Tax Relief Boost for Louth Property Owners as Vacancy Scheme Expands

Ardee & Mid Louth News | Local Government & Property

Drogheda and Dundalk have been officially added to the Living City Initiative, a strategic tax relief scheme aimed at breathing new life into vacant and derelict urban buildings.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, has signed the orders to formally designate the two Louth hubs—alongside Athlone, Letterkenny, and Sligo—as the latest participants in the national scheme. The move is designed to encourage property owners to convert or refurbish underused spaces into vibrant homes and commercial premises.

How the Scheme Works

From today, property owners within designated ‘Special Regeneration Areas’ (SRA) in Dundalk and Drogheda can apply for tax relief. These areas were identified by Louth County Council based on high levels of vacancy, dereliction, and a strong stock of older buildings.

The initiative focuses on three main categories:

Residential Relief: For individuals refurbishing properties built before 1915 (extended to 1975 for certain categories) to use as their primary residence.
Commercial & Rental Allowances: To support investment in converting buildings into high-quality rental housing or commercial units.
Living Over the Shop: A new category with no building age restriction, encouraging the conversion of vacant space above retail units into apartments.

“By supporting refurbishment and encouraging ‘living over the shop’, we can create more homes, reduce vacancy, and restore vibrancy to our main streets.” — Tánaiste Simon Harris

Strategic Goals for Louth

The expansion of the scheme, which is now set to remain in place until the end of 2030, is a practical step toward addressing the housing crisis. By focusing on central urban areas, the government aims to rebuild the social and economic fabric of Louth’s town centres.

In Dundalk and Drogheda, where many historic buildings currently sit idle, this initiative provides a financial incentive for owners to tackle the high costs associated with bringing older structures up to modern living standards.

Eligibility and Maps

To qualify, a property must be located within the specific SRA maps submitted by the local authority. These maps generally cover the older, central hearts of both towns. Owners interested in the scheme should consult the Louth County Council planning department to verify if their building falls within the designated zone.

The Living City Initiative was previously only available in the six “traditional” cities: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford.