Over 1,000 vacant social homes returned to active use in Donegal

A total of 1,074 vacant social homes were brought back into active use in County Donegal between 2014-2023 under the Voids Programme figures released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show.

The figures also show that €11 million was spent to renovate and refurbish the homes. Making more efficient use of existing housing stock is a key action of the Government’s Housing for All plan. The Voids Programme supports local authorities in preparing vacant homes for re-letting and builds on the ongoing work to tackle vacancy and dereliction to bring vacant properties into re-use for housing.

"Refurbishment and the return to use of vacant properties helps to reduce pressure on existing housing stock, increase supply, and ultimately, provide much needed homes for people," Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien said.

“Apart from addressing the need for social housing, the refurbishment of these unoccupied social homes also has a positive impact on communities. It prevents the decline and abandonment of vacant properties, which, in some instances, can lead to antisocial behaviour.

“I commend Donegal County Council for working with us to bring these homes back into active use in 2023. Their efforts, will make a real difference in the lives of over 2,400 households All local authorities are encouraged to continue to be as proactive as possible in the return of all vacant properties to use through the use of the Voids Funding Programme as well as other programmes such as the Buy & Renew and Repair & Lease Schemes.

“Speed in tackling vacant social housing is also critical to regeneration and improving the vitality and vibrancy of communities in towns and cities across the country. Through this Housing for All action we have now have shifted to a position of planned maintenance of social housing stock to ensure the fastest possible turnaround and re-let times for social housing stock.’’