Dublin Council Begins €200,000 Restoration of Squatted Edwardian House on Cadogan Road

Dublin City Council has begun restoration work on a derelict Edwardian house at 18 Cadogan Road, Fairview, which was occupied by squatters for 2½ years. The property is structurally unsound and requires major works estimated to cost over €200,000 before it can be used for social housing. Refurbishment is expected to take six to eight months.

The house was first listed on the Derelict Sites Register in 2016, removed in 2017 after minor improvements, but re-entered four years ago due to further deterioration. In August 2023, the council initiated compulsory purchase proceedings. Squatters entered the property that same month. After lengthy court proceedings, the council secured vacant possession at the end of April.

This is one of three derelict houses the council plans to refurbish for social housing this year, totaling over €550,000. The others are on Rutland Street (€150,000, four months) and Darley Terrace (over €200,000, two months, work already underway). Since 2017, the council has acquired 112 vacant and derelict properties under the Buy and Renew Scheme, refurbishing 77 for social housing, with these three bringing the total to 80. However, 32 properties remain vacant, with some beyond refurbishment and likely requiring demolition.