Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
182. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to improve the compulsory purchase powers of local authorities following the publication of Housing for All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46474/21]
View answerLocal Authorities have a range of legislative powers available to them to deal with under-utilised and derelict properties in their functional areas, for example, through the compulsory purchase powers and under Derelict Sites and Housing legislation.
I encourage Local Authorities to adopt a proactive approach in utilising their available legislative powers for compulsory purchase, where necessary, with the aim of bringing the greatest number of recoverable long-term vacant dwellings back into productive use. In many cases, however, the use of compulsory purchase powers is not necessary as agreement to purchase can be reached between the Local Authority and the property owner. To assist them in pursuing vacant properties, my Department introduced the Buy & Renew Scheme to facilitate the acquisition and remediation of vacant properties that may be suitable for social housing. Through this support mechanism, Local Authorities have delivered over 700 social housing homes to date and as outlined Housing for All I am keen to see further delivery in this way.
In addition, action 19.5 of Housing for All provides for a programme of CPO acquisitions, supported by a bridging finance facility from the Housing Finance Agency, which will allow Local Authorities to maximise opportunities to return vacant properties to productive use.
The objective of the programme, which will be introduced by the end of 2021, is for Local Authorities to acquire up to 2,500 vacant units by 2026 and present them to the open market for sale.
The Housing Agency will assist and advise Local Authorities with the CPO process. Vacant Homes Officers, already in situ in each Local Authority, will be responsible for driving this programme forward.
