Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
646. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if individuals who have fully or partially demolished an old derelict property are also eligible to apply for funding under the croí cónaithe scheme; if so, what percentage of demolition is allowable under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12281/24]
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.
The objective of the grant scheme is to refurbish and bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use. While demolition and extension works can form part of an application for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, such works must be part of a refurbishment of an existing dwelling in keeping with the objectives of the scheme.
While the Department provides guidance on the scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to assess and decide on the individual applications.
