Addressing Vacancy & Dereliction
URDF Call 3
Funding support of €4m has been provided to Donegal County Council under Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund (URDF) to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny Town Centre. Under this programme 44 vacant/derelict properties have been identified as having potential to be brought back into use as homes.
The steps taken by Donegal County Council in December 2023 involved the identification of owners of vacant/derelict properties located in Letterkenny town centre. The Council is now actively meeting with and providing guidance and support to identified owners and is pleased with the positive response received to date.
In working with owners of vacant and/or derelict properties in Letterkenny, the Council is supporting individuals to reuse their buildings by providing grants, other financial supports and information on:
(i) The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
(ii) The Repair and Lease Scheme and
(iii) The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme
In addition, as part of the URDF programme, Council is also exploring other avenues including additions of properties to the Derelict Sites Register and the potential purchase of long term vacant and derelict properties for subsequent onward sale on the open market.
Activation Programme
Donegal County Council is undertaking surveys of vacant and/or derelict properties in towns and villages throughout the County with a view to identifying and engaging with the owners on the supports available to bring the properties back into use.
The main steps of this Property Activation Programme include:
Step 1: Identification of vacant and derelict properties
Step 2: Identification of and engagement with owners.
Step 3: Communication with owners regarding the supports available.
Step 4: Consideration of options available to owners and DCC.
One of the main supports available to bring properties back into use is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme. If an owner is unable or unwilling to bring the property back into use, the property may be included on the Derelict Sites Register where it will attract an annual levy. Click here to view the Derelict Sites Register.
Vacant Homes.ie
A dedicated website www.vacanthomes.ie is available for members of the public to anonymously log possible vacant properties.
Donegal County Council will then follow up with the owners of the vacant dwellings to see if they can quickly be brought back into use in order to provide for families and individuals with a housing need.
The website, apart from assisting local authorities, also provides useful information for vacant home property owners as to what steps are needed and how they can bring their vacant unit back into use.