I would like to talk about housing supply in Carlow. We all agree that a quicker way to increase supply is to utilise existing buildings. I have to give kudos to Carlow County Council, which has made huge inroads tackling vacancy and dereliction, with a particular focus on providing town centre older persons' housing to facilitate the 339 older persons living alone in two- and three-bedroom council houses in Carlow so that these family homes are accessible to families. Carlow County Council has already purchased substantial vacant sites to provide more homes but the cost of abnormals, like decontamination or utility upgrades, is eating away at its allocated budget. I am aware of a site in the council's ownership that will require close to €1 million to be brought to a build-ready position due to the nature of its previous use. If costs like this were borne by central government, it would allow Carlow County Council to more quickly fulfil its ambition to bring Carlow town centre back to life and increase housing supply for the people of Carlow. Will the Government consider funding a certain level of abnormals for local authorities that are developing housing?

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