Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss Urban Regeneration and derelict and vacant buildings

The meeting at 3pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will hear from Assistant Professor Orla Murphy of UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, and representatives of Dublin City Council, Waterford City and County Council, and Anois.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Steven Matthews said: “Derelict and vacant buildings are a blight on the urban landscape and a waste of precious resources when we have a housing crisis. The regeneration of our towns and cities is a key objective of the Ireland 2040 national planning framework. How this is delivered over the next two decades is key and we look forward to discussing options such as repair and lease and compulsory purchase orders, and related matters, with our stakeholders.

“This is the first in a series of meetings to look at the opportunities and challenges in addressing dereliction, vacancy and urban regeneration by bringing out of use buildings back to residential use and bringing life and vibrancy back to our town centres. The Committee will produce a report on our findings after our final meetings in January 2022.”

The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.