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.”
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“The first inserts a new section 20A that puts on a statutory footing residency requirements for social housing eligibility. The second inserts a new section 20B that provides for a new statutory appeals process for decisions relating to eligibility for social housing, including those relating to residency. Both of these legislative changes are founded on the Government’s objective to ensure a robust legislative framework and a consistent and standardised approach across the local authority sector to eligibility for social housing. There is currently no provision in the housing Acts requiring residency as an eligibility criteria for social housing support. The policy and guidance on this matter are provided in Department Circular 41/2012.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." On 19 May this year, the Government approved the publication of the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. This Bill is structured in three Parts, the two substantive elements being Part 2 and Part 3, which deal with amendments to the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 around eligibility for social housing, and the second, Part 3, which introduces a number of technical amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The publication of the Bill follows pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas committee on housing of the general scheme of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill in early 2024. I thank the committee for its work. Part 2 inserts two new sections into the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.”
“We believe the changes we intend to introduce will see that number increase, not at the expense of rural towns and villages but in support of them. I thank Members in this House for their support for the impending changes we are due to bring in.”
“The vacant homes unit in my Department is currently engaging with local authorities and the CCMA on a review of this scheme. This, coupled with the CPO activation programme, the croí cónaithe vacant property refurbishment grant and call 3 of the urban regeneration and development fund, are supporting those in rural towns and villages across Ireland to deliver new homes that respond to the varying needs and aspirations of their communities and to tackle issues relating to vacancy and dereliction. Ultimately, the issue of rural housing planning policy has been a priority of mine since coming into this position last year. I assure the House that both the Minister, Deputy Browne, and I are working together to finalise these changes very shortly. Every year, up to 5,000 one-off rural homes are delivered throughout the country.”
“In line with our commitment in Our Rural Future, the town and village renewal scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities to respond to changing needs and opportunities. The ready to build scheme, which was launched in September 2022 under the croí cónaithe towns fund, local authorities make serviced sites in towns and villages available to individual purchasers. These sites are available at a discount on the market value for the building of a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser. The level of discount depends on the level of servicing cost incurred by the local authority, with discounts up to a maximum of €30,000.”
“A number of major Government funding streams are now aligned closely with the town centre first policy approach, with a focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction, increasing housing supply and providing the necessary facilities and public infrastructure to attract more people into rural settlements. The rural regeneration and development fund, which is managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the town centre first policy. The town and village renewal scheme was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland.”
“In addition to rural one-off housing, the Government is also progressing a range of actions contained within the Government’s housing action plan that will support the delivery of increased housing supply and housing choice throughout the country, including in rural and Gaeltacht areas. The town centre first policy, which is a joint initiative between my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has put in place a suite of measures, including the alignment of various funding schemes to support the regeneration, repopulation and development of rural towns and villages.”
“Officials in my Department are engaging with officials in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to consider how that is achieved in an appropriate manner. It is fair to say that a significant overhaul of the existing rural planning guidelines will be implemented through this new national planning statement that will make it easier for people who are from or who have a need to live in a rural area to attain planning permission, with the grounds for refusal narrowed, particularly around the likes of ribbon or backland development.”
“That can be incredibly frustrating for the public, where someone in one county might be facilitated to build a rural one-off house whereas someone in the same circumstances in a neighbouring county might not. The new national planning statement is being devised with this in mind and will seek to bring clarity and consistency of approach nationally, so that if you are in Donegal, Clare, Waterford or Louth, applications for rural housing will be adjudicated on a level playing field. It is also our intention to address planning policy regarding rural and Gaeltacht housing together given the key interactions between rural housing generally and housing in Gaeltacht areas.”
“I believe the development of housing for people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, based on an economic or social need, should be facilitated subject to regular planning considerations around site suitability, house design and other appropriate factors. Since the publication of the current sustainable rural housing guidelines in 2005, which continue to have effect, there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European directives and international agreements. That is why we are seeking to urgently bring forward an update of these guidelines. Importantly, it is clear to me that since the guidelines were issued 21 years ago, inconsistencies in the implementation of rural housing policy have arisen in the approaches of local authorities.”
“In particular, the statement will expand on national policy objective, NPO, 28 of the national planning framework, which makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence, that is, those areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.”
“The new statement will refine, update and replace the existing 2005 sustainable rural housing guidelines to reflect the established policy in the national planning framework which supports new housing in rural areas and rural development more generally. The new statement will provide more clarity and consistency across the various planning authorities by defining where and how rural housing can be developed. The new national planning statement will build on established policy in the revised national planning framework of 2025 which seeks to facilitate and promote new rural housing for those with a local housing need to live or work in a rural area, balanced with protecting the rural character of the countryside, preventing urban-generated sprawl and promoting regeneration of rural settlements.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach and Members for giving me the opportunity to update the House on the subject of rural planning. As announced in the Government’s housing action plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, both the Minister, Deputy Browne, and I will, subject to Government approval, issue a national planning statement, NPS, on rural housing in the second half of this year. However, both the Minister, Deputy Browne and I are working to finalise a draft of the proposed NPS in the coming days in a bid to bring it to Cabinet very shortly. The draft NPS will then undergo a full environmental assessment process, which includes public consultation.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I know it is an issue for his constituents and the constituents of other Members across the House. I am more than happy to engage with him in a proactive manner in relation to it. If he has some suggestions that he can bring forward I am more than happy to hear them. It is important in the context to note the cost of providing basement and underground car parking is exceptionally high. We hear Deputies opposite criticising the cost of delivering apartments and high density developments, but we do have to take all these factors into consideration. We also have to take into consideration that when we adjust and adapt policy in this area we do not want developments that already have planning permission going back to the start of the planning process.”
“I thank Deputy Lahart. I and the Department are aware that this is an issue. At the same time it is important to point to the fact that there is a graduated approach to parking, as set out in the Planning and Development Act and the guidelines associated with it. It ranges from one space per dwelling in a central or accessible location to two per dwelling in a more peripheral or intermediate location with higher rates of car dependency. Obviously in terms of the mobility plan and transport demand management strategies that have to be created in the context of 100 units or more, these are designed to try to address that flexibility of approach and to give local authorities and planning authorities flexibility over the approach that is appropriate in each individual circumstance.”
“However, planning authorities must also ensure that parking provision is sufficient to meet the specific needs of future residents of a proposed development, taking into account the local context. That being said, the provision of car parking can add significant cost to developments, particular the high-density schemes the Deputy referenced, such as apartments, where higher ratios of parking necessitate a podium or basement car park. I will follow up further.”
“While the settlement guidelines set out the general policy approach, where planning permission is sought for particular residential development proposals, planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála will need to be satisfied that the necessary and appropriate provision of parking is provided in accordance with the requirements of the settlement guidelines. For developments of 100 residential units or more, the settlement guidelines recommend that a mobility management plan or travel plan is prepared in support of the proposed parking arrangements. These guidelines are designed to strike the balance between the need for residents to have access to parking and the need to encourage the use of other transport networks. In areas with strong public transport links, lower parking ratios may be appropriate.”
“Maximum parking rates for new residential developments are addressed at a national level in the sustainable residential development and compact settlement guidelines issued in 2024 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The specific planning policy requirement, SPPR 3, of the settlement guidelines sets out graduated maximum car parking rates based on proximity to urban centres and sustainable transport options. These range from one space per dwelling in central or accessible locations to two spaces per dwelling in more peripheral or intermediate locations with higher rates of car dependency.”
“Delivering Homes, Building Communities is a funded, actionable plan which recognises that solving the housing crisis demands persistence, partnership and pragmatism. We will continue to act as a Government to ensure we drive delivery, because that is the only sustainable answer to the challenges we face. It is the supply of more homes and that is what our plan will achieve.”
