Marie Sherlock
Ceist:332. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to list which of the 36 actions remain outstanding from the Nighttime Economy Taskforce 2021. [66839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCulture Policy
Ceisteanna (332)
Freagraí scríofa
Following the publication of the Night-Time Economy Task Force Report in 2021, a high-level Night-Time Economy (NTE) Implementation Group was established by my department. The group consists of representatives from key departments, agencies, and stakeholders and is chaired by my department. The work of the Taskforce to date has made valuable impacts in bringing the benefits of a vibrant NTE into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government.
A wide-ranging review of progress in the NTE, including the 36 actions originally contained in the Task Force Report, was undertaken by the NTE team and members of the Implementation Group in 2024. This assessed overall progress and examined areas requiring a renewed focus. Following stakeholder engagement, a new and revised list of 30 actions was developed on the basis of this report. An overview of the progress of the actions contained in the report can be found here: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/overview-of-progress-on-the-night-time-economy-taskforce-report-october-2024.pdf
Key achievements on the NTE in this period include the establishment of 9 NTE advisors in locations around the country. Each advisor has published an action plan for development and diversification of the NTE in their location. In 2026 I allocated €3 million towards the implementation of a range of measures to support the Night-Time Economy, this included an allocation of €1 million to support 60 venues under the Grassroots Venue Support Scheme, €423k supporting 47 museums and galleries under the ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme, €190k towards Culture Night Late and the continued funding support for the 9 Night-Time advisers.
Following a period of engagement with members of the implementation group, it was decided that, going forward, the Implementation Group would operate on a sub-group basis, with each sub-group taking on responsibility for a themed group of actions. Commencing in April of this year, five new sub-groups were established, each with their own terms of reference, and together covering the entirety of the revised NTE actions. This restructuring enables a renewed focus on outstanding and current issues, having regard to their complexity and multi-stakeholder dimension.
The five sub-groups are as follows:
Sub-group 1: Night-Time Arts & Culture
Sub-group 2: Safety
Sub-group 3: Late Night Transport, Experience Economy, Tourism, Retail and Events
Sub-group 4: Regulatory, Licensing and Planning
Sub-group 5: NTE Data.
Significant progress has been made across revised actions, with the majority either completed or in progress. Two of the revised actions remain to be delivered and will be examined within the new sub-group structure: the use of publicly owned cultural/heritage sites for events, with a pilot here to be considered. A further action on the support of club culture will be progressed within the appropriate sub-group with an examination of targeted action here.
My Department will continue to work with the relevant Government Departments and agencies to examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse, safe and inclusive night-life across the country.
Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 331.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (334)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:334. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the international sporting events taking place in Ireland that are being supported by his Department until 2030, by sporting project, in tabular form. [66910/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides support to the hosting of major sports events in Ireland, and to explore further hosting opportunities, in line with the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework . The major international sports events being so supported in the period to 2030 are set out below:
|
Year |
Sport |
Sporting Project |
|
2027 |
Golf |
Ryder Cup (Adare) |
|
2028 |
Football |
UEFA EURO* |
|
2030 |
Cricket |
T20 Cricket World Cup* |
* UEFA EURO 2028 and the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted with the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, my Department continues to engage with National Governing Bodies and other stakeholders on further potential opportunities, including the possibility of hosting further NFL fixtures in Dublin and the hosting of a major international golf championship in Ireland.
In relation to the strategy to attract these events, the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework was published in 2024. In implementing this policy framework, my Department works closely with a range of partners including National Governing Bodies, local authorities and other State agencies in evaluating and delivering events.
Before my Department and Government commits public monies to supporting the hosting of a major sports event in Ireland, a significant range of factors needs to be taken into account. These factors include the projected cost to the State, the expected economic benefits accruing to the State, and the proposed event’s capacity to contribute to wider policy objectives, such as increasing physical activity and participation in sport.
My Department remains open to engagement on all future major international sports events consistent with the Framework, and I am committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to strengthen its reputation as a competitive and attractive destination for hosting major events.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (335)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:335. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will now reconsider a project's application (details supplied) submitted under the 2024 Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF); whether the achievement of planning approval will now be taken into account in reassessing the project's readiness and deliverability; whether his Department will engage directly with Galway City Council with a view to progressing an allocation from the existing LSSIF round rather than requiring the project to await a future funding call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66985/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).
