Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
155. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the exact date by which the new vacant above the shop grant will be operational; when local authorities will begin accepting applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22909/26]
View answer156. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when updated guidance, circulars and operational instructions will issue to local authorities regarding the administration of the vacant above the shop grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22910/26]
View answer157. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will consider extending the vacant above the shop grant to include conversion or refurbishment of vacant rear-of-property or back-of-site areas, where such spaces are structurally connected to commercial premises but not physically located above the shop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/26]
View answer158. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify whether properties that include both above-the-shop areas and rear can qualify for full grant support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22912/26]
View answer159. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual uptake targets he has set for the vacant above the shop grant; the way in which progress will be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 156, 157, 158 and 159 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, 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. The grant is currently available for conversion or refurbishment of vacant above the shop space.
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. This will include vacant space outside of the commercial element in a single storey building. 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. My Department has been is engaging with local authorities regarding introduction of the schemes.
