Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I am widely supportive of the aims of the Sinn Féin Private Members' motion. We wish to do more to ensure that social housing stock is turned around and reallocated in a timely manner. I note in media reports over the weekend that Tiobraid Árann is one of the four biggest offenders in returning long-term voids. I acknowledge that large strides have been made by Tipperary County Council under Jonathan Cooney, and the engineering and other staff of the council, in addressing the issue in recent years, including bringing back more than 80 homes or voids in 2024 and 100 in 2023. There are two that supposedly have been empty for four years, which is totally unacceptable, but there were issues with planning which I understand are being resolved at present.

Another big issue relating to voids is the cost of bringing them back into use, especially when local authorities can only recoup up to €11,000 per house despite a recent NOAC finding stating that the costs of same are closer to €30,000 per house. I would say that is conservative, because we know the costs even of painting and decorating. We must look at that, because €11,000 is a paltry sum to give the county council. This is often a cost that councils are unable to sustain along with the availability of labour and delays with engaging contractors, so €11,000 is wholly inadequate to do that. We must also be mindful of other limitations on local authorities in turning around houses after a tenant leaves, passes away or vacates to attend a long-term nursing home for care. Many of these issues are sensitive and all of us here know that, including the Ceann Comhairle. It might take longer than normal to get back the keys and there are extenuating circumstances that will not allow this, so you have to be sensitive about that too. It is not just flicking a switch. What is required is an ongoing maintenance-----

See this speech in context