Assistant Engineer, Mr. Brian Finneran, delivered a presentation on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) as well as the newly introduced Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Expert Advice Grant.

During the presentation, Mr. Finneran outlined the following:

·         An overview of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) introduced in 2022, supporting the refurbishment of vacant/derelict properties, and its subsequent expansion.

·         Its success in Roscommon, with 522 applications, 380 approvals, and 149 homes brought back into use, with over €8.7 million paid to date.

·         The 2026 scheme expansion, including the Above the Shop Grant and the Expert Advice Grant, aimed at increasing housing supply and regenerating vacant properties.

·         The Above the Shop Grant, which supports the conversion of vacant space above commercial premises into residential units, providing up to €95,000 for one unit, with additional €20,000 top-ups for each additional unit. Conditions include that the commercial element must remain in place and the space must be vacant for at least two years.

·         Expansion of the VPRG to include former commercial/public use properties, with top-ups of €20,000 for two units and a further €20,000 for three or more units (maximum €40,000).

·         The requirement for planning permission or exempted development status, and compliance with building regulations, fire safety regulations, and building control regulations where applicable.

·         The Expert Advice Grant, which provides up to €5,000 (maximum 67% of costs) for professional advice (e.g. architect/engineer) in relation to Above the Shop projects and the conversion of former commercial/public buildings into two or more residential units.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan commended the scheme and its uptake throughout the county and encouraged Members to continue to promote it.

Members thanked Mr. Finneran for his comprehensive presentation and raised the following points:

·         The success of the scheme and its impact in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Roscommon, noting that it has contributed to additional housing and rejuvenation of towns and villages.

·         Concern regarding the length of time required to obtain a Declaration of Exempted Development (DED) and/or planning permission.

·         Calls for the Above the Shop Grant to be expanded to allow limited companies to apply.

·         Concern as to whether sufficient staffing resources are in place to manage the expanded scheme.

·         Queries as to whether inspections and reporting could be outsourced to assist with resourcing.

·         Praise for the team and their helpfulness to applicants.

·         The expansion of the scheme was welcomed, particularly in light of increased costs and the potential to attract additional applicants.

·         Queries regarding whether there is a limit on the number of applications an individual may submit.

·         Queries regarding time limits relating to how long a commercial unit must be vacant.

Mr. Finneran thanked the Members for their comments and clarified the following:

·         Planning requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

·         Since October, a DED is no longer required at application stage; inspections and approvals in principle are carried out, however compliance must be demonstrated prior to drawdown of funding.

·         There is no limit on the number of applications an individual may submit.

·         The Expert Advice Grant applies strictly to works that have not yet commenced.
Commercial units must have been rate-paying or rate-exempt; however, there is no specific time limit.

Director of Services, Mr. Sean Mullarkey, added that there are no current resource issues in relation to fire certification, which is being adequately managed. He noted that overall staffing requirements will become clearer as uptake of the scheme develops.