Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2023
82. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider an expansion of the Tyrrelstown Amendment of the Residential Tenancies Act 2016 to allow local authorities step in and purchase multiple-occupied units when they are put up for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26495/23]
View answerSection 35A of the Residential Tenancies Acts (known as the ‘Tyrrelstown amendment’) provides that where a landlord proposes to sell 10 or more units within a single development at the same time, that sale is subject to the existing tenants remaining in situ, other than in exceptional circumstances. The ‘Tyrrelstown amendment’ was carefully drafted to promote security of tenure in the interest of the common social good.
My Department is supporting local authorities to acquire homes for social housing for priority purposes, including acquisitions, which support a household to exit homelessness and acquisitions with tenants in situ where the tenant is in receipt of social housing supports such as HAP and RAS to prevent homelessness. As tenants are remaining in situ, no change to the ‘Tyrrelstown amendment’ is required at present.The provisions are designed to respect the constitutionally protected property rights of the landlord and I have no plans to alter them at this time. I will continue to keep the operation of the Acts under constant review and make any necessary and justifiable amendments in a timely manner.
