Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
497. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacant properties that are owned by his Department; the estimated economic value of the vacant properties; and if he will provide a list of such properties. [52844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department operates from a number of building locations including:
1. Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. D02 XW14. (Floors 2 and 3).
2. Montague Court, 7 – 11 Montague Street, Dublin. D02 FT96. (Floors 2 and 3).
3. Citywest, Garter Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin, D24 KF8A, which is a Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre.
The above properties are not owned by my Department and are not vacant.
As the Deputy will be aware the Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process, I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February, 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland, and will replace the current system.
Since the publication of the White Paper, a focus has been placed on developing the new accommodation model. This work has involved working very closely with the Housing Agency in the development of detailed policy advice papers including an acquisition policy and an ownership model, and since January the purchase of a range of properties across the country.
Twenty nine properties have been purchased to date at a cost of €5.9m. All the properties purchased require an element of upgrading to make them habitable and work is currently ongoing with the Housing Agency to develop an Approved Housing Body (AHB) funding scheme, which will put a framework in place for the upgrading, management and ongoing maintenance of the properties.
It is not possible at this stage of the process to release any further information on the properties and their location while the AHB funding scheme is being developed.
