Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government and a suite of measures has been introduced to address vacancy and increase the pace at which properties are brought back into use.

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

As part of the Action Plan, a new CPO Activation Programme was launched in April. The Programme supports a proactive, planned and systematic approach by local authorities to the activation of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. It also includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.

Overall, there is a target of 4,000 properties entering the CPO Activation Programme in 2023. Of these, a target of 400 has been set for properties to enter the compulsory acquisition process, where engagement with the owner has not resulted in the vacant or derelict property being brought back into use. Individual targets have been set for each local authority for 2023. Progress on the Programme will be reported in quarter 2, 2024.

Under the Action Plan, I announced a €150 million Urban Regeneration Development Fund for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties, and sites, for re-use or sale, using their compulsory purchase powers were necessary. The Fund will then be replenished from the proceeds received from the sale or reuse of a site, allowing a local authority to establish a rolling programme to tackle vacancy and dereliction. Local authorities, when applying for the funding, have indicated that they could identify projects generating some 4,850 residential units.

A key initiative to address vacancy and dereliction has been the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. From May 2023, up to a maximum of €50,000 in grant funding is available to support the refurbishment of a vacant property into a home. Where the property is confirmed as derelict, up to a maximum of €70,000 in grant funding is available. Over 5,400 applications have been made for the Grant to date, with over 2,700 approved, and grants are now starting to be paid out as works are completed.

Full-time, dedicated Vacant Homes Officers are now in place across all 31 local authorities, ensuring a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy.

The Vacant Homes Action Plan outlines all of the actions that have been taken and those planned to address vacancy. These actions will be overseen and driven by my Department who will report on the work being undertaken

The most efficient home to deliver is one which already exists. I firmly believe that the commitment this Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and revitalising local communities.