Cork City Council is keen to fully utilise housing stock in the city centre. There are numerous buildings and upper floors lying empty, which could be made into housing accommodation. There are a number of supports available to assist owners in converting these empty spaces into homes. Cork City Council are also available to provide information and guidance. The following supports are available:
Repair and Lease Scheme: A new Repair and Leasing Scheme has been developed to bring vacant properties into social housing use. The scheme is aimed at owners of vacant properties, who cannot afford the repairs needed to bring their property up to the standard for renting. Please see: Repair and Lease Scheme (RLS) - Cork City Council or contact Cork City Council's Housing Department at HousingCapital@corkcity.ie
Better Energy Homes Scheme: The Better Energy Homes scheme gives grants to homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Landlords and owners of more than one property can also apply for a grant under the scheme. Please See: Energy Efficient Homes - Home Energy Upgrades And Grants | SEAI
Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme: The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people on low incomes. It is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Please see: Fully Funded Energy Upgrades | Home Energy Grants | SEAI
Grants for solar panels and battery systems: The Solar PV Scheme provides a once-off grant towards the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and/or a battery energy storage system in homes. The Solar PV Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Please see: Solar Electricity PV Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI
Built Heritage Investment Scheme: Financial assistance is provided to assist with the conservation and restoration of heritage properties through schemes, which are generally administered by the local authorities. Please see: Conservation Grants - Cork City Council
Living City Tax Initiative: Tax relief is provided in exchange for refurbishing or converting existing properties within the designated area in Cork City. A property can be a house, apartment, shop or any kind of structure and can include all or part of a property. Please see:https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/planning/city-centre-revitalisation/incentives-and-grants.html
Architectural Conservation Area Grant: Cork City Council has annually allocated funds to the scheme to assist the owners of historic buildings in the 36+ Architectural Conservation Areas across Cork City to undertake works necessary to secure their conservation. Works can include repairs to roof, historic windows, historic doors, repair of elevations, repairs to historic ironwork / boundary treatments, repairs to historic shopfronts / other special building details and painting of buildings. Please see: Conservation Grants - Cork City Council
Long-term leasing scheme: This new initiative represents an expansion of the options available to Cork City Council for the delivery of social housing. Properties will be leased from the private sector and used to accommodate households from the waiting list. Leased properties will be allocated to tenants, in accordance with Cork City Council's scheme of letting priorities. Please see: Social and Long-term Leasing - Cork City Council
Buy and Renew Scheme: The Buy and Renew Scheme enables Cork City Council to buy and refurbish long term vacant property for social housing use. The focus under the Buy and Renew scheme will be on older stock in urban areas with a view to tackling dereliction and improving streetscapes. We would like to hear from interested property owners, who may have suitable vacant properties. Contact Cork City Council's Housing Department at HousingCapital@corkcity.ie
