Plan to tackle dereliction in Tipperary

Funding aimed at transforming towns

The Government has announced funding of €5 million for County Tipperary aimed at ending long-term vacancy and dereliction as part of a move that both the Housing Minister Darragh O’ Brien and local Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill says will help transform towns and provide more homes where people can live close to local services and amenities.

CAHILL WELCOMES FUNDING

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

Minister O’ Brien said the cash injection to Tipperary will increase the pace at which vacant and derelict buildings are turned into new homes.

Deputy Cahill said the funding is being allocated to Tipperary 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.

He said councils will acquire vacant/derelict properties that 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.

Deputy Cahill said: “I’m delighted that my party colleague Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has allocated €5 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Tipperary.

“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 Cahill 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’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcing the funding last Thursday, the Minister said: “Today we are announcing details of a 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, including those in Tipperary.

“It will also provide more homes in urban centres 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 armoury 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.”

The Minister says the funding complements a number of measures to tackle vacancy within Housing for All, the Government’s housing plan for Ireland.

He added: “Everyone in the State should have access to a home to purchase or rent at an affordable price, built to a high standard and in the right place, offering a high quality of life.”