Buy and Renew Scheme has brought nearly 1,000 homes into use as social housing
Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher welcomes the expansion of the Buy and Renew Scheme announced today by the Minister for Housing.
The Scheme was originally introduced in 2016, the Buy and Renew Scheme enable local authorities and AHBs to purchase or acquire long‑term vacant or derelict properties, refurbish them to required standards and make them available as social housing.
Under the expansion of the scheme, building contractors will for the first time be able to directly acquire and refurbish vacant and derelict properties. Before any work begins contractors must enter into an agreement with a local authority or Approved Housing Body to purchase homes for social housing when completed.
Welcoming the expansion of the scheme, Senator Robbie Gallagher said:
“The expansion to the Buy and Renew Scheme announced today by Minister for Housing James Browne, will give a significant boost to tackling vacancy and dereliction across the country.
“Critically, the inclusion of building contractors into the scheme should unlock further avenues and accelerate delivery of social housing. To date, over 960 previously disused homes have been brought back to life through the scheme. With today’s changes the pace of renewal will accelerate and reduce dereliction across the country.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme have also changed. It is being updated si that properties must now be both vacant and derelict, ensuring the scheme is targeted at the most challenging buildings.
Gallagher stated:
“I believe the updated eligibility criteria will be a critical aspect of unlocking the potential of this scheme. Targeting the most challenging buildings is important, we cannot allow buildings to lie vacant and derelict when we are looking to scale up on housing delivery.
“We must continue to emphasise the important role of local authorities and ABHs to help tackle vacancy and dereliction. I will continue to engage with Cavan and Monaghan County Councils to ensure they meet the targets set out by the Department.
ENDS