“That is an unprecedented commitment. A stable and predictable rental framework is essential. Without it, supply will contract further and renters will suffer the consequences. Progress is being made. Completions are rising. Social and affordable output is at record levels. Planning reforms are accelerating delivery. Infrastructure investment is being aligned with housing growth. However, we are honest about the scale of the task at hand. There is no single measure, no simple ban or freeze that will solve the challenges we face. The Government’s approach is clear. We need to increase supply at scale; protect and prioritise home ownership; deliver record levels of social and affordable housing; strengthen tenant protections; and mobilise public and private investment to build the homes our growing population requires.”
“The plan rests on two core pillars. The first, activating supply, is about removing the structural barriers to housing output. It is about unlocking land, reforming and accelerating planning, investing in water, energy and transport infrastructure and addressing viability challenges so homes can be built where they are needed. At the same time, we are expanding construction capacity through apprenticeships and modern methods of construction, MMC, and bringing vacant and derelict homes back into use through grants and a derelict property tax. The second pillar, supporting people, recognises that supply alone is not enough. We must ensure that those most impacted by the housing crisis are supported directly and effectively. Over the lifetime of this plan, we will deliver an average of 12,000 new social homes each year.”
“The number of private landlords also rose by 1.3% annually to 105,847, indicating increased participation in the rental market. The RTB data therefore shows continued resilience in the Irish rental sector, with ongoing growth in tenancies and landlords in the market. Our housing plan is building on the strongest period of delivery in a generation. In the past five years, almost 149,000 new homes have been delivered. Our plan is ambitious. It commits to the delivery of 300,000 new homes over its lifetime, including 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable housing supports to help people to buy or rent at a cost they can sustain. Increasing supply is the single most important lever we have to moderate prices, improve affordability, reduce homelessness and increase home ownership for families and ordinary workers.”
“It is quite clear that this motion was prompted by the recently published RTB-ESRI rent index for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the RTB director’s report for the first quarter of 2026. It is important to note in the context of this debate that we cannot just focus on one set of facts. We have to look at the whole picture, rather than cherry-pick statistics. While all of the focus is on certain statistics within the report, we have to focus on the overall report. While 7,062 notices of termination is undoubtedly high, it is also worth noting that there were also 16,548 new tenancy registrations confirmed in the first quarter. Nationally, registered private tenancies rose by 2.44% annually to 246,477 in the first quarter of 2026. Of these, 5,226 were cost-rental tenancies, which increased by 87% year on year.”
“These measures are essential to increasing supply and will ultimately lead to more available accommodation and more affordable rents. Sinn Féin turns a blind eye to the Housing Agency review of the rent control system, which said that the inability to reset rents was a particularly harsh aspect of the system and a fundamental barrier to investment to drive more supply. The Government is fully committed to tackling high rents and ensuring an increase in the supply of high-quality rental accommodation. We are doing this through significant capital investment and through housing measures, such as providing cost rental homes, of which we have delivered more than 6,200 so far.”
“These will be rolling six-year tenancies, offering tenants greater stability. During the six-year period, landlords will only be able to end a tenancy in specific circumstances, such as tenants not meeting their obligations. Smaller landlords - those with three tenancies or fewer - will be allowed to terminate a tenancy if the landlord or a close family member needs to live in the property or if there is financial hardship that requires the sale of the property. Larger landlords - those with four tenancies or more - will only be able to end a tenancy in very limited circumstances such as tenants not paying their rent. We need to see supply with security. The Government decision delivers that balance by introducing critical measures to attract investment in new apartment construction.”
“The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, which came into effect on 1 March last, introduced a new national rent control for all tenancies. Before that, we brought the whole country under a nationwide rent pressure zone with rent increases capped at 2% to protect tenants in areas which were not covered by an RPZ from significant rent increases prior to the upcoming changes. Tenancies in place prior to 1 March were unaffected by the new changes and, importantly, a significant safeguard was placed on such tenancies that stated a landlord cannot reset to market rent if a notice to quit is issued. This specific provision was inserted to stop economic evictions. New tenancies created from 1 March 2026 are subject to tenancies of minimum duration, TMDs.”
