Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Further delay to Bill seen as ‘largest overhaul’ of State’s planning system in decades

Further delay to Bill seen as ‘largest overhaul’ of State’s planning system in decades

Government had originally hoped the Planning and Development Bill would be on the statute books before Easter

By Jack Horgan-JonesMon Jul 03 2023 - 05:00

Fáilte Ireland dramatically drops estimate of number of occupied beds after review

Fáilte Ireland dramatically drops estimate of number of occupied beds after review

Pressure on tourism sector not as acute as previously thought after occupancy rate drops from 28% to 13%

By Jack Horgan-JonesSat Jul 01 2023 - 05:00

Government approves €104m for long-awaited social housing scheme in Dublin

Government approves €104m for long-awaited social housing scheme in Dublin

Total of 853 housing units will be developed at a site on Oscar Traynor Road in Coolock

By Ronan McGreevyWed Jun 28 2023 - 16:18

Minister bullish on 2023 social housing targets despite scepticism

Minister bullish on 2023 social housing targets despite scepticism

Lending by Housing Finance Agency up 4.5% in first half of year

By Ian CurranWed Jun 28 2023 - 15:15

Labour Court expected to issue recommendation in firefighters dispute next week

Labour Court expected to issue recommendation in firefighters dispute next week

Both sides attended court on Monday but there was no suggestion of breakthrough on dispute

By Emmet MaloneMon Jun 26 2023 - 19:11

Housing activity ramps up as commencement notices increase by 11.4%

Housing activity ramps up as commencement notices increase by 11.4%

Figures from Department of Housing show 12,987 new homes commenced in the first five months of this year, with Dublin, Cork and Galway seeing biggest jump

By Tim O'BrienThu Jun 22 2023 - 21:47

Government failed to spend 25% of social and affordable housing budget in 2022

Government failed to spend 25% of social and affordable housing budget in 2022

New figures highlight substantial underspend in housing at time of acute shortages

By Eoin Burke-KennedyMon Jun 19 2023 - 05:05

The piecemeal plan to fix the housing crisis: what have Darragh O’Brien’s schemes delivered?

The piecemeal plan to fix the housing crisis: what have Darragh O’Brien’s schemes delivered?

The Fianna Fáil Minister for Housing’s political style faces a reckoning with the substance of delivery: his affordable housing initiatives create headlines but are not backed up by volume

By Jack Horgan-JonesSat Jun 17 2023 - 09:00

Limerick and Waterford councils lead in converting derelict properties, TDs told

Limerick and Waterford councils lead in converting derelict properties, TDs told

Performances of the State’s 31 councils have been mixed to date

By Harry McGeeThu Jun 15 2023 - 05:30

Four country towns win ‘Town Centre Living’ awards for their architectural plans

Four country towns win ‘Town Centre Living’ awards for their architectural plans

Winners announced in a joint Department of Housing RIAI competition to design urban, social homes

By Tim O'BrienWed Jun 14 2023 - 22:24

Housing spending more than €80m behind target for first three months of year

Housing spending more than €80m behind target for first three months of year

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien due to update Cabinet as Government departments struggle to spend entire budgets

By Jack Horgan-JonesTue Jun 13 2023 - 05:00

Residential construction slowed in May as inflation bites

Residential construction slowed in May as inflation bites

Price increases hitting apartment developments before they can start, says report

By Barry O'HalloranMon Jun 12 2023 - 00:05

‘We need more people in their 20s and 30s’: Bere islanders see potential for repopulation in new building policy

‘We need more people in their 20s and 30s’: Bere islanders see potential for repopulation in new building policy

The Our Living Islands initiative is a chance for the West Cork island to attract permanent residents - young people and families - and not just holiday homeowners

By Barry RocheSun Jun 11 2023 - 05:00

Up to 6,000 Ukrainians could be housed in refurbished accommodation by end of 2024, Ministers hear

Up to 6,000 Ukrainians could be housed in refurbished accommodation by end of 2024, Ministers hear

Government response to refugee accommodation crisis to date has been to rely mainly on hotel accommodation

By Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer BrayFri Jun 09 2023 - 05:00

Dublin fire and emergency plan raises concerns about age of vehicles

Dublin fire and emergency plan raises concerns about age of vehicles

Dublin Fire Brigade ‘looking at leasing’ to reduce age of fleet

By Tim O'BrienSun Jun 04 2023 - 16:05

Department of Housing had to return more than €380m to exchequer amid underspends

Department of Housing had to return more than €380m to exchequer amid underspends

Despite the ongoing housing crisis the Department has struggled to spend it’s full allocated budget, PAC will be told

By Cormac McQuinnThu Jun 01 2023 - 05:00

Stardust: over 80 new witnesses found in trawl of documents at Department of Housing, inquest told

Stardust: over 80 new witnesses found in trawl of documents at Department of Housing, inquest told

