There’s one on most Cork streets.

And if you’ve ever looked at a crumbling derelict property and wondered whether you could be the one to transform it into a home, an upcoming information session is an excellent place to start.

Cork City Council is holding a series of public drop-in Vacancy & Dereliction sessions to provide information to members of the public on the supports available to refurbish vacant and derelict properties, including the popular Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

These informal, no-appointment-needed drop-in sessions are for anyone with a question on any element of a vacant or derelict property, from grants available to queries on planning or ownership, or any other issue that may be preventing a return to use.

📣 Dereliction/Vacancy open day

For any queries related to a derelict or vacant property, come meet us:

No appointment is needed.

Grab a brochure or ask about available grants, planning or ownership queries & anything related#Cork pic.twitter.com/qVCELZy0ja

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) April 29, 2024

Brochures on the availability of grants are available to take away while guidance will be given by qualified practitioners. Following the first session in Bishopstown Library, Wilton recently, a second event is planned for Blackpool Library, Redforge road for Friday, May 3rd from 10am to 12pm.

Addressing Dereliction and Vacancy 

In addition, a major stakeholder and public event is planned for May 24th in the form of a seminar on the evolving challenges and supports available to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use. The “Urban Fabric: Addressing Dereliction & Vacancy” event is in its second year following a successful at Nano Nagle Place in 2023.

A warm derelict welcome to Cork City, Ireland #DerelictIreland pic.twitter.com/PnHjBLFRhA

— Frank O’Connor (@frank_oconnor) April 1, 2024

The venue for this year will be St Peter’s Church on North Main Street, Cork and the line-up will include Cork City Council speakers and external experts like Kieran McCarthy of RTE’s Cheap Irish Homes. Each will cover a different aspect of the dereliction and vacancy issues that affect modern cities, while simultaneously looking to provide solutions for property owners.

A limited number of public spaces to join invited industry will be available to book on eventbrite.ie from May 6th, 2024 through Cork City Council’s website and social media. Walk-ups will be accepted on the day if space is available.