To ask the Minister of the Environment what steps his Department is taking to address dilapidated buildings in East Londonderry, which attract anti-social behaviour, in order to maintain the area as an attractive tourist destination.

A discussion document on legislation regarding dilapidated/dangerous buildings and neglected sites was issued to key stakeholders on 31 March 2014 with a request for responses by 30 June. By the closing date 20 substantive responses had been received, primarily from the local government sector, highlighting a range of complex policy and legal issues. A synopsis of these responses has been prepared and is available to view on the DOE website. Officials are currently in the process of engaging with stakeholders to discuss these issues with a view to issuing a formal public consultation on policy proposals by 31 March 2015. The link between dilapidation and anti-social behaviour is one of the important issues under consideration and I am committed to ensuring that District Councils have access to effective and fit for purpose legislation to address this and other significant issues throughout Northern Ireland. Another DOE initiative, the Dereliction Intervention Funding programme, has been accessed to great effect by a number of councils, including those within the East Londonderry constituency, and it is hoped that further funds for this scheme will be made available in the future.