Recent revelations show that that no Vacant Home Refurbishment grants have been issued in Laois since the scheme opened last year.
There have been 73 applications in Laois for the refurbishment grant, with 35 approved.
However, not one grant has actually been drawn down despite the scheme opening a year ago.
In fact, just four grants have been drawn down across the state – with not one issued in Midlands Counties – despite repeated promises from Minister Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien.
Local Sinn Féin TD, Brian Stanley has called for urgent action from government.
“Talking to applicants across the constituency, I am hearing a lot of complaints about the scheme,” Deputy Stanley said.
“Many lenders are still concerned with the treatment of the council claw-back and are delaying mortgage draw-down.
“We are also hearing of long processing times as councils are struggling with the staff time required to deal with the application process.
“There are also inconsistencies in how Councils are applying the conditions of the grant.
“The Minister needs to step in, end the inconsistencies, provide councils with the staff and ensure that all bank lenders are up to speed with the terms and conditions of the scheme.
“Prospective buyers are taking on a big enough risk purchasing and renovating a derelict or vacant home.
“They should not have to deal with all of the issues arising from a scheme that was badly designed, announced before the details were cleared up and is slow to process.
“If we are going to speed up the supply of housing the Minister needs to sort out these blockages.”
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