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.
While my Department issues guidance on the provisions of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the administration of the Grant, including the application assessment and decisions on approval and payments to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
The refurbishment/conversion of properties may involve development that requires planning permission. Where appropriate, the local authority will require evidence of planning permission for the development/works proposed or a declaration of exemption under the Planning Acts.
My Department is also supporting local authorities with resources to tackle vacancy and dereliction. All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer. My Department provides annual funding of €60,000 to each local authority to support this post and reinforce their capacity to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction.
My Department has also provided €180,000 to each local authority to support processing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications. Technical and legal support is also available to support local authorities in administering the grant through the Housing Agency.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities committed to increasing funding for local authorities to support the administration of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with up to an additional €100,000 being made available to each local authority per annum. My Department will be advising of the process for draw down of this additional funding in the coming weeks.
While my Department has a role in strategic workforce planning within the local government sector, Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
