Co Monaghan will receive €1.5 million to revive 22 vacant or derelict residential and commercial buildings in our town centres. The news was welcomed by Fine Gael local election candidate for North Monaghan Pauric Clerkin. Mr Clerkin was speaking to Northern Sound following the latest update on the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), given by the department of Housing this week. It is estimated these properties will create a massive 5,406 homes for people and families all over Ireland. According to the local election hopeful, this will have "real impact" on Monaghan, and Ireland overall. He added that urban regeneration isn't a luxury, but a real necessity for the beating heart of our urban centres and that he is "delighted" to see it in action across so many counties.
Mr Clerkin continued; "1,224 long-term vacant properties around Ireland have now been chosen and approved under this scheme. In Monaghan, Monaghan County Council will be given funding to cover the purchase of the property and any works required to make the property more suitable for sale, like improving access, tidying up, opening to facilitate inspections, etc. They will then be offered for private sale to those who commit to bringing the property back into residential use. There are several grants now in place by the Government to help buyers do this, like the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, the SEAI energy efficiency grants or the Repair and Leasing Scheme.
"I am lucky enough to discuss the key issues for people of North Monaghan out on the doors recently and housing remains a concern. I'm committed to helping more people in Monaghan own their own home and increasing supply is key to achieving that. By repurposing the buildings that we already have, we are boosting available accommodation whilst also rejuvenating the towns and urban centres we know and love."
