Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
192. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken to increase the period of time over which successful croí cónaithe grants can be drawn down (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40783/24]
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, introduced in July 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. A grant of up to €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 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.
In order to support the timely delivery of properties back into use, from May 2023, once a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application receives approval, applicants must complete works applied for within a period of 13 months. In exceptional circumstances, where an applicant is experiencing particular issues and cannot complete the works applied for under the grant within the 13 month period, the local authority may consider and grant an extension of the approval period at their discretion. My Department issued a circular to all local authorities in October 2023 in this regard.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that a review of the schemes under it, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, would be undertaken by mid 2024. The review has now been completed and I am now considering its contents. The matter of the timeline for completion of works has been considered as part of the review.
