Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2023
87. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration is being given to expand the Croí Cónaithe scheme to include properties that could be rented to help alleviate the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7536/23]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All. In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022. On 21 September 2022, the Ready to Build Scheme was launched, also funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. Under the Ready to Build Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the building of a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser.When the Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. The schemes are focused on providing homes for applicants. There are no plans currently to extend the grant to allow for the rental of properties. However, it is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
It should be noted that there is already a scheme in place which facilitates the refurbishment of properties for rent to social housing tenants. The Repair and Leasing Scheme provides an upfront loan, to a maximum of €60,000 (including VAT) per unit, to owners of vacant properties, which require work to bring the units up to the required standard for rental. In return, the property is made available for social housing for a period of between 5 and 25 years. The cost of repairs is offset against reduced lease payments to the property owner.
Further information in respect of these schemes and the application process can be obtained from the Vacant Homes Officer in each local authority.
