Derelict Sites
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-19
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James Browne (FF), Wexford

I thank the Deputy. Unlike connections in the delivery of new housing, reconnections are not a measure of tackling vacancy and dereliction, as many vacant properties never lost their connections.
The vacant property refurbishment grant, funded under the croí cónaithe towns fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, more than 17,400 applications had been made to local authorities, with more than 13,100 of those applications approved and more than 5,300 grants paid, amounting to almost €285 million of grant funding paid out. That is an important success of that scheme.
The grant provides up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as principal private residences and for properties that will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In addition, the Government approved the introduction of a vacant above the shop grant, with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted or refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is there as well. The additional grant amount for these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an expert advice grant of up to €5,000. The new vacant above the shop grant and expert advice grant were launched on 1 April 2026, with applications and information on the grants available online. In the housing plan, a commitment was also given to explore an extension of the vacant above the shop grant for properties owned by small or micro companies. This work is being undertaken and will be completed by the end of the year.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-19