Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019
34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when approval will issue to Cavan County Council in respect of the upgrading of houses under the voids programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45229/19]
View answerFunding approval was given to Cavan County Council earlier this year under the voids programme, based on the number of properties submitted by them at that time. In recent weeks, the Council has submitted substantially more properties for inclusion under the programme and funding approval has now issued in response to that second proposal.
While my Department is supportive of Cavan County Council in bringing vacant social homes back to productive use under the voids programme, I am advised that the increased level of submissions being made by the Council arises from a reduced funding commitment on their part to the maintenance 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. Indeed, the support of Councillors to make adequate budgetary provision for this important work is a key element in ensuring that local authorities can re-let social homes as soon as possible to those on their waiting lists.