“Its half-baked suggestions would only worsen the situation, not to mention its attempts to hoodwink the public when it says that it would boost housing figures despite the fact that some of its TDs, including its party leader, have objected to thousands of homes across Dublin. It is important to remember how the rent reform changes came about. The Housing Commission, the recommendations of which were supported by Sinn Féin, said that the Government needed to reform the rental market. It said that reform was needed to balance the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords through a programme of legislative and regulatory reforms to make the private rental sector more attractive to both parties and to regulate market rents fairly and effectively by reforming the current system of rent regulation. The Government has done this.”
“When we debate these topics, it is important that we do not mislead and present measures which have been proven to be a failure in other jurisdictions as some sort on panacea in the Irish context. The very last thing we need in this country is to see a 50% reduction in rental supply. What the Government has sought to so with the rental reform changes which were introduced earlier this year is to strike a balance between improving security of tenure for tenants while encouraging private investment in the rental market. The fundamental cause of rising rents is insufficient supply. One sure thing is that Sinn Féin’s policies would see supply of homes drop significantly.”
“In the first three months of this year alone, there have been 8,400 commencements; that is up 184% year on year. Planning momentum is also strong with 8,000 permissions granted in the past three months of 2025; up 20%. Sinn Féin is calling in this motion for a no-fault eviction ban. That is exactly what this Government has done. No-fault evictions are banned for tenancies created after 1 March 2026 in the case of large landlords. In this motion Sinn Féin is also calling for a rent freeze, which sounds great for a soundbite on social media. However, we do not have to look too far from Ireland to see the negative impact such a measure has had. When such a rent freeze was introduced in Berlin, within 12 months rental supply dropped by 50% before it was ruled unconstitutional by the supreme court there.”
“I welcome the opportunity to respond to the motion before us this evening, which the Government does not support. Our position is set out in the amendment I have moved. I am thankful to have the opportunity to highlight how Sinn Féin’s policy suggestions would exacerbate the challenges we face when it comes to housing delivery in this country. It is simply not credible to suggest that this Government is in any way lacking in its commitment to housing. The proof of that is in the figures. Over €9 billion will be spent by the State this year across all delivery streams. Over 36,000 homes were delivered last year, up 20% on the previous year. Over 9,000 new-build social homes were delivered in 2025, the highest output on record. There have been more than 86,000 housing commencements over the past two years.”
“I move: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Government is fully committed to tackling high rents and ensuring an increase in the supply of affordable high-quality rental accommodation through continued significant capital investment including cost rental and other means and in a manner that respects the security of tenure for renters by ensuring equity and fairness for landlords and tenants; — comprehensive reviews of the private rental market and of the Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) rent control system were undertaken in 2024 and 2025, which assessed the rental market generally, the operation of RPZs since their introduction, their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, the retention of landlords and attracting new investment; — the review of RPZs by the Housing Agency involved comprehensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, representatives of landlord and tenant advocacy groups, academics and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB); — the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 came into effect on 1st of March, 2026, introducing a new national rent control for all tenancies, which limits rent increases to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up to a maximum of 2 per cent, for new build apartments and student-specific accommodation, however, rent increases are capped at the level of inflation CPI only, these changes were introduced to promote greater investment in the rental market and to increase the supply of rental properties, the Act also provides significant improvements in security of tenure for renters; — while February saw a sharp increase in Notices of Terminations (NoTs), the RTB confirmed that the trend is moderating, with an 18 per cent increase for March compared to March 2025 but a 39 per cent decrease from February 2026; — to offer greater protection to tenants, rolling six-year tenancies of minimum duration (TMD) apply for new tenancies created for the first time between parties on or after 1st of March, 2026, this means a new tenancy that continues for six months becomes a tenancy of unlimited duration, with rolling six year TMDs, providing real security of tenure for tenants; — nationally, registered private tenancies rose by 2.44 per cent annually to 246,477 in Q1 2026; — the number of private landlords rose by 1.3 per cent annually to 105,847, indicating increased participation in the rental market, there is no exodus of landlords from the market, and the rental sector continues to