MINISTER of State and TD for County Limerick Niall Collins has confirmed the increase in the maximum funding available under the Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) from the current limit of €40,000 to a maximum of €60,000 introduced by his Party colleague Minister Darragh O’Brien today.
Minister Collins commented “This is good news for all vacant property Limerick. The Repair and Leasing Scheme was introduced to assist in bringing vacant properties back into use for social housing purposes.
“This significant increase in funding underlines the Government’s commitment to bringing vacant properties back into use across the country.
“I know that Limerick Council authorities have long been calling for this increase. It will mean that property owners who cannot afford or access funding to bring their vacant properties up to standard and back into use will be able to do so for use as social housing.
“It will also have additional benefits in terms of employment and investment in local areas as projects under the Repair and Leasing Scheme tend to be small scale, with refurbishment works being carried out by small local construction companies and tradespeople.
“In 2020, funding of €10.7m has been made available for the scheme nationwide with €11m allocated into 2021. I am hopeful, that working with Limerick City and County Council many vacant properties can be repaired and brought to market in the coming months” concluded Minister Collins.
