Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Many people are considering this scheme positively, particularly since it was extended to people who live in rural areas. This is because those from rural areas who want to continue to live there are finding it very difficult to get planning permission. This scheme is an option if there is a derelict or vacant house in a locality, enabling people to bring such a building back into a liveable condition. However, the time scale from grant approval to having the grant-aided works completed is proving to be a problem in respect of being too short. This is especially the case when there is difficulty getting workers to do the work in the time allowed. This view is shared by those operating the scheme within the local authorities. They have requested an extension of the time allowed, but this has not been granted.

The Minister of State has said discretion is possible, but, again, as Deputy McAuliffe said, this will be operated differently in different local authorities. It needs to be standardised. One local authority could give discretion for one reason, but another might not grant it for the same reason. Do the local authorities have clear guidelines regarding which aspects they can exercise their discretion on or the conditions in which they can extend the time?

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