National empty homes roadshow kicks off in Dundalk

A nationwide series of roadshows organised by Hardware Association Ireland aimed at tackling the issue of empty homes kicked off recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk.

Among the noted speakers were TV star and architect Hugh Wallace and Louth County Council’s Director of Housing, Paddy Donnelly.

The series of nationwide roadshows aims to inform and engage with stakeholders involved in bringing Ireland’s empty and unused homes back into use to help solve the housing crisis.

Stakeholders include county council officials, the hardware sector, trades professionals, architects, builders, estate agents and construction materials suppliers.

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Hardware Association Ireland has championed recommendations to Government and the Department of Housing in its pre-Budget submission and many of its policies form the backbone of the Action Plan for Vacant Homes, announced recently by Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien.

Commenting on the roadshow, Hardware Association Chief Executive, Martin Markey, said: "Our roadshow events are a wonderful opportunity for practical dialogue about the steps we need to take to get more empty homes back into use.

“Thanks to our efforts campaigning on this issue, there are now real and effective grants and supports available for people who are renovating empty houses.

"Much of our session today was about highlighting these supports and encouraging people to see the opportunities available.’’

Mr Markey continued: "Hardware Association Ireland has been leading the charge on empty homes for over a year and in 2022 we developed our Empty Homes strategy.

“The purpose of our roadshow series is to talk to people on the frontline of this issue, those who will be directly involved in every aspect of the renovation process.

“This includes trades professionals, builders merchants, planners, local authorities hardware businesses, and policy experts. There is a huge opportunity to bring life back into cities, towns, villages and local communities across Ireland.’’

Hardware Association Ireland is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributers and manufacturers. It represents over 400 members nationwide and 26,000 staff in the sector.