Written answers
Thursday, 28 September 2023
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Housing Schemes
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason that the timeframe for the approval to completion of works under the croí cónaithe (towns) fund was reduced from 18 months to 13 months; what the rationale behind this decision was, especially considering that the initial 18-month timeframe was already proving difficult to achieve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42004/23]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.In July 2022 the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €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, including the conversion of a property which has been previously used for commercial and public use heretofore, subject to appropriate planning permission being in place.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, 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 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.
A maximum of two grants are available to any applicant, of which one must be in respect of a home they intend to occupy as their principal private residence and the other may be in respect of a property which will be made available for rent.
In order to support the timely delivery of properties, from May 2023, once a grant application receives approval, applicants must complete works applied for within a period of 13 months.
Currently payment of grants is issuing some 12 months from date of approval, as works are completed.
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, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, will be undertaken by mid-2024.
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