Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry qualifies for the over shop grant for accommodation; the details that are available in respect of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8461/25]

James Browne (Wexford, 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.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. The grant is available for the refurbishment of vacant accommodation above shops.

In order to qualify for the grant the property must be vacant for 2 years or more at the time of application. Further information and scheme eligibility can be found at the line provided here: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a "Living Above the Shop" top up grant which is currently being considered for progression.

My Department provides funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist eligible people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants includes the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant are funded by the Department with a contribution from the resources of the local authority.

The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the grant scheme.

Households should contact the local authority to establish if the household is eligible under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme.

My Department does not provide a specific grant for the renovation of occupied privately owned houses beyond the scope of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People grant scheme. Further information can obtained at the link provided here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.