The Expert Advice Grant supports the revitalisation of towns and villages by helping property owners of vacant above‑the‑shop spaces or vacant former commercial/public buildings explore their potential for residential use. The scheme provides funding of up to €5,000 to engage a suitably qualified professional—such as a registered architect, surveyor, or engineer—to assess an eligible property and prepare tailored advice on options for conversion or refurbishment.
This grant is available to individuals who own, or are actively purchasing:
- Buildings with a commercial element and vacant space above, where the commercial use will remain; or
- Former commercial or public‑use buildings that have been vacant for at least two years and may be suitable for conversion into two or more residential units.
The professional assessment funded by the grant may include a site visit, survey of the existing structure, outline proposals for reuse, and guidance on planning requirements, building regulations, fire safety standards, and other statutory considerations. This early‑stage advice is intended to help owners make informed decisions before progressing to design, planning, or construction.
The Expert Advice Grant complements the Vacant Above the Shop Grant and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Commercial/Public Use Building Conversion) but building owners do not need to apply for those schemes in order to avail of expert advice.
The scheme is open exclusively to private individuals, and applications must include proof of ownership, evidence of vacancy, a detailed quotation from the chosen professional, and relevant supporting documentation.
This grant forms part of ongoing efforts to bring vacant buildings back into use, increase housing supply, and support renewal in towns and villages across the region.
Full details—including eligibility, conditions, and how to apply—are available in the documents below. It is important to read these documents to get the full details of the scheme in terms of what is covered, eligibility and process.
Expert Advice Grant Scheme Outline
Expert Advice Grant Application Form
Expert Advice Grant Surveyor Template
Also, see link to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website for further information https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/expert-advice-grant/.
Applications can be submitted to derelictsites@monaghancoco.ie or by post to
Vacant Homes Officer, Town Regeneration Office, Monaghan County Council, Mtek 1 Building, Armagh Rd, Knockaconny, Monaghan, H18 HC96, 047 73779 / 047 61702
For any enquiries you may have in relation to the scheme, please contact the Monaghan County Council Vacant Homes Office via email: derelictsites@monaghancoco.ie