Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
180. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the vacant property refurbishment grant, particularly in relation to Cork County Council; the stage of applications at present, particularly in relation to a person (details supplied); the number of applicants who have drawn down and received the grant to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8555/24]
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.
While my Department provides guidance on the scheme, it is the local authorities who administer and manage the scheme. Regarding the payment of grants following completion of works, required documentation must be in order before the grant is issued. Further details in relation to specific grant applications may be available from the local Vacant Homes Officer in Cork County Council. The Cork County Council VHO can be contacted at VHO@CorkCoCo.ie.
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: www.gov.ie/en/collection/4bbe4-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/
