Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
393. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the situation regarding a number of vacant units owned by a corporation (details supplied); and if there is a plan to bring them back into use. [24116/23]
View answerTackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government and a suite of measures has been introduced to address vacancy and increase the pace at which properties are brought back into use. Significant progress is being made in the following areas:
• The government launched the Town Centre First policy, a major new policy initiative that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
• A €150 million Urban Regeneration Development Fund is being made available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties and sites for re-use or sale.
• The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launch in July 2022.
• Full-time Vacant Homes Officers are now in place across 30 local authorities.
• Planning regulations that exempt certain vacant commercial premises from requiring planning permission to change of use for residential purposes have been extended.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back into use as possible.
The Vacant Homes Officer in each local authority carries out an important role in administering and raising awareness of the various supports and schemes to support the activation of vacant and derelict properties
My Department recently launched a new CPO Activation Programme, which provides for a planned, proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use, with targets set for each local authority. This Programme includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to compulsorily acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.
With regards the units referred to by the Deputy, I understand that there is ongoing engagement between the relevant local authorities and the property owners regarding bringing these properties into use.
