Over 6,700 approvals under vacant and derelict property refurbishment grant scheme

€45m already paid out in relation to 867 homes 
Applications received so far exceed 10,000
Rapid increase in rate of grant payments
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has today published the latest figures relating to the vacant property refurbishment grant which show that, already, approximately €45M has been paid out in relation to the refurbishment of more than 860 homes. 
The figures which outline applications, approvals and payments under the scheme up to the end of September 2024, also show the exponential increase in the rate of grants issued to homeowners following completion of work. The grant is paid out upon completion of all the works involved and as the scheme continues, more and more completions are coming on stream.  In Q3 2024, 336 grants were paid out, this compares to 226 in Q2 2024 and 146 in Q1 2024. 
Overall, since the launch of the grant just over two years ago, there have been 10,097 applications, 6,713 approvals and 867 grants issued.
Under the vacant property refurbishment grant, you can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or building into your permanent home or a rental property.
Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien said: 
“Today’s figures show that the vacant property refurbishment grant has been an extremely popular and effective measure. It has already facilitated the return to use of hundreds of previously vacant or derelict homes which is not only more sustainable but has resulted in increased supply, and ultimately, provided much needed homes for people.
“In the coming weeks and months, the number of grant payments will continue to ramp-up as thousands of the successful applicants complete the refurbishment work on their properties and drawdown their full grant awards. 
“To ensure the effective implementation of the grant, under Housing for All, this Government resourced local authorities to support development of specific vacant homes teams, and I want to compliment the local authorities and these teams for their work in making the grant so successful. 
“As well as providing homes for people, the scheme has also helped to bring vibrancy back into our towns and cities in a sustainable way by making using of existing housing stock.” 
To date, Donegal County Council has the highest number of applications (934), approvals (614) and grant payments (60). Cork County and Mayo County Councils have had the second and third highest number of applications respectively. 
Full details are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/4bbe4-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#2024