Business and property owners, investors, developers and anyone with an interest in Cork’s property market are being encouraged to attend a practical event exploring how the city’s vacant and underutilised buildings can be brought back into use as high-quality homes.
“Unlocking Cork’s Property Potential – Turning Vacant and Underutilised Buildings into Valuable Homes” will take place on Thursday, 15 October at the Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, hosted by the Cork Business Association (CBA), with support from Cork City Council and MyWealthManagement.ie.
With Ireland continuing to face significant housing pressures and Cork’s population expected to grow substantially in the coming years, the event will focus on one of the most immediate opportunities available, making better use of properties and upper floors that are currently vacant or underutilised.
The event will provide attendees with practical information on the grants, incentives, finance and professional supports available to help make property refurbishment and conversion more viable.
For eligible projects, funding of up to €150,000 may be available, and attendees will hear directly from experts involved in property, local authority supports, energy efficiency and finance about what is available, who qualifies and how the process works.
Michael Powell of Powell Property and the Cork Business Association executive will provide an overview of the grants and supports available, including eligibility and key considerations when assessing a potential project.
John Crotty from Cork City Council’s Vacant Homes Team will explain the local authority supports available and guide attendees through the process of accessing relevant grants.
Stephen Shine of Shine Energy will outline the energy efficiency grants and supports available through SEAI and explain how these can contribute to the overall viability of a refurbishment project.
Joey Sheahan of MyWealthManagement.ie will look at the finance options available to property owners and investors and the criteria that need to be considered when funding a vacant property or upper floor refurbishment.
Steven Shine of Shine Energy will discuss SEAI grants availablr and how to avail of them.The event will be hosted by Dave O’Brien of CBA and Xeinadin and will conclude with a panel discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly of the speakers.
Michael Powell, CBA/ Powell Property, said, “There is a huge opportunity sitting in plain sight across Cork city. We have vacant properties and underutilised upper floors at a time when the demand for housing is incredibly strong. However, for many property owners, the process of converting a building can appear complicated, and there can be uncertainty around grants, finance, planning, energy requirements and the potential return on investment.
“This event is about simplifying that process. We want people to leave with a much clearer understanding of what support is available, whether their property could qualify and what their next steps could be. Bringing these buildings back into use makes commercial sense, but it also makes a real contribution to the future of Cork city.”
The event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to network with property owners, investors, developers, business owners and key stakeholders working in Cork’s property and regeneration sectors.
For the Cork Business Association, bringing vacant and underutilised buildings back into productive use is an important part of creating a more vibrant and sustainable city centre.
CBA President Clara O’Neill said, “Cork is growing, and we need to make the most of the buildings and spaces we already have. Every property that is successfully brought back into use has the potential to provide much-needed accommodation, strengthen the city centre and bring additional footfall and activity to surrounding businesses.’
Joey Sheahan, MyWealthManagement.ie said ,“This event links together a fantastic group of speakers who can provide practical advice on the financial, energy and local authority supports available. This isn’t simply a conversation about the housing challenge; it is about identifying opportunities and showing property owners how they can take action. We’re delighted to support this event and really looking forward to presenting the financial options available in line with grant support to bring vacant properties into residential use.’
Unlocking Cork’s Property Potential takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, on Thursday, 15 October. Networking will take place from 7.30am, with the event running from 8.00am to 9.45am. Admission is free for Cork Business Association members and €20 for non-members.
To register and find out more, visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/unlocking-corks-property-potential-tickets-2001165017437?aff=oddtdtcreator
Supported by Cork City Council and MyWealthManagement.ie
Event Details
Event: Unlocking Cork’s Property Potential – Turning Vacant and Underutilised Buildings into Valuable Homes
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Venue: Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork
Networking: 7.30am – 8.00am
Event: 8.00am – 9.45am
Speakers:
• Michael Powell – Cork Business Association / Powell Property
• John Crotty – Cork City Council, Vacant Homes Team
• Stephen Shine – Shine Energy
• Joey Sheahan – MyWealthManagement.ie
Host: Dave O’Brien – CBA / Xeinadin