Minister Damien English says his department are keen to utilise the area above retail spaces to ease the accommodation shortage and attract investment.
The severe lack of housing in Cork has long been flagged as a major obstacle to companies thinking of operating here.
Currently, businesses can avail of a repair and leaseback scheme of up to €80,000 to renovate the space above their business for social housing.
Speaking to RedFM News, Minister Damien English outlines how the government plans to tackle vacant spaces across Cork:
