Government expands buy and renew scheme to include building contractors

A home in Limerick restored under the buy and renew scheme. File picture 

The Department of Housing has announced an expansion to the buy and renew scheme which will allow building contractors to directly acquire and refurbish vacant and derelict properties for social housing.

Previously the scheme was only open to local authorities and approved housing bodies. Under a new expanded approach, building contractors will be included, potentially providing a new delivery channel for bringing disused buildings back into use.