Up to €500,000 available through new scheme to transform derelict buildings in Carlow

The launch of the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme has presented new opportunities for local authorities in Carlow to revitalise vacant or derelict buildings in the county through this new form of funding. 

The scheme aims to stimulate economic and social regeneration in rural towns and villages and hopes to provide critical funding to help address vacancy and dereliction, enhance community spaces, as well as support sustainable development. 

There has been a greater emphasis placed on this form of redevelopment in recent times in the hopes of utilising pre-existing structures to help alleviate the enduring housing and property crisis across the country.

This latest push has been welcomed by Carlow Kilkenny Fianna Fáil TD and Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor who has described it as a "game-changer for rural Ireland."

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The Fianna Fáil TD said: "With funding of up to €500,000 available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict buildings, this initiative will breathe new life into our town centres, creating vibrant spaces for communities to thrive.

"It will support projects that drive economic activity, enhance streetscapes, and bring vacant properties back into use as community hubs.

Murnane O'Connor concluded: "I strongly encourage local authorities in Carlow and Kilkenny to engage with communities and submit ambitious projects that will make a real difference. Together, we can ensure our towns and villages remain vibrant, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come."

The scheme includes three funding streams which include the Main Scheme, the Project Development Measure and the Building or Land Acquisition Measure. Applications for the Building or Land Acquisition Measure close on 2 May, while the Main Scheme and Project Development Measure applications close on 25 July.