Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct about ownership. Sometimes it is difficult to find owners but it is important that local authorities use their powers to step in, if necessary, and purchase a vacant property compulsorily before it becomes an eyesore or danger.

I would like to see some of the extra €5 million made available under the town and village scheme this year to develop remote working facilities go towards renovating premises in the centre of towns that can be converted easily into working hubs. That is already happening in a number of locations.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has a big role to play also. In my home town, Clones, for example, there is a €5 million regeneration project going ahead in the centre. It is about bringing vacant buildings back into residential use. That, in itself, will bring life back into the town. A cross-departmental approach is important. It involves the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Finance and my Department. We are working together on it. I take on board the points the Deputy makes.

See this speech in context