Housing Minister James Browne has launched a review of vacant home refurbishment grants, aiming to make the scheme more appealing to young couples and families seeking housing solutions.
The initiative forms part of a broader examination of housing policies currently underway by the Government. Among the additional measures being considered is an extension to planning exemptions, which would make it easier for homeowners to install log cabins or modular homes in family gardens.
This policy review comes as Ireland continues to grapple with housing shortages across the country. The vacant homes strategy represents an attempt to bring existing but unused housing stock back into circulation by providing financial incentives for renovation work.
The current grant scheme, which provides financial support for refurbishing vacant properties, has faced criticism for not gaining sufficient traction among younger potential homeowners. The minister’s review appears aimed at addressing these concerns by potentially enhancing the financial assistance available or streamlining application processes.
According to The Irish Examiner, the consideration of planning exemptions for garden dwellings indicates the Government is exploring multiple approaches to increase housing availability, including smaller-scale solutions that could provide additional accommodation without requiring new development land.