632 vacant social homes were brought back into active use in Carlow and Kilkenny between 2014 and 2023 under the Voids Programme.
Minister of State at the Housing Department and local Green Party TD Malcolm Noonan has welcomed the figures which also show €9.3million was spent renovating and refurbishing the homes.
An almost 60% increase in the numbers of vacant homes being brought back into use was noted between 2020 and 2023 compared to the 2014 to 2019 period.
“This government has recognised that the refurbishment and the return to use of vacant properties is a sustainable and efficient way to relieve some of the pressure on existing housing stock and provide much needed homes for people. The refurbishment of unoccupied social homes under the Voids Programme also has a positive social impact on communities. By preventing the further decline and ultimate abandonment of vacant properties, we can in many instances prevent the antisocial behaviour and other social issues associated with vacancy and dereliction.
“For this reason, speed in tackling vacant social housing is key. Through a renewed focus on this as a Housing for All action, we are aiming to ensure the fastest possible turnaround and re-let times for social housing stock, and I really welcome the increased rate of delivery by Kilkenny County Council in the last few years. There were 106 social homes returned to use in Kilkenny in the six years between 2014 and 2019, but as these figures show, that more than doubled in the four years from 2020 to 2023, with 244 units being refurbished and re-let.”
