Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
128. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what changes could be made to ensure swifter processing of Croí Cónaithe applications to get more projects shovel ready; the latest figures relating to the scheme, per local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7016/24]
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.
Feedback on the grant has been very positive since its launch, with over 6,500 applications received and over 3,570 applications approved to date.
In January 2022, my Department communicated with local authorities outlining that funding, made available since 2018 to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a Vacant Homes Officer (VHO), would be increased from €50,000 to €60,000 per annum, from mid-2022.
All 31 local authorities now have a full time, dedicated VHO in place. VHOs across local authorities are supported in their work by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, which provides information and advice, and facilitates dissemination of information and best practice. Support and guidance is also provided on an ongoing basis to local authorities by the Vacant Homes Unit and by the Housing Agency in respect of the processing of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications and grant payments.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, see gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics (www.gov.ie)
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. A comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
