the general scheme of the Bill to establish the permanent, statutory Building Standards Regulatory Authority (BSRA); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53825/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the recommendations of the report of the Building Standards Regulator Steering Group, I am currently implementing a two-stage process:
- the establishment of the Building Standards Agency (interim arrangement) and
- the subsequent move to the Building Standards Regulatory Authority (long-term arrangement).
As a first stage, a Building Standards Agency is being established under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1971. The purpose of establishing this corporate body is to expedite the development of appropriate governance and management structures for the Building Standards Regulatory Authority, as well as to increase building control inspection capacity by recruiting competent technical staff to support Local Authorities.
The Building Standards Agency (Establishment) Order is nearing finalisation. Work is underway to put the necessary supports and procedures in place to facilitate the establishment of the Building Standards Agency. Progress on this work will determine the establishment date of the Agency.
My Department continues to work in partnership with the County and City Management Association and Dublin City Council to ensure that the transition from the current structures to the new structures will be implemented as efficiently and effectively as possible and that the continuity of services will be maintained throughout the transitional period.
In tandem with the work that is underway to establish the Building Standards Agency, preparatory work is underway in my Department on drafting the General Scheme for the Building Standards Regulatory Authority. It is expected that one of the roles of the Building Standards Agency will be to develop the governance and corporate structures, policies and procedures necessary for the future Building Standards Regulatory Authority. The Building Standards Agency will be afforded an opportunity to undertake this work before the general scheme of the Building Standards Regulatory Authority is finalised.
252. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe visit of the European College of Commissioners to Cork on 2-3 July 2026 marked the formal opening of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The visit represented the first collective engagement between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission during the Presidency and provided an important opportunity to strengthen political relationships, establish shared understanding of Ireland's Presidency priorities and discuss the principal legislative and strategic issues expected to arise over the six-month term.
During the visit, I had the pleasure of meeting with my Commission counterparts to exchange views on priority issues relevant to my Department including actions to be progressed under the EU Affordable Housing Plan.
We have a clear set of priorities, are ambitious for what we can achieve and I look forward to working with the College of Commissioners to deliver our Presidency programme over the next six months.
253. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a qualified child Increase payment from the Department of Social Protection is reckonable as income when assessing for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53946/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
The policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. However, with the exception of the specific payments listed in the Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits is assessable.
More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/
255. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total annual cost of all home purchasing assistance schemes, including the help to buy scheme, Local Authority affordable purchase scheme, LDA affordable purchase scheme, the first home scheme, local authority home loan, all local authority tenant purchase schemes, including in foregone revenue. [53970/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of existing affordable housing measures being implemented by the Government. In particular, a new Starter Homes Programme, which is a central component of the plan, aims to deliver an average of 15,000 starter home supports annually to 2030.
To underpin the delivery of this Starter Homes Programme, the Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding, including through an investment package of direct Exchequer funding, investment through the Land Development Agency and lending by the Housing Finance Agency.
The 2026 Exchequer allocations for my Department are published in the Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service 2026 and can be accessed at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/653f8c26/Revised_Estimates_for_Public_Services_2026.pdf
Previous annual expenditure under which funding is allocated to the schemes which provide starter homes for purchasers and for the Local Authority Home Loan can be accessed through the respective Appropriation Accounts, available on the website of the Comptroller and Auditor General, linked below: www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation-accounts/
256. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of allowances paid under the mortgage allowance scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2025 and to date in 2026, broken down by local authority, in tabular form; the total Exchequer expenditure under the scheme in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53987/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra257. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which the amount of the allowance payable under the mortgage allowance scheme, currently €11,450, was last revised; if his Department has undertaken an assessment of the adequacy of the allowance having regard to the increase in house prices and mortgage costs since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53988/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has compared the cost to the Exchequer of an allowance under the mortgage allowance scheme with the average cost of delivering one additional social home; if he will review the scheme, including the level of the allowance and the minimum mortgage requirement, with a view to increasing its effectiveness in freeing up social housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53989/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 to 258, inclusive, together.
The Mortgage Allowance scheme provides for an allowance of up to €11,450 payable over a 5-year period, to tenants or tenant purchasers of local authority housing, to assist them to purchase or have a private house built with a mortgage. The current rates are underpinned by the Housing (Mortgage Allowance) Regulations 2001 and have been in place since 1 January 2002. New applications are still being accepted by local authorities under the scheme, and further details are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/b66ea-mortgage-allowance-scheme/
Details of the applications received and granted by local authority under the scheme are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/fd048-affordable-housing-and-part-v-statistics/
The current rates are underpinned by the Housing (Mortgage Allowance) Regulations 2001 and have been in place since 1 January 2002. New applications are still being accepted by local authorities and there are no plans to undertake a review of the scheme at present.
259. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the programme for Government commitment to establish a regulator for owners’ management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of the Multi-Unit Developments Act, 2011 (MUDS Act) is to reform the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments and to facilitate the fair, efficient and effective management of Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs).
The Programme for Government committed to moving the responsibility for the MUDS Act to my Department to streamline support for OMCs and improve oversight.
At present, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and his Department continues to have responsibility for the oversight of Owner Management Companies (OMCs) and related regulations.
A timeline for the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) is currently being advanced. Engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
260. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when section 5 of the Electoral Act 2022 will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 is intended to protect the integrity of Ireland's elections against online misinformation, online disinformation and online inauthentic / manipulative behaviour. The provisions of Part 5 were formally notified in draft form to the European Commission in accordance with the notification requirements of Article 5 of Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services.
The notification procedure, which is known as the Technical Regulation Information System (or TRIS) enables the European Commission and Member States to examine draft legislation before it enters into force in order to identify and prevent the creation of barriers to trade in the internal market before they materialise.
On 31 August 2022, the European Commission raised a number of concerns with regard to the compatibility of Part 5 with Articles 14 and 15 of Directive 2000/31/EC (i.e. the e-Commerce Directive). In light of these concerns, draft proposals to amend the provisions of Part 5 were submitted by my Department under the TRIS notification procedure. The European Commission has issued a detailed opinion on these draft proposals citing that the proposed amendments were not fully aligned with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a single market for digital services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (i.e. the Digital Services Act) which came into effect on 17 February 2024.
Revised amendments to Part 5 are currently being considered in light of the detailed opinion issued by the European Commission. Further consultation with the European Commission is anticipated before the proposed amendments are finalised.
261. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding provided for CPO of properties; and the number of properties CPOed in each of the past five years, by local authority, in tabular form. [54079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan aims to ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and effective and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
The CPO Activation Programme, launched in April 2023, requires a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to identifying and activating vacant and derelict properties.
Local authorities are identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring these properties back into use using the wide range of schemes now in place. This includes using their compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and the Housing Act 1966, when engagement with the owners of these properties is not successful.
While local authorities vary in their willingness to use compulsory purchase powers, my Department is working to support local authorities to strengthen their activation response to vacancy and dereliction.
My Department has published CPO Activation Programme data for 2023, 2024 and 2025 on its website, which can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/compulsory-purchase-orders-cpo-activation-programme
Funding is available to local authorities through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Call 3, the Social Housing Investment Programme, from the Housing Finance Agency or local authorities' own internal resources, to finance the acquisition of vacant and derelict properties, including compulsorily.
Under Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Government established a €150 million revolving fund for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties, using their compulsory purchase powers where necessary. My Department has also made funding for staff resources available to local authorities as part of URDF Call 3, to support their work tackling vacancy and dereliction.
To date, over 1,370 properties have now been approved for URDF Call 3 programmes, potentially resulting in over 5,600 homes.
To further strengthen our approach to tackling this issue, a Derelict Property Tax was announced in Budget 2026 and it is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in 2026. When it comes into effect, the tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. Levies under the Derelict Sites Act that remain outstanding when the new tax is introduced will remain the responsibility of each local authority to collect.
The Housing Plan's new measures build on the significant work that has been done and outcomes achieved over the past number of years, as well as improving and expanding existing schemes. These initiatives are working and vacancy levels are declining across the country.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
262. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish data on the derelict sites levies collected in 2025. [54080/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my responses to Dáil Question nos. 720 of 28 April 2026 and 414 of 23 June, Local Authorities are required to submit an annual return to my department providing information on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 in their functional areas. These returns are submitted by each local authority to my Department in the following calendar year and are then aggregated into national level statistics. The 2025 data will accordingly be assembled and published in the coming months.
263. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of issues identified by stock audits; the number of units for which issues were identified; and the estimated cost of these works. [54081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of the €16million allocated for planned maintenance that has been spent on stock audits to date; and the amount spent on addressing works identified by these audits. [54082/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.
Some €40 million has been provided under the Planned Maintenance and Voids Programme this year to support local authorities in maintaining and improving their social housing stock. This complements, and does not replace, local authority own investment in the upkeep of their social homes.
