Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
513. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to derelict houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42016/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra526. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant and derelict houses estimated to exist in the countryside outside of towns and villages of over 500 people; if he intends creating a new scheme to provide grants of up to €30,000 for the refurbishment of vacant houses in the countryside, as first homes for applicants and €50,000 for the refurbishment of derelict houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42235/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra658. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will adjust the Croí Cónaithe towns fund scheme to permit housing outside of towns or villages to be eligible for the scheme. [43914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 513, 526 and 658 together.
My Department is currently reviewing additional opportunities to harness vacancy data. This will include working with the Vacant Homes Officer (VHO) in each local authority to monitor and assess vacancy data locally, including potentially through field based surveys. This will add to data sources on vacancy, including the recent data provided through the preliminary analysis of the Local Property Tax (LPT) 2022 and Census 2022, all of which informs development of policy to address vacancy.
On the 14 July, my Department launched the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The fund is initially focused on supporting refurbishment of vacant homes in regional towns and villages. The Fund is being delivered by local authorities, and will provide new choices for people to live in towns and villages in Ireland, initially through the provision of a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, with priority given to areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.
The Fund will benefit those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence and become part of the community in the area. This supports the development of town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community, key objectives in the National Planning Framework and the Town Centre First Policy, launched in February 2022.
A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.
There are over 500 towns and villages in Ireland with a population of over 400 people. It is intended that the Crói Cónaithe Fund could potentially apply in all such towns, and also to some smaller villages, which may not be defined as towns or villages for the purposes of CSO Census mapping but with sufficient provision of services and amenities and for example, are walkable to town/village centre along footpaths primarily.
Each local authority should prioritise consideration of applications in town/village locations based on the following criteria:
- the overall levels of vacancy and dereliction within the town or village;
- alignment with policies of the relevant development plan including areas/objectives identified for regeneration;
- the role that the Fund might play as part of wider town regeneration particularly in the light of emerging Town Centre First Plans and integration with other committed regeneration funding.
The Fund, is targeted to deliver some 2,000 homes by 2025. Data will be gathered on the operation of the initiative from the outset and will be kept under ongoing review by my Department. The question of extension of the fund to vacant or derelict properties other than those encompassed by the scheme at present will form part of the ongoing review of the scheme.
