Lord Mayor calls for derelict sites to be repurposed to house essential workers
Converting derelict buildings to housing will encourage more people to live and work in Dublin city centre.
That’s according to Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam, who said the public sector requires staff to live close to where they are working, and that something needs to be done about businesses who are struggling to get employees. He called out the €10 million owed to Dublin City Council in outstanding derelict sites levies and stressed the need to start collecting and get converting.
“The Dublin City Taskforce Report proposed that derelict sites should be converted into residential properties with provisions for essential workers like nurses, gardaí, teachers, and public transport staff,” Lord Mayor McAdam said. “We want those who work locally to live locally and converting these buildings is a great way of getting more housing right in our city centre.”
There’s a need to make it “more appealing for people to be based in the city centre” and Lord Mayor McAdam stressed that “access to housing is central to this.” “Businesses across the city are struggling to get staff,” he explained.
“The Dublin City Taskforce report recommended the establishment of a grant system so public sector workers can get additional funding to purchase residential stock for staff. We need to see an update on how this grant system is being progressed and when the system will be implemented.
“A pilot programme to convert derelict housing is being run on Middle Abbey Street and North Frederick Street, but we know there are plenty of areas across the city that could also be used for this scheme.” This ambitious urban rejuvenation programme was spearheaded by Social Democrats Cllr Cian Farrell and the Urban Redevelopment Working Group. Cllr Farrell said their recommendations aimed to reduce dereliction and vacancy across Dublin and included a zero-tolerance approach to correct past mistakes of the council being “too lenient” with owners of vacant properties.
“This pilot is designed as the antidote: a simple, accountable, proactive, and collaborative model that moves at pace. By proving that Dublin City Council can govern boldly and deliver quickly - while staying compliant, transparent, and collaborative - the pilot will rebuild confidence in the public sector’s ability to drive urban rejuvenation and beyond,” the project’s report states
Lord Mayor McAdam also stressed that €10 million in derelict sites levies and 138 properties on the register showcases a need to “tackle” the problem of vacancy and deflection and provide homes for those looking to live and work in Dublin. “Having people live and work in the city centre is essential for Dublin’s future. It’s vital that they have access to affordable housing options where they work. We need to see more housing options for the people who keep our city running,” he said.
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