Grants offered to convert empty space over Cork shops into homes

Improvements to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will include a new initiative aimed at converting empty spaces above shops across Cork city and county into new homes.

Under the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, a new enhanced support package of up to €140,000 will be available to bring vacant ‘above shop’ space in the city, towns, and villages into residential use.

The extended grant scheme also recognises the additional complexity involved in these conversions, with higher grant levels designed to help meet those challenges.

A grant of up to €95,000 will be available where one residential unit is created, with an additional €20,000 for two units, and a further €20,000 where three or more units are provided. A further €5,000 is available to cover expert advice on the conversion process.

Minister of state at the department of housing and Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West, Christopher O’Sullivan, said the initiative will provide much needed homes, while also enhancing the social and economic life of towns and villages.

“I’ve advocated for this issue for a long time, and I sincerely believe it is key to reinvigorating our main-streets,” he said

Cork South Central TD and Fianna Fáil housing spokesperson Séamus McGrath, said vacant spaces above shops are a “blight on our towns and cities”.

“Apartments that could be used as homes are lying idle. Not only will this grant support homeowners in renovating and restoring disused buildings, it will also breathe life back into communities that have been plagued by dereliction,” he said.

Mr McGrath said the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has already demonstrated its value.

“Since its introduction, more than 15,670 applications have been made to local authorities and over €230m in grant funding has been paid out across the country.