€10m to bring vacant local properties back into use in Fingal

Fingal is to receive €10 million to revive vacant or derelict residential and commercial buildings in our town centres, a Fine Gael local election candidate has said.

Luke Corkery, Fine Gael candidate for Swords, was speaking following the latest update on the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), given by the Department of Housing this week.

“1,224 long-term vacant properties around Ireland have now been chosen and approved under this scheme.

“It is estimated these properties will create a massive 5,406 homes for people and families all over Ireland. This will have a real impact.

“Fingal County Council will be given funding to cover the purchase of the property and any works required to make the property more suitable for sale, like improving access, tidying up, opening to facilitate inspections, etc. They will then be offered for private sale to those who commit to bringing the property back into residential use.

“There are several grants now in place by the Government to help local buyers do this, like the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, the SEAI energy efficiency grants or the Repair and Leasing Scheme.

“I have been discussing the key issues for people in Swords out on the doors and housing remains a concern. Fine Gael are committed to helping more people in Swords and Fingal own their own home and increasing supply is key to achieving that.

“By repurposing the buildings that we already have, we are boosting available accommodation whilst also rejuvenating the towns and urban centres we know and love.

Minister of State for Housing, Alan Dillon said: “The URDF has been a real game-changer for our towns and cities, breathing new life into them and making them even better places to work in, to live in and to visit.

“Urban regeneration isn’t a luxury, but a real necessity for the beating heart of our urban centres and I’m delighted to see it in action across so many counties.”