Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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241. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to tackle dereliction and vacancy in south Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54051/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Addressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for Government.

The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, set out the various actions being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes across the country, including Kildare. In March, I published the 2025 Progress Report which shows the significant progress that is being made and it is available on my Department's website at the following link: . 

One of the key measures in the Action Plan supporting the refurbishment of older, vacant and derelict buildings for housing is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The grant can provide up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for use as homes and up to €70,000 where the property is derelict. 

To end of Q2 2025 in Kildare County Council, under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, 346 applications have been received, with 264 approvals and 144 grants paid, with a total value of €7.96 million.

The Programme for Government, "Securing Ireland’s Future", includes a range of commitments to continue our work in tackling vacancy and dereliction and supporting town centre living. These measures are currently being considered in the context of the forthcoming National Housing Plan. 

I firmly believe that the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions taken will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.