Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

166. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department will engage with local authorities in adopting a more proactive policy in relation to implementing compulsory purchase order powers in relation to properties that have been left vacant for a significant period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15864/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. While the reasons for vacancy are often complex, the re-use and regeneration of vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural areas can provide much needed housing while also transforming areas and the communities living in them.

The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January, outlines the progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back to viable use as possible.

A number of measures have been implemented to address vacancy and bring properties back into use. Initiatives such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Ready to Build Scheme, under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, provide financial incentives for people to buy and refurbish vacant properties and sites to be their principal private residence; while the Repair and Leasing and Buy and Renew Schemes involve the local authority leasing or buying the vacancy property from the owner to assist in the provision of social housing.

As part of the Action Plan, my Department will shortly be introducing a new Programme for the compulsory purchase and acquisition of vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has not brought these properties back into use. My Department is liaising with each local authority in respect of the identification of targets under this Programme. The key objective is the activation of the vacant and derelict properties, bringing them into residential use as quickly as possible.

As part of the Programme, my Department is developing a Guidance document to assist local authorities in compulsorily purchasing and acquiring vacant and derelict properties. Consultation has taken place with local authorities experienced in this area, which has informed the guidance being produced. My Department will be supporting local authorities in adopting a proactive approach in utilising their legislative powers to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider ring-fencing dedicated funding to enable local authorities to purchase and renovate vacant buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15865/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 30 January 2023, I announced details regarding a third round of funding under the URDF. Supporting key objectives of Housing for All, Town Centre First, and the Vacant Homes Action Plan, this round of URDF support has been specifically designed to address long term vacancy and dereliction across URDF eligible cities and towns.

It is proposed that a revolving fund of up to €150m of URDF support will be made available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties (residential and/or commercial) and to carry out any associated works needed to de-risk or improve the site to make it more attractive for re-use or sale. The intention is that the fund would be replenished from the proceeds received from the end use/user thereby allowing the local authority to put in place a rolling programme of acquisitions in order to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction without recourse to borrowing and the associated financial risk.

My Department is currently engaging with the local authority sector on finalising individual allocations, project criteria and reporting arrangements, the details of which will be announced in due course. While the third round of funding is specifically tailored to help deliver specific objectives of Housing for All, Town Centre First and the Vacant Homes Action Plan, a fourth round of funding support will be made available later in 2023.

Additionally, my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development announced on Monday 27 March, 2023 a €13m fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in rural Ireland. Under the initiative, each local authority can apply for funding of up to €500,000, which they can use to purchase up to three properties to re-develop into multi-purpose community facilities. The funding, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, is designed to make our towns and villages more attractive places in which to live, visit, invest and raise a family.