The Help to Buy Scheme should be extended to first time buyers who purchase derelict sites, and that such sites be exempt from planning and development charges.
This is the view of Independent Galway East TD, Seán Canney, who said the measure should apply to those who buy derelict properties to renovate and live in.
He has also called on the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, to extend the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme to include refurbishment costs, where there is an instance of a first time buyer acquiring a second-hand property.
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Independent Galway East TD, Sean Canney. Photo:- Tom Burke
Dep Canney said it “makes sense” to create supports to bring unoccupied buildings “back into living spaces”. He added that it would also reduce the carbon output from construction as, “less materials will be required in the refurbishment of these buildings”.
The TD said the issue of protected structures was “a stumbling block” and that local authorities need to be given “clear guidance” to ensure such buildings “can be refurbished to become lived in rather than allowing them to decay”.
