Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund-extended to cities and rural areas 

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien T.D. announced in November 2022 that the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was extended to eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas to ensure the existing housing stock is being used to the fullest extent possible. 

A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore. This is subject to upper limits for the types of work specified below having regard to a reasonable cost assessment by the local authority. 

Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous) bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000. In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional (e.g. quantity surveyor, engineer etc.) is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous). 

Those applying for the grant will be required to indicate on the application form to confirm if they are applying for the vacant property refurbishment grant alone or the vacant property refurbishment grant including the derelict property top-up grant. 

Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. For the purposes of this scheme, a property is deemed to be vacant if it has been vacant and unoccupied for a period of two years or more. Confirmation of vacancy can be validated and verified by the use of, for example, Utility Bills which can help determine vacancy periods (e.g. pattern of usage or disconnection) or such other proofs as are available to the satisfaction of the local authority. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval. 

An SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may be available in combination with this grant. Works covered by SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme will therefore not be covered. The local authority must satisfy themselves that proposed works are not claimed for under any other grant. 

Proof of both vacancy and ownership will be required to support the grant payment. In terms of ownership, it is a matter for the applicant to confirm ownership with the local authority. 

All queries in relation to the scheme to be sent to: vacanthomes@cavancoco.ie 

Application forms and Further Information about the scheme is available on www.cavancoco.ie/croi-conaithe