This years funding comprises over €24 million to support the refurbishment and re-letting of vacant homes and almost €16 million for Stock Condition Surveys and associated planned maintenance works arising from survey findings.
My Department continues to work closely with local authorities to promote a planned and preventative approach to the management and maintenance of social housing, informed by the findings of Stock Condition Surveys. Local authorities are continuing to progress these surveys, with over 18,000 completed to date.
While my Department monitors programme delivery at a national level, including the number of surveys completed, underway or tendered, the detailed findings of individual surveys, the number of homes requiring works, and the condition of local authority housing stock generally are operational matters for the relevant local authority. This includes the nature, scope and cost of any works identified through the survey process.
Work under the 2026 programme is ongoing and it will be later in the year before a complete picture of programme delivery and funding drawdown is available. A detailed breakdown by local authority will be published on my Department's website in early 2027.
265. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the social housing passport will be introduced. [54088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe concept of a Social Housing Passport, which would enable qualified social housing applicants to access housing supports in other local authority areas, has been considered by my Department in consultation with local authorities.
This scoping exercise identified a range of practical and administrative issues, including those related to the income eligibility differences across local authority areas, maintenance of seniority on housing waiting lists, local connection requirements, the efficient allocation of existing housing stock, and resource implications for local authorities including the absence of a technology to support such an approach. These issues are complex, and require further consideration prior to the introduction of a full social housing passport. My Department will continue to work with the local authority sector to examine how these issues can be dealt with.
It should be noted, that the Government recognises the need for targeted mobility in exceptional circumstances. A specific Protocol to allow victim/survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to transfer their waiting list time between local authorities has been developed giving effect to the action in Delivering Homes, Building Communities. This new Protocol reflects a focused, proportionate response to the most urgent cases, and will form part of the updated the Department's “Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in Relation to Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence with Emergency and Long-Term Accommodation Needs”, first published in 2017.
266. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of affordable homes that have been built in Cork city in each of the past five years; the total amount planned for 2026; the total funding allocated each year to the local authority to supply affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of affordable homes that have been built in Cork county in each of the past five years; the total amount planned for 2026 ; the total funding allocated each year to the local authority to supply affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
The Governments housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of measures to tackle the issues of housing supply and affordability. This plan builds on the progress made under the Governments previous housing plan, Housing for All and is supported by the highest ever capital investment in housing, through the National Development Plan.
Since 2021, when Housing for All was published, to the end of 2025, over 22,000 starter home supports have been provided nationwide, by way of measures to assist people to buy or rent. This includes over 1,200 in Cork City and 1,700 in Cork County.
In total, Cork City Council has obtained funding approval for 10 schemes to deliver 553 starter homes with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund by end 2027, of which 373 were delivered by end 2025.
In addition, Cork County Council has obtained funding approval for 21 schemes, supported by the Affordable Housing Fund, to deliver 825 starter homes by end 2028, of which 300 were delivered by end 2025.
40 cost rental homes are due to be delivered in the Cork County Council local authority area, through the Cost Rental Equity Loan Scheme (CREL). In addition, the Land Development Agency is also delivering housing in Cork, with the delivery of 92 starter homes at Clonmore.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis for starter home delivery provision by local authorities and delivery partners, for each local authority area. Data from 2022 to the end of 2025 is currently published on the statistics page of my Departments website, linked below.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/
In order to further drive the delivery of affordable starter homes under the new plan, local authorities, including Cork City and Cork County Council, will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. These plans will be completed and published by the local authorities during 2026.
My Department will continue to work closely with the local authorities and the other delivery partners, including the construction sector, to accelerate starter home delivery, thereby providing purchase and rental opportunities to enable people to secure affordable homes.
268. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of funded cost rental units to be delivered in Cork in each of the next three years, in tabular form. [54149/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis for starter home delivery, for each local authority area.
In terms of the future delivery of funded Cost Rental homes in Cork, the following sets out the current expected delivery schedule from 2027 to 2029, inclusive. It should be noted that this is subject to change:
|
Year |
Est. Delivery (Units) |
|
2027 |
527 |
|
2028 |
571 |
|
2029 |
126 |
In order to further drive the required delivery of starter homes under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, local authorities, including Cork City Council and Cork 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 prepared under Housing for All, will be completed and published in 2026. They will be informed by starter home need within each local authority area and will involve collaboration with delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency, Approved Housing Bodies and the wider development sector, as appropriate.
269. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applicants for Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans/local authority home loans from Cork in 2026 to date; the total number that have been successful; the total number that have been refused; the average time from application to decision, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for a Local Authority Home Loan are made through the individual Local Authorities and the final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the Credit Policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lenders, the local authorities. Information on the number of applications for a Local Authority Home Loan made to local authorities in Cork, the number of applications refused or the average processing time for these applications is not collated by my Department.
The Rebuilding Ireland Homeloan has been closed to new applications since 4th January 2022 when the Local Authority Home Loan was introduced.
270. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the Voids Programme is currently open for applications; the number of applications approved to date in 2026; and the overall amount provided, by local authority. [54151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority social housing, including pre-letting repairs, is a matter for each individual local authority under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities must also ensure all tenanted properties comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.
Notwithstanding, my Department will provide approximately €260 million towards the remediation and maintenance of local authority homes through a range of funding programmes this year. This includes €40 million under the Planned Maintenance and Voids Programme, comprising more than €24 million to support the refurbishment and re-letting of casually vacant homes and almost €16 million for stock condition surveys and associated planned maintenance works. The voids allocation should support the refurbishment and re-letting of at least 2,200 local authority homes during 2026.
Local authority allocations, including funding and the number of units expected to be returned to use, issued in March this year. Local authority progress will be reviewed in September. Subject to the availability of resources within the overall funding envelope, including any underspends by local authorities, my Department will consider opportunities to increase allocations where appropriate.
Work under the 2026 programme remains ongoing and it will be later in the year before a complete picture of funding drawdown and the number of units returned to use is available. A detailed breakdown by local authority will be published on my Department's website in early 2027.
Allocations per local authority and expected number of units to be returned to use by local authorities under the programme is set out in the table.
|
Local Authority |
Allocation based on €11k Avg. |
Number of Dwellings |
|
Carlow |
€330,000 |
30 |
|
Cavan |
€352,000 |
32 |
|
Clare |
€462,000 |
42 |
|
Cork City |
€1,694,000 |
154 |
|
Cork County |
€1,331,000 |
121 |
|
Donegal |
€792,000 |
72 |
|
Dublin City |
€4,400,000 |
400 |
|
DLR |
€803,000 |
73 |
|
Fingal |
€968,000 |
88 |
|
Galway City |
€407,000 |
37 |
|
Galway County |
€462,000 |
42 |
|
Kerry |
€704,000 |
64 |
|
Kildare |
€891,000 |
81 |
|
Kilkenny |
€440,000 |
40 |
|
Laois |
€385,000 |
35 |
|
Leitrim |
€176,000 |
16 |
|
Limerick |
€913,000 |
83 |
|
Longford |
€352,000 |
32 |
|
Louth |
€682,000 |
62 |
|
Mayo |
€396,000 |
36 |
|
Meath |
€682,000 |
62 |
|
Monaghan |
€286,000 |
26 |
|
Offaly |
€341,000 |
31 |
|
Roscommon |
€231,000 |
21 |
|
Sligo |
€363,000 |
33 |
|
South Dublin |
€1,606,000 |
146 |
|
Tipperary |
€869,000 |
79 |
|
Waterford |
€891,000 |
81 |
|
Westmeath |
€374,000 |
34 |
|
Wexford |
€792,000 |
72 |
|
Wicklow |
€825,000 |
75 |
|
Totals |
€24,200,000 |
2,200 |
271. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of mortgage to rent applications to date in 2026 through AHBs, local authorities and any private provider respectively. [54158/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme was introduced in 2012. It offers households with acute, unsustainable mortgage arrears who have little or no prospect of a significant change in circumstances, the chance to surrender a property to a lender and in turn become a social housing tenant whilst staying in their own home and community.
The table below sets out the number of Mortgage to Rent applications completed from AHBs, Private Providers and Local Authorities to date in 2026.
|
MTR applications completed by AHBs |
20 |
|
MTR applications completed by Private Providers |
68 |
|
MTR applications completed by Local Authorities |
0 |
The Housing Agency publishes, on a quarterly basis, detailed statistical information on the operation of the AHB and Private MTR scheme, which can be accessed on The Housing Agency's website at the following link: www.housingagency.ie/housing-information/mortgage-rent-statistics
A breakdown of all Local Authority MTR transactions is available from the Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loan-arrears
272. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on legislative amendments to allow for the renaming of streets. [54178/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 18 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, provides for the changing of placenames by local authorities. The adopting of a proposal to change a placename, the consideration of submissions in relation to such a proposal, and the decision to hold a ballot of qualified electors are reserved functions of the elected members.
