I propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 450, 459, 466, 489, 496, 506, 524, 535, 542, 549 and 558 together.
An initial call for proposals for COVID-19 related voids funding issued to local authorities earlier this year. It was targeted at supporting authorities bring social housing homes back into use quickly to help them deal with Covid-19 restrictions and requirements. I understand that the work on the majority of these homes is now complete and from overall funding of €4.8 million 475 homes were brought into productive use.
As announced on the 23rd of July, as part of this Government's Stimulus Package, I have secured additional funding for the Voids programme this year, to help bring over 2,000 homes back into use, support local authorities financially and to give a stream of work to builders and contractors locally, across the country.
My Department has been in regular contact with local authority management in preparing this programme and I have highlighted its importance, in particular the need for immediate delivery, to the City and County Management Association during a meeting with social housing delivery partners this week.
A call for proposals and initial funding allocations will issue to all local authorities imminently.