The 2024 round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applicants. As a result of this significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage. Unfortunately, the application for the Kingston Park and Millers Lane project did not receive an allocation at that time.
It should be noted that, should additional funding become available, eligible applications that did not receive funding under the 2024 round and whose proposed projects align with key strategic national priorities and strategies such as the National Swimming Strategy could be considered for funding support in advance of a future round of the LSSIF.
With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of the next round of LSSIF funding.
Broadcasting Sector
Ceisteanna (336)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:336. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport given the significant increase in subscription fees (details supplied), if he will consider introducing a content levy on streaming services to support Irish content production. [67046/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Article 13(2) of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive ('AVMSD') provides that Member States may require media service providers (i.e. providers of broadcasting and video on demand services) under their jurisdiction to make a financial contribution to the production of European works.
To exercise this option under the AVMSD, section 159E of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) provides that the independent media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, may impose a content production levy on media service providers to fund a scheme (termed ‘the European works scheme’) to support the production of European works, including Irish works. Any such scheme funded from the levy receipts would require Ministerial approval.
Coimisiún na Meán appointed consultants Nordicity & Saffrey LLP to undertake research and make recommendations in relation to the feasibility of an audiovisual content levy and fund. Stakeholders were consulted. The report was received by my Department in January 2025 and published by Coimisiún na Meán in May 2025. It can be accessed here: www.cnam.ie/read-the-feasibility-study-on-the-audiovisual-content-levy/
I consider that the introduction of a content levy risks placing an additional financial burden on Irish households already experiencing cost-of-living pressures and in light of the already rising costs of subscription video on demand services, as the Deputy has highlighted. It is for that reason the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill includes an added layer of protection for the Irish consumer by providing that Coimisiún na Meán may only impose a content production levy on broadcasters and video-on-demand providers following a direction of the Minister. I have no intention of issuing such a direction until I am satisfied that a content levy would not impose an undue burden on Irish households.
I fundamentally believe in supporting the Irish independent production sector, as is reflected by the many ongoing supports provided to the sector through grant funding from Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision Scheme, as well as the Section 481 film tax relief.
The Sound and Vision Scheme has awarded over €7m in total funding so far this year in support of 81 projects. Coimisiún na Meán will announce funding awards from Round 61 of the Scheme at the end of October, while Round 62 will open for applications on the 15th October.
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill provides that RTÉ will be required to spend at least 25% of its public funding on content commissioned from the independent production sector. RTÉ and TG4 will also be excluded from receiving direct public funding from the Media Fund, in order to ensure that all funds go to independent producers and commercial media outlets.
I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the independent production sector continues to be appropriately supported in the longer term.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (337)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:337. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of Exchequer funding allocated to Sport Ireland towards the cost of paying salaries of coaches of athletics within high performance units in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [67071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland is the statutory authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland, including participation, high-performance sport, anti-doping, coaching and the development of the Sport Ireland Campus.
National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) are responsible for the development and administration of their respective sports at all levels. NGBs, including Athletics Ireland, are key delivery agencies for Sport Ireland and are central to the development, governance and delivery of sport in Ireland. This includes supporting participation, coaching, safeguarding, competition structures and the development of pathways from grassroots participation through to high-performance sport.
Sport Ireland allocates High Performance Programme Funding to NGBs to support a broad range of activities related to delivering a High Performance Programme. This includes camps, competitions, coaching, support services, administration, etc. Sport Ireland requires NGBs to spend their High Performance Programme funding in accordance with the Terms & Conditions of Funding and in a manner which reflects the programmes' priorities and needs annually and over the course of an Olympic/Paralympic cycle. NGBs retain independence and responsibility for the division of funding for the purposes allocated by Sport Ireland.
