Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2026
586. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any circumstances in which the vacant property refurbishment grant can be paid out to a successful applicant prior to the completion of the overall refurbishment of the property; for example, whether the grant can be used to cover initial portion of refurbishment works with the owner funding the remainder themselves. [21701/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling vacancy and dereliction is at the heart of the Government's housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, 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 process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that the grant conditions are met and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Following confirmation of a successful application and the works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the approved work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant.
Payment of the grant at the end of the process, when approved works are completed, to ensure that the applicant has carried out the works applied for and for which the grant is being paid. This is also the case for grants such as the SEAI grants and Housing Adaptation Grants, which are paid when works are completed.
