Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
1754. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the vacant above the shop grant to include registered mortgaged company owned premises for eligibility criteria for the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1882. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the review of micro-company eligibility for the vacant above the shop grant. [62686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1883. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if mortgaged company-owned properties are being considered as part of the review of micro-company eligibility for the vacant above the shop grant given the practical difficulties involved in transferring such properties into personal ownership. [62689/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1884. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any interim or conditional mechanism available for otherwise qualifying micro-company projects while that review of micro-company eligibility for the vacant above the shop grant is ongoing. [62690/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1754 and 1882 to 1884, inclusive, together.
Tackling vacancy and dereliction is at the heart of the Government's housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction across the country.
Under the new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a commitment was given to provide additional support for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant space for use as homes. The Vacant Above the Shop Grant was introduced in April 2026, with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available where vacant above the shop space is being converted/refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is remaining. The additional grant amount for these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000. Applications and information on the Grants are available from each local authority at the following link www.gov.ie/vacancy.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities, includes a commitment to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant to micro companies and this work is currently underway.
There are a range of measures in place to address vacancy and support urban regeneration, which can be availed of by companies and undertakings, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Living City Initiative and planning exemptions for the conversion of certain commercial properties into residential use.
