Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Going through the questions in the order raised, in response to Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan, the Croí Cónaithe scheme only came in for the cities in November. Certainly, we are only looking at the period to the end of December and it is a short timescale in terms of Cork city.

I refer to the vacant homes officers. Deputy Stanton raised it as well. If Cork county, Cork city or any local authority makes a business case - it is about volume and about making a business case to the Department - it would be favourably received. As a Department, we have to look at applications in terms of their credibility but at this stage the Department stands receptive to receive these business cases for additional vacant homes officers, and the case in terms of them being full time. There are people out there who have huge knowledge, for instance, former rates collectors. The Deputy knows the people; they are there.

Deputy Griffin sought a public awareness campaign. There is now a vacant homes unit specifically set up in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the first time. They are now embarking on a nationwide public awareness campaign. I would have thought that they will feed into the local authorities on that and that will bring great clarity on it.

The Deputy makes a valid point in terms of dealing with the utility companies on reconnections. We will take that up with the vacant homes unit within the Department to interact with the utility companies to come up with a protocol in terms of reconnections. With old buildings, we all know how long it takes. That is a valid point.

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked about the breakdown. Once again, in terms of Cork county, the rural scheme only got up and running in November. The number there, obviously, would be very tight but it is something that we can look at.

We have not precise figures broken down per county or local authority area. Roughly, 20% of applications at this stage are going through the system and have been virtually approved. There shows reasonable efficiency within the local authorities.

To give Deputy Murnane O'Connor the figures, Carlow had six applications up to the end of December. Kilkenny, which the Deputy represents as well, had 18. The Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, representing in the same constituency, is obviously keen that this would be pushed. The type of detail the Deputy is looking for will be published quarterly and if there is additional detail that the Deputy would like to see included, let the Deputy make us aware so that we can do so. This scheme is very much up and running.

This is a scheme I am very excited about. It is a scheme the public will engage with. We need this. This is all about a town centred approach, bringing homes back into use for families and other people.

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