Fianna Fáil has proposed the introduction of an Empty Property Grant Scheme.
The party's aim is to encourage owners to lease properties to Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) or rent directly to tenants nominated by Local Authorities on long-term leases.
Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD said the Government needs to prioritise refurbishing vacant units to boost the supply of available accommodation to help tackle the homeless crisis.
He made the comments after the latest figures revealed there has been a 50% increase in the number of people who are homeless between December 2015 and December 2016. There are currently 4,643 adults registered as homeless along with 1,205 homeless families including 2,505 children.
He said: "Minister Coveney needs to show a greater commitment to implementing meaningful policies that will impact the dysfunctional housing market. The priority must be focused on returning vacant spaces back into use as accommodation. For example, there are an estimated 4,000 vacant units in Dublin City alone that could be refurbished or converted to use as housing for both social, affordable and private housing
"It is worrying that Minister Coveney appears almost unaware of the scale of the vacant housing problem affecting the country. The 'natural' vacant rate in urban areas usually stands at 5%. However, this figure ranges between 10 – 15% in Dublin, Galway, Waterford and Carlow. It again demonstrates how dysfunctional the housing market currently is.
"We need a suite of policy measures to reduce the vacancy rate in these areas to help tackle the homeless crisis."
(CD/LM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
01/05/2024
Sisk has been named as the main contractor for the first two phases of Vantage Data Centres flagship Ireland campus (DUB1) at Profile Park in Dublin. Located across 22 acres, the initial stages of the campus will include a 32MW facility and a 20MW facility, with the first phase set to be in ...
01/05/2024
NI Water has become one of the first public sector organisations to install a battery energy storage system which will reduce its carbon footprint. The 4.1 MW battery is powered by an existing solar farm at one of NI Water's largest water treatment plants at Dunore Point in Antrim. The battery has ...
01/05/2024
Kildare County Council has marked the completion of a new development of ten housing units at Ard Sceach, Coill Dubh. The units which were under 'Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland', includes four 1-bedroom properties as well three two-bedroom properties and three-bedroom houses. The ...
01/05/2024
The Government has updated and launched the Project Ireland 2040 Progress Tracker and the 'MyProjectIreland' interactive map. Project Ireland 2040 includes a transparent long-term strategy for public capital projects out to 2040. The 10-year period out to 2030 is backed by funding of €165 billion ...
01/05/2024
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd has announced that the resurfacing and widening scheme on the A3 Portadown Road in Armagh has been completed. The scheme which extended for 1.3 kilometres will improve the structural integrity and surface quality of this busy A class road. Announcing ...
01/05/2024
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has hosted the latest Industrial Decarbonisation for Northern Ireland (IDNI) workshop which was attended by over 20 local businesses. Under the guidance of Invest NI, the event aimed to educate businesses and stakeholders about the objectives of IDNI, an ...
01/05/2024
Gas Networks Ireland has launched its new pre-excavation safety campaign with the introduction of its new campaign 'ambadgador', known as Keith. The campaign highlights the importance of safety first, urging individuals to always check for gas pipelines before they break ground. Gas Networks ...
01/05/2024
Cork County Council has officially launched its Town Centre First (TCF) Regeneration Plan for Skibbereen. The ambitious yet practical plans for Skibbereen Town Centre represents the culmination of extensive public engagement led by Cork County Council, aligning with the nationwide Town Centre ...
01/05/2024
The Housing Executive has announced that progress has been made to transform land in Laurencetown into a community garden and allotment with the introduction of a new shed and gardening tools. The Laurencetown Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association received a £2,600 Community Grant, which ...
01/05/2024
SSE Renewables has announced that it will be the principal sponsor of the Irish National Sheep Dog Trials which are taking place this August in County Donegal. Organised by a voluntary Donegal Committee comprised of members of the International Sheep Dog Society, the trials are being held in ...