John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his very positive response to this Commencement matter. I stand corrected but my understanding from what the Minister previously said in relation to this was that it would be expanded to cities. However, it was not actually stated that it would be expanded to rural one-off houses. The fact the Minister of State is confirming that this morning is hugely welcome. It will be welcomed by local authorities right across the country and by young individuals and couples who are seeking to get their foot on the property ladder.

The Minister of State also referenced the flexibility in the top-up amount of €20,000. That is really positive as well, because there was a misconception at the start that it had to be on the derelict sites register. The fact that you can get a structural engineer to state that significant structural works need to be carried out to access the additional top-up is hugely welcome.

I really want to thank the Minister of State for the positive response. The fact that it will be open to all derelict and vacant properties across the State will enable us to expand on that 2,000 target up to 2025.