Vacant property refurbishment grant paid out for 34 Offaly homes

Newly-released figures have shown that, to date, Government refurbishment grants totalling €1.85 million have been paid out to property owners for works to upgrade 34 previously vacant homes in Offaly.

Some 134 projects in Offaly have been approved for vacant property refurbishment grants - but the money is only paid out to homeowners after completion of the work.

The €1.85 million paid out so far for the 34 completed projects in Offaly represents an average grant allocation of €54,665 per property.

Activity in drawing down the grants picked up during the final three months of 2024, with 18 of the 34 finalised grants paid out between October and December last.

Minister for Housing James Browne published the vacant property refurbishment grant figures this week, which showed that over €77 million has so far been paid out nationally in relation to the refurbishment of 1,449 homes.

Under the vacant property refurbishment grant scheme, homeowners can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or building into a permanent home or a rental property.

The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.

The figures announced today (Tuesday) show that Offaly County Council has so far received a total of 196 applications under the scheme, with three rejected and 134 approved so far.

Commenting on the figures, Minister Browne said: "The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results, with over €77 million already paid out to bring nearly 1,500 homes back into use in towns and villages across the country.

"The rapid increase in grant payments shows the scheme is growing momentum, helping to tackle vacancy and providing much-needed housing.

"With its ability to provide housing and revitalise communities, it is not surprising that the grant is so popular," he said.

Nationally, Donegal County Council holds the highest number of applications (1,042), approvals (715) and grant payments (93) under the scheme.

Cork County and Mayo County Councils have had the second and third highest number of applications respectively.