Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. In July 2022 the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. From 1 May 2023, 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, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore, subject to appropriate planning permission being in place.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 support the carrying out of refurbishment works to bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use. While works in respect of septic tanks are not included in the works which can be supported by the grant, houses with septic tanks are not precluded from eligibility for the grant. It is not a condition of the scheme that applicants supply details and professional and technical reports on the condition of any existing septic tank on the property to the relevant local authority before they process a grant application. Communications have issued to all local authorities regarding the grant conditions and support and guidance is provided to local authorities administering the grant by the Housing Agency and by the Vacant Homes Unit in Department.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. It is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken and completed by mid-2024.
In relation to funding for upgrading septic tank systems, under the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012, it is the responsibility of the owners to ensure that their domestic waste water treatment system (septic tank) is fit for purpose, operational and kept in good order. Owners of septic tanks are also responsible for their maintenance and repair.
My Department does provide financial assistance with three dedicated grants available to households in circumstances where works are required to septic tanks to protect human health and the environment.
I recently announced substantial improvements to the terms and conditions of all three grants. I approved the increase of the grant amount available to €12,000 from €5,000 and also made it is easier for households to qualify, removing the requirement to have registered the tank with the local authority.
Details of the grant schemes are available on my Department’s website at :
www.gov.ie/en/publication/6cc1e-domestic-waste-water-treatment-systems-septic-tanks/
