Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
1638. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average turn around times for the Croí Cónaithe scheme in all applicable local authorities in the State for the last three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23713/26]
View answerThe 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. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
Prior to a decision being made on a grant application, the local authority reviews the application to ensure that the grant conditions are met and the required supporting documentation has been submitted. They will then arrange for a site visit to be carried out. Once this process is complete the local authority will make their decision on the grant application which is then issued to the applicant.
The average application processing time i.e. the time from receipt of the application to a decision being made by local authorities from scheme inception in July 2022 is currently approximately 16 weeks. The average application processing time over the last 12 months is 67 days, indicating an improvement in the process for a decision to be made on a grant application. This time period is reduced in cases where a completed application, accompanied by required documentation is received by the local authority.