Provisions relating to placename changes in Part 18 of the amended Local Government Act 2001 were commenced in early 2019. Previous provisions under local government legislation were repealed. In addition, provisions in the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, amending Part 18 of the 2001 Act, were commenced.
Part 18 provides that Regulations can be made for the holding of plebiscites to change placenames. However, before Regulations could be made, issues were identified in respect of the interaction of the amended Part 18 of the Local Government Act 2001 and provisions contained in Official Languages legislation.
It is expected that a resolution to the legislative complexities that exist between the Local Government Acts and Official Languages Act may require primary legislation to resolve. The matter will be considered further by my Department in consultation with the relevant officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. There are a number of policy decisions that will have to be finalised between both Departments, and considered by Government, particularly in relation to the role of the Council and the role of the Minister with responsibility for the Official Languages Act and the Placenames Commission.
Work will continue with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on the resolution of the placenames issue, with a view to agreeing revised policy and identification of any required legislative change. This is a complex matter to which careful consideration will have to be given.
273. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of WTE vacant homes officers employed, by local authority, in tabular form. [54179/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan aims to ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and effective and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
A number of structures have been established to support local authorities to tackle vacancy and dereliction. There are currently 31 WTE Vacant Homes Officers in place as a key point of contact in their Vacant Homes Office, with annual funding of €60,000 provided to each local authority by my Department. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction.
Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.
My Department has also provided €180,000 to each local authority to support processing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications. Technical and legal support is also available to support local authorities in administering the grant through the Housing Agency.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities committed to increasing funding for local authorities to support the administration of the grant, with up to an additional €100,000 being made available to each local authority per annum. My Department wrote to all local authorities in April 2026 to advise them of the process for draw down of this additional funding, the amount of which will be based on submitted business case from each local authority.
A network of 26 Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) has also been established, working with wider local authority teams focused on town centre regeneration, supported by a National Town Centre First Office. Town Regeneration Officers are funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
My Department has also made funding for staff resources available to local authorities as part of Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, to support their work tackling vacancy/ dereliction.
Tackling vacancy and dereliction requires co-ordination of activity within local authorities, and Vacant Homes Officers are working with Town Regeneration Officers, Derelict Sites Teams and other relevant teams to ensure a planned and proactive approach with measurement of outcomes. This is occurring in local authorities, with reorganisation of staff resources and establishment of structures to support co-ordination.
The Housing Plan's new measures build on the significant work that has been done and outcomes achieved over the past number of years, as well as improving and expanding existing schemes. These initiatives are working and vacancy levels are declining across the country.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
274. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people employed in the vacant homes unit in his Department in each of the past five years, by grade. [54180/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Housing Strategy, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, places a strong emphasis on the value of working collaboratively to deal with vacancy. Vacant and derelict buildings harm communities and waste opportunities for new homes. Bringing these properties back into use is essential for sustainable housing close to local services and amenities. Government has introduced a range of schemes - such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, planning exemptions for converting commercial space, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Repair and Lease Scheme - that are already turning thousands of empty properties into homes.
While staff in a number of Divisions of my Department are engaged on aspects of policy, legislation and delivery to support tackling vacancy, a dedicated unit has also been established. The Unit oversees, drives and supports the co-ordinated approach to addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock in the context of the Vacant Homes Action Plan, Towns Centre First Policy and other relevant policies. It is responsible for delivery of key actions e.g. development of schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns fund and supports their delivery by the Local Authorities. The Unit supports the work of Vacant Homes Officers (VHOs) across the Local Authorities, supports capture of data on vacancy which can be used to activate properties, informs development and delivery of policies and schemes addressing vacancy and supports local authorities in the implementation of the CPO Activation Programme and reports on same. It liaises within the Department, and engages and works with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other stakeholders in addressing vacancy. There are now Vacant Homes Officers in each of the 31 local authorities, funded by my Department.
The information as requested is detailed in the table below:
|
Grade |
2022 Headcount |
2022 FTE |
2023 Headcount |
2023 FTE |
2024 Headcount |
2024 FTE |
2025 Headcount |
2025 FTE |
30.06.26 Headcount |
30.06.26 FTE |
|
PRINCIPAL OFFICER |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OFFICER |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
1.5 |
|
CLERICAL OFFICER |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
5 |
4.5 |
8 |
7.5 |
8 |
7.5 |
9 |
8.5 |
9 |
8.5 |
275. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent on private planning consultancy firms by his Department, to date in 2026. [54183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
