Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The vacant property refurbishment grant provides funding of up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property and up to €70,000 if the property is derelict. It can be availed of if the applicant intends either to live in the property or to rent it out. There is a considerable number of property owners across the country who will benefit from the grant. It is an important piece of the jigsaw in terms of our efforts to tackle the current housing situation. In my county of Galway, the scheme absolutely could be beneficial across both city and county. I was disappointed, therefore, to read earlier this week that no applicants in Galway have drawn down the funding over the first 18 months the scheme has been in effect. I am sure some applications are working their way through the system but the fact is no funding has been drawn down. It is disappointing. An issue that was raised with me is that the grant is given only after the works have been completed. I presume this is done to protect public money and I recognise, of course, the need to do so. We must balance that need to protect public funds with making the scheme a success. We need to look at it again. We can at least allow some percentage of the scheme funding to be paid upfront where contractors are carrying out the work. I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader would raise this issue with the Minister.