Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
134. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the funding that is being provided to Local Authorities to support the management of the derelict sites register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28972/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities with a number of specific actions aimed to further support existing and ongoing measures to reduce dereliction. The Plan will ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated, and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
Resources to ensure a focus on tackling dereliction within local authorities have been provided by the Government through the funding of dedicated Vacant Homes Officers (VHOs) and Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) who are working in the relevant dereliction and regeneration teams to ensure a planned and proactive approach is taken. There are existing national forums established for these local authority officers operated by the Housing Agency for Vacant Homes Officers and by the Town Centre First National Office for Town Regeneration Officers.
My Department is currently working on a number of measures to increase staffing levels in the local government sector. In this regard, my Department is collaborating with the Local Government Management Agency on the delivery of a programme of supports to planning authorities. These supports include the provision of staffing resources and expertise to enable planning authorities to perform their functions efficiently and effectively, including through the implementation of the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources.
My Department is also engaging with the local authorities on the implementation of Delivering Homes, Building Communities, including the increased focus on measures to tackle dereliction and the support arrangements for greater coordination of local authority staff and resources for this purpose.
