John Cummins
Waterford · Fine Gael · Ireland
“To ensure a structured and comprehensive examination of the issues, the task force was organised under four work themes: structures, funding, functions and governance and accountability within the local government sector.”
“At the outset, I thank Senator Fitzpatrick for raising this important issue this morning. I am acutely aware of the strong interest that exists within this House in matters relating to local government.”
“Engagement took place with a wide range of organisations and representative bodies, including employer and employee representatives, community and voluntary organisations, academic experts and other key stakeholders.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.”
“In that context, I welcome the opportunity to address the House and to provide an update on the progress made today in advancing that recommendation and strengthening local democracy more generally.”
“The task force was charged with delivering its report within the challenging timeframe of six to nine months. However, considerable preparatory work already completed across the sector provided a strong foundation and enabled that timeline to be achieved. The task force, as the Senator rightly pointed out, was chaired by Mr.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,038 lines we hold for John Cummins, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 18 of 21.
“I would appreciate if the Deputy did not misrepresent me on the floor of the Dáil. What I actually said was that we wanted to move to a more planned maintenance approach. It is not that we are eliminating the voids programme. We have spent a considerable amount of money on it over the past number of years and will continue to do so, but we want a more planned maintenance approach and to move to a more cyclical maintenance in local authorities.”
“We have to move to a planned maintenance approach and away from the voids approach. At the same time, we are committed to giving considerable money to the voids programme because we see the value in it.”
“The Deputy's question asked about planned maintenance, so that is the answer I gave. We want to move towards more of a planned maintenance approach, which is appropriate. We do not want to see voids left for significant periods. Huge amounts of money have been spent in the voids programme but we want to move to a planned maintenance approach so that we can re-let council properties and reuse our existing stock to the fullest. As per the latest NOAC report from 2023, the performance of some local authorities is better than others in re-letting properties. It goes from 13.27 weeks in Laois to 65 weeks in Kerry. Something is clearly happening in Laois that is not happening in Kerry. It is not to pick on those two local authorities, but they are the outliers. There are many in between.”
“It should not be the case that significant numbers come into the voids programme at a time when, over the past number of years, we have spent a considerable amount of money on our voids programme.”
“It will also have a renewed focus on improving re-let times and local authority performance and supporting the transition to that planned maintenance approach. Regarding the stock condition surveys of local authority homes, work surveys have already begun in many local authorities. These surveys are crucial for an informed planned maintenance approach and are supported by specialist ICT infrastructure that has been procured and rolled out across the majority of local authorities, with the remainder in progress. It will take time to work through the full programme of planned condition surveys but it is the appropriate approach to move to more planned maintenance on a cyclical basis while also working with local authorities to ensure there is a quicker re-let time in the provision of existing housing stock.”
“I thank Deputy Gould for raising this important matter. There is no question that utilising existing stock at a time of such need is just as important as developing new social housing stock. The programme for Government commits to the introduction of a new voids programme and also to supporting the ongoing work to transition to a strategic and informed maintenance approach to the management and maintenance of our local authority housing stock based on stock condition surveys. The new programme will build on the successes of the voids programme over the past ten years, which has seen an investment of more than €360 million of Exchequer funding, which has supported the refurbishment and re-letting of some 25,672 dwellings.”
“I welcome the contributions of colleagues and look forward to a constructive debate on how we can better protect our biodiversity going forward.”
“Of course, the NPWS is an agency under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Biodiversity action in Ireland has grown considerably in recent years, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with landowners and local communities to enable a collective response to the biodiversity crisis we face. A significant number of initiatives, projects and funding streams managed by the NPWS are now delivering positive change for a range of habitats and species across our country. As we mark National Biodiversity Week, I invite all Members of the House to reflect on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural heritage. Biodiversity underpins the well-being of this and future generations.”
