Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1452. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider raising the amounts of the vacant and derelict property grants in recognition of the increase in construction and materials-related costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41432/25]

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 maximum grant amounts were increased in May 2023 from €30,000 and €50,000 to take account of rising costs.

In conjunction with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, other supports and grants may be used supporting bringing these vacant and derelict properties into use as homes.

The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Houses is an expanded funding scheme to provide grants for expert conservation advice to owners of vacant traditional houses who are availing of, or considering, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

Funding is also available under the Repair and Leasing Scheme to support refurbishment of vacant residential, commercial and public use properties, and vacant above the shop spaces, for use as social housing. This provides an interest free loan of up to €80,000, for each individual unit completed in a formerly vacant property. For example, where a vacant former shop is converted into 4 apartments, a loan of up to €320,000 is available. The scheme is increasingly being used to convert vacant commercial properties into social housing units.

SEAI grants can also be used alongside the Vacant Property Refurbishment, with up to €100,000 potentially available for the refurbishment of a property.

Under the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, launched in July 2024, a first-time buyer who wishes to purchase and/or renovate a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligible home but who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders is now able to apply to their local authority for a loan under the scheme. The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan has the potential to help first time buyers and fresh start applicants to complete the purchase and renovation of a vacant or derelict property and provides an avenue to secure the necessary finance to make the project viable.

A review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024. That review has been completed and is under consideration.