Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, many of these projects are now coming to fruition. The Senator will see much more of that €1.5 billion in funding being drawn down. As I outlined earlier, a key action in supporting the Government's vacant homes action plan is the third round of URDF support, which will be specifically designed to address long-term vacancy and dereliction across our URDF cities and towns and the acceleration of the provision of residential accommodation. This initiative is also in support of objectives under the revised Housing for All and Town Centre First plans.

It should be noted that the third round of funding support is not seeking to replicate or replace the various social housing programmes available to local authorities to tackle vacant and derelict buildings and sites. The revolving fund is intended to act as an additional and much broader tool for the activation of long-term vacant and derelict sites and buildings.

There are extensive examples of vacant or derelict buildings that are problematic but which may not be appropriate or viable for social housing schemes. This funding is intended to address such properties while addressing the financial gap that exists currently for local authorities in that regard.I note the Senator's points on the issue with regard to staffing. I will take the matter up with my Department. Compulsory purchase orders are a considerable element. They are being looked at under the new planning legislation, but they are a measure. We want this plan to work. It is working, but we wish to expedite this roll-out. I very much take on board Senator Boyhan's points.