230. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the issue of asbestos in vacant properties, and the issue it causes in bringing properties back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39630/24]

242. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide specific grant assistance for homeowners to remove asbestos in their roof; if the removal of asbestos comes under the terms of the existing vacant home grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39764/24]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 242 together.

Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022 under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.

The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas. Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application with evidence supporting this is required as part of the grant application.

A list of the categories of works eligible for grant assistance is provided in the scheme outline and grant application form. Works carried out relating to the removal of asbestos can be undertaken under the category of Demolitions / Strip-outs / Site Clearance including removal of hazardous materials.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2006-2010 are the remit of the Minister of Enterprise Trade and Employment. These apply to all work activities which expose persons to risks arising from the inhalation of dust from asbestos or asbestos containing materials. The regulations apply to all workplaces (including domestic construction work) where there is a risk of asbestos exposure during the course of work activities and it is the responsibility of the building owner to comply with all relevant legislation. Further information is available here: www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/chemicals/legislation_enforcement/asbestos/legislation_and_guidance/asbestos_legislation/