242. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the eligibility criteria for the vacant property refurbishment grant, including the Vacant Above The Shop Grant; whether micro enterprises, small companies, partnerships or other non-individual ownership structures are eligible to apply; and whether such eligibility was considered at design stage; and if he will consider broadening or clarifying the criteria to ensure that the scheme reflects the range of ownership structures typically associated with over-the-shop premises and maximises uptake in towns and villages. [26561/26]

249. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the Croí Cónaithe schemes in Carlow and Kilkenny; the number of properties have now benefitted from them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37213/26]

605. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is provision to amend the criteria for the shop grant scheme to allow limited companies (LTD companies) to qualify for the over the shop grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37262/26]

609. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the provision to amend the criteria for the shop grant scheme to allow limited companies to qualify for the over the shop grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37367/26]

614. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the grants for vacant properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37464/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 242, 249, 605, 609 and 614 together.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction across the country. At end 2025, over 16,067 applications had been made to local authorities, with almost 12,100 of those applications approved and almost €250 million of grant funding paid out across the county.

The Grant provides up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.

Under the new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a commitment was given to provide additional support for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant space for use as homes. The Government approved the introduction of a Vacant Above the Shop Grant with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted/refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is remaining. The additional grant amount for these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000. The new Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Expert Advice Grant were launched on 1 April 2026, with applications and information on the Grants available from each local authority and at the following link www.gov.ie/vacancy.

In the Housing Plan a commitment was also given to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant for such properties that are owned by small (micro) companies. This work will be undertaken in the second half of this year.

The Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis. This data includes the number of applications, approvals and the total number and value of grants paid per local authority. The Quarter 1, 2026 data published on 24 April can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#2025.