Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities are encouraged to acquire vacant/derelict properties to be upgraded as new, value-for-money social homes via the Buy & Renew Scheme. Since it was introduced in 2016, in excess of 900 properties have been delivered under this arrangement. The table below shows the number of such units delivered as new social homes per annum since 2016 and the total cost. The costs as shown for delivering the units is subject to change as further renovation cost claims are received from local authorities.

Alongside the acquisition and upgrade as new social homes of existing properties in need of refurbishment, in recent years an increasing number of local authorities are tackling more substantial projects involving derelict properties. This allows for local authorities to tackle dereliction where substantial construction work is involved and to produce further new social homes. This work is tackled alongside a local authority's programme of construction on green field sites. Alongside Buy & Renew acquisitions, it creates opportunities for local authorities to respond to more significant dereliction in town centres.