Council grant of €40,000 available for house repairs

WEXFORD COUNTY Council can provide up to €40,000 to the owners of private houses for repairs to bring them up to the standard required for rental, if they will enter into a long term lease with the Council.

The Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Government, could see five houses a year in the Gorey District enter the Council’s rental supply for the next three years, and similar numbers in the other three districts in the county.

The Gorey councillors were told the properties have to be in an area of social housing need, and be vacant, and the renovations should be low level. The minimum lease is 10 years, but preferably 20.

The lease payments are based on market rental rates in the area, less 20 per cent, or 15 per cent for apartments, to cover vacancy, admin and management. Recoupment of the cost of the works through lease payments is agreed between the owner and the Council. The Council deals with the tenants and day- to-day maintenance, collects rent, and finds new tenants.

The scheme has been advertised and will be again shortly, and the meeting heard that eight expressions of interest have been made so far. However, some weren’t suitable.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe wondered if more houses could be done if some repairs cost less than €40,000, and he was told the Council will get as many homes onto the scheme as it can, and will apply for additional funding if necessary.