AQW 41592/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 27/02/2026
Answered On Date: 03/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any obligations Health and Social Care Trusts have to ensure their unused or abandoned sites do not have a negative impact on the local community.

Answer:

The Department of Health has several estate policies designed to prevent negative impacts associated with vacant estate. This would include, by extension, negative impacts on the local community.

The Department recognises that vacant estate can become a magnet for antisocial behaviour, as well as being an inefficient use of public sector resources. HSC Trusts are required to identify and release surplus assets without any delay. In addition, the Department requires HSC Trusts to maintain the external envelope of vacant buildings; maintain security on all premises; identify and report on any significant deficiency in health and safety, fire safety, or physical condition; and carry out inspections of land and property.