Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. The Government set out its housing priorities in the programme for Government across numerous areas, including homelessness, affordable home ownership, private and social housing delivery, rent reform and planning. My Department is focusing on moving those priorities forward. To deliver on these commitments, I will publish a new housing policy and action plan, housing for all, in July. It will provide a whole-of-Government approach to housing policy and is at an advanced stage of development at present. The plan will factor in existing demand together with future projected demand and put in place the steps needed to deliver an average of 33,000 new homes per annum during the period 2020 to 2031.

In addition, we are advancing work on the town centres first initiative which is specifically considering the actions required to address vacancy and dereliction in town centres while supporting more opportunities for living in towns. The project is being led by colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. My Department and local authorities are being proactive in dealing with vacant properties and there are currently a number of schemes available to incentivise suitable dwellings into liveable housing stock. I am also advised by the Minister for Finance that the help-to-buy initiative, a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment, may apply in certain circumstances relating to the conversion of non-residential buildings to residences. Similarly, the living city initiative may also be of relevance in certain locations. It may require some tweaking, which could be addressed in the town centres first initiative.

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