€4 million funding announced to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny
Funding has been secured by the Donegal County Council in efforts to bring 44 vacant/derelict properties back into use as homes in Letterkenny Town Centre
The Donegal County Council has received a funding support of €4 million from the the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund (URDF) to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny Town Centre.
Under this programme 44 vacant/derelict properties have been identified as having potential to be brought back into use as homes.
The steps taken by Donegal County Council in December 2023 involved the identification of owners of vacant/derelict properties located in Letterkenny town centre.
The Council is now actively meeting with and providing guidance and support to identified owners and is pleased with the positive response received to date.
In working with owners of vacant and/or derelict properties in Letterkenny, the Council is supporting individuals to reuse their buildings by providing grants, other financial supports and information on: The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; The Repair and Lease Scheme; and The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme.
In addition, as part of the URDF programme, the council are also exploring other avenues including additions of properties to the Derelict Sites Register and the potential purchase of long term vacant and derelict properties for subsequent onward sale on the open market.
“The funding allocation reflects the high priority which Donegal County Council has placed on tackling vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny Town Centre,” Cllr Kevin Bradley, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District said. “It complements existing schemes which the Council already have in place to tackle vacancy and dereliction and it will allow for an increase in the pace at which derelict and vacant buildings are brought back into productive use as new homes for people.”
“The URDF Call 3 fund will greatly assist in the restoration and transformation of the urban heart of Letterkenny Town,” Liam Ward, Director of Community Development & Planning Services said that.
“It will provide more homes for people in sustainable locations, allowing them to live close to local services, amenities and employment.
“It will transform this urban settlement and promote a vibrant community through the regeneration and re-use of existing housing stock.”