Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019
1167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding approved to date for local authorities under a specific programme (details supplied); the projected allocations at year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45250/19]
View answerFunding approval of almost €500,000 has been given to Cavan and Monaghan County Councils this year under the voids programme, based on the number of properties submitted by them. In recent weeks, Monaghan County Council has submitted additional properties for inclusion under the programme, which have now also been approved for funding subject to the conditions attaching to the programme.
While my Department is supportive of local authorities in bringing vacant social homes back to productive use under the voids programme, it is of concern if the increased level of submissions being made by them, arises from a reduced funding commitment on their part, to the maintenance and re-letting of their own housing stock. The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of planned maintenance programmes and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under the Housing Acts. To facilitate the early re-letting of social homes when an existing tenant leaves a property, it is vital that local authorities make provision in their own budget, for pre-letting works. I hope that Council members will support this important work in setting future budgets.
