Turn vacant commercial units into homes - Nolan

The government needs to start turning vacant commercial unit into homes, according to Deputy Carol Nolan.

“The need to address vacant homes and premises is something that I have raised time and time again, " Deputy Nolan said.

“My colleague Eoin O’Broin, as spokesperson on this issue, has put forward a comprehensive vacant homes strategy that would make a real difference to those seeking a home.

“I have held several meetings with representatives of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and housing bodies to discuss the need to turn vacant homes and commercial units into homes."

Highlighting the high commercial unit and residential vacancy rates in Offaly, Deputy Nolan says that the properties are there to tackle the local housing shortage.

“Currently, Edenderry has the second highest commercial property vacancy rate of towns in this state at 27%.

“Tullamore and Birr have commercial vacancy rates of 16% and 15%.Roughly 2,500 families are languishing on social housing waiting lists, while 3,000 homes are vacant in my own home county of Offaly.

“This is a disgrace and needs to be tackled. The Action Plan on Rural Development clearly states that current planning legislation would be reviewed in order to allow the use of vacant commercial units as residential units.

“As far as I can see little action has been taken to implement this relatively simple and cost-effective proposal. The government’s delay on this issue is inexcusable and I hope that they will support this bill going to committee stage so that this matter can be progressed once and for all.”