A summary of Sport Ireland funding to Athletics Ireland over the past three years is set out below in tabular form.
|
Athletics Ireland Funding Type |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
High Performance Programme Funding |
€841,666 |
€1,050,000 |
€1,103,000 |
|
High Performance Additional Funding (Paris Games related) |
€115,000 |
- |
- |
|
High Performance Coaching* |
€110,150 |
€280,000 |
€190,000 |
|
High Performance Pathway Funding |
- |
€43,200 |
€40,000 |
|
Direct Athlete Support (International Carding Scheme, Athlete Career Transition Programme, Additional Athlete Support) |
€645,000 |
€669,000 |
€689,000 |
*The allocation of High Performance Coaching to Athletics Ireland is direct to bespoke and targeted supports to assist the development and remuneration of coaches. However, this is not the sole investment in high performance coaching to Athletics Ireland as a portion of High Performance Programme funding is also expended on coach salaries and continued professional development.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (338)
Sinéad Gibney
Ceist:338. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when applicants for the basic income for the arts scheme will be informed regarding the outcome of their application. [67069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I was delighted to accept applications for the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot with just over 10,000 applications received by the deadline. This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland.
The deadline for application to the Basic Income for the Arts 2026 - 2029 was 5pm on Tuesday 12th May. With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists.
Just over 10,000 applications were received. The Department has been assessing applications since May and throughout the summer and hope to be in a position to correspond with all applicants by the end of September 2026.
Postal Services
Ceisteanna (339)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:339. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when a person (details supplied) can expect to have a new Eircode they have applied for processed, approved and communicated to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67156/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode assigns new Eircodes to building addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. All postal addresses and geo-locations are provided to Eircode from authoritative sources, namely An Post and Tailte Éireann (Formerly Ordnance Survey Ireland) through their subsidiary company An Post GeoDirectory. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses, and Tailte Éireann provides the geo-locations for these buildings.
An Post have confirmed to my officials that in accordance with their data processes, the property in question was previously recorded in their database as derelict. As the property is now being renovated, An Post have updated their database to include the property. The updated information will be included in the next update of the database files supplied to Capita from An Post GeoDirectory.
Homeowners who have queries relating to the postal address of their buildings or assignment of postal addresses can contact An Post by email at: eircode@anpost.ie or Customer Service on 01-7057600. In the case where An Post assigns a postal address or makes changes to an existing address, the new and updated information will be provided to Eircode by An Post GeoDirectory for the assignment of Eircodes.
Due to the growth and success of Eircodes, as seen by the free-to-use online Eircode Finder (finder.eircode.ie) that receives over 2 million average monthly lookups, Capita reduced the timeframe to assign Eircodes from quarterly to a monthly basis. All new Eircodes are published on the free-to-use Eircode Finder, a notification letter is issued containing the new Eircode and an updated Eircode Database files is provided to all licenced businesses for their use. The average number of Eircodes assigned monthly basis to new buildings is currently over c.3K.
340. Reply not received from Department.
341. Reply not received from Department.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (342)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:342. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is aware that local authorities are only providing tenant moves from the private rental sector, and signing first time social housing tenancy agreements two weeks to move into their council property and two weeks HAP from the date the social housing tenancy is signed for, despite the fact that the Residential tenancies Act requires private tenants to provide between 4 and 6 weeks notice on termination of a tenancy; and if he will review the matter to ensure that local authorities arrangements for tenanting and HAP payments are in line with the legal requirements of the RTA. [66392/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. Under HAP, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. The tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is governed by the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 – 2025 (RTA). HAP supported tenancies are afforded the same protections and responsibilities as all private rented tenancies.
Under the RTA, Section 66 provides for the termination notice period to be given by a tenant to landlord, depending on how long the tenancy has been in place. However, under section 69 of the RTA, the tenant and landlord may agree to a shorter notice period when terminating a tenancy.
The day-to-day operation of the HAP scheme and the operation of allocations to social housing tenancies are matters for the relevant local authority, and I have no role in these matters.
In relation to the allocation of social housing homes, tenancy start dates and the conclusion of tenancy agreements, these are matters for the relevant local authority to manage taking into account the circumstances of the tenant, the property and the importance of avoiding social home remaining unnecessarily vacant.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (343)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:343. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state whether any guidance or policy is provided by his Department to local authorities dealing with tenancy arrangements and terminations for tenants who have received custodial jail sentences. [66391/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management and administration of local authority housing tenancies is, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority in the exercise of its statutory functions under the Housing Acts 1966 - 2026.
