Confirmation that Croí Cónaithe scheme is extended to the #NorthInnerCity very much welcome!

The Government, through Minister of State, Peter Burke T.D., has confirmed that popular Croí Cónaithe scheme which helps with the refurbishment of vacant properties in towns is to be extended nationwide, including the #NorthInnerCity.

Under the scheme, grants of up to €50,000 are available to bring a property back into use as a principal private residence and its extension was confirmed by the Minister for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke T.D. today during an Oireachtas debate.

As Chair of the City Council’s Planning & Urban Form Strategic Policy Committee, I very much welcome this decision as tackling dereliction across the city and within the #NorthInnerCity has been a focus for me since being first elected in 2009. In acknowledging the beneficial impact of extending the Croí Cónaithe scheme to the #NorthInnerCity, I believe the Government could go further in widening the initiative so that it includes any vacant or derelict property, wherever they are located.

From the success of house renovation programmes like ‘Cheap Irish Homes’, ‘Room to Improve’ and the ‘Great House Revival as well as the volume of dedicated Instagram pages detailing projects already underway in the #NorthInner City, a huge appetite exists to see such properties being restored to their former glory for future generations.

Expanding the eligibility criteria for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will unquestionably have a really positive impact for communities across the #NorthInnerCity. When one considers the combining of the vacant property refurbishment grant with SEAI grant assistance, it makes taking on a vacant or derelict property a far more attractive option.