Tipperary County Council on track to meet housing targets

Tipperary County Council are on track to make the revised Housing For All targets before 2026.

That is according to Senior Engineer Jonathan Cooney at last week’s special sitting of Tipperary County Council to discuss housing.

Mr Cooney said the housing section are just 48 units short of meeting their target.

“We have no concern whatsoever. We have a proven record. Under Rebuilding Ireland, we demonstrated we could exceed the target, and we will do that again under Housing for All,” said Mr Cooney.

According to his presentation, the initial target was 887 units, but on the council’s request this was revised to 1125.

Mr Cooney said 840 units have already been delivered under Rebuilding Ireland.

They have identified a further 1077 units through other means, which can be delivered within the Housing For All timeframe of 2022 to 2026.

However, Tipperary County Council identified 1617 applicants in need of housing by the end of 2026.

To meet the deficit, Mr Cooney said they expect to deliver a further 885 units through voids, Buy and Renew Scheme, Lease and Repair and acquisitions.

In total, the council expects to deliver 2010 homes by 2026.

“We are confident. We are more than confident. We will certainly make that number in the timeline,” said Mr Cooney.

In the past few years Tipperary County Council have had a number of additional successes.

The rate of vacant properties, or what are termed voids reduced from 4.7% in 2020 to 1.8% in 2022.

“There aren't a lot of local authorities that could hit a 1.8% vacancy rate.”

Mr Cooney said people leave properties all the time and for various reasons, so there will always be a vacancy rate. But the council intends to keep theirs low.

“1.8% is something we are proud of, and we intend to keep it a that level,” said Mr Cooney.

Tipperary County Council received 94 applications for the Croí Cónaithe scheme.

Of those 34 were approved in principle, and 12 rejected. A further 14 are under review, and further information has been sought on 31.

Mr Cooney said the interest in the scheme has been “phenomenal”.

The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund Scheme provides grant aid for property owners to refurbish vacant properties for private residence.

The initial grant is up to €30,000, with a €20,000 top up available if needed to restore a derelict home.

Only properties built before 1993 and vacant for a minimum of two years are eligible for the grant. And currently only those who intend to live in the property can apply.

However, from May 1, 2023, properties to be refurbished for the purpose of renting out will also be eligible.

Local authorities are responsible for reviewing applications and approving in principle.

Lastly, Tipperary County Council have delivered 16 new housing schemes across the county. There are 13 where construction is in progress, and a further 6 with submissions proceeding.