Mayo TD welcomes extension of vacant properties grant scheme
Grants of up to €50,000 for homeowners of vacant and derelict properties have been extended to both rural areas and cities under the Croí Conaithe Towns scheme.
Deputy Alan Dillon has today confirmed that the scheme, first launched in July to towns and villages, has been expanded so that all areas of the country, including Co. Mayo, are within the scope of the it.
Deputy Dillon said: “This expansion is very welcome news for those in Mayo. Grants for property owners are available by applying to Mayo County Council, with €30,000 being the maximum offered for properties that have been vacant for over two years and €50,000 for derelict properties which may be structurally unsound.
“My colleague, Minister Peter Burke, has launched the expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant so that even more vacant and derelict properties in Mayo can be brought back into residential use. Furthermore, our existing housing stock can be best utilised to provide more homes for people in Mayo.
“The grants can also be combined with the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme that covers works of up to €26,750. They are available to individuals and families who will use the property as their primary dwelling and is another measure being employed to support home ownership and provide more homes for our citizens.”
Minister Peter Burke said the scheme was a much-needed practical measure. “The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will work alongside other key Fine Gael policies such as Town Centre First and Our Rural Future, helping revitalise our communities while providing more people with the opportunity to own their own home.
“My officials are working with our local authorities to ensure they are equipped to administer the scheme, with 29 full-time vacant homes officers now installed in the sector who are focused on bringing our vacant stock back into productive use.
“The scheme also promotes sustainability, as we know that the most efficient home is the one that is already built, limiting emissions from construction while improving the look of our rural countryside, villages, towns and now cities.”
Deputy Dillon concluded: “We are taking further action on housing with this new scheme to ensure that people in their 20s and 30s have the chance to own their own home.”