Written Answers Nos. 1716-1735
1718. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the social housing completion target for County Kerry; the number of homes completed to date; and the expected completion dates for remaining projects, in each of the years 2020 to date. [56867/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. These statistics provide delivery data at local authority level, including data on housing delivery versus targets. Data is available to the end of Q1 2026 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
This includes data comparing each local authority’s new build social housing delivery against targets from 2022 to 2025, which can be found at: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/0bc2d86c/Overall_New-Build_Social_Housing_Delivery_vs_Target_by_Local_Authority_2022-2025.xlsx
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication is for Quarter 1 2026 and is available on my Department's website https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q1-2026/
Data for Q2 2026 is being collated and will be available in due course.
Further to this, all local authorities have published their Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) for the period 2022 to 2026 on their websites. These action plans set out how the local authorities will meet their current housing targets. Under the new housing plan local authorities will prepare a new HDAP setting out their planned delivery of social housing to 2030. In preparing their HDAP, the local authorities will reflect local need to ensure the right mix of homes to respond to needs and priorities. It is expected that new HDAPs will be in place by Q4 2026.
1719. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total public expenditure on the Cork Event Centre project in each year since 2014, in tabular form; the status of the preliminary business case submitted to his Department in December 2025; the current estimate of the total State funding required to deliver the project; the timeline for the commencement of tendering and construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April 2026, my Department approved the Preliminary Business Case as submitted by Cork City Council in relation to the Cork Event Centre project. That approval allowed the project to move to its procurement phase which has now commenced.
The procurement phase for this particular project is a two-stage process involving a pre-qualification stage, which is well underway, and which will in turn allow qualified parties then submit final tenders as part of the second stage. It is expected that assessment of submissions received as part of the pre-qualification phase will be completed in the autumn. In the meantime, the tender documents for the final tender phase are also in the process of being prepared. Ultimately construction timelines will be finalised upon completion of the procurement processes.
The total public expenditure on the Cork Event Centre project in each year since 2014 is set out in the following table:
|
Date |
Amount |
|
2024 |
€1,604,551 |
|
2025 |
€641,041 |
|
2026 |
€610,510 |
|
Total |
€2,856,102 |
Given the position with respect to the procurement process as outlined above, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any matter that is the subject of that process at this time, including details of the level of available State funding.
1720. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new-build social homes delivered in each county in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, including delivery per head of population, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56906/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. These statistics provide delivery data at local authority level, including data on housing delivery vs targets. Data is available to the end of Q1 2026 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/ .
Typically social housing delivery accelerates as the year the progresses, with most delivery occurring in the last quarter each year.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 1 2026. All CSRs are available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: https://opendata.housing.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q1-2026
Further to this, all local authorities have published their Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) for the period 2022 to 2026 on their websites. These action plans set out how the local authorities will meet their current housing targets.
Under the new housing plan local authorities will prepare a new HDAP setting out their planned delivery of social housing to 2030. In preparing their HDAP, the local authorities will reflect local need to ensure the right mix of homes to respond to needs and priorities. It is expected that new HDAPs will be in place by Q4 2026.
Further housing data, including data on planning permissions, commencements, new dwelling completions and delivery per head of population is published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on a quarterly basis and is available on the CSO website at Housing Hub - Central Statistics Office.
1721. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce an asbestos certificate, similar to a BER, that confirms or denies the presence of asbestos in a property when it is being sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of asbestos is addressed through relevant health and safety legislation within the remit of the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Property owners and those undertaking maintenance, refurbishment or construction works have responsibilities in relation to the identification and safe management of asbestos-containing materials where they are present.
Responsibility for the conveyance of property, including the information and certifications that may be sought in connection with a property transaction falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
While my Department keeps matters relating to the built environment under review, there are currently no proposals to introduce a mandatory asbestos certificate for residential properties at the point of sale.
1722. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of retained firefighters in each local authority area, each year for the past five years, in tabular form. [57075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1869. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of mandatory retirements of retained fire fighters each year since 2020; the number of retained firefighters that have been recruited in the same period, broken down on a county by county basis; the recruitment plans in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1722 and 1869 together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003. Through the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) of my Department, local authorities are supported in the provision of fire services by the setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects. Emergency fire services are administered via 27 distinct fire service delivery structures, encompassing 215 fire stations managed across the 31 local authorities.
Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which they are responsible. My Department oversees strategic workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole-time equivalent basis.
However, granular data, in terms of the number or grade of staff assigned to specific work areas in each local authority including in the fire service, is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from the local authorities concerned.
