New lease of life for 24 vacant and derelict properties

Twenty-four vacant and derelict properties in Westmeath have been identified and granted approval under Urban Regeneration and Development Fund announced in January last year.

The scheme is targeted at addressing long-term vacancy and dereliction across cities and towns and at the provision of residential accommodation.

It is understood that the 24 vacant and derelict properties in Westmeath have the potential to provide a residential yield of 55 homes.

The figure was revealed as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD updated the cabinet on the fund.

A €2.5m allocation is now available to Westmeath County Council to cover the purchase price of properties (residential and commercial) and any minor works required to make the property more suitable for sale e.g. improving access, tidying up, opening up to facilitate inspections.

Acquired properties are then offered for private sale to those who in return will commit to bringing the property back into residential use.

Purchasers of these properties are also able to defray the costs of returning them to use by accessing the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, the SEAI energy efficiency grants or the Repair and Leasing Scheme subject to eligibility.

Nationally, 1,224 vacant and derelict properties in URDF areas have been identified and approved under the scheme and that the estimated residential yield from these properties is 5,406 homes.