Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

585. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if there is any mechanism, existing or discretionary, that would allow a sole-director small business to qualify for the vacant property grant, given that the renovation is strictly for personal residential use to bring a derelict property in a small town back to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66217/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

A maximum of two grants are available to any applicant, of which one must be in respect of a home they intend to occupy as their principal private residence and the other may be in respect of a property which will be made available for rent. The grant is not currently available to registered companies or developers. Applications can only be made by named individuals. Applicants may transfer a property from company ownership into their individual ownership in order to apply for the grant.

The housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 has committed to improve and expand the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant by introducing an 'Above the Shop' top up grant and my Department is currently progressing this work. The plan also commits to exploring an extension of the 'Above the Shop' grant to micro companies.