Limerick City and County Council is welcoming major enhancements to the Living City Initiative scheme, making it easier than ever for property owners to refurbish, restore and bring vacant and underused buildings back into use in Limerick City Centre.
The Living City Initiative is a Revenue-led tax incentive scheme that supports the refurbishment, conversion and reuse of residential and commercial properties located within designated Special Regeneration Areas.
Supporting Regeneration in Limerick
Since its introduction, the Living City Initiative has played an important role in encouraging investment in the city centre while helping to tackle vacancy and breathe new life into historic buildings. More than 80 applications have been received in Limerick since 2017, contributing to the regeneration of buildings across the city centre and supporting efforts to address vacancy and dereliction.
A standout example of the Living City Initiative in action is 55 Thomas Street, where a vacant building over a former commercial premises was recently transformed into four modern apartments. The project highlights the untapped potential of vacant and underused city centre properties to create new homes, helping to increase city centre living and bring renewed activity to Limerick's streets and neighbourhoods.
Following measures announced in Budget 2026, the Government has introduced a range of changes to the scheme aimed at increasing uptake, encouraging city centre living and supporting the regeneration of historic urban areas across Ireland.
Key Enhancements to the Living City Initiative
The updated scheme includes:
- An extension of the initiative until 31 December 2030, providing greater certainty for homeowners, landlords and investors.
- Broader residential eligibility, with properties built before 1975 now qualifying for residential relief, significantly increasing the number of eligible buildings.
- Introduction of a new "Living Over the Shop" relief, supporting the conversion of commercial and industrial spaces into residential accommodation.
- An increase in the maximum tax relief available for rented residential properties to €300,000 over a rolling three-year period, subject to the conditions of the scheme.
The initiative supports homeowners, landlords and investors undertaking qualifying refurbishment and conversion projects. Through tax relief on eligible expenditure, the scheme makes it more financially viable to restore existing buildings, create new homes and support economic activity within the city centre.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented on the initiative:
“The expansion of the Living City Initiative is a great for Limerick and will support the work already under way to tackle vacancy and bring more buildings back into use. We're already seeing more projects bringing Georgian buildings back into residential use, particularly on our core streets and around the Crescent.
“The extension of the scheme to 2030, wider residential eligibility and the new ‘Living Over the Shop’ relief will make a real support the work already under way in Limerick to bring vacant and underused properties back into use. We’re seeing that potential in projects such as 55 Thomas Street, a once-vacant commercial building that has been converted into four apartments, and we need to see more of that across the city centre to preserve the unique character of our historic streetscapes.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council Cllr. Tom Ruddle added:
“We have already seen the impact that the Living City Initiative can have in Limerick through projects that have transformed vacant properties into much-needed homes. The new measures open up even greater opportunities for property owners and investors to play a role in creating a vibrant, thriving and sustainable city centre. I would encourage anyone with an eligible property to explore the supports available and be part of Limerick's continued regeneration story."
Director General at Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly says:
“Tackling vacancy and dereliction remains a key priority for Limerick City and County Council, and the enhanced Living City Initiative is another important tool in helping us achieve that goal. Across our city centre, there are buildings with enormous potential to provide homes, support businesses and contribute to vibrant neighbourhoods. These new measures will make it easier for property owners to invest in bringing those properties back into productive use."
Find Out More
Property owners interested in availing of the Living City Initiative can check whether their property is located within the designated Special Regeneration Area and review the eligibility criteria before applying.
For further information, application forms and guidance, visit www.limerick.ie/living-city-initiative or contact:
Email: livingcityinitiative@limerick.ie
Phone: 061 556000
