Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Chris Andrews again for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. The Government has invested significantly in a stock improvement programme over recent years, particularly with regard to voids, with €91 million provided to Dublin City Council alone since 2014. This year, €31 million has been provided to local authorities, with €5.8 million allocated to Dublin City Council. Notwithstanding this support, it is first and foremost a matter for the local authority to ensure that adequate funding provision is made for repairs and cyclical maintenance as part of the annual budgetary process. The funding provided by the Department of housing supplements rather than replaces the local authority's self-funding.

A new voids programme will be introduced in the new year. There will be a renewed focus and a prompt turnaround in re-letting of casual vacant homes. This and works that do not need to be immediately addressed should be carried out under the local authority's own planned maintenance programme, informed by stock condition surveys, to ensure that all housing components are inspected rather than there being a repair-and-replacement cycle.

On the particular point the Senator raises, I have just two comments. I expect this is a matter he has already taken up with Dublin City Council. I suggest that he write to the Minister directly on the point he makes in order that we can take it up directly with Dublin City Council. He will appreciate, however, that the priority is getting homes that are not occupied re-let under the voids programme. The point he makes may be something we can take up with Dublin City Council.