Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
365. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of compulsory purchase orders that were initiated in each local authority in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; the number that were completed; the number of units that were brought back into use; the average cost of purchase and renovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25524/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not collected by my Department. The approval or confirmation of proposals for the compulsory purchase of land or property by statutory authorities is a matter for An Bord Pleanala.
Local authorities are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach in utilising their available legislative powers for compulsory purchase, where necessary, with the aim of bringing the greatest number of recoverable long term vacant dwellings back into use. In many cases, however, the use of CPO powers is not necessary as agreement to purchase can be reached between the local authority and the property owner.
In the event that the Deputy wishes to obtain further information on CPOs from An Bord Pleanála, arrangements have been put in place by each Agency under the remit of my Department, including An Bord Pleanála, to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála is oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
