Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is definitely not for the want of support form central Government to local authorities. That can be proved with evidence. If one is to critically evaluate the network, one should look at Waterford. Almost 55% of Waterford's repair and leasing scheme has been utilised. That is delivering properties on the ground. I was there to see it first-hand. One should look at how compulsory purchase orders are used in Louth to deliver local properties that were derelict back into use. There is €50,000 available from the Department and every local authority will be required to have a full-time vacant homes officer by the end of the year. Many of those officers are currently working part time, notwithstanding the fact that the Department gives €50,000 per annum towards a salary for a vacant homes officer. Only three local authorities employ a vacant homes officer on a full-time basis. We are going to be strictly monitoring that situation. Some €12 million will be available next year for the repair and leasing scheme. That money will be used right across the local authority network. The Department of Finance will be applying the vacant homes tax. We are getting the data for that initiative through the property tax re-evaluation this November.

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