Over 6,700 approvals under vacant property scheme including 9 in Carlow in Summer 2024

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.

With 9 applications and 9 applications approved in County Carlow over the Summer months in 2024.

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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.”

County Carlow Statistics

Carlow County Council form July 1st to September 30th 2024 : 9 received and 9 approved

Carlow Council up to September 30th: 103 application received 57 approved