Hardware sector welcomes Vacant Homes Action Plan

Hardware Association Ireland has welcomed Minister Darragh O’Brien’s launch of the Vacant Homes Action Plan aimed at bringing empty and derelict properties back into use.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is offering grants of up to €50,000 for derelict homes and €30,000 for vacant homes. The Minister also announced a new €150 million Urban Regeneration and Development fund for vacancy related projects. The reform of the Fair Deal Scheme allowing residents to keep 60% of rental income on their principal residence is also part of the package.

Commenting on this, Hardware Association Ireland Chief Executive Martin Markey said; ‘’The Vacant Homes Action Plan is a very welcome set of measures that Hardware Association Ireland have been championing for the past year. We are delighted that the Minister and his Department are being proactive on the issue of vacant homes as it has the potential to free up thousands of homes, create a lot of jobs, transform rural towns and villages and tackle dereliction in urban areas.’’

Martin Markey went on to say; ‘’Hardware Association Ireland has been leading the charge on empty homes for over a year and in 2022 we developed our Empty Homes strategy. From talking to people on the frontline of this issue including tradespeople, builders merchants, hardware businesses, policy experts and taking soundings from other countries where they have tackled this issue, we know that this plan will work, and it will bring enormous benefits to communities across Ireland.’’

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.

Ends.

Please note: Martin Markey is available for interview.

For more information please contact:

Rory Sweeney                                                             Paul Allen

Paul Allen & Associates                                           Paul Allen & Associates

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