Des Fahy, acting for a number of the 45 families bereaved by the 1981 disaster, said his legal team was ‘concerned’ by the volume of previously unknown material, and the time at which it had come to light

By Kitty HollandThu May 25 2023 - 14:43

Government should speedily implement RTB recommendations on illegal evictions, says Eoin Ó Broin

Government should speedily implement RTB recommendations on illegal evictions, says Eoin Ó Broin

Recommendations from Residential Tenancies Board include issuing of significant fines for landlords for carrying out an illegal eviction

By Jade WilsonWed May 24 2023 - 21:54

Gardaí have sufficient resources to stop violence against refugees, Harris says

Gardaí have sufficient resources to stop violence against refugees, Harris says

Taoiseach says he does not believe there are enough gardaí on streets of Dublin to combat attacks

By Harry McGee, David Raleigh and Vivienne ClarkeMon May 15 2023 - 19:17

Number of planning cases dealt with by An Bord Pleanála drops by half

Number of planning cases dealt with by An Bord Pleanála drops by half

Draft data shows that by the end of March, the appeals board had disposed of 366 cases – a 49 per cent reduction on the 719 cases it dealt with in the same period last year

By Jack Horgan-JonesMon May 15 2023 - 05:00

‘Downsizing is overrated. Creating a family home is a lifetime’s achievement’

‘Downsizing is overrated. Creating a family home is a lifetime’s achievement’

We need to respect the real value of a home to the older generation. They have paid their dues

By Elizabeth BondThu May 11 2023 - 05:59

Eoin Ó Broin: What happened to Micheline Walsh will happen to others

Eoin Ó Broin: What happened to Micheline Walsh will happen to others

The perception that only young people rent and are at risk of homelessness is wrong. What happened to Micheline Walsh will happen to others

By Eoin Ó BroinThu May 11 2023 - 05:45

Fact-checking the Government’s claims on social housing provision

Fact-checking the Government’s claims on social housing provision

The Government has made social housing delivery more expensive while gifting large landowners huge inflation in their assets’ value

By Lorcan Sirr and Mel ReynoldsMon May 08 2023 - 06:00

Calls for larger deer culls after record 55,000 shot dead last year

Calls for larger deer culls after record 55,000 shot dead last year

Respondents to public consultation said animals negatively affecting biodiversity, damaging crops and causing road safety issues

By Harry McGeeMon May 08 2023 - 05:00

Only 1% of vacant site levies collected in 2021

Only 1% of vacant site levies collected in 2021

A total of 12 councils do not have a vacant sites register and have never imposed a fine on any landowner

By Harry McGeeMon May 08 2023 - 05:00

Building homes in Dublin costs up to 30% more than in Europe due to ‘higher spec’, Government told

Building homes in Dublin costs up to 30% more than in Europe due to ‘higher spec’, Government told

Report to Cabinet cites higher labour costs in Ireland as factor but also more added features, such as en suites and fitted wardrobes

By Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinnThu May 04 2023 - 05:00

Spending on housing 32.5% lower than planned for first four months

Spending on housing 32.5% lower than planned for first four months

Some €434m had been earmarked for spending on housing up until the end of April but just €293m of this was spent

By Cormac McQuinn and Laura SlatteryWed May 03 2023 - 20:31

Exchequer returns: €4.4bn in tax receipts collected in April with income tax the star performer

Exchequer returns: €4.4bn in tax receipts collected in April with income tax the star performer

Income tax receipts were 12.5% higher last month than they were in April 2022

By Laura SlatteryWed May 03 2023 - 16:30

Trouble brewing with nearshore turbines as Irish offshore wind energy reaches launch phase

Trouble brewing with nearshore turbines as Irish offshore wind energy reaches launch phase

Locals and campaigners warn of fast-tracking development and point to alternatives they say can yield the same benefits at a lower environmental cost

By Kevin O'SullivanSat Apr 29 2023 - 05:00

Number of homeless in State reaches 11,988, latest figures show

Number of homeless in State reaches 11,988, latest figures show

Some 1,639 families living in homeless accommodation, more than half of which are single-parent families

By Jack PowerFri Apr 28 2023 - 17:05

Removal of residential construction levy is a ‘gift’ to developers, committee hears

Removal of residential construction levy is a ‘gift’ to developers, committee hears

Scrapping of levy will leave taxpayers footing the bill for paying the levy to local authorities, says Senator

By Olivia KellyTue Apr 25 2023 - 21:57

Q&A: Will housing plan to remove development levies benefit homebuyers?

Q&A: Will housing plan to remove development levies benefit homebuyers?

