Information evenings are being held in Kerry to outline new opportunities to avail of the vacant property refurbishment grant.
A new grant to help people convert ‘above the shop’ spaces into residential use is among the changes being made.
The vacant property refurbishment grant was introduced in 2022, with amounts of up to €50,000 and €70,000 available to renovate vacant and derelict properties respectively.
The grant is now being expanded, as recently announced by the Department of Housing.
As part of this, a grant of up to €135,000 is available to convert ‘above the shop’ units which are vacant, into residential use; the funding is dependent on the number of units converted.
Funding of up to €110,000 is available to convert former commercial or public use buildings.
Up to €5,000 is available towards professional advice to convert ‘above the shop’, or former commercial and public use buildings to residential.
Information evenings will take place across Kerry over the next few weeks, where of staff from Kerry County Council’s Vacant Homes Office will be available to assist with queries from members of the public and to advise on the application process.
Next Wednesday 20th May, there will be an information session at the Tralee Bay Wetlands from 3-7pm.
An information event will take place at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney from 3-7pm on Monday 25th May.
On 26th May, again from 3-7pm, there will be an event at the Castleisland Community Museum.
An information event will take place at the Listowel Arms Hotel from 3-7pm on Tuesday 9th June, and at the Cahersiveen Marina Offices on Wednesday 10th June from 3-7pm.
