Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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143. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider opening the Croí Cónaithe scheme for rental properties and shortening the vacancy period in the instance where a departing tenant has left a property in bad repair and the landlord may not have the funds to bring it back up to standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9235/23]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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144. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider extending the Croí Cónaithe grant scheme to vacant properties where the professional advice has been given that a demolition and rebuild is required over a renovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9243/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

Pathway 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.

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 previously been used as residential.

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 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or if the property is on the Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.

In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property not on the Derelict Sites Register, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict.

The level of Grant is contingent on the works approved by the local authority and will be paid based on vouched expenditure following a final inspection by the local authority.

The refurbishment of a vacant property for occupation may involve development that requires planning permission. Where appropriate, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit evidence that planning permission has been attained prior to final grant approval. In cases where a question arises in relation to whether a proposed development needs planning permission or is an exempted development, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit a declaration of exemption under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

The objective of the grant scheme is to bring existing properties back into use. While demolition and extension works can form part of an application for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, such works must be part of a wider refurbishment of the existing dwelling in keeping with the objectives of the scheme.

Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. Proof of both vacancy and ownership are required to support the grant payment.

In respect of rental properties, there is already a scheme in place which facilitates the refurbishment of properties for rent to social housing tenants. The Repair and Leasing Scheme provides an upfront loan, to a maximum of €60,000 (including VAT) per unit, to owners of vacant properties, which require work to bring the units up to the required standard for rental. In return, the property is made available for social housing for a period of between 5 and 25 years. The cost of repairs is offset against reduced lease payments to the property owner.

When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. The schemes are focused on providing homes for applicants. There are no plans currently to extend the grant to allow for the rental of properties. However, it is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.