312. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review a gap in the vacant above-the-shop-grant scheme (details supplied); to outline the grants being introduced to support same; the timeframe for their delivery or when they will open to applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48394/26]

318. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is considering any additional supports for the conversion of vacant upper floors above shops in towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38390/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 318 together.

Tackling vacancy and dereliction is at the heart of the Government's housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded by the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction across the country. 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.

Applications for the grant can 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. Eligible properties must be built before 2008 and includes vacant commercial or public use buildings. Agricultural buildings are not eligible for the grant.

Under 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 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/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/campaigns/bring-a-vacant-or-derelict-property-back-into-use/.

Delivering Homes, Building Communities has committed to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant to micro companies and this work is currently underway.

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.