Minister says 'scope for lot more' vacancy grants for Longford homeowners

The Minister was on hand for the opening of the town's Public Realm Enhancement Project.

The initiative saw improvement works enhancing the streetscape of Market Square, Grafton Court and the environs of Longford Shopping Centre.

The developments were designed to enhance the pedestrian experience with new path treatments, street furniture and lighting.

After meeting with the elected representatives and executive Minister O'Brien praised the work of the local authority: “We are here to meet the executive and the team in the council who are doing a really good job. They are predominantly focused on housing delivery. We've seen a substantial reduction in the housing waiting lists in Longford, just sort of 10%. There is a very good pipeline. I like to meet with the housing teams across the country.

Minister O'Brien also noted the difficulties faced by the council: “I am hearing about the progress, but also the challenges that may be there. We have had discussions around vacancies. That's an area I want to continue to tackle. There is some really good work being done by Longford County Council in that regard.

“I visited some properties that were vacant that are under refurbishment that will be let out to families by November this year. There is a lot more work we can do there,” he told The Leader.

The minister highlighted progress on Housing for All, the Government’s Housing Plan. The plan aims to reimagine and transform cities and towns and increase residential development while emphasising the value of amenities and quality of life.

The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund overarches tow funds delivered by local authorities. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides people with a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties while under the Ready to Build Scheme, local authorities make serviced sites available in towns and villages at a discounted rate to individuals who want to build their own home.

Under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund refurbishment costs of up to €50,000, will be augmented by an additional €20,000 where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict.

“I also discussed the real opportunities around the Croí Cónaithe vacancy grants for homeowners,” Minister O'Brien, “There are around 80 application for homeowners here in Longford. I believe we have scope for a lot more. We are providing grants of up to €70,000 for those homeowners to help affray the costs of refurbishing properties. It is good for climate, it is good for regeneration, and it is good for families.”

Minister O'Brien says that people with vacant properties “must get them back into use”. He said further moneys are available for the restoration of homes under the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme Grant.

“We have a real opportunity, in this region in particular, to make very significant inroads into vacancy and dereliction. We are doing that through CPO programmes, but also through the Croí Cónaithe grants,” the Housing Minister said.

“We have around 3,000 application across the country, but only 80 here in Longford. I just want more people to know about it,” Minister O'Brien said, “It's a relatively new scheme with a simple four page application.”