OVER €17m has been approved by Clare County Council in the past two years under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
To date, Clare County Council has paid out more €2m under the grant and has approved €17m in grant funding. Applications have opened for more property owners to apply for the grant from the local authority to help them turn a vacant building into a permanent home.
In May 2023, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was extended to include rental properties, allowing the property owner to rent the refurbished home long-term or make it their primary residence.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “The grant has proven very popular to date and is a great investment in housing in the County. I would encourage property owners to attend our walk-in information days or contact the Vacant Homes Team”.
Sinead Aherne, the Council’s Vacant Homes Officer explained, “A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of a vacant property while up to €70,000 is available for derelict properties. The members of the Vacant Homes Team in Clare County Council are available to assist those making applications. As well as accessing the Frequently Asked Questions document available on our website, we also encourage applicants to call us if they require any further assistance. This is a scheme that not only benefits the vacant property owner, but has on going benefits for the community as we bring more vacant housing stock back into use”.
She added, “The scheme will be further promoted with public walk-in information events to be held throughout the county in the coming months. The council is also undertaking surveys of vacant properties in all settlements in the county to identify and engage with the owners on the supports available to bring the property back into use”.
