Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, MLA, has welcomed Executive
approval to bring forward the Dilapidation Bill to the Assembly.
The Bill aims to provide district councils with a modern,
consistent, fit-for-purpose Northern Ireland-wide enforcement
regime to deal with the negative impact of dilapidated and
dangerous buildings, as well as neglected sites. The Bill
reflects the powers already available to enforcement bodies in
the rest of the UK.
The Bill will also significantly enhance the cost recovery powers
available to councils, making the option of them carrying out the
relevant works themselves much more viable.
Minister Muir said: “We can all see the problems with
dilapidated buildings and neglected sites across Northern
Ireland, which are a blight on our neighbourhoods that can pose
an unacceptable danger to the public.
“People should be able to take pride in their local area,
but when buildings are left to deteriorate, it is the entire
community that suffers the consequences. The Dilapidation Bill
will seek to address this problem, ensuring local people can live
and work in attractive neighbourhoods and benefit from the
associated investment in an area that can come as a
result.
He explained that: “The Bill would empower councils to
issue a range of enforcement notices to require owners, occupiers
and others with a relevant interest to take appropriate remedial
action to deal with dilapidation and neglect. It also allows
councils to take such action itself, where required, and recover
its costs from the relevant person.”
It's currently envisaged that the Dilapidation Bill be introduced
to the Assembly before the summer recess.
Notes to editors:
- The Dilapidation Bill's introduction to the Assembly was
approved by the NI Executive on 5 June 2025.
- 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.
