Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD today has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD of the new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund to refurbish vacant properties.
The new Scheme will provide grants of up to €30,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence. 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.
“This is a hugely important scheme for 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 Minister Humphreys.
“By supporting people to renovate vacant properties… through this new Fund, we not only support more people to live, work and raise families in rural areas, but we also revitalise our rural areas for the benefit of everyone.”
This scheme follows a commitment under the national rural development policy, Our Rural Future, to introduce new supports and incentives for the refurbishment of vacant properties.