Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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490. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider proposals (details supplied) to alter the vacant property refurbishment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64733/25]

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 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. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.

The objective of the grant is to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.

The grant is currently available for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversions.

The Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030 reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issue of vacancy and dereliction. The plan includes a commitment to provide additional support under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant floors for use as homes. My Department is currently progressing this work.