Louth County Council is calling on the owners of properties in Dundalk and Drogheda to take part in the Living City Initiative. The initiative gives owners of properties built before 1975 within the designated Special Regeneration Areas (SRAs) financial support to repair, improve or convert older buildings. This includes turning vacant upper floors and “over‑the‑shop” spaces into homes.
The Living City Initiative gives property owners a practical way to reduce the cost of building works through tax relief. It supports owners to bring vacant or under‑used buildings back into use, improve the condition of their properties and increase their value. It can also help create new homes or business spaces in town centres, offering the chance to generate rental income and make better use of existing buildings. It will also help protect and reuse historic buildings while supporting more sustainable development and stronger communities.
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“This is a great opportunity for property owners. By improving their buildings, they can also help bring new life to our town centres. We want to see more homes, more activity and more pride in both Dundalk and Drogheda.”
Cllr Robert Nash, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, said:
“There are many buildings in Dundalk with real potential. This scheme makes it easier for owners to invest in them. It will help bring people back to live and work in the heart of the town.”
Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, said:
“We have an opportunity to revitalise the historic urban core of Drogheda. This initiative will help owners reuse empty spaces and create homes and businesses. It is an important step in making our town centre more active and welcoming.”
The Living City Initiative is a time‑limited scheme. It will end on 31 December 2030, and only refurbishment or conversion works carried out before this date will qualify for tax relief. Property owners are encouraged to act early to make the most of the opportunity.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:
“The Living City Initiative is a key strategic tool in supporting the regeneration of Dundalk and Drogheda. It enables us to unlock the potential of underused buildings, increase residential capacity in our town centres, and drive sustainable economic growth. We encourage property owners to consider how they can leverage this scheme as part of the long-term revitalisation of our urban areas.”
Both Drogheda and District Chamber and Dundalk Chamber have played a vital role in bringing the initiative to Louth’s two largest towns. They will host Living City Initiative information sessions in late June for interested property owners. Dundalk Chamber will host a session on Tuesday 23rd June at 5pm in McGeough’s Restaurant and Drogheda & District Chamber will host a session on Monday, 29th June at 5:15pm in the Drogheda Civic Offices.
Hubert Murphy, CEO of Drogheda and District Chamber stated:
“The potential of the Living City Initiative to make a tangible difference to key parts of Drogheda is immense. It’s now about spreading the message about what this actually means and how do people make the very most of it. It’s a potential game changer that we need to deliver on.”
John McGahon, CEO of Dundalk Chamber added:
“The Living City Initiative is a significant opportunity for Dundalk to bring vacant and underused buildings back into meaningful use. By making it more viable for property owners to invest, we can increase town-centre living, support local businesses, and enhance the overall vibrancy and attractiveness of Dundalk as a place to live and work. Dundalk Chamber strongly encourages property owners to engage with the scheme and be part of the town’s ongoing regeneration.”
Property owners who believe their building may qualify are encouraged to contact Louth County Council at livingcity@louthcoco.ie or visit www.louthcoco.ie for information on how the scheme works, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. They can also follow Louth County Council and their local chamber on social media for updates and further details on the upcoming information sessions.
