New €140,000 Grant Aims to Bring Empty Space Above Shops Back to Life as Homes
Published on: 16 December 2025
Housing spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, Séamus McGrath, has welcomed today’s announcement of the continuation and enhancement of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with a renewed focus on tackling above shop vacancy.
As part of the extension of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to 2030, Minister for Housing James Browne has announced a support package of up to €140,000 to bring vacant space above shops in cities, towns and villages back into use as homes.
Deputy McGrath said the initiative strikes at the heart of the long standing problem of above shop vacancy.
“These improvements represent two birds with one stone, increasing housing supply while breathing life back into disused buildings,” he said.
“Above shop vacancies are a blight on our towns and cities, apartments that could be used as homes are lying idle. Today’s measures strike right at the heart of this problem.
“These changes directly target vacant properties that are scattered across our towns and cities. 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.
The extended grant aims to bring underutilised space above existing commercial premises into residential use, while recognising the additional complexity involved in these conversions. The higher grant levels are 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 where two residential units are delivered and a further €20,000 where three or more units are provided.
In addition, up to €5,000 will be available to cover expert advice on the conversion of these properties for residential use, bringing the total potential support package to €140,000.
Deputy McGrath added that the scheme has already demonstrated its value.
“Since its introduction, more than 15,670 applications have been made to local authorities and over €230 million in grant funding has been paid out across the country. The new focus on above shop vacancy will make the scheme even more attractive.
“Increasing supply is central to tackling the housing crisis. Schemes like this leave no stone unturned by bringing potential homes back into use and onto the market.
“We need to continue building on what works by continually improving schemes that have already had a positive impact on housing supply and on supporting homeowners.”
ENDS
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Séamus McGrath
