I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 697 together.
Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6e88b-planning-statistics/
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following link on the CSO website: https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/.
In relation to the vacant site levy, under the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites register from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January 2020.
My Department does not maintain a central register of vacant sites as each local authority administers the vacant site levy in respect of their functional area; this includes site assessment, assignment of market valuation and maintaining a register. As provided for under the Act, the register in respect of each local authority is available for inspection at its offices and online on its website.
