Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the extension of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with a range of new supports aimed at bringing more vacant and underused buildings back into residential use.

The new measures, which opened for applications from 31 March, build on the strong uptake of the existing scheme and are designed to unlock additional housing in towns and villages right across the country.

Minister Canney said this is about making better use of what we already have.

“We have vacant buildings in the heart of our towns and villages that can be turned into homes. This is about giving people the support to do that.

“The response to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been very strong, and these new measures build on that success in a really practical way.”

The expanded scheme includes a number of important new supports:

• A new Vacant Above the Shop Grant, providing up to €95,000 for one unit, €115,000 for two units and up to €135,000 for three or more units created in vacant space above commercial premises

• A new Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000 to help property owners with professional guidance on converting buildings into homes

• A top-up of up to €40,000 on existing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant levels of €50,000 and €70,000, where an entire commercial property is being converted into more than one residential unit

When combined, supports of up to €140,000 will be available for above-the-shop conversions, and up to €115,000 where full commercial buildings are turned into multiple homes.

Minister Canney said the changes recognise both the potential and the challenges involved in converting older buildings.

“Bringing these spaces back into use isn’t always straightforward, particularly when you’re dealing with older or more complex buildings.

“These supports will help bridge that gap and make projects more viable for people who want to invest in their communities.”

The original grant scheme has already seen over 16,000 applications, with more than 12,000 approved and over 4,500 homes delivered or in progress since 2022.

Minister Canney said the wider impact of the scheme goes beyond housing supply.

“This is about providing housing numbers and also breathing life back into our towns and villages.