Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
137. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update in relation to reviewing the guidelines and definitions provided to city and county councils around dereliction properties; if he will send an updated circular to councils clarifying definitions and their role in utilising derelict properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48981/23]
View answerThe Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site.
My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 and invited local authorities to make initial submissions on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. A focused working group of nominated staff members from a number of local authorities was subsequently established. It is expected that the report of the group will be finalised shortly. I will consider the recommendations contained in the report once it is received.
The scope for the engagement of additional staff resources in local authorities to assist in the more effective enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act is also being explored in my Department in the context of an ongoing review of the staff resourcing needs of local planning authorities generally.
In addition, under the Vacant Homes Action Plan, my Department launched a new CPO Activation Programme in April of this year. It requires a planned, systematic and proactive approach by local authorities to bringing vacant and derelict properties into use. The Programme includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners on the bringing back into use of relevant properties has been unsuccessful.
