Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

403. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a stipulation existed whereby a house which qualified for the vacant property refurbishment grant, that was instead offered to a Ukrainian family fleeing war under the “offer a home scheme”, would still qualify for the vacant property refurbishment scheme when vacated by the Ukrainian family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27699/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Queries on eligibility are a matter for the Vacant Homes Officer in the relevant local authority area in the first instance. it should be noted that under the scheme eligibility criteria, in order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for 2 years or more at the time of application. There are no exceptions in the scheme criteria relating to occupation under the Offer a Home Scheme.