Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the Cabinet sub-committee working on the range of issues concerning housing, there has been a strong focus and emphasis on ensuring the very situation described by the Deputy is dealt with. The increased funding to local authorities makes it more feasible in order that they can turn around these houses for suitable occupation much more quickly than they have done in the past. The number of voids is down. Progress is being made on houses in estates throughout the country which have been left for periods, as outlined by the Deputy. I agree with him that it is unacceptable that we should have any house left on an estate that is not refurbished and made suitable for tenants in a short time. It must be a key focus for local authorities. It is certainly a key focus for the Minister and will be part of his discussions with local authorities. The extra funding will ensure the local authorities have the resources to do precisely what the Deputy said.

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