Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
314. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has considered a compulsory sales order as part of measures to tackle vacancy as an issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15879/22]
View answerHousing for All provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
Housing for All commits to a range of measures to address vacancy and maximise the use of existing housing stock including plans to introduce a new programme for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of vacant properties to ensure their use for residential purposes. While the concept of a Compulsory Sales Order is not included in Housing for All, it may be considered in the context of a wider review of CPO legislation. In the meantime, the detailed arrangements for the CPO programme are currently being developed, with aim of advancing it this year, and it will build on the experience of many Local Authorities that already utilise CPO acquisitions, for example, in their delivery of new social homes through the Buy and Renew scheme.
