We need to rebuild derelict houses in the countryside

To protect rural life, I appeal to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to introduce an equivalent to the urban renewal scheme.

Such a scheme would revive our towns and villages.

Nothing deteriorates so fast as a deserted house. Houses in good shape should be retained. Many of these houses are near a school, church, shop and community hall, but that infrastructure is collapsing because of dwindling populations. The Government must consider incentives for the owners of these deserted houses, so that they can be re-allocated to people on housing lists.