Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
315. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider, as part of the review of the croí cónaithe scheme, adding farm buildings to the eligible list of buildings, as many old farm buildings are no longer suitable for modern-day agricultural practices and are being left abandoned as they serve little or no purpose (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3654/24]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. 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. 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.
Agricultural buildings are not eligible for the grant. The types of buildings eligible for the grant will be considered as part of a comprehensive review and evaluation of the scheme which is being undertaken at present and is expected to be completed in mid-2024.
