Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address a matter regarding a housing list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16491/20]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
My Department actively encourages local authorities to ensure all vacant properties in their stock are brought back into use as expeditiously as possible. Since 2014, funding has been provided for this purpose under the Voids Programme and the suite of works being funded is tailored to encourage swift turnaround. My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area.
A call for proposals for Voids funding necessary to counteract the impact of Covid-19 issued earlier this years and funding for 12 units at a cost of €84,232 was approved for Kerry County Council. In addition, a call for proposals under the normal voids programme will issue shortly and any funding submission received from Kerry County Council will be actively considered.
It is important that local authorities increasingly move toward a preventative maintenance approach to the management of their housing stock and my Department is working with local authorities to this end.
