On the 14 July, my Department launched the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The fund is initially focused on supporting refurbishment of vacant homes in regional towns and villages. The Fund is being delivered by local authorities, and provides new choices for people to live in towns and villages in Ireland, initially through the provision of a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, with priority given to areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.
A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount 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 €50,000.
Properties can have been purchased, with mortgage drawn down prior to the launch of this fund (14 July 2022), however they must be vacant for 2 years or more prior to application.
Applications must be made to the relevant local authority prior to the works for which the application is made commencing. Works already commenced cannot be applied for. The local authority will arrange for suitable technical staff to visit the property to assess the projected costs of the work proposed. The grant will be paid based on vouched expenditure following a final inspection by the local authority.
The scheme will be kept under ongoing review by my Department.