“In my own constituency in Waterford, events are planned to allow people to see and appreciate the marine life near Heilbhic, along with guided biodiversity walks and talks in the Comeragh Mountains, in the Anne Valley and along the beautiful Waterford greenway. Events will be held across the country from Glenveagh, which will host Le Chéile don Dúlra on 21 May, to a celebration of Natura 200 in St. Gobnait's Wood, which is a special area of conservation in Cork, and in the Connemara National Park. Substantial progress has been made in recent years to support biodiversity, in particular through the efforts of the NPWS. I compliment the team there, and I know I do so on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, for the work they do day in, day out.”
“A number of key international awareness days will also take place during the week. These include the European Commission on 21 May inviting all member states and stakeholders to celebrate the day by organising and supporting bioblitz events in Natura 2000 sites. This year's theme for International Day of Biodiversity, on 22 May, is "harmony with nature and sustainable development". European Day of Parks, on 24 May, is a commemorative day for protected areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by EUROPARC Federation to celebrate protected areas throughout Europe. European Day of Parks celebrates the creation of the first national park in Europe, a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909. I encourage everyone to attend their local events.”
“As people gather to celebrate biodiversity across Ireland, they will also discuss how to protect and restore biodiversity. As National Biodiversity Week kicks off, a variety of in-person and virtual events will bring communities together nationwide to be inspired by nature and learn how to pitch in to protect it. Families and students can even participate in biodiversity week at home through special events like the biodiversity scavenger hunt, which is a self-guided activity to discover wildlife in gardens and local parks. The backyard bioblitz will see wildlife experts on hand throughout the week to help to identify photos of animals and plants submitted online. Amateur nature photographers are invited to submit photos for the 13th annual biodiversity photographer of the year competition, which is happening throughout the month of May.”
“A wide range of events have been organised by the NPWS sites, partner organisations and agencies, NGOs, heritage and conservation groups along with many more. These events will reach communities in every corner of Ireland and will showcase our coasts, rivers, estuaries, hedgerows, peatlands, native woodlands and the marine environment. Guided nature walks and field trips for children will introduce participants to pollinators and other biodiversity in local green spaces. Hands-on workshops will also take place. There will also be an opportunity to discover wildlife through whale watching, farm walks, biodiversity cycle tours, art workshops and more. All events are published on the National Biodiversity Week website and will be promoted by the Irish Environmental Network and the National Parks and Wildlife Service throughout the week.”
“National Biodiversity Week, which takes place from 16 May to 25 May, is an annual ten-day celebration of nature and wildlife that offers a variety of free events and activities which aim to highlight the importance of biodiversity. It is organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS. It provides opportunities for the public to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups that are actively working to protect our natural heritage. As well as highlighting the importance of biodiversity, National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature that surrounds us and connecting with a wider environment.”
“Yet, today, biodiversity in Ireland and across the globe is under threat from habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, climate change and unsustainable land and sea use. National Biodiversity Week offers a moment to celebrate the incredible variety of life on our island, from peatlands and pollinators to our native woodlands and marine life, but it also challenges us to act. We must invest in restoration, support farmers and landowners in sustainable practices and engage the public in stewardship of our shared national heritage. Biodiversity loss is not just an environmental issue; it is also an economic and social issue.”
“I welcome the opportunity to address the Seanad to mark the launch of National Biodiversity Week 2025 and to speak on an issue that is vital to all of us and our future, namely, the preservation of our biodiversity. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, would have liked to have been here but sends his apologies. Unfortunately, he had a bereavement in his family and I am sure all here join with me in expressing our condolences to the Minister of State's family. We are thinking of them at this difficult time. As we are all aware, biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy and sustainable environment providing the essential ecosystem services on which we depend: clean air, water, food and a stable environment.”
“As I said, anything that can speed up the process in terms of delivering infrastructure to be able to facilitate more homes is what I am all about, and I will explore all those avenues.”
