Cork City Council will host its Bringing Back Homes event designed to provide clear, practical information for anyone interested in bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use on Thursday, September 25, from 10.15am to 12.30pm at The Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork.

Now in its third year, the event covers essential topics such as grant supports, planning considerations, retrofitting options and conservation requirements. After the talks, attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with staff from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Cork City Council about schemes including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, Repair & Lease, and housing and energy-efficiency measures.

Attendance is free, but booking is advised. Places can be reserved through Eventbrite or by emailing [email protected]. Walk-ins will only be accepted if space allows.

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Over 500 applications have already been made for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in Cork City, with funding of up to €50,000 available for vacant homes and up to €70,000 for derelict properties. More than €27 million in grant aid is currently being progressed to return long-term vacant and derelict houses to use, with further applications still invited. Additional schemes such as Repair & Lease and the Living City Initiative are also available to assist property owners in refurbishing empty or derelict buildings.

At present, Cork City Council is investigating 393 properties under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. Of these, 165 are listed on the Derelict Sites Register, and owners of these properties have been invited to attend the event.

Alongside this, the Council has been running a series of informal drop-in sessions across the city where members of the public can seek advice on tackling vacancy and dereliction. Sessions have already been held in Ballyphehane, Glanmire and Blarney, with the final session of the year scheduled for Mayfield Library on October 15, 2025. These provide an additional chance for homeowners and contractors to get guidance on grant supports and the practical steps involved in refurbishing empty properties.