Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
707. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown of the number of applications to the croí cónaithe towns scheme; the number of applications awarded, both refurbishment and dereliction grants; the average value of the grant awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16470/23]
View answer708. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown of the number of applications to the croí cónaithe cities scheme; the number of applications awarded, both refurbishment and dereliction grants; the average value of the grant awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16471/23]
View answer752. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of croí cónaithe town grants drawn down to date and to explain why data for drawdowns is not included in the quarterly updates published by his Department. [16400/23]
View answer759. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant home grant applications received, approved, partially drawn down, and fully drawn down in each county since the scheme was launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16634/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 707, 708, 752 and 759 together.
Pathway 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 November 15 2022.
A grant of up to €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence. Where a property is derelict, a top up grant of €20,000 is available, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to €50,000.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed at the following link: gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Statistics (www.gov.ie).
