The Government has introduced a €150 million fund to end “long-term dereliction and vacancy in towns and cities”. 

In the latest Housing for All update, the State has pledged to a “new commitment on widespread adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in public housing”. 

The €150 million fund will be available to local authorities who can identify potential homes. The grant will cover 100% of the cost to acquire the property. 

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said the Government “will use every tool in our armoury to get to grips with our housing challenges”. 

“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,” he said. 

'Rejuvenation'

The Government also published a roadmap for “modern methods of construction” to be used by local authorities. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said this fund will rejuvenate towns and villages across Ireland. 

“We now have a comprehensive set of measures in place to make sure that everyone has a really good incentive to bring disused properties back into use,” he said. 

Housing targets

Mr Varadkar the Government is currently on track to “meet or exceed” this year’s housing targets. 

Work has begun on 13,000 houses so far this year, up 7% from the same in 2022. 

“Over 700 first-time buyers are being approved for mortgages every week,” Mr Varadkar said. “This is the highest figure since records began.” 

P83NHF Housing construction Ireland. Terraced houses in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland.

“We are building more social housing than any year since 1975.” 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said “supply, supply, supply” is the answer to the housing crisis. 

“Despite the challenges, we are making real progress under Housing for All and building more social, affordable and cost rental homes,” he said.