Cllr Patrick McGowan has called for more attention to be brought to the Vacant Property Improvement Grant.
The grant that is available if you are turning a vacant house or building into your permanent home or a rental property.
A grant of up to €50,000 is available to refurbish the property. If the property is deemed to be derelict, structurally unsound and dangerous, a grant of up to €70,000 is available.
This must be supported by an independent building condition assessment report with photographic evidence that has been prepared by a qualified professional, to confirm that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous.
Cllr McGowan said that, while there is a lot of interest around this vacant building grant and a backlog of applications to be accessed, there is still hundreds if not thousands of empty properties in towns and in rural areas all over the county just waiting to be done up.
There are currently approximately three hundred applications with Donegal County Council, all at different stages of assessment. The regulations have changed to allow these refurbished building to be let out for renting by their owners.
“This is a win win situation and must be grasped now , not just because there is a serious shortage of accommodation but because derelict buildings are a blight on our countryside and in our towns and villages everywhere,” Cllr McGowan said.
“If one takes into account the cost of clearing a new site and making access roads, ground works, getting water and sewerage systems or connecting to the main sewer, there is a big economic argument for someone to purchase one of these vacant buildings and put the grant towards renovations and building an extension to bring it up to today’s standards and expectations.”
Cllr McGowan has suggested that the council carry out a survey around the county and contact the registered owners and make them aware of this grant and perhaps advise on any worries or concerns owners might have.
“Who can say how long these grants will be available, so I am calling on the Council push this scheme until every derelict building is included or at least considered,” he said.
“If I can help in any way to help any interested party, I will gladly do so as I think this is one of the best schemes by government in a very long time.”
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- Have proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to buy the property (that is, confirmation of engagement from the estate agent or owner of the property)
- Live in the property as your principal private residence or make it available for rent
- Have proof that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years and that it was built up to and including 2007
Further information, including the Application Form, Frequency Asked Questions and Scheme outline is available at the following link: gov.ie – Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (www.gov.ie)
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