Cork County Council to host drop-in clinics on vacant and under-utilised properties

Cork County Council is set to host a series of drop-in roadshow clinics this month, providing practical advice on bringing vacant and under-utilised properties back into use.

The series of events, entitled the ‘Property Activation and Town Regeneration Roadshow’, is designed to engage directly with property owners, business owners, builders and technical professionals who have an interest in reusing and revitalising surplus buildings.

This includes spaces over shops, behind commercial premises, or entire vacant or under-used properties in towns and villages across Cork.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the roadshow series will offer “an opportunity for people to meet with experts from across Cork County Council working to support property activation and regeneration”.

“Representatives from the Council’s Town Regeneration Office, Local Enterprise Offices, Planning, Housing, and Fire and Building Control will be available to provide guidance and answer queries,” said Ms Linehan Foley.

“Anyone who is considering putting their property to better use should visit their local event to learn more about the opportunities and supports available.” 

At each session, information and guidance will be provided on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme, the new Vacant Over the Shop Grant Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, the Repair and Lease Scheme, conservation guidance for protected structures and historic buildings, planning requirements and advice, and fire and building control requirements.

In addition to scheme-specific information, attendees can also seek advice on general queries relating to the reuse of vacant and under-utilised town centre properties.

Chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said the local authority has been “actively engaging with property owners to tackle vacancy and dereliction".

“This upcoming roadshow builds on that work, aiming to further support town centre regeneration and enhance the vitality of communities across the county,” said Ms Murrell.

Each roadshow event will take place between 4pm and 8pm, starting at the Commodore Hotel in Cobh on May 14.

Further events will take place at the Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal on May 18, the Castle Hotel in Macroom on May 19, the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen on May 20, the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown on May 21, the West Lodge Hotel in Bantry on May 25, the Carrigaline Court Hotel and the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow on May 26, the Munster Arms Hotel in Bandon on May 27 and the Charleville Park Hotel on May 28.

For more information, visit: www.corkcoco.ie.