Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We spoke at length at the last meeting about vacant properties. The potential conversion of vacant properties is probably the fastest solution to the housing crisis. I spoke at length on the last occasion about my views on building regulations - not just those relating to vacant properties but building regulations in general. I still firmly believe that it is time to consider moving signing off on all certification to local authorities for matters like fire and disability compliance. I do not think the current system is working and I do not think it has given us security that things are being done correctly. I believe that there is still too much self-regulation. I would be equally concerned about whether we even know how many construction drawings are being submitted before builders go to site. Planning permission drawings are frequently converted into construction drawings almost overnight. We know there are complications with vacant properties. Some are old while there are heritage or compliance issues with others. That is my major concern in respect of vacant properties. I would like to put more resources behind vacant properties because getting them back into stock can be done far more quickly and cheaply than building new houses and can help revitalise our town centres.