“It is about that. It is about unlocking development in our smaller towns and villages. Anything that can speed up the process is being considered. That is not to ignore requirements. As regards EIAs and those towns above 10,000 in population, I have set out that there is limited scope because it goes to the board and goes through that statutory process, whether it is through the local authority or through Uisce Éireann. Where there may be scope to be able to improve in terms of timelines in partnership with local authorities is for those that are below that through the Part 8 process, in partnership. We have to remember that when local authorities had control of water and wastewater, it was standard to use the Part 8 process. It is therefore possible, and we are scoping out what is possible in terms of guidance around that.”
“Additionally, the members of the local authority may, by resolution, vary or modify the proposal by Uisce Éireann, which could present a risk to the project in question. However, I believe there is merit in this proposal to unlock development in towns and villages with populations under 10,000. I am engaging with my officials in this regard. I am conscious of time. Developments that require an EIA are above that threshold. There is limited scope in improving time periods in that regard. However, there may be scope to further tease out the provisions in respect of developments that do not require the Part 8 process, which are typically those involving areas below 10,000 in population.”
“This process includes a period of not less than four weeks for the making of submissions by the public under Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Under section 179 of the 2000 Act, following the public submission period, the chief executive has eight weeks for the making of a report on the proposed development for submission to the elected members. Finally, the elected members have six weeks to make a decision on the proposed development, which means that there is a total of 18 weeks for decisions under the Part 8 process. I can confirm it is open to local authorities to enter into partnership with any party, including Uisce Eireann. However, a development under the Part 8 process requires a full majority of the council to approve the project.”
“The board has a statutory objective to make a decision on such an application within 18 weeks of the last day of the period for the making of submissions, which is a period of not less than six weeks in accordance with section 37E(3)(a) of the 2000 Act. The timeline for a decision is a minimum of 24 weeks. The Senator is proposing that applications by Uisce Éireann should undergo the Part 8 process through partnership with local authorities to avail of the "local authority own development" procedures under section 179 of the 2000 Act. When no environmental impact assessment is required, local authorities follow the Part 8 process, which is a reserved function of elected members.”
“The process provides that where no further information is required from Uisce Éireann, a planning authority shall make a decision within eight weeks of the date of the application, in accordance with section 34(8) of the 2000 Act. This eight-week period is considered reasonable for the making of a decision. A decision of a planning authority under section 34 of the 2000 Act may be subject to appeal by An Bord Pleanála under section 37 of that Act. The board has a statutory objective to meet timelines of appeal within 18 weeks. For applications for permission that fall under the category of strategic infrastructure, such as a wastewater treatment plant with capacity to cater for a population of 10,000 or more, Uisce Éireann is required to apply directly to An Bord Pleanála under section 37E of the 2000 Act.”
“I thank Senator Duffy for his kind words, which I appreciate, and for giving me an opportunity to update the House on planning legislation and particularly applications by Uisce Éireann. While the Planning and Development Act 2024 was signed into law in October 2024, its provisions have not yet been commenced. Until all of it is in place, the 2000 Act will remain in force. All development requires development permission unless it is specifically exempted. As such, Uisce Éireann is required to adhere to planning legislation and seek the necessary planning permissions where required. At present, Uisce Éireann can apply to a planning authority for planning permission under section 34 of the 2000 Act for development that is not strategic infrastructure.”
“I again thank Senator Scahill. I too want to put on record my thanks to all the fire service personnel in the country who, when we often go in the opposite direction, run into danger in order to try to protect lives. I confirm that a second external validation group review - No. 2 - has been commissioned by the management board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. That process is scheduled to begin in quarter 3 of this year, with the external validation group conducting in-person evaluation visits within each fire authority. That will be a positive as it will look at everything Senator Scahill has asked for, in terms of demographic movements and how we respond to events as they occur in a safe manner, while also ensuring we put in place the supports on the prevention side as well.”
“Fire authorities determine the priority needs in their areas and apply resources in the most effective configuration, ensuring an appropriate and effective balance between fire prevention, fire protection and response measures. Appropriate mitigation measures and, in particular, community fire safety measures such as the smoke alarm scheme, which provides free smoke alarms to vulnerable households, including optical alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing, are funded by my Department and are being utilised to increase the safety of public dwellings. It is intended that, later this year, there will be a second process in terms of that area risk and external validation group, which I can talk more about in the follow-up.”
