Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department does not keep data on the number of vacant or void local authority houses waiting refurbishment at any given point in time.  Statistics in respect of social housing, including the number and percentage of total local authority dwellings that are vacant, are compiled by the National Oversight and Audit Commission in its annual reports on performance indicators in local authorities.

As the Deputy will be aware, there will always be a number of vacant social housing homes at any given time and this figure will change on an ongoing basis as the turnover of social housing stock is continuous.  All local authorities, however, are actively encouraged to ensure that all vacant properties are brought back into active use as expeditiously as possible.

In the context of Limerick city, my Department has approved 70 properties for funding under the voids programme this year.  That money has been approved but it has not been drawn down yet. Deputy Quinlivan is the second person to say that Limerick City and County Council cannot get money for void programmes. That money has, however, been approved. I understand that a claim for funding in respect of work carried out is to be submitted by Limerick City and County Council shortly and my Department is liaising with the council regarding any additional funding requirements it may have.  It is now a matter for the council to progress the refurbishment and allocation of the homes involved.

A letter was sent to all local authorities in September to encourage them to bring them forward any voids they might have. If they had those houses fixed up and in use we would be able to fund those as well. In addition to the allocation and the work that was done, they were also told to do more and bring in more. Many local authorities are doing that as well. If there is any confusion, I will be happy to clarify the position. We engage with local authorities regularly and I am sure that this local authority is aware that there is money. If clarification is needed, I will be happy to provide it in writing to Deputy Quinlivan as well. We have been very clear with Limerick City and County Council and it is aware that there is money available for voids. The council also does not want properties left vacant.

In addition to the voids programme, Limerick City and County Council is also actively engaged in social housing delivery more generally, including under the main capital investment programme and the regeneration programme.  It has also been proactive with the repair and lease back programme. I have visited many of the houses that were vacant that it purchased and restored. I think it is over 23 properties in the past couple of months. Some of them have been an excellent success and Limerick City and County Council is probably leading that scheme as well.

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