Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
286. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the particular aspect of the vacant homes policy contained within the Croí Cónaithe scheme (i.e. ownership of second properties) was currently under review and as this is impacting many accessing the grant and bringing properties into use through their local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All. In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022.
The Grant is focused on home ownership. A range of individuals or households, where the property will be their principal private residence are eligible to avail of the scheme, with the prioritisation of applications for consideration using the framework of priorities below and in line with overall funding available. The priorities are implemented on a sliding scale.
1. Applicants who are First Time Buyers (i.e. not have purchased or built a home for themselves) or who qualify under the ‘Fresh Start’ principle. The Fresh Start principle includes previous homeowners who have experienced divorce or separation, or insolvency or bankruptcy, and who no longer have a legal interest in the previous home.
2 Applicants (other than 1 above) who have particular needs – specifically, disabled people or older people who are moving from their current home which they are selling or have sold and want to refurbish and live in a vacant property.
3. Applicants (other than 1 and 2 above) who are moving from their current home which they are selling or have sold and want to refurbish and live in a vacant property.
The Grant is exclusively available to individuals or households for which the property will be their principal private residence. It is not available to undertakings and/or developers, etc. and applicants must be selling or have sold their current home.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. A comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
