Building on the success of last year’s record investment in the programme to refurbish and re-let vacant properties, another voids programme for 2021 has been announced which will provide funding for the refurbishment of 150 social homes in the South Dublin Local Authority, a Dublin Mid-West TD has said.
Deputy Emer Higgins, has welcomed the announcement that will help 150 families in the South Dublin area who are currently on the social housing list. “We have heard loud and clear that more housing is needed in the areas of Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Saggart, Palmerstown and Lucan,” said Deputy Higgins. “It’s the number one issue in my constituency and programmes like this one go a long way to helping those on the social housing list, in desperate need of a home. “Our Local Authority area is receiving one of the highest levels of funding of any Local Authority in the country, which is a very clear indication that our housing difficulties are understood and being prioritised.
“I am delighted that South Dublin County Council will be allocated funding to refurbish and re-let 150 social housing units this will mean good news for 150 families who are battling homelessness or who are on the social housing list. “The Department will fund refurbishment of up to €11,000 per property but they also recognise that a number of homes will need more significant investment so provisions have been made for local authorities to recoup an average of €50,000 per property for up to 10% of their vacant stock to ensure homes are in top condition for their new tenants. “With the construction sector having been shut for 13 weeks we know that the effects of covid-19 will have a significant impact on housing delivery targets but the Government are committed to making up for any loss and the voids programme for 2021 will be vitally important in this regard,” concluded Deputy Higgins.
