Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her answer. I note the fact that it seems to be increasing from 29 properties to a prospective number of 35. That is testament to the success of the scheme. The reason I pose this question is because in my own constituency and specifically my hometown of Mallow, we have a hotel which has lain derelict for many years now. It is called the Central Hotel. It was a hub of activity but has sadly gone to rack and ruin. The question that arises in my mind is whether there would be scope, if the conditions were right, for the local authority to purchase a property of that type as part of a town and village renewal effort under the scheme. Would there be such scope for a local authority to purchase a hotel to turn it around and perhaps provide community gain or local accommodation?

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