My Department does not issue specific guidance or policy to housing authorities dealing with tenancy arrangements or the termination of tenancies solely on the basis that a tenant has received a custodial sentence. Any decision regarding the continuation, management or termination of a tenancy is a matter for the local authority concerned, having regard to the relevant legislative provisions, the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement, the circumstances of the individual case, and the local authority's own policies and procedures.
Local authorities act in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Acts 1966 - 2026, fair procedures and their broader responsibilities in relation to tenancy and estate management. Accordingly, responsibility for decisions affecting individual tenancies rests with the relevant local authority.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (344)
Colm Burke
Ceist:344. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the Monard Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in Cork; and the proposed timelines and targets regarding same. [66440/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Monard Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) was designated by the Government in May 2010 and the associated Planning Scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in May 2011, in accordance with Sections 166 and 169 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), respectively. Cork County Council is the development agency responsible for the delivery and implementation of the Monard Strategic Development Zone.
The provisions relating to SDZs under the Act of 2000 are due to be replaced following the commencement of the relevant sections of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Part 21 of the Act of 2024 - Strategic Development Zones, contains provisions for the continuation of existing SDZs. Sites designated under Section 166 of the Act of 2000 for the establishment of Strategic Development Zones shall, unless such designation is revoked, continue as SDZs for the purposes for which they were originally designated. Part 21 of the Act of 2024 also provides for applications for development within an SDZ and for the amendment of an existing Planning Scheme.
It should be noted that the procedures for designating new SDZ sites and preparing new Planning Schemes have not been restated, as no new SDZs will be designated under the Act of 2024. The Act also includes provisions requiring the Minister, within 12 months of the commencement of Part 22, to review existing SDZ designations and make recommendations to the Government regarding the revocation or amendment of certain SDZ orders, including the phasing out of sites or parts of sites where Planning Schemes have not been made.
Urban Development Zones (UDZ) will replace the SDZ concept. Circular 2025/01 notified planning authorities and other key stakeholders of the commencement of Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 22 of the Act of 2024 by way of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2025 (S.I. No. 239 of 2025) coming into effect from 9 June 2025. These provisions set out the initial steps available to planning authorities in a broader process concerning the designation of a candidate ‘urban development zone’ or ‘UDZ’.
Section 597 of the Act of 2024 provides that a planning authority may identify sites in its functional area where development may be of significant economic, social or environmental benefit to the State and be in the common good. Such sites are referred to as “suitable sites”. While no local authority has made a request for UDZ designation to date, my Department continues to engage with local authorities in relation to the identification of ‘suitable sites’. Commencement of further provisions within Part 22 are necessary to allow for progression of the broader UDZ statutory process, including public consultation and environmental assessment. These new legislative provisions will provide for an updated and more flexible approach to the masterplanning and delivery of areas with significant potential for large-scale development and the associated necessary infrastructure.
The remaining provisions of Parts 21 and 22 of the Act of 2024 are due to commence in the Autumn of 2026.
The identification of potential UDZs (and other areas of significant growth) will also be informed by the establishment of a New Urban Communities Taskforce, as set out in the Government's housing action plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Taskforce will provide a dedicated focus to the identification of locations for the delivery of housing growth at scale and will work with the newly established Housing Activation Office and infrastructure providers to evaluate and prioritise the infrastructural needs of these areas. The Taskforce will report on progress to me and will also liaise with the Housing Activation Delivery Group and Housing Activation Industry Group.
345. Reply not received from Department.
Wastewater Treatment
Ceisteanna (346, 351)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the proposed connection of 69 residential properties in a location (details supplied) to the public wastewater network; the current position regarding the €992,000 funding allocation understood to be available for the project; the reason works have not yet commenced despite funding being approved and subsequently increased; whether additional funding is required to allow the project to proceed; and if he will provide a timeline for the commencement and completion of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Cahill
Ceist:351. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has been informed of the significant ongoing costs being incurred by 69 households in a location (details supplied) operating and maintaining private wastewater treatment systems, including electricity and maintenance costs; whether he will engage with Kerry County Council and Uisce Éireann to identify what is preventing the project from progressing; whether every effort will be made to ensure that the outstanding funding shortfall is resolved and the connection to the public sewerage network is delivered as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66492/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 351 together.
