Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 8

Written Answers. - Local Authority Houses.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

71 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment the regulations or guidelines, if any, he has issued to local authorities restricting the use of former local authority houses under tenant purchase or purchase; if there are any restrictions as to the type of person who may purchase; the use to which the house so purchased would be put by the purchaser; in particular, the business use, if any, to which such houses can be put; the safeguards whic exist to ensure the residential nature of the location of most houses in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly)

Under the 1988 tenant purchase scheme, as under previous schemes, the resale of purchased dwellings is allowed, subject to the consent of the local authority being obtained to any sale within 25 years of the date of transfer. The consent of the relevant authority is also required to the use of a purchased dwelling within 25 years of the date of transfer, other than as the normal place of residence of the tenant purchaser or subsequent purchaser or their families. Purchasers must, of course, also comply with the requirements of the Planning Acts in relation to any change of use of a dwelling and, in certain local authority areas, may also need to obtain by-law approval to any change of use proposed.