Hardware Association Ireland responds to Budget 2025

Hardware Association Ireland welcomes Minister’s initiatives for Empty Homes

Hardware Association Ireland today (Tuesday 1st October) welcomed Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe TD’s Budget recommendations for rejuvenating empty homes. In particular, the strong commitment of €680 million allocated to affordable housing schemes and to support additional grants under the vacant refurbishment grant scheme.

Commenting on the Budget 2025 announcement, Martin Markey, Chief Executive of Hardware Association Ireland said “We would like to thank Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe TD, for announcing these innovative and transformative measures in their budget today. These measures will facilitate and accelerate the renovation of above-the-shop units into valuable homes and living spaces in towns and villages across Ireland”.

“These series of initiatives will provide great solutions to the housing shortage, and it also brings new purpose to underused urban spaces, contributing to the revitalisation of our villages, towns and cities in an environmentally friendly way. These above-the-shop recommendations that we have made to Government will benefit both individuals and the wider community across Ireland”.

Martin went on to say “In our public affairs campaign and engagement with Government, we have highlighted a vast number of unused and abandoned over the shop units on every high street of major shopping areas across the country.

Today’s announcements rapidly pave the way for more affordable housing, fostering vibrant communities where people can live and work ‘above the shop’. Today’s budget announcements and actions are clearly supported by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, who displays great vision and leadership in addressing both housing and urban renewal. These practical, lasting solutions will benefit both individuals and the wider community”.

Hardware Association Ireland is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributers, and manufacturers. It represents over 400 members nationwide and 26,000 staff in the sector. The association uniquely represents all levels of the supply chain and include within membership ranks national and international companies, multi-branch chains & smaller independent hardware businesses.

ENDS.

Please note this is a direct media statement from Hardware Association Ireland.

A more detailed release will follow in the course of this afternoon.

Please also note Martin Markey will be available for interview.

For more information please contact:
Paul Allen
Paul Allen & Associates
18 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2
01 676 9575 / 087 257 5700