Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 March 2025
50. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address the fact more than 88,000 homes are currently vacant, in view of data showing that over 2,000 homes were liable for the vacant property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the compulsory purchase order activation programme, given the plight of dereliction in our cities, towns and villages; and the timeline for reform of compulsory purchase order legislation. [12618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 112 together.
Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government, as set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, built on Pathway 4 and set out the various actions that were being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. The Action Plan Progress Report was published in April 2024 and is available here on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/
The next Progress Report will be published in the coming months and will outline what has been achieved in 2024 and the measures planned for 2025.
These reports show the significant progress that has been made in tackling vacancy. In the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report for Q4 2024, the average vacancy rate across Ireland had dropped to 3.8%, the lowest rate recorded since 2013. While varying levels of vacancy are indicated in the different data sources, the overall trend is downwards and vacancy levels are reducing.
The CPO Activation Programme was launched by my Department in April 2023. It provides for a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring those properties back into use. My Department continues to provide support and guidance on the implementation of the Programme to all local authorities.
The new Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to tackle vacancy. It also contains commitments to update and strengthen Compulsory Purchase Order powers. This will be considered by the relevant Departments.
