State support is the 'key' to reviving Clare town centres, says election candidate
Local election hopeful claims grants are the 'key' to combatting dereliction in Clare towns
A candidate in the upcoming local elections says that the key to reviving local town centres is by tackling dereliction, which he proposes can be done through more direct state support.
Fianna Fail local election candidate in the Shannon MD, David Griffin, has said tackling vacancy and dereliction will be key to reviving local town centres into the future.
Mr Griffin said: "We all know of towns and villages around Clare that are plagued with vacant and derelict buildings.
"Utilising existing buildings within our local areas is hugely important and could play a key role in tackling local housing needs, as well as improving the the vibrancy of our village and town centres."
The Croí Cónaithe Vacant and Derelict Property Grant is a direct state support for homebuyers and homeowners to refurbish a vacant or derelict property and turn it into a home.
"Under these grants, funding of up to €50,000 is available to retrofit a vacant building and €70,000 for derelict properties," Mr Griffin continued.
"When we look at main streets in some rural villages, such as Newmarket on Fergus or in some areas of Shannon, there is huge potential if this grant was to be availed of."
"As of December 20, Clare County Council had 279 applications, which if approved, would help boost the supply of rental properties and properties for permanent residence. This is a potential investment of €6m to €7m by the government in the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties in county Clare to be returned as permanent homes."
Anyone who may be interested in learning more about the grant can contact Clare County Council at [email protected]