New appeal for County Longford properties to house Ukrainian people

New appeal for County Longford properties to house Ukrainian people
New government initiative to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments, or holiday homes

Press Release
5 December 2022

Longford County Council is appealing to those who have unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine. The call is part of a new government initiative, led by local authorities, to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrainian people and families.

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine. This payment rate applies from 1 December 2022. More than 60,000 people have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety and the vast majority need accommodation.

Under a new programme, Longford County Council will take offers of houses, apartments or holiday homes for temporary accommodation, liaise with owners to assess suitability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.

Property owners can offer homes at offerahome.ie or by contacting the local authority in which the property is located. Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the local authority within five working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by the local authority shortly after. The assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get some details so it can be matched to the most appropriate person or family. Anybody who offers a property will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the website offerahome.ie.

This is a call for stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least six months. While rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to Ukrainians.

Appealing to the people of County Longford to offer unused properties, Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, “People have shown incredible support for the people of Ukraine. We know that people are anxious to help so we’re appealing to anybody who has a property that is otherwise going to be empty this winter, to please consider offering it for those who badly need a safe home at this time. The local authorities will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support while your property is being used.”

To offer a property or for more information, visit offerahome.ie or contact Longford County Council on offerahome@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 6231.

ENDS

All media queries should be directed to the Longford County Council Communications Officer via mediaenquiries@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 4217.