Vacant Mayo homes being brought back into use
MAYO County Council has held a signing in relation to vacant properties that are being brought back on stream through the government’s Repair and Leasing Scheme.
The scheme brings vacant properties in need of repair back into use for social housing and is aimed at owners who cannot afford the repairs needed to bring their property up to the standard required.
The council has enjoyed considerable success with the scheme, with 19 lease agreements signed to date and 28 other applications at various stages.
There are significant benefits to property owners. For example, if a property requires repairs to bring it up to standard for letting, a local authority or approved housing body will pay for this repair work in return for the property being made available for social housing for a period of at least five years under either a direct lease or a Rental Availability Agreement (RAA) with the council.
Tom Gilligan, director of services with Mayo County Council, said schemes such as this are very beneficial in bringing vacant properties back into use.
Apart from providing much needed housing, bringing vacant homes back into use helps rejuvenate areas that are in decline.
Also, these properties, once occupied, will help sustain local communities and services such as shops and schools.
Mayo County Council has been to the fore in bringing vacant homes back into use and their ambition, he said, is to achieve more and they want property owners in towns, especially Ballina, Castlebar, Westport, Swinford, Foxford, Claremorris, Ballinrobe, Newport and Louisburgh, to engage with them.
Mayo County Council is calling on all vacant home property owners that need access to a maximum, interest free loan of €60,000 in order to get their property back into use and also have a guaranteed rental income, to get in touch.
An information pack can be posted out or emailed to interested owners and anyone interested should contact Mayo County Council’s vacant home officer, Deirdre Swords, at dswords@mayococo.ie or alternatively by phone at (094) 9064950.