Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise urban regeneration, in particular in light of the report which was launched this morning by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The report details not less than 39 recommendations to be taken to address dereliction and to champion urban regeneration. The report, with cross-party support, specifically endorses a number of actions that are captured in Housing for All. I refer to initiatives such as the lease and repair scheme, the buy and renew scheme and the living city scheme but also the commitment to introduce a vacant property tax. There is no faster or more sustainable way to increase our housing stock than to reuse existing buildings that are available and lying vacant in many towns and villages. They are on streets that have public lighting, sewerage and public transportation. They are close to schools, doctors and shops. This report presents an opportunity not just to address the dereliction and the vacancy, but it also captures actions that can actively promote living cities, living rural towns and living villages. I would like if the Leader would schedule time to debate the report. The House could contribute greatly to the championing of the recommendations in the report and to informing the Government on the broad support that it enjoys.