Ireland is famous for its lush greenery—but maintaining hedges and trees comes with legal responsibilities, especially when it comes to wildlife protection and land management. Whether you’re tidying your garden or preparing a property for refurbishment, here’s what you need to know about hedge cutting and tree felling laws in Ireland.
That’s a huge milestone—congrats on getting your planning approved! 🎉 Now you’re onto the next big phase: securing that grant funding. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (and any add-ons like the SEAI Home Energy grants) can make a big difference, but the process can be paperwork-heavy and a bit of a maze if you’re not …
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Using the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant As the Grant Applicant: ☐ Registered with Revenue • You must have a PPS number and an active Revenue MyAccount or ROS login. ☐ Up to Date with Your Tax Affairs • File any outstanding returns (self-assessed income, property taxes, etc.) ☐ Hold a Current Tax Clearance Certificate (or use the …
Planning permission is crucial for ensuring that developments align with local regulations, protect the environment and heritage, and meet community needs. It prevents inappropriate building and development, and mandates that construction complies with local planning and environmental guidelines. Without planning permission, building work is considered unauthorized and could lead to fines or even demolition of the unauthorized …
Read more “Guide to Getting Planning Permission for a Home Extension in County Dublin”
Renovating an Older or Derelict Property in Ireland? Here’s What You Need to Know About Compliance Certificates and Mortgage Conditions For many Irish homeowners and developers, purchasing a derelict or pre-1963 home offers the opportunity to restore character and charm. But when it comes to mortgage drawdowns—especially with lenders like Bank of Ireland (BOI)—you may …
Mass concrete was a popular building method in Ireland from the 1920s to the 1950s, especially in rural areas and for local authority housing. These homes were typically built with thick, solid walls made from concrete poured in sections—without the steel reinforcement we associate with modern concrete. While durable and economical in their time, many …
Read more “Restoring Mass Concrete Homes in Ireland: A Practical Guide”
The Irish government offers financial support to renovate long-abandoned properties through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and related schemes. However, not every neglected property qualifies for derelict status, which can provide higher grant funding (up to €70,000). Understanding what constitutes a derelict home is essential before applying for assistance. What is the Derelict Homes Scheme? …
Read more “How do I Prove a Property is Derelict to maximise my grant funding?”
Ireland’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is an excellent scheme designed to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use. But can it be used to build an extension? The short answer is no—but there are other options if you want to expand your home. Here’s what you need to know. What the Vacant Property Grant …
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When renovating old homes or constructing new ones, two terms often come up in building science: breathability and airtightness. While they may sound like opposites, they actually work together to create healthy, efficient, and durable buildings. Let’s break them down in simple terms. What is Breathability? In the context of buildings, breathability refers to a …
Renovating a home often involves removing walls, altering layouts, or even partial demolitions. While these changes can enhance space and functionality, they also pose significant safety risks if not handled properly. Understanding the key principles of safe demolition and structural alterations can help prevent serious issues such as collapses, injuries, and costly mistakes. 1. Understanding …
Read more “Safe Demolition & Structural Alterations: What You Need to Know”