Clare County Rural Property Reluctance & Dereliction
- Clare County is currently experiencing a higher-than-average rate of both property vacancy and dereliction, according to the latest report from GeoDirectory.
- A key factor contributing to this situation is a perceived reluctance to acquire and rehabilitate derelict properties, especially in rural areas of the county.This hesitancy prevents the revitalization...
- Despite a notable 31% increase in Clare's overall housing stock over the past year - with 684 new addresses registered - the rise hasn't been enough to counteract...
Clare County Faces high Dereliction Rates, But Opportunities for Betterment Exist
Table of Contents
Dereliction and Vacancy Levels Above National Average
Clare County is currently experiencing a higher-than-average rate of both property vacancy and dereliction, according to the latest report from GeoDirectory. The report, released in August 2024, indicates that 5% of properties in Clare are either vacant or derelict, exceeding the national average for both categories.
A key factor contributing to this situation is a perceived reluctance to acquire and rehabilitate derelict properties, especially in rural areas of the county.This hesitancy prevents the revitalization of existing structures and exacerbates the issue of housing availability.
Housing stock Increase Doesn’t Offset Dereliction
Despite a notable 31% increase in Clare’s overall housing stock over the past year – with 684 new addresses registered – the rise hasn’t been enough to counteract the impact of dereliction. As of June 2024,construction was actively underway on an additional 664 properties within the county,signaling ongoing development efforts.
However, GeoDirectory CEO Dara Keogh suggests that addressing the dereliction issue is crucial to fully leverage these new housing developments and improve the county’s overall housing situation. Focusing on bringing existing, abandoned properties back into use will be essential for long-term sustainability.
Potential for Future Improvement
While Clare County currently lags behind other regions in terms of dereliction rates, experts believe there is potential for positive change. A proactive approach to acquiring and renovating derelict properties, coupled with continued investment in new construction, could substantially improve the county’s housing landscape in the near future.
