Minister O’Brien announces funding of 2,351,000 for Fingal County Council to refurbish 157 vacant social homes

 
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and TD for Fingal Darragh O’Brien TD, has announced funding of over €2.3 million for Fingal County Council to refurbish and re-let 157 vacant social homes.
Under the scheme the Department will cover the cost of up to €11,000 per property for the refurbishment of standard vacant properties. Recognising that a small number of homes which are vacant do require significant investment to bring them back into use local authorities can recoup an average of €50,000 per property for up to 10% of their vacant stock. 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “I am delighted that my Department are now in a position to approve applications so that Fingal County Council can get to work in bringing vacant social housing properties back into use.
“Following a 13-week construction sector shut-down we know that COVID-19 will have an impact on housing delivery targets and the Government have said we will do all that we can to make up for any loss. The refurbishment and re-letting of vacant social housing stock is vitally important in this regard.
“The programme will also lead to an added economic benefit with further employment generated for local builders, carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians etc.
“I would like to thank Fingal County Council for their engagement with this scheme and urge them to refurbish and re-let their units as soon as possible,” he concluded.