Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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388. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review correspondence regarding grant aid for a property (details supplied); if he will advise if the person is entitled to a vacant property refurbishment grant or any other funding in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50276/25]

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 property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application. Proof of vacancy is required to support a grant application. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval.

The objective of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. The grant is administered and managed by local authorities, who process and decide on applications and issue grant payments on completion of approved refurbishment works.

Information on the scheme and conditions is available for applicants on my Department's website at

www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/