Tipperary TD welcomes changes to grant system for vacant or derelict family homes

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has welcomed the announcement that families can now apply for a grant of €50,000 to refurbish a home that has been vacant for two years, with an additional top-up grant available if the property is derelict.

The details of the Revised Grant Scheme are due to be published by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien this week.

"Up to now this grant was only available for those wishing to live in the refurbished property," said Deputy Lowry. "However now, once the property has been refurbished, it can be rented, which will help to ease the housing pressure in many parts of the country. In addition, these properties may also be eligible for Energy Retrofitting Grants of €30,000’

The Regional Group of Independent TDs put forward proposals last month to enhance the Refurbishment Scheme, which Government took on board. It is hoped that some of what is estimated to be as many as 160,000 vacant properties will now be opened up for renters as a result.

“The original grant for refurbishing a vacant home was a proposal that the Group brought to Minister Darragh O’Brien. The Minister introduced this new grant scheme last year, which is open to applications from any person who is willing to rent out a property that has been vacant for two years,” said Deputy Lowry.

“Across all our towns, villages and rural areas there are properties that fit this criteria. This Grant provides an opportunity to turn vacant properties into family homes.

“Not only will this help to ease the housing pressures in the short term but will also help to secure the viability of Primary Schools and other local services," he said.

The application form can be accessed at Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant or on Tipperary County Council's website.