Mr. Paul Clegg:

The survey carried out in 2017 concentrated on for district electoral divisions, DEDs: Ballybough, Rotunda and Rathmines west D and F. We were looking at the census information at the time and what we were trying to drill down to see was exactly how many dwellings could be used for the repair and renewal scheme. The census at the time was looking at vacancy or occupancy at a particular point in time. Having discussed it in detail with the enumerators, we know that an awful lot of effort was put into determining vacancy at that time. However, that was the definition of vacancy for the purposes of the census. Having drilled down, we saw there were approximately 16 vacant properties, five of which were protected structures, which would not be suitable to be brought in as social homes. We were trying to determine how many of these would be used as social homes. A few of them were commercial units as well.

Senator Fitzpatrick asked whether there was a co-ordinated approach. There is. For derelict sites, we need to remember and look to the definition of a derelict site. Dereliction is about where land detracts to a material degree from an amenity or character. We keep an eye on approximately 400 active derelict sites. We have 75 sites on the derelict sites register.

In our experience, people do not deliberately let their properties go into dereliction. There are title and probate issues as well as owners who have personal difficulties and a lack of finance. We find that engagement helps a lot with dealing with dereliction.

We charge levies on the 75 sites on the derelict sites register. We have 45 sites on the vacant homes register and approximately 200 active sites. There is a big and co-ordinated approach on our part.

We have four active compulsory purchase orders, CPOs. We have not targeted individual CPOs on particular dwellings. However, we welcome it when we get a focus from the census. As a result of the data that will come out from the analysis of the local property tax by the Revenue Commissioners, we will have a clearer idea about the number of vacant homes we have. I have only been talking about the residential end of things. I have not been talking about commercial vacancy. We are anxious to see the actual level of vacancy so that we can use the powers we have under the repair and lease scheme. We will not be found wanting. We will take whatever action is required once there is a clear analysis of the data.