Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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701. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on plans to make above the shop development easier, including through changes to fire regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48895/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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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. 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. The grant is currently available to individuals for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversions.

The Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to tackle vacancy, including a commitment to create an ‘Above the Shop’ living refurbishment grant by topping up the vacant and derelict refurbishment grant. My Department is currently progressing work on this.

More information on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can be found on my Department's website here: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.

Planning regulations, introduced in 2018, which exempted certain vacant commercial premises, including ‘over the shop’ type spaces, from requiring planning permission to change to residential purposes were extended to the end of 2025. The scope of the exemption was also extended to include ‘public houses’. The exemptions support the reuse of vacant commercial buildings as homes, increasing housing supply and regenerating communities. From 2018 to the end of 2024, over 1,500 notifications were received from developers which could result in over 3,400 new homes being provided.

Funding is also available under the Repair and Leasing Scheme which provides support for the refurbishment of vacant properties to be used for social housing. This scheme provides an interest free loan of up to €80,000, including VAT, 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.

A comprehensive review of Part B (Fire Safety) led to the introduction of Building Regulations (Part B Amendment) Regulations in 2024. The associated Technical Guidance Document B 2024 – Fire Safety - Volume 1: Buildings other than dwelling houses (TGD B 2024) provides guidance on how to comply with these Regulations (effective since 1 May 2025). TGD B 2024 includes a specific section (Section 7 - Existing Buildings) to support the reuse of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements for such buildings, including Living Over The Shop units.