Up to €100K in grants to revamp derelict properties

Changes to the Croí Cónaithe scheme to include rental properties will help more people find housing in their locality, according to Senator Robbie Gallagher.

“The popular scheme is being expanded and enhanced to make it more attractive for people to refurbish vacant and derelict properties for use as a primary residence or for rental. The expansion to include rental properties is particularly welcome. It will have a positive impact on the availability of rental properties,” said the Monaghan Fianna Fáil Senator.

Grant levels for the scheme have been increased from €30,000 to €50,000 to "better reflect the costs involved in bringing a vacant and derelict property back into productive use", he explains.

The new rate of €50,000 will apply to a property that has been vacant property of two years or more; while the enhanced grant rises to €70,000 for properties that are derelict or certified as requiring structural works. Eligible properties must have been built prior to 2007, rather than 1993 under the previous rules.

"This will bring a further cohort of properties into the scope of the scheme,” contended Sen Gallagher.

“I would contend that the revised grant amounts should be paid to those who have already received approval for the original grant amount and I am delighted that this suggestion has also been taken on board because it would have clogged up the process if applicants with approval had to reapply for the higher grant amounts,” he continued.

“There is clearly an appetite to see vacant and derelict properties being restored to their former glory for future generations and the decisions made today to enhance the scheme will have a positive impact on the supply of much needed homes for rent and permanent residence," stressed Sen Gallagher.

When combined with the SEAI One Stop Shop retrofit grants, it is now possible to secure nearly €100,000 in grant support towards renovating a vacant and derelict property.

“The improved scheme will have a very positive impact in reducing vacancy across towns, villages and rural areas. It is important that the local authority prioritise these applications as a matter of urgency, and encourage owners to move on projects without delay,” concluded Sen Gallagher.