show resilience; — Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, recognises that the rental market is an important element of a well-functioning housing system, it contains a suite of measures to support domestic and international investment in the delivery of new rental properties, in particular the supply of new apartments; — Ireland is facing a shortage of rental homes, especially apartments, recent reforms to the rental market aim to encourage investment and development, which will encourage the building of new rental apartments, help slow down rent increases and moderate rent levels over time; — Government has significantly increased resources allocated to the RTB to meet the demands of a modern rental sector; — further Government measures introduced to support renters include the increase in the tax credit for renters under Budget 2025 to a maximum of €1,000 for each renter in a household, Budget 2026 extends the Rent Tax Credit, which was due to expire at the end of 2025, for a further three years, to the end of 2028; and — the increase in the thresholds for access to Cost Rental homes, which was increased from €53k net to €66k net in Dublin and €59k outside Dublin, in July 2023; acknowledges that increased supply is key to meeting demand and moderating the pent-up pressures in the private rental sector and welcomes that: — there has been an unprecedented level of delivery of new-build social homes, with 2025 representing the largest number of new build social homes constructed since the foundation of the State; — the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, is focussed on putting in place the conditions to enable delivery of a minimum of 300,000 new homes; — the plan includes a commitment to deliver 72,000 social homes and provide 90,000 affordable supports to help people secure a home of their own; — it seeks to significantly accelerate delivery of new homes by focusing on activating land and creating the optimal environment to encourage housing activity, including regulatory reform, tax incentives and the largest ever capital investment in the history of the State, with €275 billion invested in infrastructure over ten years through the National Development Plan; — to accelerate future supply, Budget 2026 included a suite of taxation measures aimed at stimulating the supply of new apartments including a reduced Value-Added Tax rate and an enhanced Corporation Tax deduction for apartment construction costs; — the revised National Planning Framework, published in April 2025, is a major step forward in this regard, and will help increase capacity and accelerate home building across the country; and — the delivery of 300,000 homes by 2030 will however require an estimated €20 billion in development finance each year, a significant portion of which will need to come from investment by the private sector to support home ownership and a well-functioning private rental market; recognises that considerable progress has been made, including: — almost 149,000 new homes have been delivered over the past five years, this compares with 83,267 in the previous five-year period and just 29,217 in the five years before that; — a total of 36,284 new dwellings were completed in 2025, an increase of 20 per cent year on year; — the unprecedented level of investment Government has committed will bring about a very significant scale up in the delivery of housing over the coming years, address the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities, making buying and renting homes more affordable and support the development of villages, town and cities across the country; and — the delivery of 300,000 homes by 2030 will however require an estimated €20 billion in development finance each year, a significant portion of which will need to come from investment by the private sector to support home ownership and a well-functioning private rental market; and agrees that continued implementation of Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, represents the most appropriate response to deal with the housing challenges which Ireland is now facing.".”
“There will also be a cycle along the fantastic Waterford-Dungarvan greenway on Saturday. These events are suitable for the whole family and are an opportunity to get out into nature and to learn about it. With just a few days remaining in National Biodiversity Week, I encourage everyone to check out the website, find events that are of interest or that are local, join in and get a new appreciation of what is right on their doorstep but to do so in a safe and responsible manner which leaves no trace on our landscape. The daily efforts made by farmers, public servants, conservationists, environmentalists, volunteers and members of the public all combine to make a hugely positive impact and we should celebrate that during this National Biodiversity Week. I thank all Members for their contributions.”
“It also strengthens enforcement capacity, which is crucial to protecting our habitats. It is a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach and one to which we are strongly committed. Our young people are key to the future. Through initiatives like the green schools programme and youth biodiversity networks, we are supporting the development of an informed and engaged generation, passionate about biodiversity and we owe it to them to keep investing in these projects. As a Minister of State in the Department and someone from Waterford, it would be remiss of me not to mention a few planned events in my home county that everyone is welcome to participate in, ranging from walks in the Comeragh Mountains and Gracedieu Wood to whale watching off Heilbhic Head.”
