Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Despite the problem dereliction presents across the entire State, there were only 1,415 sites across the whole State on the derelict sites register of the various county councils at the start of this year. No property was compulsorily purchased in 17 counties last year and no levies were levied by 14 county councils. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has introduced a grant scheme to do up derelict houses. That is very welcome but someone cannot buy a house unless it is for sale. Does the Taoiseach think there are only 1,415 derelict sites in this State? If not, what will his Government do to bring about the greater use of the derelict sites levy and the derelict sites framework so these houses will be put on the market and done up and families can move back into them? That is what we need across both rural and urban Ireland.

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