COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, May 13, 2024
QUESTION NO.25
QUESTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin
To ask the Chief Executive what measures he has in place to encourage new accommodation in underutilized rooms over shops?
REPLY:
Our Vacant Homes Officer is available to provide information, advice, and support for owners of vacant properties and those considering buying a home that is currently vacant. They deal with queries from members of the public and key interested parties on vacant homes/properties and provide advice on bringing a vacant property back into use. This officer plays a crucial role in promoting and ensuring the provision of new homes from a number of refurbishment and redevelopment initiatives currently available including:
- Vacant properties grant: a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of a vacant property into a principal private residence or to be made available for rent, including the conversion of a property that has not been used for residential purposes before. The property must be vacant for two years or more and be built before 2008.
- Derelict properties grant : a maximum of €70,000 is available for the refurbishment of a derelict property. For a property to be deemed derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous), the applicant must confirm this by submitting an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional along with the application form.
- The Repair and Leasing Scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or who do not have access to the funding required to bring those properties up to the standard for a rental property. Owners of properties that have been vacant for at least one year and which require repairs to bring the property to rental standards can contact the Council, stating that they wish to apply for the repair and leasing scheme. If the property is eligible and requires repairs to bring it up to standard for letting, the Council will pay for this repair work, up to a maximum of €80,000 (including VAT) per dwelling. In return, the property is made available for social housing for a period of between five and 25 years. The value of the repairs will then be offset against the agreed rental payment over a defined period within the lease.
- The Buy and Renew Scheme supports local authorities in purchasing and renewing housing units in need of repair and making them available for social housing use. It is a matter for the Council to determine a property’s suitability for social housing. It aims to help tackle the problem of dereliction and to improve an area’s appearance. As a complementary initiative to the Repair and Leasing Scheme, it provides the option for suitable properties to be purchased rather than leased, if that is the property owner’s preference.
- SEAI energy efficiency grants are available to homeowners and information is available on www.seai.ie
- There are also Planning Permission Exemptions for certain vacant commercial premises for those who wish to convert the premises - including vacant areas above ground-floor premises and former pubs - into residential units. This exemption relates to properties that are vacant for a period of two or more years. Planning Permission is not required for such works. Information on this change of use is available on the Councils website www.sdcc.ie. The exemptions are in place until the end of 2025.
Further information on all supports is available on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage www.gov.ie-Refurbishing Vacant Property - All Supports. The Councils Vacant Homes Officer can be contacted by emailing vhu@sdublincoco.ie and will provide support and assistance.