“These events have helped to shine a light on the everyday places that matter from small local initiatives right up to our national parks and nature reserves as well as everything in between, including green spaces in our towns, villages and cities, our rivers, hedgerows, harbours, back gardens, and boglands. These are not just habitats; they are homes for wildlife and places of well-being for us all. The Government has made a clear statement of intent with record levels of investment in nature and heritage. A sum of €100 million in core funding was provided to the NPWS in 2026. This funding enables collaborative, locally-led projects through initiatives such as the local biodiversity action fund. It also supports the protection and restoration of vital habitats, conservation of threatened species and enhances monitoring and research.”
“There were some lovely events in my constituency last weekend, including a walking tour of Waterford Harbour with experts on hand to help participants identify flowers, birds and insects. These everyday things are all around us and we do not ordinarily notice them but they are building blocks of our environment. The National Biodiversity Week programme is evolving year on year, reflecting the growing awareness across all sectors of the importance of biodiversity but this is not just about one week in the year. The work being carried out by all participants day in, day out throughout the year shows what can be achieved when local knowledge, State support and citizen interest come together. These are the kinds of efforts that make a difference and are driving real change and I commend everyone on their efforts.”
“Threats to biodiversity are not something that can be addressed by any one person or organisation and I am heartened to acknowledge the cross-party interest and support displayed in numerous statements. National Biodiversity Week gives us a snapshot of the sheer variety of ways we can interact with nature and biodiversity. I congratulate the Irish Environmental Network and the NPWS for their great work in co-ordinating this year’s programme. I also want to acknowledge and pay tribute to the individuals, community groups, and organisations who have organised and participated in events across the country because without their passion and energy, these events simply would not happen.”
“It is good to get an opportunity to mark National Biodiversity Week in the Dáil and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the protection and restoration of Ireland's natural heritage. A wide range of issues were raised and highlighted by Members. I acknowledge the great work being done in communities across the country but also that some areas need more attention and focus. Just this morning, I joined the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Carriganore in my constituency of Waterford where a memorandum of understanding was signed between the NPWS and the National Biodiversity Data Centre to strengthen our approach to dealing with invasive species. There is no doubt that there is a growing recognition of the importance of biodiversity across the country.”
“Department officials are considering a new phase of support for scheme applicants and will continue to strike the balance between the need to support people and our obligations to protect our valuable peatland areas.”
“It is still the case, obviously, that SACs are legally protected under European legislation. The cutting of turf and any associated works remain a regulated activity on these bogs. I assure the Senator that every effort is being made to support individuals who have ceased turf-cutting on these protected bogs. The cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme has operated successfully for 15 years, paying out €86 million to date in compensation to over 3,500 turf-cutters cross the country. This scheme has provided families with index-linked annual payments exempt from capital gains tax and relocation options, where feasible. The majority of turf-cutters on the network of raised bog SACs have accepted compensation and others consented to restoration works under the protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme.”
“The estimated cost for the provision of payments over the lifetime of the 15-year scheme is in the region of €96 million. This is a significant support by the State to the peatland community and has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value. With regard to restoration on these SACs, the first phase of restoration works on Ardgraigue bog was completed in February 2025, with phase 2, scheduled for later this year, currently at planning stage and subject to landowner consent. Restoration works on Clonmoylan bog SAC are at an earlier stage of development and restoration works at Barroughter bog are also currently at planning stage, with an initial phase of works anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.”
“The scheme is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked and tax free, for 15 years or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off legal agreement payment of €500. While applicants were waiting for relocation sites to be investigated, they could have opted for an annual payment or opted to receive an annual supply of up to 15 tonnes of cut turf delivered to their homes. Under the compensation scheme, €8.9 million has been paid to date to 370 eligible applicants from the three bogs in question. On average, each eligible turf-cutter across these bogs has received a payment of €24,085, exempt from capital gains tax. Over €760,000 has been paid for the purchase of lands and turbary rights on Barroughter and Clonmoylan bog SACs under the voluntary bog purchase scheme.”
“The sites chosen for designation under the directive are those which are significant from a conservation perspective, not just at a national but also at a European level. The Government adopted a clear long-term strategy to protect these sites. As far back as 1999, the Government announced arrangements for the cessation of turf-cutting on raised bogs special areas of conservation and a compensation package, including for the three bogs in the Galway SAC. It also announced that commercial turf-cutting would cease on certain SACs and a ten-year derogation was given for domestic turf-cutting. At the end of this derogation, following extensive stakeholder consultation, the cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme was launched in 2011. The scheme was advertised again in 2024, closing to new applicants in 2025.”
