Living City Initiative expanded to Dundalk

Louth TD Deputy Erin McGreehan has welcomed the announcement in Budget 2026 that Dundalk and Drogheda will be included in the expanded Living City Initiative, a government scheme designed to revitalise older urban areas through targeted regeneration support.

The initiative, which currently applies to designated areas in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford, is being extended to five additional regional centres under the National Planning Framework - including Dundalk and Drogheda.

“This is a major opportunity for Dundalk and Drogheda,”Deputy McGreehan said.

“The Living City Initiative will help breathe new life into our town centres by supporting the refurbishment of older homes and commercial buildings, including ‘over the shop’ spaces that can be converted into much-needed housing. It’s a major boost for heritage, housing, and local enterprise.”

Key changes to the scheme include:

• Extension of the initiative to 2030
• Expansion of eligibility for residential properties from those built before 1915 to 1975
• Support for converting “over the shop” premises into residential use
• Increased relief for enterprises from €200,000 to €300,000, with more flexibility on claiming periods

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Deputy McGreehan continued: “Louth County Council will play a vital role in preparing Special Regeneration Areas for Dundalk and Drogheda. I’ll be working closely with them to ensure this opportunity delivers real benefits for our communities.”

The initiative is expected to support both economic development and urban renewal, helping to address vacancy, improve housing supply, and support small businesses.