Local TD Seán Canney has described changes to the Croà Cónaithe Vacant Home Refurbishment Scheme as “a game changer” for getting rid of derelict sites and delivering homes across the country.
The scheme has been extended to include vacant houses that can be rented out, which the Galway East TD said will increase supply for people seeking rental accommodation.
He also welcomed the expansion of the grant scheme to include vacant houses built up until 2007, which he believes will immediately increase the number of homes coming back into use for first time buyers and for people seeking to rent a home.
“It is widely accepted that the level of grant assistance available needs to be increased to ensure that the refurbishment of vacant properties is a viable proposition for owners,” the Independent TD said.
“This is backed up by the Society of Chartered Surveyors recent case study which demonstrates that the funding needs to be increased from the present maximum of €30,000 for vacant homes and €50,000 for derelict properties.
“In this regard, I welcome the Government’s commitment to increase the level of funding to take account of inflation in the construction industry since the scheme was introduced.”
