Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
324. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to supply funding to local authorities for compulsory purchase of derelict sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/21]
View answerLocal authorities are empowered under a number of statutes to acquire land, by agreement or compulsorily, for the purposes of performing any of its functions, including any derelict site situated within their functional area under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. In this context, the exercise of compulsory purchase powers to acquire land is a matter for local authorities and is subject to confirmation by An Bord Pleanála through the appropriate statutory procedure.
My Department can provide full funding to local authorities for sites on which they bring forward suitable new social housing construction projects, including sites acquired by compulsory purchase orders. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of 50,000 new social homes, with a focus on new build, and local authorities will be supported to acquire the appropriate sites to deliver this build progamme.
