Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
617. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the change to the vacant property grant that is being considered regarding introducing a €650,000 cap on the value of the property for which a grant will be paid out on; and when will a decision on this be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72429/25]
View answer618. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a specific analysis will be undertaken of the impact of a possible change to the Vacant Property Grant regarding introducing a €650,000 cap on the value of the property for which a grant will be paid out on in Dublin (city and county); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72430/25]
View answer619. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether, if he makes a change to the vacant property grant regarding introducing a €650,000 cap on the value of the property, when would this change apply from; and the protections that would be put in place for people who are currently in the process of buying a home over the cap and who were relying on the vacant property grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72431/25]
View answer621. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is considering proposals to change the eligibility criteria of the vacant property refurbishment grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72560/25]
View answer622. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider a lead-in time when changing the eligibility of a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72561/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 617, 618, 619, 621 and 622 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for 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.
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 were considered as part of the new housing plan which was launched in November.
The housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 has committed to improve and expand the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant including by introducing an 'Above the Shop' top up grant. My Department is currently progressing this work.
Any changes to the operation of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will be communicated in a timely manner to all interested parties and implemented from a future date.
