Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1540. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the review being carried out of the croí cónaithe, vacant-derelict property refurbishment grant; the elements of this scheme that are being considered for expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42253/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling vacancy is and will continue to be a key priority for this Government. 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 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 two years or more at the time of application.

The grant has been very successful since its launch. By the end of June 2025 over 13,700 applications had been received, almost 10,000 approved and over 2,850 grants paid across the country, bringing these properties into use as homes.

More and more people are seeing the potential in vacant properties and between the grant and the SEAI grants, there is up to €100,000 available to help people bring a home back into use.

A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, considering all aspects of the scheme. That review has now been completed and the findings are being considered.