Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Ellis. I understand that in England the empty homes commission – I do not know the correct name – profiles the types of properties to which the Deputy referred and decides on how to ensure they are occupied. It deals with properties over banks, banks which are no longer in business, commercial zones that will never be commercial again and places near ports or railway stations, which are often derelict.

It might help the committee if we invited Louth County Council to come before us. It has identified empty properties, generally homes, which are boarded up. If the council cannot identify the owner of a property, it slaps a CPO notice on that property and takes possession within two or three months. The average cost of refurbishment is less than €100,000. The council has up to 50 properties in Drogheda and Dundalk, some of which are occupied by families. That is the sort of initiative we need. It is a constructive engagement by a strong local authority which works with owners, if it can find them. If it cannot, it uses the law immediately. The problem is the sense of urgency which some have and which others do not.

On Airbnb, the greatest good is served by having people on the housing list in homes right now. I am not suggesting that we ban Airbnb in the city centre, but we need a hell of a lot more inquiring into what is going on. I understand that other jurisdictions limit Airbnb rental periods to not more than 30 consecutive days in a year. There is a formula which we can apply that would restrict permanent Airbnb short-term letting, which would be in the public interest.

What other, if any, instrument does Dr. Lyons think could be used to ensure that more vacant properties come on stream? All of the pluses are there. Perhaps a grant or new roof would have to be provided, and leases of 20 years duration and so on are possible. Dr. Lyons referred to sticks. What would he use to change behaviour in economic terms?