Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. He referred to an "immense opportunity" and I agree, although I also believe a great opportunity has been lost. The latest census figures indicate there are 260,000 vacant properties in the State. This figure does not include properties above commercial properties which are not already residential. The overall figure, therefore, is substantially higher than 260,000. Even if 2% of these vacant properties were returned to use, we would have 7,500 more homes available. The Department has provided €32 million to deliver 800 homes. We would need a fund of only €300 million to deliver 7,500 homes. We should revisit this issue because vacant properties provide a much quicker solution to the housing and homelessness crisis than new builds. They also offer an easy win for all concerned.

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