686. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing units which could potentially be delivered through the conversion of vacant and derelict buildings in town and city centres; the estimated number of such buildings suitable for residential conversion; and if he will set out the Government’s strategy for maximising this source of housing supply. [64680/26]

Working to end vacancy and dereliction is a key priority in the Government's housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan aims to ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and effective and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring vacancy and dereliction to an end.

Data in relation to vacancy is available from a number of sources such as the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Census 2022 and GeoDirectory. While there are varying indicators of vacancy based on different sources and methodologies, with resulting differing data, the overall trend in vacancy levels is downwards. It is important to note also that not all properties that are counted as vacant at a point in time are available for reuse.

Recognising the differing reasons for vacancy and dereliction, a range of measures and supports have been put in place to support and incentivise bringing properties back into use. All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer. My Department provides annual funding to each local authority to reinforce their capacity to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction. Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.

Vacant Homes Officers play a vital role in working with property owners to ensure these properties are brought back into use. They are actively promoting the wide range of schemes in place to address vacancy and dereliction, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, Buy and Renew Scheme, the Living City Initiative, Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) and planning exemptions for certain vacant commercial premises.

A key measure is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022, under the Croí Cónaithe Towns fund. The grant provides up to €70,000 for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.

The Town Centre First policy, for which I and the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht hold joint responsibility, is a major cross-government policy. It aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It does so by setting out a framework to facilitate and resource regeneration of our towns and villages to ensure they are vibrant, viable, visible places to live, work, invest in and visit. Town Centre First complements other national policies, including our rural future, the national housing strategy and the national planning framework.

The CPO Activation Programme, launched in April 2023, requires 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. This includes the active use of compulsory purchase powers by local authorities.

The Housing Plan's new measures build on the significant work that has been done and outcomes achieved over the past number of years, as well as improving and expanding existing schemes. These initiatives are working and vacancy levels are declining across the country.

I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.