Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
462. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Croí Cónaithe grant will be applied retrospectively by a local authority to works completed on a property that was vacant for the required period under the scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43224/24]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
As part of the assessment of the grant application the local authority carries out a site visit to inspect the works being applied for under the grant. A decision on the application is made following the site visit. Works that have already commenced on the property cannot be claimed for as part of the grant, but proposed works not yet started can be included on the grant application.
A second site visit is carried out after the approved work has been completed, before the grant payment is made.
It is not possible to retrospectively apply for the grant in respect of works that have been completed.
