The Irish Government’s new Town Centre First policy has tackling derelict buildings in rural areas as one of its aims, according to a news article in the Irish Times.

Launched in early February, the policy is aimed at making towns more viable and attractive and will see two regeneration officers employed by all local authorities working with local communities to help them access Government funding for the renewal and redevelopment of properties.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said the plan aimed to bring together businesses, communities and local government and arm them with everything they need to make their towns thrive.

Making towns better

Individual towns will be assisted by the local authority to develop a Town Centre First plan for the area, making towns better places in which to work, live, run a business and raise a family. The plans are meant to examine issues such as job creation and remote working, as well as climate action and digitation.

The Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke, said the Government wants to bring 4,500 derelict buildings back into use by 2026. The Law Reform Commission is examining the process of local authorities compulsorily purchasing disused buildings can be enhanced.

There will also be a new Croí Cónaithe fund, which will include grants for first-time buyers who restore derelict buildings to use as homes and is to be launched at the end of March. The grants will be in the region of €30,000.

Renovated courthouses and cinemas

Examples of such renovations of derelict buildings already carried out include a disused courthouse that was turned into a library and an old cinema that is going to be used as an enterprise centre with spaces for remote working.

In Ireland, there are 441 towns with a population of between 400 and 5,000, and 62 towns of 5,000-plus. It is hoped that the new strategy can unlock the potential of these areas and allow people to stay in their communities.

Know of a derelict or empty home in your area? Finders Ireland has years of experience of locating the owners of such homes so that they can be renovated and returned to the housing market. You can download the Empty Property Services Leaflet that highlights the various services we can provide here.