Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2918. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding will be granted to Kerry County Council in order to relet voids (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33283/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile responsibility for the management and maintenance of local authority housing stock lies with local authorities themselves under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, my Department recognises through the Voids Programme, that over and above normal property re-lets that arise on an ongoing basis, an amount of vacated social homes are in need of far greater levels of repair and may be vacant pending that work. Local authorities have submitted details of their work proposals and related funding requirements for the Voids Programme in 2019 and funding will be provided shortly.
Given the direct responsibility of local authorities for managing their own housing stock, and with tenants moving in and out on a continuous basis, it is important that in addition to social homes which are in need of significant repairs, that the authorities address normal re-lets in a timely manner. For that reason, I am keen that elected Councils play a proactive role in supporting this work, both by overseeing performance in their individual local authorities and also, by making adequate budgetary provision for housing repairs and maintenance, utilising the housing rental income available to them.
