Westmeath County Council takes a proactive and strategic approach to addressing vacancy and dereliction across the county. Through a combination of dedicated resources, targeted funding programmes, and statutory powers, the Council is actively working to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use and increase housing supply.
Since 2023, a range of national and local initiatives - particularly the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant - have delivered strong results, supporting the renovation, sale, and leasing of properties for residential use.
Westmeath County Council has appointed a full-time Vacant Homes Officer to identify, monitor, and engage with owners of vacant properties. The Regeneration and Capital Projects Team coordinates the Derelict Sites Register in collaboration with the Municipal Districts and also manages the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) Call 3 programme.
The URDF Call 3 is a €150 million national initiative focused on tackling long-term vacancy and dereliction in towns and cities. It provides funding for local authorities to acquire and redevelop vacant and derelict properties, operating as a revolving fund to support ongoing regeneration.
This programme supports key national policies, including Housing for All: Delivering Homes and Building Communities 2025–2030 and the Town Centre First policy, with a strong focus on revitalising urban centres.
The Municipal Districts of Mullingar–Kinnegad and Athlone–Moate maintain registers of derelict properties. The Council may serve statutory notices requiring property owners to address dereliction and can impose an annual levy of 7% of the property’s market value where appropriate.
The Regeneration Team oversees coordination of the Register to ensure a consistent approach across both Districts.
For more details on the Derelict Sites Register click HERE
Through the national CPO Activation Programme, the Council actively acquires long-term vacant or derelict properties to bring them back into productive use. Acquisition may be achieved by agreement with property owners or, where necessary, through the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders.
If you own a vacant or derelict property, there has never been a better time to bring it back into use. A range of supports and funding options are available to help you refurbish, lease, or sell your property.
By taking action, you can:
A range of supports are also available for businesses occupying a previously vacant of derelict property. Westmeath County Council is here to help. Click the links below to find the solution that works best for you:
