Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government many promises were made on tackling the housing crisis. I acknowledge that some progress has been made, but we are still a long way behind, even on the Government's own targets. I have consistently raised the issue of vacant housing in many urban areas around the country. Towns such as Dundalk and Drogheda have far too many vacant houses. These vacant houses have the potential to make a real impact on the housing crisis if only the Government would put in place the necessary funding for local authorities such as Louth County Council to purchase these vacant homes and upgrade them in order that they can be added to the housing stock. When will the Government bring in the necessary legislation to enable these vacant homes to be purchased and upgraded to a level at which they could be brought back into the housing stock?

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