Laois Vacant Homes Team survey over 800 properties

Laois County Council’s Vacant Homes Team has surveyed more than 800 properties this year. 

The figures were revealed in the council’s Monthly Management Report from September. 

“The Vacant Homes Team is currently continuing to survey properties identified as being vacant in data supplied by GeoDirectory (via a Dept of Housing 2022 initiative). 

The app has shown the following data so far - of the 821 properties surveyed to date (residential and commercial), 498 properties were found to be vacant, with 31 of those found to be derelict,” the report revealed. 

“Housing Section will endeavour to contact the owners of the vacant residential properties and outline the schemes available to return these properties to use for housing,” the report stated. 

“Where ownership cannot be established, local enquiries will continue in relation to ownership, vacancy history, etc. Where all other means of returning the properties to use have been exhausted, use of the CPO(Compulsory Purchase Order) process to acquire properties deemed to be suitable for social housing or onward sale to private market will be considered,” the report stated.  

In Pictures: Ploughing into action on lovely day in Laois

The council said the type and location of the different vacant properties will determine whether or not they are suitable for use for social housing.