The housing estates referred to in the details supplied are among a number of developments across the country that rely on Developer Provided Infrastructure for their water services. As these estates have not yet been taken in charge, their water services remain in private ownership and are not connected to the public Uisce Éireann network.
I have approved the funding requested by Kerry County Council to complete the project.
Responsibility for progressing the project rests with the Council, working in collaboration with Uisce Éireann. The Council is best placed to provide an update on the current position regarding the project, including the timeframe for commencement and completion of the works.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (347)
Niall Collins
Ceist:347. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66503/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The correspondence which the Deputy has supplied relates to planning determination timelines for biomethane and anaerobic digestion Developments. There are several Government Departments involved in this matter.
With regard to the publication of national planning and siting guidance for Anaerobic Digestion (AD), and biomethane development, it is understood from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that AD, although a very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, has been a relatively small sector in Ireland to date. However, there is an existing regulatory framework in place to underpin the further development of the AD industry in Ireland and harness the benefits of biomethane.
For example, plants involved in AD of animal by-products or derived products must be approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Depending on the plants activity various licences are required from the Environmental Protection Agency. Onsite health and safety is regulated by the Health and Safety Authority and the plants connection to the gas network is regulated through the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Gas Networks Ireland’s procedures and standards.
AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors including location, visual impact and ecological impact. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has had engagement on the development of planning guidelines for AD facilities through a sub-group that was established as part of the Biomethane Implementation Group to specifically examine such a document. Membership of the subgroup include DCEE alongside the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Teagasc and my Department. This document will be non-statutory in nature. It will assist local representatives and planning authorities when assessing planning applications for biomethane plants. The support document is now being developed by ARUP Consultancy and is anticipated to be finalised in 2026.
The correspondence also raises issues around individual cases. Under Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Minister for Housing cannot involve themselves in any planning case.
An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) is a quasi-judicial body, which operates independently of this Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Coimisiún Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (348)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:348. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will review the exclusion of local authority tenants living in homes acquired under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2024 from the tenant purchase scheme, particularly where tenants were originally advised that they would have an opportunity to purchase their home and where the tenancy agreement makes no reference to the property being a part V dwelling; whether transitional or exceptional arrangements will be introduced for tenants affected by this exclusion; and the steps available to such tenants to appeal a refusal. [66477/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Tenant Incremental Purchase Schemes (the Schemes) are open to eligible tenants of local authority homes that are available for sale under the particular scheme.
The Regulations underpinning the Schemes provide for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including those provided to local authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Local authorities are not permitted to make exceptional arrangements for tenants who wish to purchase a Part V home, given that the exclusion is set out in legislation. The Part V provisions seek to promote social integration and secure mixed tenure, sustainable communities. Accordingly, Part V properties are excluded from the Schemes to ensure the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time and the properties remain available for people in need of social housing support.
The Tenant Purchase of Apartments Scheme 2012, does not expressly exclude Part V properties, but the apartment complex must be owned by the local authority and must also be designated for sale under the scheme.
My Department monitors schemes such as this on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable, however, there are no plans to amend the exclusion of certain categories of property from these Schemes at this time.
349. Reply not received from Department.
Tourism Funding
Ceisteanna (350)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:350. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding is available through his Department or The Heritage Council for the development of feasibility studies for tourism and heritage projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In general, schemes funded by my Department in relation to heritage are focused on preservation, conservation and repair, awareness and engagement efforts, or access enhancement. While projects funded under such schemes may of course have knock-on benefits in terms of tourism, such economic or employment aspects do not typically form a basis for application assessments or funding awards, and feasibility studies focused on tourism or other methods of income-generation would therefore not be eligible for funding under such schemes. Given the focus on tourism, further information in relation to the funding of such studies may be available from my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment.
Separately, my Department funds the work of the Heritage Council, who operate a number of grants schemes for which such studies may be eligible, but this would depend on the exact nature of the project or study proposed. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie
Question No. 351 answered with Question No. 346.
Fire Service
Ceisteanna (352, 353, 354)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:352. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of an occasion recently where a fire engine was unable to access Gabhla Island in County Donegal in an emergency; and the action he will take to ensure this does not happen in an emergency again. [66699/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:353. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide assurances that members of the fire service on Arranmore Island will be retained in their current numbers; and if changes to arrangements on the island are being planned. [66705/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:354. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government has considered reviewing their national policy regarding fire services on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66702/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 352, 353 and 354 together.
