Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
84. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the 77 units at a vacant housing estate in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; the plans he has to ensure they are redeveloped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31494/23]
View answerAddressing vacancy and maximising the use of existing housing stock is a primary objective of this Government, as demonstrated by the focus given to this priority area in Pathway 4 of the Government’s Housing for All plan.
In this regard, Action 19.10 of Housing for All provides that local authorities will work with the appropriate stakeholders to resolve issues within estates still categorised as ‘unfinished’ with a view to minimising any vacancy levels.
Since 2010, there has been a 98% reduction in the number of unfinished housing developments, from 3,000 to 75. Of these 75, 40 developments are unoccupied. These developments mainly contain partial shells and units at foundation level and are located in low housing demand areas. 35 developments that remain on the ‘unfinished’ developments survey for 2022, are occupied to some extent and are to remain the focus for local authorities to work towards a satisfactory resolution.
In March 2022, my Department issued correspondence to each of the 26 local authorities that had unfinished housing developments, requesting an update on the progress made since the last survey in 2020. Details in this regard were published in the Housing for All Q2 2022 Progress Report, a copy of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/03335-housing-for-all-q2-2022-progress-report/
In the line with the commitment in Housing for All, local authorities will continue to assess the best options for resolution of unfinished developments and/or developments that are to be taken in charge. Information in relation to the specific housing development and the reasons for vacancy may be available from Mayo County Council.
