A Longford/Westmeath TD hopes the extension of Croi Conaithe fund to rural dwellers will be incentivise property owners to bring derelict homes back to life.
Peter Burke says the expanded vacant property refurbishment grant to rural areas will ensure the existing housing stock is used to the fullest extent possible.
Under the scheme a grant of €30,000 is available to home buyers to refurbish a home which they will live in, and where a property is derelict, a maximum top-up payment of up to €20,000 will be available.
The Fine Gael representative is encouraging people to apply for the grant through their local council's vacant homes officer.
Speaking on Let's Talk earlier Minister Burke also explained how the payment will assist those thinking about buying a derelict home.
'Once the application comes in it has to be inspected and then they get forward approval for the grant so they can go and spend the money, and then get the rebate.
Also, if you have someone who sees a vacant or derelict property, once they have proof that they're entering into negotation with a prospective seller in relation to the property, they can get an advance notice to see how much of the grant they could access for the property, so it gives people their options as well.'
