Council funding to refurbish up to 500 vacant properties in Clare

FUNDING to transform up to 500 vacant and derelict properties into permanent homes has been approved by Clare County Council over the past two years, according to Fine Gael General Election candidate Leonora Carey.

And she says that a major relaxation of the qualifying criteria will result in even more property owners throughout the county qualifying for up to €70,000 in grant aid.

Clare County Council, which has approved more than €17million under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant since 2022, is now inviting more property owners to apply for funding to renovate their vacant or derelict buildings. 

“This follows a Government decision to extend the criteria for the grant to include rental properties, allowing the property owner to rent the refurbished home on a long-term basis or make it their primary residence,” Ms Carey said.

“As well as bringing more vacant and derelict properties back into use, this will also significantly increase the average grant payment which stood at €35,000 over the first few months that the scheme was in operation.” 

“The County Council is also undertaking surveys of vacant properties throughout the county to identify and engage with the owners on the supports available to bring the property back into use.

“Grants of up to €50,000 are provided for the refurbishment of vacant properties and a further €20,000 available where the property is derelict. As a result of a bigger demand than initially anticipated, the Government increased the target for the number of new homes to be delivered from 2,000 to 4,000 by 2025.

“All local authorities, including Clare County Council, now have a dedicated Vacant Homes Officer, funded by the Department of Housing, Local and Heritage, to provide advice and assistance in bringing vacant homes back into use,” she explained.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment  scheme operates alongside a €150 million Urban Regeneration Development Fund for local authorities to end long-term vacancy and dereliction in towns and villages. 

“Another major initiative was launched in April 2023 which provides for a systematic approach by local authorities to identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring those properties back into use, promoting vibrant communities. This includes the active use of compulsory purchase powers by local authorities.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which is funded through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund not only benefits the property owner, but has on-going benefits for the community as more vacant housing stock is brought back into use.”

“Clare County Council will also be holding a number public walk-in information events to highlight the benefits of the scheme over the coming months,” Ms Carey added.