Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his support for these measures. As regards the first issue he raised, some local authorities have taken a very good and planned approach, with uniform barriers and awnings and that type of thing. We want to encourage that because it improves aesthetics. Other local authorities need support to make sure that is improved and we will do that. There is a need to consider uniform measures and what best suits the town or village. We have learned a lot in the past two years. In fairness, much of it had to happen very quickly. It was right and proper that it happened. We can now refine it.

As regards the commercial rates waiver for vacant units, I am serious about doing that. I noted the Deputy's comments in this regard in the Dáil when we were debating this issue last week. The current situation is that owners of vacant commercial properties in most local authorities may have a right to a refund of up to 100% of their commercial rates if the premises are vacant, they cannot get reasonable rent or they are planning to redevelop the premises. Using new regulations under section 9 of the Local Government Act, however, I intend to restrict that use of commercial rates vacancy refunds, although I will give local authorities discretion in that regard. It may be reasonable to allow a refund, such as in the case of a power station, for the sake of argument. I refer to the power station in Lanesborough that is currently vacant. We have to work through it. It seems simple to say that we do not give a rates waiver on anything that is vacant. We are going to give local authorities the ability, however, to say that a shop is not open, has not been open and is not finished.

As regards the point in respect of what were seen as newer developments that are not completed, mar dhea, I am considering that too. The Deputy referenced Clongriffin in particular in our previous discussion on this. It is a valid point. There are units that were built there in 2008 or 2009 that are still not occupied and are availing of the refund. We are working through this right now. We flagged it. It will start from next year. We will need that lead-in time. In effect, it will give local authorities the ability to tell property owners that they will not get a rates waiver on a premises or, in some instances, decide that they can get a waiver for a valid reason. I have given the example of State infrastructure that is being repurposed. That discretion has to be allowed.

As regards the Croí Cónaithe cities fund, which is a viability fund, it is clearly focused on inactivated planning permissions in the five major cities. I know the committee will be discussing this in more detail in future. It will bring in 5,000 apartments for owner-occupiers. The subvention will be passed on to the purchaser. It will interact with other affordability measures we have in place, such as help-to-buy grants and the first home shared equity scheme. Margin is, of course, included because one cannot develop anything without a margin. What we need to see is-----