Athlone 'Living City' tax scheme to open

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Living City initiative, a tax relief scheme aimed at encouraging the refurbishment of buildings in designated regeneration areas, is set to open in Athlone in the coming weeks.

The initiative aims to support the restoration and reuse of properties through a range of tax incentives. In April it was announced that Athlone would be one of five Special Regeneration Areas added to the scheme, which the designation stretching from the town centre to Baylough.

Four categories of relief will be available under the scheme: Owner Occupier Residential, Rented Residential Relief, Living Over the Shop, and Commercial and Retail Relief.

To qualify, property owners must obtain a letter of certification once refurbishment or conversion works have been completed.

Athlone Moate Municipal District manager Annie Blessington explained that the tax relief applies to expenditure on the structure and fabric of a building, rather than fixtures or fittings.

She also confirmed that the Living City Initiative can be used alongside the Vacant Property Grant, with the grant amount deducted from the tax relief claim.

Councillors welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major opportunity to bring vacant and underused buildings in Athlone back into use.

“There’s a lot of interest. It’s so important for Athlone,” said Cllr Frankie Keena. “It’s a short timeline until 2030, we need to grasp this seriously.”

He stressed the importance of public engagement and ensuring property owners are aware of the opportunity.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke said he was pleased Baylough had been included in the regeneration area, noting that schemes in other towns had often been “too refined”.

“It gives us the opportunity to revitalise vacant properties in Athlone. There is no greater opportunity than now,” he said.

Both Cllr O’Rourke and Cllr John Gibbons called for face-to-face public information events, involving construction and tax experts, to help people understand the process before the 2030 deadline.

Cllr John Dolan said a “carrot and stick” approach was needed to encourage uptake, describing dereliction as a major issue in the town.

“Dereliction is a problem and this is the solution. This is the sort of stuff that has never been seen before,” he said.

Ms Blessington said the council still had derelict sites legislation available if needed, but added that “the carrot has gotten sweeter” through the enhanced supports now available.

“We need to make the most of this for Athlone,” Director of Services Jackie Finney added. “We hope to have it open in the coming weeks.”