1723. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there will be a review of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines given the difficulty in the rollout of sustainable transport options in some areas and the resulting conflict with the urban proximity criteria. [57076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, “the Settlement Guidelines” were issued in January 2024, as Ministerial Guidelines. Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) to have regard to Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions. Where the guidelines contain specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs), planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála are required to comply with these requirements in the performance of their functions.
The Settlement Guidelines expand on higher-level policies of the National Planning Framework, setting policy and guidance in relation to the growth priorities for settlements, residential density, urban design and placemaking and development standards for housing. The Settlement Guidelines are one of a number of Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines that are concerned with sustainable forms of residential development and compact growth. Other Guidelines include the Planning Design Standards for Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2025 which set out national policy and standards for apartment development and the Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2018 which set out national policy considerations in relation to building height and provide a framework for a performance-based approach to the consideration of increased building height.
The Settlement Guidelines states that to achieve compact growth, it will also be necessary to increase the scale of new buildings in all parts of our cities and towns, with highest densities at the most central and accessible urban locations, particularly in city centres and close to public transport nodes and interchanges. The Settlement Guidelines contain density ranges that respond to settlement size (e.g. cities, towns and villages), general locality in each settlement (i.e. central areas, urban neighbourhoods and suburban areas/areas of urban extension) and access to public transport services. With regard to public transport services this includes existing and planned services. The Guidelines state that ‘planned services’ include transport infrastructure and services identified in a Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy for the five cities and where a public authority (e.g. National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland or Irish Rail) has published the preferred route option and stop locations for the planned public transport.
The Settlement Guidelines state that all density ranges should be further refined with regard to centrality and accessibly to services, public transport (existing and planned) and site-specific considerations regarding character, amenity and the natural environment. This approach provides planning authorities with a degree of flexibility so they can operate a plan-led approach and take the circumstances of a plan area or an individual site into account as part of the decision making processes prescribed under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), or relevant parts of the Planning and Development Act 2024, once commenced.
Following the commencement of Chapter 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 in October 2025, my Department will be reviewing existing guidelines with the intention of replacing them with National Planning Statements. The timing of the issuing of new National Planning Statements will be based on Government priorities. Until existing guidelines issued under section 28 of the 2000 Act are replaced or revoked, they remain in effect.
1724. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to support victims and survivors of domestic violence who do not qualify for social housing in finding alternative accommodation in the private rental market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57082/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, is a priority for my Department and the Government. The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice working in conjunction with Cuan, the statutory DSGBV agency under the remit of the Department of Justice.
Victims and survivors of domestic violence can access rent supplement through a dedicated protocol between the Department of Social Protection and Cuan. Under this protocol, victims and survivors can avail of rent supplement for an initial three-month period without a means test, providing immediate assistance in securing accommodation in the private rental market. A further three-month extension may also be available, subject to the normal eligibility criteria and means assessment. Further information on this protocol may be found here: [Access to Rent Supplement for victims of domestic violence], https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/publications/access-to-rent-supplement-for-victims-of-domestic-violence/
Furthermore, in 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The issuing of this 2017 policy and guidance was a significant action in the second national strategy on DSGBV 2016-2021, and has since played an important role in addressing the housing needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV, providing direction to local authorities in supporting victims of domestic violence. It covers a range of scenarios that may arise for victims of domestic violence these include provisions around the use of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme, or the Rental Accommodation Scheme, where a victim has a joint interest in the family home, or ownership of alternative accommodation, but would otherwise qualify for social housing support.
1725. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total value of non-compliant public procurement identified within his Department and in bodies under the aegis of his Department in 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57210/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good procurement practice in the award of all contracts and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines.
In March 2026 my Department provided details of 37 non-competitive procurement contracts totalling €8,773,581 in excess of €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) in the 2025 annual return in respect of circular 40/2002 to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/circulars/public-procurement-guidelines-revision-of-existing-procedures-for-approval-of-certain-contracts-in-the-central-government-sector/
I can confirm my Department complied with the guidelines with the exception of one contract in excess of €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) totalling €90,754 (exclusive of VAT) for ICT telephony services due to the procurement process being lengthier than anticipated. The contract is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. Details from my Department's 40/02 return are below:
|
- |
- |
- |
|
Telephonist Contract – 2025 Rollover
(Supplier: Eircom) |
€90,754.41 (excl. VAT)
€111,627.90 (incl. VAT) |
The telephonist contract put in place several years previously has remained rolling over. Drafting of a new tender has been a lengthier process than anticipated due to a scoping exercise to include an improved customer services element. The draft tender document is in the final stages and is currently with an external party for review before the competition goes live. Notice has been given to the service provider and subcontractor. It is anticipated that the tender process will be complete by end 2026. |
To date in 2026, 11 non-competitive contracts have been declared in the Department. All have invoked an exemption from regulation 32 of S.I. No. 284 of 2016 and therefore would not be deemed as non-compliant with the procurement rules.
