Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
378. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of grants he can award directly to local authorities for distribution to community groups, by heading and amount available; and if his Department provides funding to community groups for use in reducing vacant properties and dereliction in towns. [21653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
The objective of the grant scheme is to refurbish and bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. The grant is available to individuals for the purpose of refurbishing vacant or derelict properties for use as their principal private residence or to be made available for rent. Community Groups are not eligible for the grant.
The Heritage Council on behalf of my Department administer a number of grant funded schemes which are available to community groups. Information on the grant schemes and funding awarded can be found on the Heritage Councils website, link attached. www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/funding-schemes
The Department of Rural and Community Development also provide grants to community groups.