The provision of a fire service within 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 responsibility of each individual local authority under the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003. My Department supports fire authorities by setting general policy and progressing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and related matters, and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructure projects.
Keeping Communities Safe: A Framework for Fire Safety in Ireland (KCS) sets out national policy for the provision of fire services. It provides for a risk-management approach to service delivery, including Area Risk Categorisation (ARC), allowing fire authorities to have regard to local risks and circumstances in determining appropriate fire service provision.
This risk-based approach enables local authorities to take account of the particular characteristics and circumstances of individual communities, including island communities, when determining appropriate fire service provision.
KCS also places considerable emphasis on Community Fire Safety and fire prevention. Community Fire Safety programmes seek to improve fire safety in the home through measures including fire safety awareness and the provision of smoke alarms. Fire prevention and Community Fire Safety form part of the wider responsibilities of local authority fire services.
In the case of island communities, local fire authorities prioritise Community Fire Safety measures, including through the Community Smoke Alarm Scheme (CSAS), working with local communities to provide smoke alarms and promote fire safety awareness.
My Department has made significant investment in supporting local authorities to deliver Community Fire Safety initiatives and to enhance fire service infrastructure, renew the fire appliance fleet and improve operational capability. Requests from local authorities for capital assistance under the Fire Service Capital Programme are considered having regard to identified need and in the context of the overall programme and the totality of requests received from fire authorities.
Question No. 353 answered with Question No. 352.
Question No. 354 answered with Question No. 352.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (355)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:355. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has estimated the level of pent-up housing demand in the State; the current estimate of that demand; and the projected level of such demand to 2035. [66731/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Increasing the supply of new homes is critical to alleviating pressures in the housing market – in this regard, supply has increased significantly over recent years. Over the last five years, to end Q2 2026, more than 156,600 new homes have been delivered. This compares with 87,819 in the previous five-year period and just 29,855 in the five-years before that (Q2 2012 – Q2 2016).
Together with the significant potential in the delivery pipeline, this shows we are clearly on track and addressing the scaled up approach now required.
The Government's housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, seeks to build on this momentum and deliver at least 300,000 new homes by 2030. The Government’s target is based on a realistic, broad assessment of the housing system, including factors such as population growth. As outlined in the plan, 300,000 homes is a baseline target, not a ceiling, and will be a cumulative result of the number of homes delivered during the lifetime of the plan.
Alongside this, the revised National Planning Framework (NPF) approved in April 2025 is a major step forward, and will help increase capacity and accelerate home building across the country. The revised NPF sets out the need to plan for approximately 50,000 additional households per annum to 2040, and this reflects Government’s commitment to accelerated growth in new homes as our population changes and further grows.
As part of the broader body of work undertaken to inform the First Revision to the NPF, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) was engaged to provide updated population projections to 2040, based on demographic modelling, and having regard to the results of Census 2022 including fertility, mortality and migration trends. Under the baseline scenario, the research projects that the population of the State will increase to approximately 5.7 million people by 2030 and 6.1 million by 2040. This projection forms the central core trajectory of projected population growth and underpins the strategy set out in the First Revision to the NPF.
My Department continues to monitor factors that may impact the demand and supply of housing on an ongoing basis. As part of this, following the publication of the final results of Census 2027, there will be an opportunity to evaluate and consider a review of the National Planning Framework, including any associated updated housing requirements, in accordance with section 22 of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
The above actions are underpinned by the Government's National Development Plan, which commits €275 billion investment in infrastructure over the coming decade. The unprecedented level of investment Government have committed, will bring about a very significant scale up in the delivery of housing over the coming years.
Electoral Commission
Ceisteanna (356)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:356. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update in respect of the issue of the voting age that was examined by An Coimisiún Toghcháin as part of its research programme from 2024 to 2026; and if An Coimisiún Toghcháin have provided him with an interim and or full report and or recommendations in respect of that work. [66745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to my reply to Dáil question number 1726 of 7 September 2026. The position in relation to this matter has not changed.