Introduction
Tackling vacancy and dereliction is a key priority under the national housing plan Delivering Homes,
Building Communities 2025-2030, with existing grants and schemes supporting bringing vacant and
derelict properties back into use being improved and expanded. Their use will ensure that additional
homes are provided by refurbishing existing properties and repurposing ‘above the shop’ and vacant
commercial space.
Objectives of the Scheme
Since its introduction in 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) has supported
bringing vacant and derelict properties into use as homes. Under the Government’s national
housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities the VPRG is being expanded. With the
introduction of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant (the Grant), funded by the Croí Cónaithe Towns
Fund, additional support is being provided towards the refurbishment and conversion of ‘above the
shop’ vacant space for use as homes.
Bringing this space into residential use can provide homes and add real vibrancy in the heart of
towns, villages and cities.
The Vacant Above the Shop Grant
The Grant applies to vacant ‘above the shop’ space in buildings in cities, towns and villages, where
the building was built prior to 2008 and the space/existing residential unit(s) have been vacant for
two years or more prior to application. The ground floor commercial space may be vacant or in use
at time of application, but must be remaining in commercial use2.
The resulting units may be for the applicant’s principal private residence (PPR) and/or for rent with a
tenancy/ tenancies registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
For Grant outline, Applications and FAQs please see Links below:
Vacant-Above-the-Shop-Grant---Application-Form.pdf (size 2.4 MB)
Final-version-scheme-outline-Above-The-Shop-26-3-26-pdf.pdf (size 1.3 MB)
Above-the-Shop-Public-FAQs.pdf (size 1.1 MB)
If you want to submit an application ,have questions about the grant or want to know if your property qualifies, you can contact the Vacant Homes Officer by emailing vacanthomes@leitrimcoco.ie.