Waterford City and County Council receives €9M to tackle long-term vacancy & dereliction
The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers Eamon Ryan and Darragh O’Brien announced details on the 11th July of a €150 million fund which will be allocated to tackle long-term vacancy and dereliction in towns and cities across Ireland. Waterford City and County Council have received a €9M allocation. This was one of the highest allocations, second only to Dublin City Council, in the country.
Announced as part of the quarterly Housing for All progress update, the funding will be available to local authorities for towns and cities eligible for the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF). Within County Waterford the URDF centres are Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore.
The allocation of funding received follows the comprehensive submission by the Council where it identified suitable projects to increase the housing stock within the Metropolitan Area and Dungarvan. The Council will receive a grant for the entire 100% cost of acquiring suitable long term vacant and derelict properties or sites identified within the Counties URDF Settlements.
Michael Walsh, the CEO of Waterford City and County Council said:
“I am delighted with our allocation of €9M to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction in Waterford. This will transform our key settlements and promote vibrant communities in Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore.”
Kieran Kehoe, Director of Service with responsibility for Planning, Corporate, Culture, HR & IS in Waterford City and County Council said:
“This level of funding reflects the high priority that the Government has placed on boosting accommodation and tackling dereliction both nationally and within County Waterford. It also complements several existing schemes which the Council already have in place to tackle vacancy and dereliction. Through this fund we will increase the pace at which vacant and derelict buildings are brought back into productive use as new homes for people.”
The URDF Call 3 fund will help restore and transform the urban heart of many of our communities. It is envisaged that it will provide more homes for people in sustainable locations, allowing them to live close to local services, amenities and employment. Making use of our existing stock in a more efficient way makes clear environmental sense. For further information on the fund and derelict sites, please contact:
