Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
707. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on how he and his Department will simplify and enhance the application process and application timelines on the croí cónaithe scheme considering the worrying figures reported in a newspaper (details supplied) on the number of applicants who have successfully drawn down funding on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15200/24]
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 as homes. 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 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available to properties which have been vacant for 2 years.
The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the works being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Once approved, a letter of approval, including the grant amount approved, issues to the applicant.
When the works applied for are completed the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Where the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant. Currently payment of grants is taking place some 13 months from date of approval, as works are completed. It is anticipated that the payment of grants by local authorities will increase significantly during 2024 as more works are completed.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under it, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, would be undertaken by mid 2024. That review is currently underway and is due to be completed in May 2024.
