Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
395. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on working with religious institutes to identify any houses in their portfolio that are not currently occupied to be offered to local councils or housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16304/24]
View answerTackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government and Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January 2023, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. My Department will publish a Progress Report on the Plan in April, setting out what has been achieved in 2023 and further steps that will be taken in 2024.
Under the Vacant Homes Action Plan, a new CPO Activation Programme was launched in April 2023. This Programme supports a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to the activation of vacant properties.
As part of the CPO Activation Programme, local authorities are tasked with identifying vacant properties in their administrative area, which could include vacant houses in the portfolio of religious institutes, identifying the owners of these properties and engaging with them to bring the properties back into use. It is a matter for the local authorities to determine which properties will enter the CPO Activation Programme and be prioritised for activation, however targets have been set for all local authorities in 2023. These will be reported on in Q2 this year.
The activation of vacant properties includes engagement with owners on the range of schemes and supports available to assist in bringing the property back into use. The programme also includes guidance for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful, using the properties acquired for social housing, community use or making them available for sale on the open market. .
Capital funding of €1.4 billion is available under the Social Housing Capital Funding Programmes (Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) and the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS)) to support local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in tackling dereliction and vacancy through the purchase and repurposing/renewing of vacant buildings and blocks as new social homes.
The Repair and Leasing Scheme is another option to bring vacant properties back into use as social housing. Under the scheme, property owners receive an interest free loan to bring a vacant property up to rental standards in return for leasing it to a local authority or AHB for between 5 and 25 years. The loan is repaid as a reduction in the lease payment over an agreed term.
The most efficient home to deliver is one which already exists. I firmly believe that the commitment this Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and maximising the use of all existing properties, will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and revitalising local communities.
