Above-the-shop grant can fast-track cost-rental homes in Dublin says Geoghegan

A new grant to bring long-vacant space above shops back into use could play a decisive role in delivering city-centre cost-rental homes for key workers, Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan has said.

The Dublin Bay South TD said the launch of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant comes at a “crtical moment” as Dublin City Council moves to convert vacant buildings in the city centre into cost-rental homes for essential workers, a model he said now needs to be scaled rapidly.

Geoghegan said “we’re seeing a clear shift towards using vacant buildings in the city centre to deliver cost-rental homes for key workers, and this grant gives us the financial tool to accelerate that approach.

“The space above shops is one of the most under-used housing assets in Dublin and until now, the costs meant many of these projects simply couldn’t proceed.”

The new grant supports the conversion of upper floors that have been vacant for at least two years, with funding of up to €95,000 for a single unit and additional top-ups where multiple homes are delivered. A further €5,000 is available for professional advice a barrier that previously stalled many conversions at feasibility stage.

Geoghegan said this support directly addresses the practical obstacles facing local authorities, approved housing bodies and private owners seeking to deliver homes in mixed-use buildings.

“Fire safety upgrades, access requirements and professional fees were the reasons these buildings stayed empty. This scheme tackles those costs head-on and finally makes delivery viable.”

He said the opportunity is particularly strong in Dublin’s core streets, where vacant upper floors sit above active retail and commercial uses.

“These are homes hiding in plain sight on streets like Abbey Street, Talbot Street and Dorset Street in locations that are ideal for nurses, Gardaí, teachers and other key workers who want to live close to where they work.”

Unlike large-scale developments, Geoghegan said above-the-shop conversions can deliver homes quickly, without the need for new land, lengthy planning disputes or major infrastructure works

“If we’re serious about cost-rental in the city centre, this is how we scale it by unlocking buildings that already exist.”

He added that bringing residents back into city and town centres also supports safety, footfall and local businesses.

“Living over the shop used to be the norm in Dublin. This grant helps make it normal again and ensures our city centre is lived-in, not hollowed out,” he said.