Empty and over-shop house units to be forced into use

New laws to use over-the-shop premises as residences, to set up a special empty-homes unit, and to appoint dedicated officers to progress ‘vacant hot-spot’ areas are among plans to improve housing.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy says the moves will dovetail with a ‘carrot’ approach to filling empty units, under budget plans.

Measures to utilise Ireland’s 189,000 empty homes are proceeding, ahead of a new vacant-homes strategy to be unveiled next month.