Funding of more than €1.1 million helps deliver 21 new homes in Waterford

New figures from the Department of Housing show 21 new homes have been delivered in Waterford under the vacant property refurbishment grant scheme which was launched just over two years ago.

The latest figures which have just been published show there have been 248 applications, 130 approvals and 21 grants issued in Waterford. 

A total of €1.1m has been paid out to facilitate the refurbishment of vacant properties, resulting in the delivery of 21 new homes across the city and county. 

Nationally, there has been an exponential increase in the rate of grants issued this year. Between July and September, 336 grants were paid under the scheme compared to 226 during the previous three months and 146 between January and March. 

According to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, there have been 10,097 applications, 6,713 approvals and 867 grants issued across the 31 local authority areas in Ireland.

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Under the vacant property refurbishment grant, property owners can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to assist them in turning a vacant or derelict house or building into a permanent home or a rental property.

The grant is paid out upon completion of all the works involved and as the scheme continues, more completions are coming on stream.

Commenting on the latest figures, Mr O’Brien said: “The figures show that the vacant property refurbishment grant has been an extremely popular and effective measure in Waterford and nationally.  It has already facilitated the return to use of hundreds of previously vacant or derelict homes which is not only more sustainable but has resulted in increased supply, and ultimately, provided much needed homes for people.

“In the coming weeks and months, the number of grant payments will continue to ramp-up as thousands of the successful applicants complete the refurbishment work on their properties and draw down their full grant awards. 

“To ensure the effective implementation of the grant, under Housing for All, this Government resourced local authorities to support development of specific vacant homes teams, and I want to compliment the local authorities and these teams for their work in making the grant so successful. 

“As well as providing homes for people, the scheme has also helped to bring vibrancy back into our towns and cities in a sustainable way by making using of existing housing stock.”