I propose to take Questions Nos. 1478 to 1483, inclusive, together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant 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.
Currently, applicants may apply for a maximum of two grants under the scheme - where one property will become their principal private residence and the second will be in respect of a property made available for rent. Applications for the grant can only be made by named individuals who own the property for which the grant is being applied for or who are actively engaged in purchasing the property. The grant is not available to registered companies, developers, undertakings etc.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes the number of applications, approvals and the total number and value of grants paid per local authority.
The grant is currently available for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversions. Data in relation to over the shop or upper floor accommodation availing of the grant is currently not collated by my Department.
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which considered the scheme's conditions and effectiveness. The grant has proven extremely successful since its launch and has achieved its target, set under the previous housing plan, to support bringing back into use 4,000 homes by the end of 2025.
The review of the grant and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government were considered in developing the new housing plan. Delivering Homes Supporting Communities reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issue of vacancy and dereliction.
The Plan includes provision of additional support for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant space for use as homes. The Government has approved the introduction of a Vacant Above the Shop Grant with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted/refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is remaining. The additional grant amount for above these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000.
My Department is currently progressing work to introduce the Vacant Above the Shop Grant. I expect that it and the Expert Advice Grant will be made available, for delivery by local authorities, by end Q1 2026.
The Housing Plan also commits to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop grant to micro companies and this work will be undertaken. It should also be noted that other schemes such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, which supports bringing vacant properties, including 'above the shop' property, into residential use and SEAI grants are currently available to businesses.
