Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
467. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to increase funding for the vacant property refurbishment grant (Croí Cónaithe towns fund); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56761/25]
View answerThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides a grant of up to €50,000 to support the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
The maximum grant amounts were increased in May 2023 from €30,000 to €50,000 for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and from €50,000 to €70,000 for homes considered derelict.
In conjunction with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, other supports and grants may be used to bring these vacant and derelict properties into use as homes.
The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Houses is an expanded funding scheme to provide grants for expert conservation advice to owners of vacant traditional houses who are availing of, or considering, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
A Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may also be used alongside the VPRG. Further information on the SEAI grants available can be found here: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants.
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024 , which considered all aspects of the scheme.
The review of the grant and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government are being considered as part of the next Housing plan which will be launched over in the coming weeks.
