€2m to tackle vacant and derelict properties in Offaly towns

A TOTAL of €2 million has been allocated by the Government to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Offaly.  

The funding is being allocated to Offaly 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.

These funds provide a comprehensive toolkit for individuals and developers to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use in an affordable way providing more homes where people can live close to local services, amenities and employment.

This announcement brings the total URDF fund approved to date in County Offaly to €7.25 million, with €2.25 million awarded under Call 2 URDF, which part-funds projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest.

The overall total funding includes €3 million in approved URDF funding for the Tullamore Urban Area project, funded under Call 1.

Together the various funding streams build on the strategic vision for Tullamore town centre.

The news has been welcomed by Deputy Barry Cowen and Junior Minister Pippa Hackett.

Deputy Cowen said: “I’m delighted that my party colleague Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has allocated €2 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Offaly. 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.”  

Deputy Cowen 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.”

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

Minister Hackett said “this fund is specifically targeted at tackling vacancy and dereliction in cities and towns across the country with the added benefit of improving streetscapes and providing additional housing.

“This fund will assist local authorities with acquiring vacant and derelict properties which are either not on the market for sale or to which the market has not responded. The Local Authority will then be in a position to offer these properties for private sale to individuals who in return will commit to bringing the property into use as a home.

“This fund will go a long way in enhancing our urban areas in Offaly, making them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest.”

Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick welcomed the funding announcement and thanked the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for “the ongoing commitment to supporting vacancy and dereliction”.

Tullamore Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr, Declan Harvey welcomed the funding saying “it is a really good incentive to transform Tullamore town to a vibrant community”.