Council gets €2m to tackle dereliction in Offaly

Offaly County Council has been allocated €2 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in the county.

The funding was granted to the local authority in Call Three of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a €150 million fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in towns and cities. It forms part of the Government’s Vacant Homes Action Plan.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed the announcement of €2 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Offaly.

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

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.

“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.

The funding for Offaly was also welcomed by Minister of State Pippa Hackett on Tuesday.

"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," she said.

"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."