Revival plan for vacant homes in Limerick
High hopes that Patrickswell Homes vacant over 15 years back open by 2028
ELEVEN long-derelict homes in Patrickswell look set to be brought back into use, it has been revealed.
Information provided to Fine Gael councillor Dan McSweeney has revealed the homes, which have been vacant for more than 15 years, could start to be occupied from as early as 2028.
Council housing executive Sarah Newell confirmed that background works are being done around the houses.
Once this is complete, an application is to be submitted by the local authority for funding to bring in affordable housing for the first five units.
As for the remaining six, Ms Newell did not mention these in her written answer to Cllr McSweeney at this month’s metropolitan meeting.
But the Patrickswell councillor has welcomed the progress.
He said: “This is a very positive and important step forward for a site that has remained derelict for far too long. While there is still a significant body of work to be completed, it is great to see work now underway to bring these homes back into use.”
He particularly welcomed the possibility of these units being made available for affordable purchase, a move which would see first-time buyers be able to potentially buy a home they could not otherwise afford on the open market.
“Many local families are struggling to get on the property ladder due to the significant rise in house prices locally and it is now time for Limerick City and County Council to step up and deliver affordable purchase homes for local families as a matter of urgency,” the City West councillor added in a statement last week.
It is only in recent years the local authority has acquired the homes using legislation designed to encourage owners to repair, redevelop, or bring neglected and unused properties or land back into productive use.
Prior to the purchase, Cllr McSweeney wrote to the local authority’s director general Dr Pat Daly calling for the homes to be acquired by council, as it has done with others across Limerick.
Following this, he wanted to see them used to deliver affordable purchase housing under the Starter Home Purchase Scheme. This would allow the homes to be sold to first-time buyers at a reduced cost, with the local authority taking an equity share to support affordability.