A Clare local elected representative claims getting the money together to renovate a vacant home in order to access a Government grant is a challenge for some in this county.
It comes as new figures have revealed just four local authorities have awarded more under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant since its inception than Clare County Council.
Launched in 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant makes up to €50,000 available to those looking to do-up a home vacant for at least two years.
Applicants can claim an additional €20,000 if renovating a derelict building which is unoccupied since 2008.
As of the end of March of this year, Clare County Council has paid out €14.7 million in grants, the fifth-highest amount nationwide, having received 762 applications, with 542 approved.
Chairperson of Clare County Council’s Social Development Strategic Policy Committee, Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe, believes it’s keeping young people in the county.
A recent meeting of the local authority heard a call from O’Callaghan’s Mills Fine Gael Councillor Conor Ryan for the period in which works have to be completed to be extended to allow for delays.
One of the key figures behind the administration of the grant in Clare, Clare County Council Senior Executive Officer Carmel Greene, says there are a number of factors that slow the process down.
In order to receive funds through the grant, applicants must first finance their project and complete works.
Killaloe Fianna Fáil Counillor Tony O’Brien says this can be “problematic” but believes most people are able to get the money together.
Listen to the full interview here
