30 new homes to be developed from 11 vacant pubs in Cork

Eleven vacant pubs are set to be redeveloped to create nearly 30 new homes in Cork, as part of a new initiative made possible by a planning exemption.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien published figures which show that local authorities received 92 notifications relating to pubs with the intention to create 295 new homes nationally.

Three of these notifications were in Cork city and eight in Cork county, with the potential to create nine homes in the city and 21 homes in the county.

Planning exemptions introduced in 2018 removed the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of certain types of vacant commercial property into residential units.

In 2022, the exemption was extended to allow vacant pubs to be converted into homes, and that year and the following year, 92 notifications relating to pubs were received by local authorities nationally with the intention to create 295 new homes.

In 2022 and 2023, 11 notifications relating to pubs were received by Cork City and County Council combined with the intention to create 30 new homes.

“Converting empty buildings into new homes for people in Cork is a crucial pillar of Housing for All,” Minister of State, and Cork North Central TD, Colm Burke said.

“These figures demonstrate that policies easing the planning process for converting unoccupied commercial premises, including pubs, into residential use are effectively increasing housing supply, reducing vacancy, and rejuvenating urban areas across Cork.

“During my visits to communities in Cork, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation of vacant pubs into vibrant apartments, bringing life back to neighbourhoods.

“Streamlining these exemptions and simplifying the conversion of commercial buildings into high-quality homes is not just practical, it is essential to ensure the vibrancy of our local communities.”

This, alongside other government initiatives such as the enhanced resources for local authorities’ vacant homes offices, the repair and lease scheme, and the vacant property refurbishment grant which offers grants of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant property into a permanent home, are “turning spaces of neglect into places of hope and opportunity, ensuring a vibrant and thriving community for everyone in Cork,” he said.