€1.5m to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Longford

Local Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty has welcomed €1.5 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Longford.  

Deputy Flaherty said it will help local authorities bring vacant properties back into use with the dual benefit of improving streetscapes and providing additional housing.  

The funding is being allocated to Longford County Council in Call Three of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a €150 million fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in our towns and cities. It forms part of the Government’s Vacant Homes Action Plan.  

Local authorities will acquire vacant/derelict properties which are either not on the market for sale or to which the market has not responded. They will then offer these properties for private sale to individuals who in return will commit to bringing the property into use as a home.

Proceeds from the sale of these properties will ensure a rolling programme of acquisitions and disposals is in place.

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Deputy Flaherty said, “I’m delighted that my party colleague Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has allocated €1.5 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Longford. This will allow vacant properties to be brought back into use and create new homes.  

“It's hugely positive as not only will it remove derelict properties which are eyesores in our towns and villages, it will give people the opportunity to live and participate in their local communities making them more vibrant in the process.”  

He added: “Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to tackling the issue of vacant and derelict properties in our communities and increasing housing supply across the country.”

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Minister O’Brien issued the call last January for local authorities to outline their proposals for the URDF funding.  

He said, “Today we are announcing a  €150m revolving fund to specifically tackle long term vacancy and dereliction within towns and cities. This fund will help restore the urban heart of many of our communities, provide more homes where people can live close to local services, amenities and employment and, indeed, has the potential to be truly transformative. 

This Government has consistently said we will use every tool in our armory to get to grips with our housing challenges and that is exactly what we are doing. Through this fund we will increase the pace at which vacant and derelict buildings are brought back into productive use as new homes for people."