“The outcome of this process enables fire service management to establish a risk grading across very high risk, high risk, medium risk, low risk or very low risk categories for each fire station area. In recognition of population movements and changes in the built environment over time leading to variation in the categories of response times which are applicable, Keeping Communities Safe also sets out a requirement to monitor risk categories. The area risk categorisation is a critical tool for ensuring fire service resources are used effectively and efficiently, and that the safety of the public is prioritised in all communities. By assessing and classifying areas based on defined risk factors, fire services can demonstrate an evidence-based approach to service delivery.”
“In April 2016, the management board published the first external validation group report, entitled Local Delivery - National Consistency. The findings of the first external validation group process are available on the Department’s website. In 2020, a desktop review, entitled the Capacity Review, was undertaken by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. Following its completion, a report titled Response, Resilience & Recovery was completed in October 2020. The findings of this review indicated a strong capacity in terms of fire safety and operation efficacy across the fire services. Keeping Communities Safe provides for each fire service to undertake an area risk categorisation process in respect of each of its fire station areas.”
“Keeping Communities Safe provides for the delivery of consistent and effective fire services in Ireland while continuing to reduce the risk from fires in communities and prioritising the safety of fire personnel in their work. The policy sets out the overall approach, the methods and the techniques to achieve the objective of keeping communities safe from fire, and it sets out national norms, standards and targets against which local authorities can benchmark their fire services. Over the course of 2014 and 2015, an external validation group commissioned by the management board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management visited every fire service in the country as part of a new external validation process arising from the implementation of Keeping Communities Safe.”
“I thank Senator Scahill for raising this important matter. He also spoke to me about the issue in Castlerea, separate to this Commencement matter. It is a very important issue and I thank him for raising it. 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 a provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981. Keeping Communities Safe was adopted as Government policy in 2013 and is based on the internationally used systemic risk management approach combining fire safety, fire protection in the built environment and fire service response measures.”
“We look forward to receiving those proposals from Dublin City Council when they are forthcoming in order that we can find that balance between the quantum of units to be delivered on the site to regenerate the site to a high quality standard for the people who live there and ensure we continue work across other areas as well as Pearse House.”
“Again, I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I wish to state unequivocally that the Department is absolutely committed to this regeneration and the regeneration of many other flat complexes across the country but we have to get it right. That is why we are awaiting proposals from Dublin City Council in that regard. We provide funding through a number of channels: the social housing investment programme, the affordable housing fund, the capital advance leasing facility, the cost rental equity loan and regeneration for remedial works, and these are through our estate regeneration fund.”
“A review of the record of the protected structures is typically undertaken as part of the development plan review process. The planning authority can also make an addition to or deletion from the record of protected structures at any time, following the procedures set out under the Act. As I said already, Dublin City Council will revert to the Department following the design appraisal it is currently undertaking in order to maximise the quantum of housing that will be delivered on the site post-regeneration and the Department looks forward to receiving those proposals.”
“This work will ensure the project continues to fruition with the optimal design for all parties concerned. One of the challenges of the project is that the Pearse House complex is included on Dublin City Council's record of protected structures. This presents certain complexities when undertaking structural works, as the Senator will appreciate. As stipulated in section 51(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the formulation of the record of protected structures is a reserved function of the elected members and the planning authority. As per section 30 of the Act, and notwithstanding sections 28 or 29, the Minister "shall not exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned".”
“This would have resulted in the council having to find permanent accommodation for some 34 families. We are all very acutely aware of the challenges in terms of social housing provision across the country and the Department was not in a position at that time to support proposals that would result in a significant loss of homes. Dublin City Council, however, has informed the Department that it has instructed its integrated design team to review the design strategy to maximise all possibilities to ensure that the maximum number of homes are available post-refurbishment. This work is currently ongoing and the council will continue to liaise with the Department of housing in order to progress the submission of the revised funding application.”
