John Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank all our witnesses contributing to the debate on this very important topic. We need to address this issue, which is why this committee is placing such an emphasis on it. I read all the opening statements with interest. I agree with Mr. Shakespeare's thesis that this issue is very complex and that there are many reasons we have vacant properties in the middle of a housing crisis. Not only is the analysis of four electoral divisions within Dublin City Council, which showed that there are only 16 vacant units within it, not reflective of the wider issues within the council area, it is not a credible figure compared to the reality on the ground. Even allowing for those 16 units, Mr. Shakespeare mentioned that 13 of them were unsuitable for use by the schemes. In his response to Senator Fitzpatrick, he mentioned that some of the more protected structures were not suitable but that is not something that is not permitted under the schemes. In Waterford city, a project has commenced that will deliver 72 units in a former derelict Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home, which is a protected structure in the heart of the city, under the repair and lease scheme so I do not accept that protected structures cannot be included in the scheme. I also put it to him that the figure of 11 applications under the repair and lease scheme in his opening is not accurate because Government figures state that 39 applications were made to Dublin City Council and only one lease has been delivered accumulating two units, which is shamefully low. I am not picking on Dublin City Council because 23 councils across this country have delivered five units or less under the repair and lease scheme in the past four years and eight local authorities have not delivered a single unit.

If we contrast that with my own local authority in Waterford, which has delivered 122 units under the repair and lease scheme, that accounts for 45% of all units nationally. I welcome the director of services, Mr. Ivan Grimes, and Mr. Paul Johnston. I would like to ask them a direct question. Why is Waterford City and County Council able to achieve these figures? Do Mr. Grimes and Mr. Johnston feel there is an ability to enhance this repair and lease scheme so that we can target units for cost rental for middle-income earners as well as social housing?