Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
284. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with ESB Networks in relation to seeking a more affordable cost of reconnecting a derelict or vacant home in the context of efforts being made to bring such properties back into use through initiatives such as Croí Cónaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4797/24]
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 was launched under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund to support 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, including the conversion of a commercial or public use 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 property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application and proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications.
While works in respect of services (including plumbing; heating; ventilation; power; lighting; telecommunications; smoke/CO2detection) can be supported by the grant, my Department has no role in relation to network reconnections. Properties disconnected over 2 years are treated as new connections by ESB Networks. The Network provides information on their website in relation to the process to apply for a new domestic connection as well as a statement of charges for new domestic connections - see the following link: www.esbnetworks.ie/existing-connections/restoring-electricity-supply-to-a-disconnected-property
