The Irish Government provides financial support to renovate properties that have been long abandoned through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and related schemes.
Martin Kelly Planning can provide an independent engineer’s report for the property which contains information regarding the true condition of a property.



The Derelict Homes Scheme, under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, provides financial aid to those renovating homes that have been vacant for at least two years and are deemed derelict.
A property classified as derelict may be eligible for up to €70,000 in grant funding.
A non-derelict but vacant home may be eligible for up to €50,000 in grant funding.

A derelict property is defined as one that is structurally unsound, uninhabitable, or in serious disrepair.

Local authorities will assess whether a property qualifies based on the following factors:
1. Structural Integrity Issues
including roof damage, cracked walls, missing windows doors or unstable foundations
2. Services Disconnected
Electricity, heating, water has been disconnected for a period of time and/or damaged wiring, rusted pipes, etc.
3. Uninhabitable Condition
Dampness or mould, difficult access or overgrown vegetation, damaged ceilings, etc.
4. Registered on the Derelict Sites Register
Properties that are listed on this



Martin Kelly Planning can provide evidence that the property meets the criteria which includes
1. A Structural Engineer’s Report
confirming that the property needs extensive structural work and is uninhabitable.
2. Photographic Evidence
Images of any structural damage

The Grant Applicant should provide
1. Records of Services Disconnected
Proof that electricity, water, or heating has been disconnected for two or more years.

Local Authority Inspection
The county council may conduct an on-site inspection verifying the condition of the property.
The Report will contain detailed information regarding the true condition of a property including
GROUNDS: Drainage & Groundworks, External Structures, Nuisance Plants, Flooding, Boundary Check, Septic Tank
EXTERIOR SURFACES: External Surfaces & Linearity of Walls, Openings to Exterior, Foundation
ROOF: Roof Cover, Chimney & Other Roof Penetrations, Soffit, Fascia & Roof Drainage
ATTIC: Roofing Timbers, Membrane & Roof Ventilation, Insulation
INTERIOR SURFACES: Internal Structure, Internal Carpentry
INTERIOR VENTILATION: Ventilation, Windows
ELECTRICAL: Electrical Fuse board, Sockets and Wiring, Electrical Bonding of Kitchen Sink, Cylinder, Smoke Detection, Carbon Monoxide Detection, Bathroom Lighting
PLUMBING: Exposed and Non-Exposed Pipework, Water Heater & Pumps, Water Storage and Attic Plumbing



Martin Kelly Planning will note in the report whether the items listed are in adequate condition, in need of essential remedial works, or if remedial works are desirable.

A BER Advisory Report and BER Certificate will be required before refurbishment starts and an updated version after refurbishment is completed.

Grant Amount: The grant provides up to €50,000 for vacant properties, with an additional €20,000 top-up for verified derelict properties.

Contact us now for more information at:

e: info@martinkellyplanning.ie m: 085 7255 182

Contact Martin Kelly Planning now for more information at
Email: info@martinkellyplanning.ie


Mobile: 085 7255182

Mullingar Office:
104 Greenpark Meadows
Mullingar
Co.Westmeath
Ireland

Email: info@martinkellyplanning.ie

Westmeath: 085 7255182

Members of Engineers Ireland