Funding of €150 million has been announced by government for local authorities to buy derelict buildings, which can be repurposed for housing.

It is hoped the scheme will encourage councils to tackle long-term dereliction as well as helping to rejuvenate town centres.

While the upgraded properties could be converted into a public amenity, the fund is primarily aimed at delivering more homes.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien says the new scheme will allow local authorities to establish a rolling programme to tackle long-term vacancy and dereliction, without borrowing or incurring the associated financial risks.

The Department of Housing is also issuing guidance to councils on compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), with a focus on the purchase of derelict properties.

Director of Services with Mayo County Council Tom Gilligan has been telling Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley more about the potential benefits of the new scheme in this county...