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

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta arís. Deputy Griffin is making an important point and his suggestion is worthy of consideration. As I said, a suite of measures is already in place and we are pursuing them. The Croí Cónaithe initiative will deliver. It is an important measure to support local authorities in providing serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and for the refurbishment of vacant properties. The town centres first policy, which the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, has been leading, will be an enabling force, particularly for smaller towns, in dealing with the barriers people face in doing up vacant properties, particularly heritage and older properties in towns, such as 19th century and early 20th century properties that could be put back to use for first-time buyers. Once launched, this policy should be of great assistance. Local authorities also need to be proactive in delivering.

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