To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a funding programme through grants or tax relief will be considered to support persons, who purchase a derelict or abandoned property in rural areas, with the intention of restoring and renovating the property, to serve as their principal private residence, owing to the benefits such actions have for rural communities, as well as for the provision of housing stock – Seán Kyne.
Reply: Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly
I have no plans to introduce a new funding programme to support persons who are restoring and renovating a derelict or abandoned rural property as their principal private residence. In respect of houses with thatched roofs, my Department operates agrant scheme for the renewal or repair of such roofs, the details of which are at the following link:
The issue of tax relief in respect of such activities is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.