I propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 240, 241, 242 and 243 together.
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. The Grant provides 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 derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
Applications for the grant can be made by named individuals who own the property for which the grant is being applied for or who are actively engaged in purchasing the property. Eligible properties must be built before 2008 and includes vacant commercial or public use buildings. Agricultural buildings are not eligible for the grant.
While the Department issues general guidance on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, it has no direct role in deciding on individual applications. The administration of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, including the application, assessment, approval and payment to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority which must also satisfy itself as to the ownership of the property prior to the payment of the grant.
Vacant Homes Officers (VHOs) are in place in all local authorities and are available to provide advice, support and guidance to the public in relation to the schemes in place to tackle vacancy. A full list of VHOs and their contact details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f59b3-vacant-homes-officer-contacts/
Prior to a decision being made on a grant application, the local authority reviews the application to ensure that the grant conditions are met and the required supporting documentation has been submitted. They will then arrange for a site visit to be carried out. Once this process is complete the local authority will make their decision on the grant application which is then issued to the applicant.
Where an application is not successful, the applicant can lodge an appeal with the local authority to whom the application was made. A senior local authority official who was not involved with the original decision will assess the appeal and contact the applicant with the outcome.
If, after having an appeal carried out on a grant application and the applicant is unhappy with the response received from the Local Authority, the applicant can bring a complaint to the Ombudsman. More details on the role of the Ombudsman, can be found at ombudsman.ie/en/
The Office of the Ombudsman provides a free, impartial and independent dispute resolution service and can be contacted using an online complaint form on their website www.ombudsman.ie or they can be contacted on phone number 01 639 5600.
