227. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the eligibility criteria for the vacant above-the-shop grant to registered companies; if he acknowledges that the current restriction limiting applications to individual applicants inhibits the uptake of the scheme; his views on whether extending eligibility to corporate owners would rapidly accelerate housing supply in urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44722/26]

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. To the end of Q1 2026 over 17,400 applications have been received, over 13,100 approved, with more than 5,300 grants paid out following completion of works, totalling almost €285 million.

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 €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.

Applications for the grant can only be made by named individuals who own the property for which the grant is being applied for or who are actively engaged in purchasing the property. The grant is not available to registered companies, developers, undertakings etc.

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 above 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.

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/campaigns/bring-a-vacant-or-derelict-property-back-into-use/.

In the Housing Plan a commitment was given to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant for such properties that are owned by small (micro) companies. This work is now being undertaken.

There are a range of measures in place to address vacancy and support urban regeneration, which can be availed of by companies and undertakings, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Living City Initiative and planning exemptions for the conversion of certain commercial properties into residential use.