Funding of €9 million confirmed to tackle vacant and derelict buildings in Waterford

Funding of €9 million has been confirmed to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Waterford. 

Local Fianna Fáil Minister, Mary Butler, has welcomed the funding for urban regeneration for Waterford.  

Minister Butler said it will help local authorities bring vacant properties back into use with the dual benefit of improving streetscapes and providing additional housing.  

The funding is being allocated to Waterford County Council in Call Three of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a €150 million fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in our towns and cities. It forms part of the Government’s Vacant Homes Action Plan.  

Local authorities will acquire vacant/derelict properties which are either not on the market for sale or to which the market has not responded. They will then offer these properties for private sale to individuals who in return will commit to bringing the property into use as a home.

Proceeds from the sale of these properties will ensure a rolling programme of acquisitions and disposals is in place.

Minister Butler said: “I’m delighted that my party colleague Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has allocated €9 million to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Waterford. This will allow vacant properties to be brought back into use and create new homes.  

“It's hugely positive as not only will it remove derelict properties which are eyesores in our towns and villages, it will give people the opportunity to live and participate in their local communities making them more vibrant in the process.”  

Minister Butler added: “Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to tackling the issue of vacant and derelict properties in our communities and increasing housing supply across the country.”

Minister O’Brien said she issued the call last January for local authorities to outline their proposals for the URDF funding.  

Welcoming the announcement Senator Cummins stated: “I’m delighted that Waterford has received one of the highest allocations in the country to further tackle vacancy and dereliction across the county. Transforming existing buildings back into housing stock not only boosts our housing supply but it has the dual benefit of removing eye sores from our cities, towns and villages which brings life back into our urban settings”.

Senator Cummins continued: “Tackling vacancy and dereliction has remained a high priority of mine since my election to Seanad Eireann and prior to this in my role as a councillor.

"While Waterford has done better than most in terms of utilising government schemes like the Repair and Lease, Buy and Renew, CPO’s and the new exemptions for commercial to residential exemptions, it is clear we have more work to do. This funding will therefore be of significant assistance to Waterford City and County Council in continuing its work in this space”.