Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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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 not been used as residential 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 establishment of the charge on the property in respect of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is to protect the interests of the local authority. It is not expected that applicants would cover the legal fees associated with the registration of the charge. These should be covered by the local authority issuing the Grant. The Department will provide support to local authorities towards the costs of registration of the charge. The Department is satisfied that the current level of supports available are sufficient. The level of legal costs to local authorities and the level of support to be provided will be kept under review.