Scheme sees vacant pubs converted into over 450 new homes

State support to encourage property owners to convert commercial properties into residential units appears to be working as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage indicate a significant uptake in the last six years.

Between 2018 and 2024, local authorities received 1,457 notifications to convert vacant commercial properties into new homes. The notifications have the potential to create 3,429 new homes throughout the country.

In 2024, a total of 292 change of use notifications were received by local authorities. This is the highest annual number since the scheme began in 2018 and once developed, will result in 713 new homes across the country.

Planning exemptions introduced in 2018, removed the requirement for planning permission for the conversation of certain types of commercial properties into residential units.

In 2022, the exemption was extended to allow vacant pubs to be converted into homes. Since then, there have been 154 notifications for a change of use relating to vacant pubs, with the potential to provide 459 new homes.

County Mayo received the highest number of pub exemptions with 18 (equating to 40 new homes) followed by Limerick City and County Council which received 11 notifications to create 43 new homes.

In terms of overall exemptions between 2018-2024, Dublin City Council received the highest number of notifications, which saw 153 notifications to create 445 homes, followed by Limerick City and Council with 125 to provide 269 new homes.

Commenting on the figures the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James 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.”

The Minister said the scheme targets both the housing crisis and dereliction: “I feel very strongly about buildings lying often vacant in the middle of a housing crisis, and to be honest it is not acceptable if a conversion is possible. It is imperative that we convert suitable properties into homes and give people the opportunity to do that.

“Where planning exemptions can work to activate these properties, then I want it to happen. We want our towns and cities to be living and working areas. We recognise the face of our towns is always changing, and we have to adapt to that and rise to the need right now of people for homes.

“Transforming premises such as former pubs is a practical community-focused solution which, as well as streamlining the planning process, makes efficient use of existing infrastructure and services.”

He highlighted the importance of the programme for regeneration: “This measure not only boosts the supply of homes, but also our Town Centre First Policy which is breathing new life into our villages, towns and cities by supporting regeneration and more vibrant, sustainable communities across the country.”

Minister of State for Planning, John Cummins TD said the scheme has had a national impact: “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.”

Properties with a previous commercial use showing the highest potential in 2024 include former shops (31% of notifications received), followed by offices (23%) and public houses (14%), and services (13% of notifications received)

In addition, the Bringing Back Homes Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings 2024 supports and facilitates the reuse of vacant and derelict buildings for residential use through guidance on the schemes available and updates to building regulations.