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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has published new figures showing that between 2018 and 2024, local authorities received 1,457 notifications to convert vacant commercial properties into new homes. These notifications have the potential to create 3,429 new homes.
The year 2024 saw the highest annual number of notifications since the scheme began, with a total of 292 change of use notifications received, which could result in 713 new homes.
Since a 2022 planning exemption was extended to include vacant pubs, there have been 154 notifications relating to them, with the potential to provide 459 new homes. County Mayo received the highest number of pub exemptions with 18, followed by Limerick City and County Council with 11. In terms of overall exemptions, Dublin City Council received the highest number of notifications with 153, followed by Limerick City and Council with 125.
Minister Browne said: "Planning exemptions play a vital role in unlocking the potential of vacant commercial buildings, making it much more straightforward to convert them into much needed homes."
He added that the conversion of former pubs is a "practical community-focused solution" that boosts housing supply and supports the government's Town Centre First Policy.
The figures for 2024 show that former shops account for the highest potential for conversion (31%), followed by offices (23%), public houses (14%), and services (13%).
Minister of State for Planning, John Cummins TD said:
"This initiative is one of several that have proven very effective in encouraging the transformation of vacant commercial buildings, including 'above shop' spaces, into residential use. The measure to include former pubs in the commercial exemption is one which I brought forward as a senator following first-hand experience of dealing with very successful projects in Waterford.
"There is no question that repurposing vacant and derelict properties contributes positively to housing supply and has a transformative visual and vibrancy impact on our cities, towns and villages."
