Deputy Michael Lowry has welcomed a new housing initiative that will see the level of grant aid available under the Croi Conaithe Scheme increased. Funding of €50,000 will now be provided by the state to refurbish a home that has been vacant for two years, with an additional top-up grant available if the property is derelict. The details of the Revised Grant Scheme are to be approved at today’s Cabinet meeting.
The scheme is being amended to provide the funding in situations where the property is being refurbished and put on the rental market. Prior to now the funding was only available for someone renovating a building for use as their own principal residence. Deputy Lowry is also highlighting that most of these properties may also be eligible for Energy Retrofitting Grants of almost €30,000.
The measure is one of 8 actions proposed by the Regional Group of Independent TDs last month in return for supporting the Government decision to end the ban on no fault evictions.
The Thurles based TD says he hopes that some of what is estimated to be as many as 160,000 vacant properties will now be opened up for renters as a result. The scheme is operated locally by Tipperary County council.
