The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has announced an improved voids programme for 2021 which will provide funding for the refurbishment and re-letting of approximately 3,000 social homes this year.
Of that 3,000 total, some 115 vacant local authority homes in County Louth are expected to be brought back into use as part of the scheme in 2021 which is more than double last year’s figure of 54 houses.
“This is really positive news” said local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd. “… the Department will cover the cost of up to €11,000 per property for the refurbishment of standard vacant properties.
“Recognising that a small number of homes which are vacant do require significant investment to bring them back into use local authorities can recoup an average of €50,000 per property for up to 10% of their vacant stock.
“This target for Louth would bring with it an approximate budget of €1.7m in funding under the scheme.
“The voids programme is another vital cog in returning housing stock in a cost effective and timely manner.
“Any initiative that returns vital housing units back into stock must be supported, this will not only reduce social housing waiting times but will also reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour that blights vacant units throughout the county.”
O’Dowd said he would continue to campaign for the introduction of a Vacant Homes Tax which An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar committed to re-examining at the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting on Wednesday.
Louth Senator Erin McGreehan also welcomed the announcement saying: “The refurbishment and re-letting of vacant social housing stock is a vitally important project.
“The programme will also lead to an added economic benefit with further employment generated for local builders, carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians etc.
“I urge the local authority to refurbish and re-let their homes to those on the social housing waiting list and those experiencing homelessness as soon as possible.”