“The EU habitats directive requires member states to select sites for the protection of habitats that are considered threatened, including active raised bogs which are considered to be in danger of disappearing within the EU territory. Ireland has selected 63 sites for the protection of active raised bog habitats, including Ardgraigue, Barroughter and Clonmoylan bogs, and designated these bogs as special areas of conservation. This protects approximately 9% of our original raised bog resource. Ireland, like all EU member states, is bound in law by the requirements of the EU habitats directive, which is designed to ensure the protection of certain habitats and species within sites designated as SACs and which are considered threatened in the EU.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I am happy to take this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan. It gives us an opportunity to discuss the three bogs the Senator referred to in the special areas of conservation, SACs, in County Galway. I reaffirm our commitment to protecting Ireland's valuable peatlands and working with all stakeholders. There is no question that peatlands are of cultural, economic and ecological importance to Ireland and are profoundly significant for our communities and history. They are a cornerstone of many communities, a source of heating, a way of passing on knowledge and a deeply held right for many families.”
“This model works well in my own constituency in Waterford, because we have to have that joined-up thinking. There are some excellent schemes in place and local authorities have the ability to deliver under all of them. We need to see more delivery of social, affordable and cost-rental homes. We also need to ensure that joined-up thinking occurs across all of the agencies and statutory bodies. This particular area needs added focus. There is no question about that.”
“I thank the Senator again for raising this very important matter. She referred to a pilot scheme. I am sure that is something on which she will engage with the Minister. Obviously, the responsibility lies with the Department of justice, but I accept that a joined-up, cross-departmental and multi-agency approach to this issue has to be to the fore. As public representatives, we have all dealt with very difficult cases of domestic abuse. My office in Waterford has dealt with some very harrowing cases. There are some really good examples where refuges help those women in particular who end up needing to avail of their services to navigate the process of availing of local authority supports. Some local authorities have integrated action teams in place where the HSE sits alongside agencies and the local authority.”
“We also have funding, through the urban regeneration development fund and through the social housing investment programme, the aim of which is to create social housing by all means, including above the shop. In some local authority areas, buy and renew and repair and use have been put to very good use. It is about a joined-up approach, thinking outside the box and putting them all together. I thank the Senator for raising this important matter.”
“Recognising the need to bring as many vacant properties as possible into use as homes, particularly in our towns and cities, as the Senator rightly identified, the new vacant above the shop grant has been introduced to bring these vacant upper floors into residential use. In addition, we have the compulsory purchase order, CPO, activation programme. Under that, local authorities are required to take a proactive and systematic approach to tackling vacancy. I am on record in this House and the Lower House as saying that some local authorities are doing excellent work in this space and using their CPO powers while others simply are not. To me, as Minister of State, that is unacceptable and is something I am communicating to the local authorities when I visit them as I travel around the country.”
“The plan will also put in place additional supports for parents and expectant mothers who are experiencing homelessness in order to support entire families. It is anticipated that the plan will be published by end of June. Bringing existing vacant buildings back into use as homes is a priority for the Government and a key element of the new housing plan. Significant progress has been made in tackling vacancy. A key measure introduced is the vacant property refurbishment grant. It is providing substantial support to bring these properties into use as homes, with over 5,500 grants paid to date and 12,00 approvals across all our local authorities.”
“Under the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a national homelessness prevention framework is being developed within which homelessness can be prevented in a structured and planned way, with tailored prevention measures for each potential at-risk cohort, including victims and survivors of domestic violence. In addition, the Minister, Deputy Browne, is working with the Department of the Taoiseach and a range of key stakeholders to develop a child and family homelessness action plan. The plan will place particular emphasis on prevention measures, enhanced supports for children experiencing homelessness and measures to accelerate exits and reduce the time spent by children and their families in homeless emergency accommodation.”