Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Questions (696)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

696. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider the imposition of a seven year occupancy clause and local tie clause on all homes and derelict properties for sale in rural areas that would be designated to be of special scenic, environmental or linguistic sensitivity as a measure to prevent the death of rural communities along the western seaboard in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40416/21]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The EU Court of Justice ‘Flemish Decree’ judgement ruled that restrictions on the sale of all property to locals, which had been imposed in the Flanders Region of Belgium, were disproportionate and contrary to the EU principles of freedom of movement.

It is an objective of Government to encourage the proportionate growth of rural communities and we have recently published an updated action plan for rural development.  I have no plans to implement measures relating to an occupancy clause as outlined in the question.