Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to add a point regarding the conversion from office to residential. This is an important space with a sub-committee currently in place which is examining the potential for the development of vacant commercial properties for housing. Work is ongoing to gather evidence regarding the regulatory difficulties for those redeveloping vacant commercial properties for housing. It is really important that we examine this and that the current planning exemptions that are in place for the conversion of commercial structures to residential structures are also evaluated. The working group, which has met on a monthly basis since January, is expected to present an interim report by the middle of the year. I am looking forward to the report being published and the recommendations coming from it.