Donegal County Council has announced that progress is being made to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny Town Centre.

Four million euros of funding has been provided to Donegal County Council under Call Three of the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund (URDF) to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny Town Centre. A total of 44 vacant/derelict properties have been identified under this programme as having the potential of being used as homes again.

In December 2023, Donegal County Council initiated measures to locate owners of vacant or derelict properties situated in the town centre of Letterkenny. The Council is currently engaged in meetings with these identified owners, offering guidance and support.

In working with owners of vacant and/or derelict properties in Letterkenny, the Council is supporting individuals to reuse their buildings by providing grants, other financial supports and information on:

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(i) The Vacant Property Refurbishment Gran

(ii) The Repair and Lease Scheme and;

(iii) The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme

As part of the the URDF program, the Council is exploring alternative routes, such as adding properties to the Derelict Sites Register and potentially acquiring long-term vacant and derelict properties for subsequent resale on the open market.

Cllr Kevin Bradley, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District said: "The funding allocation reflects the high priority which Donegal County Council has placed on tackling vacancy and dereliction in Letterkenny Town Centre.

"It complements existing schemes which the Council already have in place to tackle vacancy and dereliction and it will allow for an increase in the pace at which derelict and vacant buildings are brought back into productive use as new homes for people."

Liam Ward, Director of Community Development & Planning Services stated: "The URDF Call 3 fund will greatly assist in the restoration and transformation of the urban heart of Letterkenny Town.

"It will provide more homes for people in sustainable locations, allowing them to live close to local services, amenities and employment.

"It will transform this urban settlement and promote a vibrant community through the regeneration and re-use of existing housing stock."