690. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is aware of the European Citizens’ Initiative being organised by an organisation (details supplied) concerning the rejuvenation of disused buildings and their return to the housing supply; and whether the Government supports the objectives of this initiative. [64683/26]

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.

I note the European Citizens Initiative being organised by the NGO referred to. It seems that a focus of the initiative is rejuvenation via reuse and renovation. Addressing vacancy and dereliction and supporting bringing existing buildings back into use as homes is a key focus of Delivering Homes, Building Communities.

A key measure introduced 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.

As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been improved and expanded as of 1 April 2026 with a new Vacant Above the Shop Grant introduced along with a new Expert Advice Grant to support property owners to bring this vacant space into use as homes.

All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in place as a key point of contact in their Vacant Homes Office teams. 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.

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 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.