Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)

I welcome our guests and thank them for coming. Representatives of various Departments and local authorities were before the committee earlier to discuss this issue. On the basis of what we heard from them, you would think this is all going fine, they are on top of the issue of vacancy and dereliction and all the figures are there. What strikes me is that it feels like there is a lot of noise and a lack of real delivery in tackling this issue. I will give the witnesses some time. Perhaps they could set out the key things they think need to be done, particularly around the issue of identifying how much vacant and derelict property there is because that seems to be a big issue. Perhaps they could comment on the effectiveness of the vacant property tax.

In particular for Dr. O'Connor and Ms Sherry, I have a big issue with croí cónaithe grant, which, as has been mentioned, is being used for holiday homes and short-term lets. I got a figure from the Department. Some 28% of the vacant property grants have gone to multiple property owners, which means landlords. It seems there is a significant issue there. Will the witnesses, as quickly as possible, give us the key solutions that need to be implemented at local authority and national levels? That would be great.