Grants of up to €50,000 for homeowners of vacant and derelict properties have been extended to both rural areas and cities and will be available under the Croí Conaithe Towns scheme.
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has today confirmed the scheme, which first launched in July to towns and villages, has been expanded so that all areas of the country, including Waterford, are within the scope of the scheme.
Senator Cummins said: “The expansion of this excellent scheme is something which I have been working on for several months and I know it will be welcomed by those wishing to get their foot on the ladder. Grants for property owners are available to apply for from Waterford Council with €30,000 being offered for properties which have been vacant for over two years, and €50,000 for derelict properties which need structural work.
“My colleague, Minister Peter Burke, has launched the expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, so that even more vacant and derelict properties in Waterford can be brought back into residential use. The public have seen what is possible from TV programmes such as ‘Cheap Irish Homes’, ‘Room to Improve’ and the ‘Great House Revival’ and the appetite is there to see such properties being restored to their former glory for future generations”.
“The grants can also be combined with the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme that covers works of up to nearly €30,000. They are available to individuals and families who will use the property as their primary dwelling and is another measure being employed to support home ownership and provide more homes for our citizens.
“Fine Gael want to use our experience and energy to help people through this difficult time and are taking further action on housing to ensure that people in their twenties and thirties have the chance to own their own home.” said Senator Cummins.
Commenting at the launch, Fine Gael Minister Peter Burke said that the scheme was a much-needed practical measure. “The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will work alongside other key Fine Gael policies such as Town Centre First and Our Rural Future, helping revitalise our communities while providing more people with the opportunity to own their own home.
“My officials are working with our Local Authorities to ensure they are equipped to administer the scheme, with 29 full time vacant homes officers now installed in the sector who are focused on bringing vacant stock back into productive use.
“The scheme also promotes sustainability as we know the most efficient home is the one that is already built, limiting emissions from construction, while improving the look of our rural countryside, villages, towns and now cities,” concluded Minister Burke.