Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, MLA, today moved the Second
Stage of the Dilapidation Bill in the Assembly.
The Bill aims to provide district councils with a modern,
consistent and fit for purpose Northern Ireland-wide enforcement
regime to deal with the negative impact of dilapidated and
dangerous buildings, and neglected sites which reflects the
powers already available to enforcement bodies in the rest of the
UK.
The Bill's other key proposal is to significantly enhance the
cost recovery powers available to councils, making the option of
them carrying out the relevant works themselves much more viable.
Speaking after MLAs voted to approve the Bill, Minister Muir
said: “Dilapidated buildings can spoil the appearance of
our neighbourhoods, can be a risk to public safety and can
attract antisocial behaviour, all to the detriment of local
communities. That's why it's essential to strengthen the response
to this problem through robust legislation.
“This Bill would give councils powers to compel those
responsible for these sites to take appropriate remedial action
or allow the council to take the action itself and recoup its
costs.
“These measures will ultimately ensure that local people
can take pride in their neighbourhoods, helping to deliver
thriving town centres and village squares that are attractive
places to live, work and visit.”
Notes to editors:
- The Dilapidation Bill was introduced in the Assembly on 23
June 2025.
- The Dilapidation Bill now moves to Committee Stage.
- The Bill aims to confer functions on district councils to
provide them with a modern, fit for purpose regime to tackle
dilapidated / dangerous buildings and sites, including a series
of notices, offences, penalties and appeals.
- District councils currently lack consistent powers in this
area but the Bill seeks to provide all councils with the power to
take steps requiring buildings / land to be cleaned up when their
condition adversely affects the amenity of the area.
