The increasing conversion of vacant pubs into residential properties is making significant contributions to easing the housing issues in Ireland. A state-run scheme focusing on underutilised commercial buildings has seen close to 100 abandoned taverns transitioned into living spaces. Furthermore, these renovated pubs form part of 1,165 similar commercial spaces that have been utilised for housing purposes, following special regulatory provisions introduced in 2018. Such progress could potentially result in a total of around 2,700 homes nationwide.
Policymakers have recognised the potential of unused commercial buildings in various towns and villages as a part of the broader housing solution, considering the high demand amidst limited housing supply and rife buyer competition. It becomes evident how former bars in both city and country locations could greatly contribute to this initiative, given the drastic shutdowns over the years, with over 1,800 between 2005 and 2021, as reported by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.
In accordance with the ‘Housing for All Plan’ stipulations set by the Government, former pubs were enlisted in 2022 as vacant commercial buildings eligible for exemption from planning permission for home conversion, if they have been uninhabited for a span of two years. In 2023, local authorities received 267 change of use notifications, almost one-third being related to redundant shops. The conversion of former service and office spaces followed, with pubs accounting for 12 per cent of these conversions.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien held positive views on the initiative, witnessing firsthand the transformation of derelict pubs into new residential apartments. He endorsed regulatory exemptions and the facilitation of turning commercial buildings into durable, quality homes. According to the Department of Housing, these notifications have been steadily rising since the regulation’s inception, expected to continue until 2025.
“Refurbishing and revitalising disused commercial buildings not only rejuvenates urban and rural communities, but it also alleviates strain on existing housing, said Mr O’Brien. From raw data, Dublin City Council topped the list with the greatest amount of commercial notifications within the timeline of 2018 to 2023, a total of 123. This could potentially provide 350 residential homes. Limerick City and County Council were a close second with 101 notifications, which could yield up to 202 new residences.
Remarkably, the once-popular Connaught Bar in Charlestown, County Mayo ceased its operations in the mid-90s, yet was repurposed just last year into three modern apartments: a one-bedroom and two two-bedroom flats.
Tom Corrigan from Achill Formwork and Construction applauded the benefits of the exemption at the time. He noted, “We managed to dodge the extended process of a planning application that usually takes several months… a decision from the council merely takes two to three weeks”.