The Department of housing says that 153 homes have been provided in county Tipperary since the Department issued regulations that exempted development that consists of converting certain vacant commercial premises into residential units from the requirement for planning permission. The Planning section of Tipperary county council dealt with 82 notifications of intention to convert properties into homes since 2018. The regulations are aimed at increasing much-needed housing supply and renewing towns and communities. Last year, Minister O’Brien amended the 2018 Regulations to include an exemption for the conversion of vacant pubs. The regulations allowing for exempted development of vacant pubs to residential units is also extended to the end of 2025.
Last year Tipperary County Council received notifications of 21 exempted developments aimed at providing 59 homes. Nationally, 260 notifications indicated intent to provide 665 homes. Apart from providing homes the Minister hopes the regulations will encourage town centre renewal. Minister O’Brien says the Government is determined to eradicate the blight of vacancy and dereliction that afflicts many towns. The government is to run an awareness campaign for the funding schemes and supports that are available to convert derelict properties to homes.
Anyone interested in buying, selling or leasing a vacant property that could be a home is invited to visit gov.ie/vacancy or contact Tipperary County Council’s Vacant Homes Officer.
