Nearly 500 Cork homes brought back into use under vacancy scheme

More than 480 vacant and derelict properties have been brought back into use as homes across Cork in the past four years with the support of over €26m in grant funding.

Since the launch of the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme in July 2022, Cork County Council has approved almost 1,400 applications under the programme.

The local authority said the scheme has helped return 481 previously vacant or derelict properties to residential use, with grant payments totalling more than €26m.

Mayor of Co Cork Bernard Moynihan said bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use remains a key priority in efforts to increase housing supply.

Mr Moynihan, a Fianna Fáil councillor, was speaking at the launch of an information brochure outlining available supports, entitled Guidance for Owners of Vacant and Derelict Properties.

“This new guide gives property owners clear, practical information on the supports available to help restore buildings, provide homes, and strengthen the vitality of our towns and villages,” Mr Moynihan said.

The brochure is available in Irish and English through the Cork County library network and is designed to help property owners understand the financial supports, planning guidance, and regeneration initiatives available to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into productive use.

Cork County Council chief executive Moira Murrell said the council was delivering a range of measures to address long-term vacancy and dereliction throughout the county.

“These initiatives support key objectives of the Government’s Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, and the Town Centre First policy, all of which aim to revitalise town and village centres while increasing housing supply,” she said.

The guidance brochure aims to provide property owners with practical information and signposting to the supports available to help return vacant and derelict buildings to active use, contributing to the sustainable regeneration of towns and villages across Co Cork.