Shandon Integrated Urban Strategy Oct 2024

5. IMPLEMENTATION AND PHASING PLAN

5.5 Funding Sources

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in Ireland is designed to help turn vacant houses or buildings into permanent homes or rental properties. Here are the key points: Grant Amount: Up to €50,000 for refurbishing a vacant property. An additional €20,000 is available for properties that are derelict, bringing the total possible grant to €70,000. Eligibility: The property must have been vacant for at least 2 years. It must have been built before 2008. Applicants must have proof of ownership or be actively negotiating to buy the property. Usage: The grant can be used for properties intended to be the applicant’s principal private residence or for rental purposes. It covers various refurbishment works, including structural repairs and modernization. Application Process: Applications are managed by local authorities. Applicants need to provide quotations for the proposed works and other supporting documentation. Additional Support: There is also a grant available for expert conservation advice if refurbishing a traditional farmhouse. This grant aims to reduce the number of vacant properties and support housing availability in Ireland.

Artists Workspace Capital Scheme The Artists Workspace Capital Scheme in Ireland is designed to support the development and improvement of workspaces for visual artists. Here are the key points: Purpose: The scheme aims to provide high- quality working environments for visual artists by funding the development, refurbishment, and maintenance of artist workspaces¹. Funding: Grants of up to €50,000 are available for workspace costs, including light, heat, rent, administration, and artist development costs. Up to 20% of the grant can be used for essential repairs and maintenance. Eligibility: Workspaces must be located in the Republic of Ireland and dedicated to supporting professional visual artists. They must accommodate at least four professional visual artists working on-site. Applications are welcome from groups, organizations, and collectives with an established workspace. Application Process: Applications must be submitted through the Arts Council’s Online Services site. The scheme particularly welcomes applications that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. Additional Support: The Arts Council provides assistance for applicants with disabilities or access requirements.

Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) Grant The Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) Grant in Cork is designed to support the preservation of historic buildings within the city’s 42 ACAs. Administered by Cork City Council, the grant assists property owners with external conservation works, such as repairing windows, doors, roofs, chimneys, gutters, railings, and shop fronts. The scheme aims to: Encourage Good Custodianship: Promote responsible maintenance of historic buildings. Support Best Conservation Practices: Ensure repairs are carried out using appropriate methods and materials². The grant is available to both domestic and non- domestic property owners within the ACAs. Bus Connects Cork The BusConnects Cork project, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), involves a €600 million investment to transform public transport in Cork. This includes creating 12 Sustainable Transport Corridors with 75 km of bus lanes and 54 km of cycling and walking infrastructure1. The project aims to improve bus journey times, increase public transport usage, and support sustainable urban development, aligning with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy

Living City Initiative (LCI) The LCI is a tax incentive scheme in Ireland aimed at revitalizing historic inner-city areas. Here are the key points: Purpose: The initiative encourages the refurbishment and conversion of residential and commercial properties in designated Special Regeneration Areas (SRAs) in cities like Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and

Waterford¹. Tax Relief:

• Owner-Occupier Residential Relief: Tax relief for homeowners refurbishing their properties. • Rented Residential Relief: Tax relief for landlords refurbishing rental properties. • Commercial Relief: Accelerated capital allowances for refurbishing or converting commercial properties. Eligibility: Properties must be located within designated SRAs. Residential properties must have been built before 1915 (this does not apply to commercial properties). The minimum cost of works must be €5,000. Duration: The scheme runs until December 31, 2027. Only works carried out within this period are eligible for relief¹. Application: Applications can be made online or via postal mail, depending on the type of relief being claimed.

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