Vacant Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022

Tuesday, 14 June 2022

Ceisteanna (480, 481)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

480. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage The number of full-time equivalent vacant homes officers by local authority in tabular form. [29018/22]

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

481. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 742 of 21 April 2021, the current funding provided for vacant homes officers in each local authority in tabular form; and the proposed changes from after June as referenced in the reply. [29019/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together.

My Department understand that in 2021 there were in the region of 3 full-time and 34 part-time vacant homes officers working in local authorities. In January 2022, my Department communicated with local authorities outlining that it is increasing the funding made available since 2018 from €50,000 to €60,000 per annum from mid-2022 to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a vacant homes officer to support the commitment in Housing for All to ensure that vacant homes officers are full-time. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities, including through the important role of vacant homes officers, to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction with a view to increasing the opportunities for residential development.

Local authorities have been requested to arrange for the vacant homes officer position to become full-time by the end of Q2 2022 and to notify my Department accordingly. I expect that each local authority will have at least one full-time vacant homes officer working in their local authority. Local authorities are continuing with the process of the delivery of the Vacant Homes Officer position on a full-time basis. As this process is ongoing, I will have a full position from local authorities following the delivery timeframe of the end of June. In addition, local authority claims for the increased provision of €60,000 will commence thereafter.

Question No. 481 answered with Question No. 480.