Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
703. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the report published by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into residential use; if he intends to review and ultimately action any of the recommendations contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16362/23]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins the 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.
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 previously been used as residential.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or if the property is on the Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.
Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. Proof of both vacancy and ownership are required to support the grant payment.
I note the report referenced on bringing vacant and derelict residential properties back into use. It very clearly sets out the value of bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use, delivering housing, regenerating communities and meeting sustainability objectives and the opportunities posed. The report also welcomes the contribution of the Vacant Property Grant which has been made available under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, while making further recommendations to support the viability of renovating a vacant or derelict property.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been kept under ongoing review since its launch. The Government and I have recently decided to further expand the grant eligibility to increase the number of vacant and derelict properties being brought back into use. This includes changing the eligibility date for properties to include properties built prior to 2007, expanding the grant to include properties which are made available for rent and not solely for owner occupation as well as reviewing the current grant rates. My Department is currently working on details of this expansion and will also consider recommendations made in this report. Further announcements on the changes to the scheme will be made when this work has concluded.
