Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
71. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the Derelicts Sites Act 1990; the progress that has been made in relation to the November 2021 review in conjunction with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24963/22]
View answerAddressing vacancy and dereliction, and maximising the use of the existing housing stock, is a priority objective of the Government, as evidenced by the recently published Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland where one of the four pathways in the plan is specifically dedicated to this area.
My Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act with a view to improving its effectiveness. My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 and has sought initial submissions from local authorities on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. My Department is now in the process of establishing a focused working group to speedily progress this matter further and will be engaging with local authorities in this regard shortly.
