Local authorities must look afresh at promoting the Repair and Leasing Scheme – Bruton

Local Authorities need to look afresh at promoting the Repair and Leasing Scheme, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Richard Bruton, Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairperson, said Councils around the country are not utilising the scheme as well as they could be to bring more social homes into operation.

Deputy Bruton said: “This scheme under the Government’s housing plan, Rebuilding Ireland, assists owners in bringing vacant properties back into use as social homes.

“It is staggering to find that one single county, Waterford, accounts for 45% of the homes made available for those on their Housing List from the scheme.

“Waterford has clearly found opportunity for refurbishment and renewal in the scheme which others have missed. Their innovative approach should be adopted elsewhere.

“Last year 19 Local Authorities did not avail of any funding under this scheme compared to Waterford Local Authority who availed of €1,199,054 in total funding.

“At a time when social housing demand is far exceeding supply, Local Authorities must do everything within their power to reverse this. The Repair and Leasing Scheme is an excellent solution and should be utilised fully by LAs to deliver more social homes across the country.”

ENDS