I propose to take Questions Nos. 710, 732, 733, 734 and 735 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022 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 property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application.
Proof of vacancy is required to support a grant application. Confirmation of vacancy must be verified by the local authority prior to grant approval. Information on the scheme and conditions is available for applicants in the scheme outline and the 'frequently asked questions' document at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
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. As the grant is administered by the relevant local authority, the matter raised by the Deputy should be referred to that body.
With regard to payment of the grant, this is at the end of the process, when approved works are completed, ensuring 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.
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which considered all aspects of the scheme including scheme administration and involved the input of all local authorities. The review of the grant and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government were considered as part of the new housing plan Building Homes, Delivering Communities.
As per an action contained in the housing plan in December 2025 Government approved an additional sum of up to €100,000 per annum for each local authority to support the effective and efficient administration of the grant in addition to the annual payment of €60,000 for the Vacant Homes Office in each local authority. It is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to ensure appropriate resources are assigned to administration of the grant.
Under the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, launched in July 2024, a first-time buyer who wishes to purchase and/or renovate a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligible home but who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders is now able to apply to their local authority for a loan under the scheme. The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan has the potential to help first time buyers and fresh start applicants to complete the purchase and renovation of a vacant or derelict property and provides an avenue to secure the necessary finance to make the project viable.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been very successful since its introduction and is making a real difference in urban and rural areas, supporting bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.
