Action demanded on 11 long-derelict houses in the centre of Limerick village

ELEVEN long-derelict housing units in the centre of Patrickswell must be prioritised for redevelopment in 2026, says Cllr Dan McSweeney, who is calling for affordable purchase homes to be developed for the local community.

These properties, vacant for more than fifteen years, have significantly detracted from the appearance of the village, he says. 

“In recent years, Limerick City and County Council acquired the units under the Derelict Sites Act, and they are now fully in Council ownership,” said the Patrickswell-based Fine Gael Councillor.

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Cllr McSweeney has written to the director general of Limerick City and County Council, urging that the site be now utilised to deliver Affordable Purchase Housing under the Starter Home Purchase Scheme.

This scheme allows homes to be sold to first-time buyers at a reduced cost, with the local authority taking an equity share to support affordability.

Cllr McSweeney said: “These housing units are located in the centre of Patrickswell village and have remained vacant for far too long. I firmly believe that during 2026 we must see action from Limerick City and County Council to bring these homes out of dereliction and, more importantly, return them to the housing market under the Starter Home Purchase Scheme.”

He said delivering these units through this scheme would allow  Council to take an equity share, helping to make these homes genuinely affordable for individuals and families, who are currently locked out of the housing market in Patrickswell and surrounding areas.

“Over the coming months, I will continue to work closely with Limerick City and County Council to push these units forward and ensure the delivery of much-needed affordable housing.

"I will also be reviewing additional solutions to deliver further affordable homes within Patrickswell and across the wider city and county.”