Boost for Clare as €2.5m is allocated to revive derelict properties
Funding under UDRF will result in the creation of 34 new homes
Clare has received a major boost with the announcement that €2.5m has been allocated, under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, to revive 10 vacant properties across the city and county.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien confirmed the funding in an update to Cabinet earlier this week.
The third round of URDF was announced in January of last year and specifically targeted at addressing long term vacancy and dereliction across cities and towns and at the provision of residential accommodation.
To date, 1,224 vacant and derelict properties in URDF areas, across the country, have been identified and approved under the scheme and the estimated residential yield from these properties is 5,406 homes.
It's anticipated the 10 properties in Clare which have been included in the latest round of funding will result in the creation of 34 new homes.
The fund is available to local authorities to cover the purchase price of properties (residential and commercial) and any minor works that are required to make the property more suitable for sale.
The properties are then offered for private sale with the purchasers committing to bringing them back into residential use.
Commenting on the latest round of funding, Minister O’Brien said: "This government has placed a huge emphasis on the regeneration and rejuvenation of towns all across the country and as I travel around Ireland it’s heartening to see the impact of the various initiatives which are underway to transform towns and cities.”
Funding allocated under the third round of URDF will be administered by Clare County Council.