New State fund to offer grants of up to €50k for refurbishing derelict properties
A new €50 million Government fund, which will offer individuals grants of up to €50,000 to help bring vacant and derelict properties back into residential use, has been announced today.
The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) fund is designed to help tackle the significant number of vacant properties in towns and villages across the country.
The fund, which will be distributed through local authorities, will offer a grant of up to €30,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which was not previously used as a home.
Where a property is derelict, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to €50,000.
The Government said this grant could also be combined with the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme, which covers works of up to €26,750.
The announcement of the scheme has been welcomed by two Ministers of State from the Midlands, Westmeath TD Peter Burke and Offaly Senator Pippa Hackett.
"Today's new fund is a part of a suite of measures undertaken by the Government to tackle vacancy. It will be complemented by the upcoming Vacant Property Tax to help bring more properties back into use across Westmeath," said Minister of State Burke.
Minister of State Hackett said the new fund was aligned with the Government's 'Town Centre First' policy which was launched in Moate earlier this year.
"The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a scheme aligned to the 'Town Centre First' policy and for those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence and become part of the community in the area.
"I am very excited to see this scheme contribute to the revival of town centres in Laois and Offaly. The Midlands has so much to offer those who remain, return or choose to make their lives here and this is one further step in the right direction."
In order to qualify for the fund, properties must be located in a town or village, must have been vacant for two years or more, and must have been built prior to 1993.
It was also noted that the scheme would be exclusively available to individuals or households for which the property would be their principal private residence, and it cannot be availed of by developers.
Proof of both building vacancy and ownership will be required for the grant payment, though local authorities can give approval in principle to a grant application where the applicant is able to provide evidence that they're in active negotiations to purchase a property.
The type of works eligible for the grant assistance include: Substructure works, including works to foundations, rising walls, floor slabs, damp-proofing and underpinning; Works to internal walls, stairs, and landings, and internal wall completions including doors, windows, and applied finishes; Building services including plumbing, heating, ventilation, electrical services and telecommunications; and painting and decoration works.
There are more than 500 towns and villages in Ireland with a population of over 400 people. The Government said the Crói Cónaithe Fund was intended for these towns and, and it may also be available in "some smaller villages" that have sufficient provision of services and amenities.