A NEW GRANT has been announced to turn vacant spaces above shops into homes in a bid to create more housing in towns and villages.

Up to €135k is available under the new Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which opened for applications 31 March.

The move is an extension of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with new supports aimed at bringing more vacant and underused buildings back into residential use.

The grant provides up to €95,000 for one unit, €115,000 for two units and up to €135,000 for three or more units created in vacant space above commercial premises.

A new Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000 is also available to help property owners with guidance on converting buildings into homes.

A top-up of up to €40,000 on existing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant levels of €50,000 and €70,000, where an entire commercial property is being converted into more than one residential unit, has also been announced.

Over 16,000 applications were made to the original grant scheme, over 12,000 of which have been approved.

Welcoming the new grant, Seán Canney TD said: “We have vacant buildings in the heart of our towns and villages that can be turned into homes. This is about giving people the support to do that.”

“Bringing these spaces back into use isn’t always straightforward, particularly when you’re dealing with older or more complex buildings.

“These supports will help bridge that gap and make projects more viable for people who want to invest in their communities.”