Richard Bruton
Ceist:299. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the local authorities that have reported that they have a full-time vacant property officer in place. [57493/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 November 2021
Ceisteanna (299)
Freagraí scríofa
Since 2018, my Department has provided funding of €50,000 per annum to each local authority to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a Vacant Homes Officer. There are presently 37 Vacant Homes Officers in place, 34 of which are currently part time.
The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities to provide information/statistics to my Department from a dedicated contact point within each local authority. The Vacant Homes Office therefore plays a key role in the co-ordination of this work within each local authority.
Housing for All commits to ensuring that vacant homes officers are full-time officers. This will ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction with a view to increasing the opportunities for residential development. This will include options for both social housing and affordable housing in many towns. My Department will be communicating with local authorities before the end of the year around the future process to ensure that a member of staff is assigned to these tasks on a full-time basis.