Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
624. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on a nationwide, local authority-led compulsory purchase order scheme to purchase vacant homes under Housing for All. [43339/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All which was published in September 2021 provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030, with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All, which aims to address vacancy and the efficient use of existing stock, provides for the introduction of a programme for the compulsory purchase by local authorities of vacant properties for sale on the open market.
My Department is working with the Housing Agency on supports to deliver this programme. To this end, a Property Optimisation Unit has been established in The Housing Agency, which will assist local authorities in making Compulsory Purchase Orders, providing a general advisory service including step by step assistance through the process, title and property searches, dealing with third party charges, information gathering and support in drafting documents. The Unit has developed a Compulsory Purchase Order guidance note to inform Local Authorities on the process of obtaining a CPO.
The objective is for Local Authorities to acquire at least 2,500 vacant units and present these to the market for sale by 2026.