My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
1726. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the usage of artificial intelligence within his Department; the categories of usage; the usage of artificial intelligence within any bodies under the aegis of his Department; the categories of usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernance is in place in my Department for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in line with Guidance from Central Government and our AI policy is aligned with this advice. An AI advisory group has been established and reports to the ICT Governance Committee. Users must accept the policy and complete training before access to artificial intelligence tools is provided.
My Department uses Microsoft CoPilot Chat via Microsoft Teams. This AI technology is available as part of the Microsoft enterprise offering and is being deployed as a potential technology to assist in productivity.
My Department does not hold the requested information in respect of the State Bodies under its aegis. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. These State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas at the email addresses set out in the table below:
|
State Body |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
1727. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to align the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme with SEAI energy efficiency programmes; if he will address the administrative and financial burdens placed on rebuilding homeowners who experienced a duplication of engineering, certification, and compliance costs between local authority requirements and mandatory SEAI One Stop Shop (OSS) frameworks during 2024-2025; if his Department will establish a unified, direct-to-homeowner grant pathway that removes private commercial intermediaries from State-funded remediation projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57279/26]
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.
Homeowners eligible for works under the DCB grant scheme may apply for energy upgrade grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) similar to other homeowners. Government has made a number of exemptions to the SEAI scheme rules for the DCB affected homeowners to account for their circumstances and to ensure that the remediated homes can be well insulated and heated with a heat pump.
DCB homeowners are able to opt for a number of SEAI schemes, which include grants for the fabric upgrade of buildings (e.g. insulation), as well as Solar PV and heat pump installation.
Central to the delivery and confirmation of the energy upgrades and the DCB remedial works is the Competent Building Professional (CBP). The CBP oversees and certifies the DCB remedial works and the energy upgrade works. SEAI has engaged with each Competent Building Professional through each of the grant applications received and together as a group to support the completion of the energy upgrades for these homes.
The SEAI has a webpage dedicated to information for DCB homeowners, along with FAQs. This material has been developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to ensure key information is available to homeowners to support them in their efforts to decarbonise and insulate their remediated home: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/defective-concrete-blocks.
Homeowners can also contact the SEAI for further information at 01-8082100 or by email at dcb@seai.ie.
1728. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider changing the qualifying criteria for the defective concrete blocks scheme in order that homeowners whose property currently exhibits group two or group three cracking do not have to wait years to access State support; if he will allow entry based on a confirmed positive material test rather than crack width alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57286/26]
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 Housing Agency act as technical agents on behalf of the local authorities. Applications received by a local authority are referred to the Housing Agency to review the ‘Building Condition Assessment’ (BCA) report and make the final determination on whether homes have met the ‘damage threshold’ for entry to the scheme.
The 'damage threshold' is the minimum level of damage which must be present in a home in order for that dwelling to be allowed access into the grant scheme. The damage itself must be linked to the suspected presence of defective concrete blocks in the home and will be considered as part of the Building Condition Assessment process by a competent building professional.
The purpose of having a damage threshold is to ensure that the worst affected homes are prioritised first.
The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) on 2 June 2026 published a revised standard, I.S. 465:2026.
As per section 51 of the 2022 Act, I now intend to launch a review of the operation of the Act. 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.
A number of aspects of the Act will be reviewed and matters relating to the qualifying criteria for damage to dwellings may be considered as part of the review.
1729. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to concerns that elderly people living alone in a circumstance (details supplied) if the income of all the siblings is taken into account as part of the assessment process; the ways the sibling living in the family home can prove that the other siblings make no financial contribution; if being able to proves this would mean accessing the grant if means allow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1730. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the application of SI 612 of 2024 that is leaving some elderly people unable to access grants for much needed adaptation where the income of all siblings is considered when only one sibling lives in the dwelling requiring adaptation; the supports that are available to a person who has had a grant for much needed adaptation refused because of the income of siblings who do not reside in or contribute to the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57290/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1731. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 692 of 3 June 2026, if he will provide details of the way in which a person who has a recommendation for adaptation which they cannot finance and which is required for their safety, health and dignity should proceed; what funding is available to bridge the gap where the grants do not cover the amount and the person does not have the means to cover this; the supports in place where this shortfall cannot be met and the adaptation is required for the dignity, health and safety of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57340/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1729 to 1731, inclusive, together.
