Laois to get €2 million to tackle dereliction and vacancy

Laois is to get a €2 million share in €150 million announced nationwide by the Department of Housing to further tackle dereliction and vacancies.

Laois County Council can use the money to buy vacant or derelict properties so they can then offer these properties for private sale to families and young people who in return will bring the property into use as a home.

The cash allocated to the council is the third wave from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), part of the Government’s Vacant Homes Action Plan.  

Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said he is pleased that €2 million has been made available to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Laois.  

"I welcome that the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD, has announced this Government funding for Laois. This Government funding will help bring vacant properties back into use, providing additional housing in Laois."

This is very positive as this Government funding will renovate these properties which are eyesores in our towns and villages. It will also give families and young people further opportunities to live in their local communities in Laois.

"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. This funding is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to increasing in the supply of homes," he said.

Minister of State Pippa Hackett welcomes that both Laois and Offaly will get €2 million each. 

"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.

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"It will assist Local authorities with acquiring vacant and derelict properties which are either not on the market for sale or to which the market has not responded. The Local Authority will then be in a position to offer these properties for private sale to individuals who in return will commit to bringing the property into use as a home.

"This fund will go a long way in enhancing our urban areas in both counties, making them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest," the Green Party Senator said.