Some 151 new homes associated with notifications to convert vacant commercial premises in Limerick since 2018
LIMERICK City and County Council has received contact from 75 homeowners seeking to convert vacant commercial premises into homes.
The information, published by Minister of State Kieran O'Donnell, revealed that since 2018, the local authority had received these notifications, which will pave the way for 151 new homes, converted from empty business premises.
In 2022, council received notifications of conversions of six former pubs aimed at providing 17 homes.
In total, it received notifications of 23 exempted developments aimed at providing 38 homes.
Nationally, 260 notifications indicated intent to provide 665 homes.
Limerick TD Mr O’Donnell said: "Today’s figures show that extra homes in Limerick are being provided due to these regulations that make it easier to convert certain vacant commercial premises, including vacant spaces over ground-floor premises, into housing. Crucially, these regulations also encourage town centre renewal, a government priority. That is why these exemptions were extended until the end of 2025 last year."
The Fine Gael man added: "This government is determined to eradicate the blight of vacancy and dereliction that afflicts many of our towns. We have many schemes and supports out there to help people convert a derelict building or premises into a home. We are running a national campaign to alert the public to these supports and I hope to see many more conversions of such properties in Limerick in the year ahead."