Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. It is always very satisfying to talk to him about any housing matter.The Senator's suggestions have been taken on in many cases. I hope his suggestions in the latter part of his contribution will be taken on in this instance. I am not often in a position to deliver good news, but it is intended that the refurbishment scheme the Senator described will be extended to include properties, which will be made available for rent from 1 May, as well as reviewing the grant rates applicable. That was on foot of the Senator's work and his suggestion at earlier stages.

Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. None of us want vacant properties, and those brought back into use could add real vibrancy and provide additional accommodation. It really should be done. One of the actions taken by the Government has been the introduction of the vacant property refurbishment grant. A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property not previously used as residential. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000. I am well aware the Senator is already aware of that, but I will put it on the record again.

Feedback on the grant has been very positive, with almost 1,400 applications reported to date. The Government is building on the initial success of the grant and it is planned that the eligibility date for properties, which is currently properties built before 1993, will be changed to include properties built prior to 2007, by 1 May. It is also planned that the refurbishment scheme will be extended to include properties which will be made available for rent from 1 May, as well as reviewing the grant rates applicable.

The repair and leasing scheme, RLS, provides an upfront loan, to a maximum of €60,000, including VAT, to owners of vacant properties that require work to bring the units up to the required standard for rental properties. It is a social housing delivery mechanism at present. Given the current demand for social housing across all local authorities, the principal aim of the scheme remains the provision of social housing. I am told by the Department that the Senator's scheme will be considered, but the Senator says he has raised it. I understand that Waterford City and County Council has raised a cost-rental RLS with the Department. Given the success of Waterford council in its RLS delivery targets to date, it should be heard clearly.

It is quite extraordinary to see the scale of the council's success, relative to every other county council. The total dwellings delivered by Waterford council to the end of quarter 3 in 2022 was 164. It has a target for 2023 of 80 dwellings. There is no other council that comes remotely close. The other councils are: Wexford at 28 dwellings; Mayo at 19; Limerick at 30; Fingal at 28; and Clare at ten. I recall a similar situation with regard to compulsory purchase where Louth County Council was a standout council. It shows how the dedication of a particular person or group of persons within a council really focused on a particular project can be so effective and successful. Having had this very strong success which delivers for the people of Waterford - I know the Senator has been very strongly involved in that - it seems Waterford council's suggestions on the expansion of such a scheme would be very welcome.

The particular pressure point at present is not just social housing, but the people who would be eligible for cost rental. I know the intention is to do more and extend the eligibility further. It seems a completely sensible approach to be able to look at something such as that. I wish to set out the success of Waterford in the scheme so far. It seems obvious the council should be heard fully on its proposal.