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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 May 1988

Vol. 380 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rating and Valuation System.

8.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he will alter the rating and valuation system to permit local authorities to raise a rate on derelict sites and buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My Department are carrying out a major review of the present legal code relating to dereliction, on the basis of which it is my intention to bring forward comprehensive legislative proposals for a stronger and more effective code as soon as possible.

The question asks that local authorities be allowed to raise a rate on derelict sites and buildings. In view of the fact that so many local authorities are at present starved of cash and that in all local authority areas there are derelict sites and buildings — in some areas where people did not require the buildings they took the roofs off so that they would not have to pay rates — is the Minister's intention to change the rating and valuation system to make provision for that situation and to allow the local authorities to benefit from any rates that might be charged?

It is. A new and comprehensive derelict sites Bill is at an advanced stage of drafting. I hope I am not giving an indication to Deputy Michael Keating to bring in a Private Members' Bill in that regard. That Bill is at a very advanced stage of drafting and I hope to be able to announce details of it in the very near future. It will deal with the subject matter of the Deputy's question.

Is the Minister aware that many of these derelict sites are in public ownership, for example, the Grand Canal dock site, much of which is in the ownership of public utilities. There are also other such sites around the country which are in public ownership. Will the Minister address this question specifically in his proposed legislation?

I am pleased to tell the Deputy that that matter is being specifically dealt with in the dereliction sites Bill. As he quite rightly said, an amount of the dereliction comes from the inactivity or lack of concern by the local authorities. That is part of the reason the new legislation is needed and I am hoping to have it published very soon. I hope Deputy Keating is taking note of my remarks.

I promise I will not bring in a Bill next week anyway.

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