“I thank Senator Boyhan for raising this important matter. Pearse House, as he rightly pointed out, is a flat complex of some 345 homes which was designed by the city housing architect, Mr. George Herbert Simms, and built between 1936 and 1938 for Dublin Corporation under the housing Act 1932. The project plan for the regeneration of Pearse House is a matter for the local authority concerned. However, Dublin City Council has advised the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that it is further developing proposals to advance the regeneration of the flat complex. Having first received capital appraisal approval from my Department in April 2021, the subsequent pre-planning proposal by Dublin City Council for the regeneration of blocks L, M, N and P in Pearse House was to reduce the number of homes from 78 to 44.”
“This Government is dedicated to ensuring the continued success of Housing for All and implementing the far-ranging commitments of the programme for Government. In its countermotion the Government highlights the substantial progress made to date, and how we will continue to build on this progress because nobody is saying that what we are currently doing is enough. Of course, we need to do more, and we will utilise every lever at our disposal, as I have outlined, to ensure we increase the delivery of the necessary critical infrastructure to increase housing supply, address affordability challenges and provide sufficient housing options for all cohorts of our society.”
“Approval of 101 posts issued in October 2023 and in January this year a further approval issued for 112 posts, consisting of 56 graduate planner posts and 56 staff officer posts, to support the planning function within local authorities. An Bord Pleanála has also had its sanctioned staff increased to 313 from around 160 in 2022. This has assisted with tackling the backlog in the organisation and sets it up to meet its statutory timelines under the new Planning and Development Act. The revised national planning framework also provides a basis for the review and updating of regional, spatial and economic strategies and local authority development plans to reflect critical matters such as updated housing figures and projected jobs growth, including through the zoning of land for residential employment and a range of other purposes.”
“The Government is awaiting the conclusion of the sixth price review by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. This will provide a clear framework for investment in the electricity grid, which the Government is committed to supporting. The enactment of the Planning and Development Act in October 2024 updates and streamlines the planning system to provide clarity, consistency and certainty. Commencement of the Act is a key priority for the Minister, Deputy Browne, and me. The motion further calls for resourcing of our planning system to ensure timely decisions are made on applications for the delivery of critical infrastructure and new housing. It is for this reason that the ministerial action plan on planning resources was approved last year.”
“Uisce Éireann has ramped up capital delivery for water services and infrastructure from €300 million in 2014 to roughly €1.3 billion in 2024. For 2025, the Exchequer will provide slightly more than €2.2 billion in funding to Uisce Éireann. The programme for Government also commits to investing additional capital investment in Uisce Éireann to support housing development in our cities, towns and villages. This is being considered in the context of the national development plan review, which will be completed in the coming months. In response to increased demand on the electricity system, the operators - ESB Networks and EirGrid - have prepared business plans that propose significantly increased investment in the electricity grid for the period 2026 to 2030.”
“The Minister will appoint a head of office in due course, but for now we have commenced staffing it with the appropriate experts from planning and intend to bring in seconded experts from other utility sectors and local authorities who will together inform what is needed on the ground to ensure all the various providers are strategically aligned at a national level and synchronised at a local level. Specifically with regard to improvements to our public water and wastewater services, we are delivering a sustainable funding path to Uisce Éireann to deliver for current and future growth. There have been record levels of Government funding in water services and investment by Uisce Éireann over the past decade.”
“Having had regard to the recommendation of the Housing Commission, the Government has established a new housing activation office to address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development. This office will identify and seek to address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects, be they roads, drainage, power, water or whatever else is needed to ensure that development happens. The office has been established on a non-statutory basis in the first instance as this was the quickest route to its establishment. It will work through collaboration, dedicated funding under the new towns and cities investment fund and with the support of all of government.”
