Expert Advice Grant

The Expert Advice Grant provides a payment of up to €5,000 towards having an appropriately qualified professional provide expert advice to the owner of;

• A building with a commercial element and vacant above the shop space who may avail of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant to convert or refurbish the vacant space into residential unit/s, with the commercial element remaining.
• A former vacant commercial / public use building who may avail of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant - Conversion of former Commercial / Public Use Building, to convert the entire building into two or more residential units.

To qualify for the Grant you must:

• Have proof of ownership of the building. Applications can only be made by named owners. It is not available to registered companies.

Buildings that qualify;

1. Vacant Above the Shop conversions / refurbishments - where commercial element is remaining

• The building must have been built prior to 2008.
• The building must be located in a city, town or village.
• The building must have a commercial element and above shop vacant space or vacant former residential units.
• The above the shop space must have been vacant for a period of at least 2 years prior to date of application.
• It is not a requirement that commercial element of the property is vacant for a two year period. It may currently be in use or vacant.
• The commercial element of the building must be remaining.

1. Former commercial / public use building – where entire building is being converted to two or more residential units

• The building must have been built prior to 2008.
• The building must be located in a city, town or village or rural area.
• The class of use of the building must have been for commercial /public use purposes.
• The building must be vacant for a period of 2 years or more at date of application.
• Two or more residential units must be intended / be capable of being created in the building.

Documents required to support the application form:

1. Proof of ownership.
2. Evidence of vacancy.
3. Site location map.
4. Proof that the building was built before 2008.
5. Clear and current photograph(s) of the building . These should include a general view of the exterior (front and rear); related outbuildings; general view of site/context to provide an understanding of the wider setting etc.; interior details, such as current use of building and space.
6. A quotation for the Expert Advice Report, to be carried out by a relevant professional.
7. Proof of relevant qualifications of the selected professional, included as an assigned certifier.

A payment of up to €5,000 will be provided towards the Expert Advice Report you receive. The total grant sought cannot exceed 67% of the overall cost inclusive of VAT.

Local authorities administer the Expert Advice Grant. You can apply to the local authority where the building is located.