Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2024
100. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application for the croí cónaithe house refurbishment grant (details supplied) will qualify for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
The objective of the grant scheme is to refurbish and bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. The grant is available to individuals for the purpose of refurbishing vacant or derelict properties for use as their principal private residence or to be made available for rent.
To qualify for the grant, properties considered for inclusion must be built up to and including 2007 and vacant for 2 years or more at the time of grant application. Proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications. Confirmation of vacancy can be validated and verified by the use of, for example, utility bills, which can help determine vacancy periods (e.g. continuous and consistent low or zero electricity usage or disconnection for a period of two years) or such other proofs as are available. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval.
While my Department provides guidance on the scheme, it is the local authorities who administer and manage the scheme. Local Authorities assess grant applications in line with scheme eligibility criteria, one of which is that the property must be vacant for two years prior to the application being made.
