Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

58. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if all local authorities have furnished the details on the total number of derelict properties currently on their registers; the number of actions and fines issued under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 for each respective local authority; the changes he will make based on this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26669/24]

Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

59. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position regarding the number of properties that are on the derelict sites register in each local authority area; the amount that was levied and collected within each local authority area in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/24]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Local Authorities are required to submit an annual return to my Department providing information on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) in their functional areas. The information requested and provided in respect of 2023 is set out on the attached Table.

The Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act is a matter for individual local authorities.

My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 and invited local authorities to make initial submissions on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. A focused working group of nominated staff members from a number of local authorities was subsequently established. The group met on three occasions during 2022 and discussions on the review are continuing to date. I will consider the recommendations contained in the report of the working group once it is received.

The scope for the engagement of additional staff resources in local authorities to assist in the more effective enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act is also being explored in my Department in the context of an ongoing review of the staff resourcing needs of local planning authorities generally.