Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
121. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the progress of the examination by all Departments of their existing portfolio of properties; if properties have been placed on the market to date; the number of those properties that have been deemed suitable for conversion to residential accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3282/22]
View answerMaximising the use of our existing housing stock, especially in our towns and cities, is a critical element of any sustainable housing policy and Pathway 4 of Housing for All, “Addressing Vacancy and Efficient Use of Existing Stock”, is central to the overall Plan.
The State, its Departments and Agencies are the owners of large amounts of property. It has already been agreed that State entities that own vacant or underutilised land, which may be suitable for housing, will offer that land to the Land Development Agency. A number of Departments have already engaged with my Department and the LDA in this regard.
Under Housing for All , Government has mandated that all Departments will examine their existing portfolio of properties and, subject to any obligations under the Public Spending Code, the LDA Act 2021 or the State Property Act 1954, will place them on the market if they are not required and may be suitable for residential housing. This will allow for more efficient use of those buildings and provide opportunities for suitable buildings to be converted into homes.
It is in this context, my Department has asked all Departments to review their respective portfolios of properties and assess which, if any, may be suitable for housing. Departments have been requested to submit their findings by the end of January, so that progress can be made on this important initiative. When this initial exercise is complete, my Department will assist in any way possible to ensure the prompt release of any properties identified as not required and suitable housing.
