Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I listened attentively and he did not. I ask him to confirm that he will seek to improve existing powers to enable local authorities to overcome obstacles related to property rights, title, conveyancing and associated issues. Will he seek to secure funding, either on-balance or off-balance sheet, in respect of what we spoke about earlier? Will local authorities be involved in sponsoring a scheme or will they work with credit unions which are interested in entering the fray? Negotiations have been ongoing for too long on the contribution credit unions could make to resolving the crisis. Will a sponsored scheme or a system of grants or loans be introduced for the private sector and will improved compulsory purchase order powers be provided to local authorities to bring derelict and vacant buildings into residential development and create vibrancy and vitality where there currently are none?

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