Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone who came in. I share much of the frustration of the other members in this. When we are out and about in our constituency, we see much change over time in areas. One of the things that I do not see much change in is when you are in an area and there is a house that has been empty for five, ten, 15 or 20 years and you have reported it to the local authority. You are then back a few years later and it is in exactly the same situation. That is deeply frustrating for local communities.

I wish to make a quick point about the conversion of empty commercial units and space. It is important there is a balance on that. Absolutely, some of that needs to and it is appropriate for it to go into residential use. However, it is crucial as well that we retain a certain amount of commercial and community space. I can think of an area in my constituency that is newer and has many empty commercial units. It was designed to be a 15-minute city and, at the moment, there is no large supermarket. So everyone gets in their car, adds to local traffic congestion and gets stressed, when there is enough space for a local supermarket and certainly the population to support it as well.

There needs to a strong balance between getting in the facilities, including commercial facilities and, where appropriate, converting to residential use if there is an oversupply.

I have a question specifically for Ms Timmons on the vacant homes officers in local authorities. Are they all full-time dedicated vacant homes officers or are some still shared between other roles and pieces of work?