Some 34 vacant Offaly properties refurbished for residential use

Over €1.8m has been paid in Offaly to bring 24 vacant properties back into use as homes over the past two and a half years.

The figures were among those published by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, which show that, nationally, over €77 million has been paid out in relation to the refurbishment of 1,449 homes nationwide.

Overall, since the launch of the grant in July 2022, in Offaly there have been 196 applications, 134 approvals and 34 grants issued up to 31 December 2024. As the scheme continues, more and more completions are coming on stream.

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

Reflecting on the latest data, Minister for Housing, James 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, €1,858,631 in Offaly 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. Indeed, with over 11,000 applications received and hundreds of applications being received monthly, this initiative is making a real difference in communities across the country.”