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 Adaptation Grant for Disabled People is available to assist in the carrying out of works that are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a disabled person who is a member of the household. The detailed administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval, apportionment of funding, and prioritisation of grant applications, is the responsibility of each local authority.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2026 increased substantially by €30 million to €129.5 million, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014. My Department carried out a review of the Housing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme including a review of the Means Test, and the Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%).
The schemes continue to be means tested and operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. The enhanced scheme includes the introduction of additional income deductions for housing, residential and home care costs incurred. In addition, a number of payments from the Department of Social Protection are disregarded for the purpose of the means test. These disregards are designed to ensure that the provision of financial assistance for living costs or care do not disadvantage an individual applying for grant assistance under the scheme.
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.
The Minister is primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy and for the preparation of legislation and guidelines in relation to housing nationally. The day-to-day operation of the private house grants scheme is, however, a matter for the relevant local authority. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. The Minister is precluded by legislation from intervening in relation to the procedures followed, or decisions made, by local authorities in the provision of housing grants support regarding any individual application.
1732. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the delays regarding queries submitted to Tailte Éireann including using the Oireachtas email; if he plans to resolve this issue; if so, if he will outline those plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency and provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State.
Tailte Éireann receives queries from our various customers and stakeholders in a multitude of ways, further detail would be required on the specific type of queries in question in order to provide a reply on response times.
Tailte Éireann is committed to delivering an excellent customer service and the majority of customers are satisfied with the standard of service they receive. However, if a customer has a complaint about the service provided, they provide guidance on their website on how to bring it to their attention: https://tailte.ie/about/customer-service/how-to-make-a-complaint/. The complaints mailbox is closely monitored and 96% of queries received are responded to within committed response times.
In relation to the more specific question asked about delays regarding queries submitted using the Oireachtas email, there is no evidence of delays in the processing of correspondence to Oireachtas@tailte.ie.
Tailte Éireann process representations received in accordance with Circular 25/2016 and endeavours to respond within three working days and reply to all substantive queries within fifteen working days of receipt.
For the year to date, 98% of the representations received from Elected Officials have been responded to within committed response times.
The provision of information to elected members of the Oireachtas when making Representation is governed by Section 40 of the Data Protection Act 2018. Elected officials are entitled to make Representations for named data subjects to access information relating to the data subject only.
Section 40(4) establishes a legal basis permitting organisations to respond to and process personal data on foot of a Representation received. It does not compel an organisation to accede to a request and, as a data controller, Tailte Éireann must also comply with the principle of accountability by demonstrating their compliance with all other principles of data protection.
1733. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to fund improved water infrastructure in budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther funding for Uisce Éireann infrastructure will be determined as part of the normal budgetary and Estimates process. As the Budget 2027 Estimates process is currently under way, details of funding allocations are not yet known. Specific funding will be announced on Budget Day in the normal manner.
1734. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual rate on valuation for commercial rates set by each local authority, and the development contribution rates applying in each local authority area, in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation list prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended.
The amount of rates liable on a property is determined by multiplying the valuation of the property set by Tailte Éireann by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) set by the local authority. The ARV is decided by the elected members of each local authority in their annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority.
Details regarding the ARV approved by local authorities in the years 2021 to 2026 are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/local-authority-annual-rates-on-valuation-arv/
The adoption of the development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority. It is a matter for the members to determine (i) the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply and (ii) the expenditure of contributions within the confines of their scheme conditions.
Section 48(2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that a development contribution scheme, applied by a planning authority in respect of its functional area, may make provision for payment of different contributions in respect of different classes or descriptions of development. The level of contribution, and the types of development to which development contributions should apply, are determined at local authority level, in accordance with the powers vested in elected members in relation to the adoption of local authority development contribution schemes.
1735. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the number of parliamentary questions in 2025 and to date in 2026 that have been asked of him but were referred to Uisce Éireann for answer. [57413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPursuant to decisions made by the Ceann Comhairle, the Minister does not answer questions relating to matters that are the responsibility of Uisce Éireann under Section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013. Such questions are not allowed in accordance with the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann.
Uisce Éireann has its own procedures and systems for dealing with representations and queries from public representatives and, as such, any matter can be raised by public representatives with Uisce Éireann directly. From time to time in response to a question that is appropriate for answer in Dáil Éireann, I may suggest that further information may be sought from Uisce Éireann with the relevant contact details provided. Such responses are on the official record of Dáil Éireann.
