Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The first thing when it comes to local properties that are vacant, we should look at how many properties belong to the Government and the local authorities. The local authorities in County Limerick are number one in dealing with vacant and derelict properties. The problem, however, is that it is not possible for them to turn those properties around fast enough and get them back out because they do not have the staff to refurbish those houses and get them back into use. Those houses are sitting idle for 12 months or two or three years while efforts are made to try to get them back out. Meanwhile, someone who buys derelict properties has to return them to use within 12 months and show they have the money to do that. In the context of a dereliction order, those in the private sector have to show they have the funds to do up a property and bring it back into use within 12 months. This means a private person is bringing the house back into use and not the local authority.

Many vacant properties in our area are being held up through serial objectors to planning permission. I am a building contractor, but I do not build houses anymore. I say that just in case there might be a point of order regarding my interest. I am a builder, so I know how to build houses and get them refurbished. The biggest problem we have, though, is getting vacant properties turned back into use and this is because of the labour costs. We also have a planning permission issue where houses and apartments are being held up in the context of dereliction through planning permission processes, An Bord Pleanála and serial objectors.

They are being charged under the dereliction Acts while their property is in the planning system due to serial objectors. The Members who tabled the motion are the same people who object to houses. They are the same people who are holding up planning permissions for people to build houses. I am in the private sector so I build and I know what to build. If I do not make a profit, the people who work for me do not get fed and my business would not stay in business. Use your head. People are employed by employers. Employers employ people.

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