Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023
113. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of developments that are currently being developed or have been developed by each local authority under the ready-to-build scheme (serviced sites scheme), and their location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46880/23]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the challenge of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All.
In November 2022, the Ready to Build Scheme, funded by the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, was launched. Under the Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the purposes of building a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser.
It is a matter for the local authority to identify a suitable site that is either already in their ownership or that can be acquired. It is intended that the local authority will develop existing sites in their control or purchase sites and make them available for development by providing services and access to the sites concerned.
A number of potential sites that could be made available for sale have been identified by Laois, Kildare, Tipperary and Clare County Councils. Eight sites have been made available for sale to date in Laois.
My Department is continuing to liaise with all local authorities with respect to the scheme.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. It is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
