€1.6m paid out in Laois under vacant and derelict property refurb grant

€1.6million has been paid out in Laois under the government's vacant and derelict property refurbishment grant with 32 homes brought back into use. That's according to new figures from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD published this week. 

Overall, since the launch of the grant just over two years ago, there have been 176 applications, 131 approvals and 32 grants issued in Laois. 

The figures which outline applications, approvals and payments under the scheme up to the end of September 2024, also show an 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.  

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 in Laois and nationally.  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.”