Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2021
108. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of registered vacant homes in locations (details supplied) to date in 2021, in tabular form. [47017/21]
View answerHousing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland sets out four pathways to a sustainable housing system. At a time of high housing need, when people are homeless and living in unsuitable accommodation, it is vital that existing vacant homes are brought back into productive use. Pathway 4: 'Addressing Vacancy and Efficient Use of Existing Stock' addresses this issue and sets out a number of key actions in this regard.
While my Department does not hold data on the number of vacant properties in each Dáil Éireann constituency, as set out in Housing for All, the Department of Finance will collect data on vacancy levels in residential property with a view to introducing a new vacant property tax. The information on vacant residential properties will be collected from Local Property Tax returns due in November 2021.
Other key actions set out in Housing for All, to address vacancy and the efficient use of existing stock, include:
- A targeted approach to vacant stock combining Local Authority leadership, URDF / RRDF funding, Retrofit and Heritage funding;
- A new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund to provide serviced sites for new homes and to support refurbishment of vacant homes in regional towns and villages.
- The introduction of incentives for rental and sale of vacant properties owned by participants in the Fair Deal scheme.
- New regulations requiring Short Term and Holiday Lets to register with Fáilte Ireland.
- A programme of CPO acquisitions to allow Local Authorities to acquire up to 2,500 vacant units by 2026 and present them to the open market for sale.
- The introduction of a Planned Maintenance approach for Local Authority stock management and maintenance.
- Activating State owned vacant properties that may be suitable for residential accommodation; and
- Tackling any remaining Unfinished Estates.
