New grant to tackle dereliction

The launch of a new €50m scheme to support bringing vacant buildings back into residential use has been described as “hugely important” by a Cork county councillor.

Fine Gael’s John Paul O'Shea welcomed the announcement of the Croí Cónaithe Fund, saying it will be of profound benefit to individuals and families throughout the country who are trying to secure a home. “It will also play a decisive role in addressing the issue of vacancy and dereliction which faces many rural communities,” said the Kanturk/Charleville councillor.

Announced last Thursday by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, the fund will provide grants of up to a maximum of €30,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties.

This includes the conversion of a property which has not been used as a home before now.

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.

The fund will be delivered through local authorities, with priority given to applications in areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.

Announcing the initiative, the Taoiseach said it among the suite of measures outlined in the Government’s Housing for All scheme which aims to address vacancy and make efficient use of existing housing stock.

“We know there is a great appetite across the towns and villages of Cork to bring vacant properties back into use for home ownership and this scheme will provide the ability to turn many of those opportunities into reality,” said the Taoiseach.

Minister Darragh O’Brien added: “The Croí Cónaithe Fund is another key delivery milestone in the Government’s Housing for All plan and supporting home ownership.”

Minister O’Brien also confirmed that he intends to extend the scheme further into city areas with high vacancy or dereliction in the coming months.