Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome the witnesses. I have read the report and the recommendations with interest. I agree with Mr. O’Flynn that we have a serious crisis on our hands. While a lot of issues need to be sorted to get out of the emergency we are in, I wish to focus on one. Other members brought up different issues but the one I wish to focus on is intensifying reuse and retrofitting of vacant and derelict dwellings in rural Ireland. The vacant and derelict home scheme was introduced in 2022. It has been successful, with 2,000 homes brought back into use up until March and three times that number approved for grant funding going forward, which is simply fantastic. However, as someone who was involved in the construction sector, I am concerned about its continued success going forward. We all know the costs of construction have increased. Concrete products are up by almost 21%. Joinery costs, windows and doors, etc., are up by 25%. The costs of all types of insulation have doubled since 2022. This is a serious concern. These increases reduce the value of the grant and pose a real risk to its future attractiveness and continued success.

I wish to hear the witnesses’ thoughts on a number of matters. First, given the number of derelict properties in rural areas and in our towns and villages, and the potential to rebuild these in a timely manner, should this committee advise the Government to increase the grant in line with construction costs? Second, I hear from people who are using the grant to support building a first home, either for themselves or for their children. The grant is paid on completion. Managing the cash flow is not easy. The scheme should be paid on a stage payment basis. I am interested in the witnesses’ opinions in that regard. Third, do they have any comment to make on inflation in the construction industry generally and its impact on housing delivery?