Drop in vacant homes returned to use in Kilkenny in 2022

Kilkenny County Council saw a drop in vacant social homes returned to use in 2022.

Figures released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show 55 units were returned to use last year.

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In 2021 there were 72 units returned, and 60 in 2020.

However, according to the department, this is due to an intensive two-year period of funding, which has resulted in less need for refurbishment.

In a statement released today, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said that the return of these vacant homes in Kilkenny has a positive impact on communities and avoids vacant homes becoming run down and derelict in some instances and the source of anti-social behaviour.

The figures are from the Voids programme, which assists local authorities in preparing vacant local authority-owned properties to be re-let.

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In their statement, the department said the reduction in funding and units refurbished was expected.

“It was always envisaged that the programme would revert to more normalised levels in 2022," Minister O'Brien said.