Significant number of properties being brought back from dereliction in Waterford City

Waterford Council continues to address derelict buildings in the city with a significant number of properties brought back into use recently, and a further 897 units at planning, design, tender, on site, turnkey or construction stages.

Additionally, at this month's Metropolitan Council meeting the Active Land Management and Dereliction Sites Team reported to local councillors that the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has led to a "significant rise" in the number of derelict and vacant properties, which are now available on the market, whilst the Comeragh District Council was told that there has been a “phenomenal” response to the grant. 

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star this week, Cllr Frank Quinlan said Waterford Council has been setting a precedent in this area.

“The derelict sites team are very proactive and they have nearly 300 properties on their radar for consultation and they’re in talks with the different landowners. I highlighted a few houses that were taking a little bit longer, and it was fantastic to see the housing team responding in such a positive way and getting those houses back into use.

“We’re very ahead of local authorities around the country and this is an example of how proactive the local authority is in terms of bringing properties back into use. We are definitely leading the way.” 

Cllr Quinlan added that restoring such properties is key to providing more housing.

“If we can get these houses back into use, I think the housing crisis will alleviate a lot faster. You hear the term ‘we must build more houses’ a lot, but I think we should try and bring as many vacant properties back into use as possible that are close to the city centre, schools and shops."