The contributions are paid to local authorities by developers when they build residential or commercial buildings

By Cliff TaylorTue Apr 25 2023 - 10:24

Development levies to be waived to speed up house building

Development levies to be waived to speed up house building

Government will pick up tab for connecting new estates to water and roads to boost building rates, Varadkar says

By Naomi O'LearyMon Apr 24 2023 - 16:21

Climate change will lead to overheated buildings unless construction standards change – report

Climate change will lead to overheated buildings unless construction standards change – report

Builders and engineers must prepare for temperatures higher than 33 degrees recorded last year

By Ronan McGreevyThu Apr 20 2023 - 19:46

Government ‘dragging its heels’ on apartment defect redress details, campaigners say

Government ‘dragging its heels’ on apartment defect redress details, campaigners say

People in apartments with fire safety issues still ‘living with fear’

By Jack PowerWed Apr 19 2023 - 15:47

Balloting of water-services workers employed by local authorities to begin

Balloting of water-services workers employed by local authorities to begin

Dispute could lead to water outages and derail Government plans to establish Uisce Éireann as a stand-alone utility

By Kitty HollandMon Apr 17 2023 - 05:00

New law may allow State recoup 50% of land value increase after rezoning

New law may allow State recoup 50% of land value increase after rezoning

Local authorities set to secure 30% of any land value increase arising from planning and development decisions

By Eoin Burke-KennedyFri Apr 14 2023 - 04:00

Mary Lou McDonald rejects idea Sinn Féin housing policy prompting landlords to exit market

Mary Lou McDonald rejects idea Sinn Féin housing policy prompting landlords to exit market

Party leader says many accidental landlords selling up because they are coming out of negative equity

By Barry RocheMon Apr 10 2023 - 18:43

Department failed to spend €1bn earmarked for housing over past three years

Department failed to spend €1bn earmarked for housing over past three years

Underspend could have funded construction of 4,000 social houses

By Eoin Burke-KennedyThu Apr 06 2023 - 07:00

‘Without them our biodiversity would collapse’: Munster moth catcher recording rare species

‘Without them our biodiversity would collapse’: Munster moth catcher recording rare species

Stephen Cotter, who catches moths as a hobby, caught a species never previously found in Munster

By Anne LuceyTue Apr 04 2023 - 05:30

Further delays to children’s hospital if accommodation for staff not provided, warns union

Further delays to children’s hospital if accommodation for staff not provided, warns union

INMO tells Government recruitment and retention crisis will only worsen with nurses priced out of housing around hospitals

By Emmet MaloneTue Apr 04 2023 - 05:00

Q&A: Will new rules bring short-term rentals back onto the long-term market?

Q&A: Will new rules bring short-term rentals back onto the long-term market?

From evictions, unauthorised lettings, to rent pressure zones and planning permission, balancing the rights and needs of people living here and people visiting the country is a tricky business

By Conor PopeMon Apr 03 2023 - 19:00

What we know about the first refusal policy for renters

What we know about the first refusal policy for renters

Critics claim the scheme, one of the key policies outlined following ending of eviction ban, is ‘half-baked’

By Jack Horgan-JonesMon Apr 03 2023 - 17:34

Thousands of notices to quit served on tenants before end of 2022

Thousands of notices to quit served on tenants before end of 2022

New figures to be published by Residential Tenancies Board on Monday

By Jennifer Bray and Sarah BurnsMon Apr 03 2023 - 05:00

Officials warn of potential for heightened tensions at Citywest transit hub during Ramadan

Officials warn of potential for heightened tensions at Citywest transit hub during Ramadan

Warning is contained in papers supplied to Ministers ahead of meeting of Cabinet subcommittee on Ukraine crisis response

By Jack Horgan-JonesFri Mar 31 2023 - 05:00

Review of Fair Deal income exemptions to consider ‘unintended consequences’

Review of Fair Deal income exemptions to consider ‘unintended consequences’

Decision to remove stipulation to pay portion of rent towards cost of care criticised

By Jack Horgan-JonesFri Mar 24 2023 - 16:37

Measures to improve Irish drinking water standards signed into law

Measures to improve Irish drinking water standards signed into law

Included in the requirements is a commitment to supply information to the public on water quality

By Nathan JohnsThu Mar 23 2023 - 05:00

Law to strengthen short-term letting regulations may be delayed by up to nine months

Law to strengthen short-term letting regulations may be delayed by up to nine months

Government hopes planned short-term letting register could free up thousands of properties for use in wider rental market

By Cormac McQuinnWed Mar 22 2023 - 20:25

Eviction ban vote shows why Government is more stable than it may appear

Eviction ban vote shows why Government is more stable than it may appear

Coalition has shown it can rely on Independents to bolster its razor-thin majority

By Cormac McQuinnWed Mar 22 2023 - 19:16

Irish planning system one of world’s ‘most bureaucratic’, conference told

Irish planning system one of world’s ‘most bureaucratic’, conference told

Conference told of four-stage planning process to get projects off ground that can take up to four years to complete

By Eoin Burke-KennedyWed Mar 22 2023 - 14:05

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