To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 3628-22/27, to detail what steps are being taken to bring the 16 Actionable voids in East Londonderry back into use.

This issue is an operational matter for The Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“The previous response relates to 16 Actionable voids as at October 2022. At the end of April 2024, Causeway Area’s East Londonderry Actionable voids totalled 24.

Actionable voids are defined as properties which are vacant while in the process of being allocated/awaiting change of tenancy repairs. These may also include properties deemed to be difficult to let.

20 of these properties are awaiting routine change of tenancy repairs (17 of these are currently offer accepted and awaiting sign up with the remaining 3 under offer). 2 properties have been extensively damaged and are undergoing significant change of tenancy repairs. The remaining 2 properties are subject to a legal dispute regarding the liability for reinstatement / demolition costs”.

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with them will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.