by Alan Jacques
€426,708 has been allocated towards the upgrading of 33 boarded-up council houses throughout Limerick City.
A detailed assessment is now being conducted on boarded-up property in various housing estates with a view to carrying out necessary repairs and reletting the social housing units.
There are currently 4,681 people on Limerick City and County Council’s housing list.
Labour councillor Joe Leddin welcomed the announcement of funding from the Department of Environment to upgrade the houses for relet.
“I meet regularly with local residents who continue to express their genuine fear for their communities arising from boarded up houses within various estates. I have consistently highlighted the problems caused by anti-social behaviour, dumping of rubbish and the poor physical appearance these houses create within communities,” said Cllr Leddin.
The City West representative believes the upgrading works will both provide a home to families currently in need of housing while simultaneously improving the physical appearance of the housing estate and improving the sense of security and safety for existing residents.
“This additional funding allocation on top of the recently announced €58 million to deliver more houses in Limerick is very much welcomed as we continue to stabilise and improve communities and resolve issues that are seriously affecting the quality of people’s lives locally,” he commented.
Labour councillor for City East, Elena Secas also welcomed the news that 33 vacant local authority units will be put back into productive use locally following the commitment of €426,708 to help address vacancy problems.
“One of my huge frustrations is seeing boarded-up social housing not being used, so it’s important to see them come back on stream as quickly as possible,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cllr Leddin also welcomed confirmation that a block grant of €2,289,239 million has been allocated to the local authority for people looking to make adjustments to their homes. This funding will allow older people and people with a disability to extend their homes or to provide aids mobility within their home.
“These grants facilitate people to continue independent living and will provide a boost to the local trade and construction industry.”
There are now three specific grants available for people living in privately owned houses with further funding to be announced later in the year.
“The means test and income eligibility limits have also been relaxed and those who avail of a particular scheme can make significant improvements both to their home and the quality of their lives,” Cllr Leddin concluded.
