CLARE Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has welcomed the extension of the Croí Conaithe vacant property refurbishment scheme to allow owners of disused and derelict properties apply to their Local Authority for grants of up to €50,000, regardless of their location.
When it was launched last July, the scheme was confined to towns and villages. Deputy Carey, who has been advocating for the scheme to be extended to all areas, has now confirmed that it has been expanded so that all areas of the country are included.
“Having campaigned intensively to see the Croí Conaithe scheme expanded to all urban and rural areas, I view this as a very welcome opportunity for people in all parts of County Clare. Homeowners can now apply to Clare County Council for grants of up to €30,000 to refurbish properties that have been vacant for over two years, and €50,000 for derelict properties that may be structurally unsound,” he explained.
“I have been informed by Minister of State Peter Burke that the scheme has been expanded so that even more vacant and derelict properties in Clare can be brought back into residential use. I will also help ensure that our existing housing stock can be best utilised to provide more homes for people in all parts of the county.
“The grants can also be combined with the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme that covers works of up to €26,750. 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.
“Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. The scheme is exclusively available to individuals or households for which the property will be their principal private residence.
“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, Deputy Carey added.
Details of the newly expanded scheme and the application form can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/
