Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
375. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties that have been brought back into stock through the repair and lease scheme per local authority in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52625/21]
View answerThe Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or who do not have access to the funding required to bring those properties up to the required standard for rental property. The Local Authority or Approved Housing Body pays for the repairs upfront and the home is used for social housing under a lease for a period of at least 5 years. The cost of the repairs carried out is offset against future rent paid.
RLS tackles vacancy as well as having additional benefits in terms of regeneration, employment and investment in local areas.
At end of Q2 2021, a total of 267 dwellings had been brought back into use under the scheme across a range of dwelling types, including over the shop properties, former bedsits, city centre terraced houses, and one off rural dwellings.
Data to end Q2 2021 in relation to dwellings delivered by each local authority under RLS is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#repair-and-leasing-scheme-rls
The Government's new Housing Plan, Housing for All, has committed to supporting local authorities to drive expanded take-up of the RLS.
