Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I absolutely agree that the integrated approach in Town Centre First is the correct approach, I urge the Minister to consider a cross-government strategy involving all Ministers to look at how we address refurbishment of derelict buildings, not just for community use but the potential for homes and other uses. The reality is that, in climate terms, it takes one tonne for every metre squared for a new build, but just half of that if we bring a previously occupied building into use. Therefore, not only is this urgent in terms of our need to access community and housing uses, it is absolutely in line with a long-term strategy. It is an opportunity, at a time when there is a focus on better use of energy and better avoidance of waste, to have a cross-government strategy to address vacancy and dereliction.

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