“While scaling up capacity to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030 will be an enormous challenge, it can be facilitated through appropriate Government support to increase the capacity of critical infrastructure and the construction sector in the coming years. Much of the foundation from which to build has been laid, but it will take a laser-sharp focus on all levers available to the State to facilitate this growth. One such lever is in the area of infrastructure development. The Government has already established a new infrastructure division within the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The motion refers to the Housing Commission's proposal for a housing delivery oversight executive.”
“More than 133,000 houses have been delivered since 2020. Some 500 first-time buyers are purchasing their first home every week, many with the support of Government schemes such as the help to buy scheme, which has supported more than 50,000 homeowners since its introduction, and the first homes scheme, which has 6,774 approvals and has enabled more than 3,000 first-time buyers to purchase homes. It should be said that these are two schemes that Sinn Féin opposes and wants to abolish. Contrast that to the Cabinet approval today of a further €30 million in Exchequer funding for the extension of the first homes scheme for another two years to facilitate the purchase of approximately 1,200 more affordable homes.”
“However, it is important to acknowledge that we are not starting from scratch. We are building on progress already made on housing delivery and providing the critical infrastructure needed to support that housing delivery. In this regard, Housing for All sets out a comprehensive and ambitious multi-annual programme to accelerate and significantly increase the delivery of new homes. This ambition is reflected in the record level of investment that has been provided for the delivery of housing in 2025, with overall capital funding of almost €6.8 billion now available and a further €1.65 billion in current funding available to address housing need. While much still needs to be done, the step-change in delivery in recent years has helped many households achieve autonomy in the housing market.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Government's countermotion to outline the progress that has been made to date by this and the previous Government's Housing for All plan. I will set out what we are doing to build on that plan, and our ongoing commitments to meet the significant housing and critical infrastructure challenges facing us as a nation. As all of us in this Chamber know, housing is a cross-sectoral societal challenge that has a real impact on people's lives. I reassert this Government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis by implementing Housing for All and the suite of measures outlined in the programme for Government, which will form the basis of the updated plan later this summer. We do not underestimate the scale of the challenge, which is why we are considering every possible lever at our disposal.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "acknowledges that: — population growth in recent years has been higher than anticipated, bringing a requirement for enhanced infrastructure and services, and the annual increase in population of 1.3 per cent, between Census 2016 and 2022, has exceeded the forecast increase of 0.8 per cent that underpinned the National Planning Framework in 2018; — high population growth has been a driver of strong economic growth, and there are now a record number of people at work in Ireland, and this population requires housing and supporting infrastructure; and — there has also been a growth in energy demand and in the energy intensity required for modern manufacturing and large-scale servers, due to the requirements of modern technology; recognises that: — the measures introduced under Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland, have helped establish a solid platform to 'scale-up' delivery of housing in the short-term, and secure a sustainable level of supply that will help us meet fully unmet and emerging housing demand; — the measures committed to in the Programme for Government, including a new housing plan building on the successes of Housing for All, will help us meet the enormous challenge of delivering more than 300,000 new homes by 2030; — a record level of investment is being provided for the delivery of housing in 2025, with overall capital funding now available of almost €6.8 billion; — the Government's new national housing plan will incorporate pragmatic actions to boost housing activity in the short-term, coupled with strategic deliverables to drive comprehensive systemic change and subsequent increase in supply into the long-term; — there have been record levels of investment in infrastructure under the current National Development Plan for the period 2021 to 2031; — Uisce Éireann has ramped up capital delivery for water services and infrastructure, from €300 million in 2014, to roughly €1.3 billion in 2024, and for 2025, the Exchequer will provide just over €2.2 billion in funding to Uisce Éireann; — our water networks will require ongoing and sustained investment to bring these up to the required standard of treatment, to deal with population and housing growth, and to adapt to the impacts of climate change; — the Programme for Government commits to investing additional capital in Uisce Éireann, and this is being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the National Development Plan; — Ireland is currently experiencing high demand for new electrical connections driven by population growth, industrial development and accelerated electrification targets; — over the last four years, ESB Networks has connected over 147,000 homes and businesses to the distribution network; — in response to increased demand, the electricity system operators, ESB Networks and EirGrid, have prepared business plans that propose significantly increased investment in the electricity grid for the period 2026-2030, and the