Donegal County Council has received 67 applications to refurbish vacant properties.
The applications are at various stages in the process – being assessed, awaiting further information from the applicant or at at technical assessment stage.
The number of applications coming forward to the scheme has been welcomed by Donegal County Councillor Patrick McGowan.
The council is also expected to fill the Vacant Homes Officer (VHO) & Town Regeneration Officer (TRO) positions being advertised at present.
Councillor McGowan says that once the new team is in place, plans will also be developed to address empty properties and dereliction in priority locations.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a scheme to support the sustainable reuse of vacant properties. Funded by the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, the scheme is helping to bring vacant and underused buildings back into residential use and is ensuring that existing housing stock is being used to the fullest extent possible. It is also providing new choices for people to live in all cities, towns, villages and rural areas in Ireland, supporting their future growth and development.
Two types of grant exist:
- Vacant properties : a grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of a vacant property for occupation by the homeowner. Refurbishment also includes the conversion of a property that has not been used for residential purposes before as a principal private residence. The property must be vacant for two years or more and be built before 1993
- Derelict properties : a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of a derelict property. For a property to be deemed derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous), the applicant must confirm this by submitting an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional along with the application form. The property can also be deemed derelict if it is on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register. Evidence that the property was built before 1993 and that it is vacant for two years or more will also be required.
The grant is inclusive of the VAT cost of the works. Local authorities administer the scheme.
A Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may be available in combination with this grant. The SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme covers works of up to €26,750.
