Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will make a very clear distinction between what is categorised as a derelict site and a vacant site. As we all know, there are shortcomings with the Derelict Sites Act and people may get frustrated within communities because of them. Essentially, if there is window dressing in the form of paint or nice boarding on a site, the issue can be seen as resolved. The criteria in this Bill go much further in a strengthened process to ensure a vacant site is one of high potential. A key criterion to be aware of is that a site can only be designated where there is a deficit of housing in a particular area. Where there is surplus housing or adequate provision in an area, this Bill would not allow a site in the area to be designated. Section 6 deals with the register of vacant sites and section 6(4)(d) refers to "whether the number of habitable houses available for purchase or rent was less than 5% of the total number of houses in the area.". It is only where there is much pressure for housing that a site can be deemed vacant. This cannot happen willy-nilly all over the country in towns and villages, and these strict criteria must be met. These criteria give the Bill its teeth, and by interfering with that we would lessen its impact and its ability to deliver more housing, which is what we are all trying to achieve.