Government looks forward to the conclusion of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities Price Review Six strategy, which will provide a clear framework for investment in the electricity grid; — the Government has established a new Infrastructure Division, that will lead infrastructure reform, overseen by the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce; — the Government has established a new Housing Activation Office (HAO), to identify and seek to address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development, through the alignment of funding and coordination of infrastructure providers; — the HAO will engage and align stakeholders, including local authorities, utility and infrastructure providers, industry and others, to ensure that infrastructure blockages are addressed in a coordinated way in order to enable housing development, and it will focus on infrastructure needed at a local or district level to support housing delivery on multiple sites, including social and community infrastructure needed to support the development of sustainable communities; — legislative and system level reform of the planning system is progressing; — the Government is prioritising the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024, on a phased basis, and the Act represents the most comprehensive review of planning legislation since 2000, and will reform and streamline the planning process, and support timely decision making for housing and strategic infrastructure projects; — the Government is committed to improving the capacity and performance of the planning system, through the implementation of the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources, approved in 2024; and — on 30th April, 2025, Dáil Éireann approved the Revised National Planning Framework, and this provides the basis for the review and updating of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031, and local authority development plans to reflect critical matters such as updated housing figures or projected jobs growth, including through the zoning of land for residential, employment and a range of other purposes; and affirms Government efforts to: — prioritise infrastructure development as a critical means for increasing housing supply, noting the Government's commitments in the Programme for Government including, for example, the commitment to invest in water and energy infrastructure under the National Development Plan; — resource a new HAO, to address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development; — expand the capacity of the construction sector as another key measure to scale up housing and critical infrastructure delivery to the levels necessary by 2030; — deliver on the far ranging commitments in the Programme for Government, and informed by the Housing Commission's proposals for the long-term reform of the housing system, accepting this is an appropriate response to the current housing challenges which Ireland is now facing; and — deliver on the commitments in the Programme for Government relating to implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024, the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources and implementation of the Revised National Planning Framework.".”
“I thank the Senator again. His points are very well made. As I said, the issue of charities in and of themselves is not in question here. It is about the activity carried out within the commercial premises. The long-held position has been that retailing does not exempt a charity from rates. I appreciate the point the Senator has made and will engage with officials on this.”
“Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. There is also a right of appeal to the higher courts on a point of law. While I do not want to discuss the individual case that the Senator has referenced, the position as set out is the position that has been the case heretofore. I appreciate the points the Senator has made in his contribution and the value that organisations like Vision Ireland bring to the people they support and serve. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.”
“As a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. It is understood from Tailte Éireann that the long-held position is that charity shops, as retail units, are rateable; that is, while the occupier of the retail unit may be a charitable organisation, the activity of retailing itself is not a charitable purpose. There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of a rateable property who is dissatisfied with the determination of the valuation by Tailte Éireann made under the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. First, before a determination is made, there is a right to make a representation to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation.”
“Schedule 4 of the Act of 2001 lists the categories of property which are not liable for commercial rates. Paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 provides that a charitable organisation that uses a property exclusively for charitable purposes other than for private profit is exempt from the payment of rates. However, the question of the rateability or otherwise of individual charity shops would need to be considered on the basis of the particular circumstances of the case and how the provisions of the Act apply in that specific case. Generally, shops operated by charitable organisations are rateable on the basis that the retail activity conducted therein is deemed not to be of a charitable purpose within the meaning of the legislation.”
“I thank Senator Gallagher for raising this question, which gives me the opportunity to discuss the commercial rates position regarding registered charities and charity shops. As the Senator will be aware, Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, a valuation service and a national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has no function in regard to decisions made by the body. The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that a property is rateable until it is expressly exempted.”