‘A scathing indictment’ - Mayo TD slams government over Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

Mayo TD Paul Lawless has slammed the percentage of homes that have been paid out under the Vacant Property Rerfurbishment Grant.

The grant, which serves to provide funding for people to make essential adjustments to their empty properties, has so far seen only 12.8 percent of applicants actually receive the funding.

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Figures have revealed that of the 11,327 applications received last year, 7,738 were approved. However, only 1,449 of those were paid out, representing 18.7 percent of accepted applications.

Mayo accounted for 48 of the Croí Cónaithe grants that were approved, 34 of which were issued with the funding in the wake of the completion of the works. €1,903,420 was granted for the refurbishment of those 34 vacant properties in the county. 

This issue is one which drew the ire of Deputy Lawless, who sought to highlight the high numbers of vacant homes concentrated in the West of Ireland.

“This is a catastrophe for those waiting for homes and a scathing indictment of the government’s approach to the housing crisis,” he stated.

“According to the 2022 census, there are 163,433 vacant homes in Ireland, and with this pace, less than 1 percent of these homes will be brought back into use.”

In a meeting of Mayo County Council's Special Policy Committee last month, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne voiced his unease at the fact that those applying for the grant have received the funding only upon completion of the renovations.

“There are many people who, even after buying a derelict house, don’t have the money to spend. Even if it could be paid in phases, that would make a big difference to people,” Councillor Kilcoyne said.

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