John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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236. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason for vacancies in private houses; the research that has been carried out to investigate the reasons for vacancies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6898/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government, as set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All.

Vacancy is a complex issue and there are a number of reasons why properties may become vacant or derelict. The findings of Census 2022 provided a range of such reasons, including that the previous owner is deceased, is living with relatives, has emigrated or is in a nursing home or hospital.

Many properties that are classed as vacant in the Census may only be vacant for a short period of time. For example, it also includes dwellings that are categorised as for sale, under renovation, or because they are uninhabited rental properties.

The Central Statistics Office notes that the Census findings are a point-in-time indicator of whether a property was inhabited or not on Census night and that dwellings classed as vacant for census purposes are not necessarily available for re-use.

In recognition of the various reasons for vacancy, a comprehensive range of schemes and measures have been introduced to bring vacant properties back into use as homes. Information on these is provided in the Vacant Homes Action Plan, along with the actions that are being taken to address vacancy and dereliction. The Plan is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/