Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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383. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if there are any proposed changes to the vacant and derelict refurbishment grant scheme which would allow for the circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27386/25]

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. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for 2 years or more at the time of application.

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.

A review of the scheme was completed and is currently under consideration.