Over €3M paid out in vacant property grants in County Cavan

Payments average €56K per project

More than 300 properties in County Cavan have been approved for vacant property refurbishment grants.

They are among 12,400 plus applications received across Ireland to the end of March this year (8,652 approved) since the scheme was first introduced in July 2022.

Since then, €112 million has been paid out to bring more than 2,000 homes back into use with the figures growing daily as works are complete and more payments issue.

A total of 12,404 applications have been received for the grant since it was launched in July 2022. Of those 8,652 applications have been approved. A total of €112.5 million has been paid out to 2,096 applicants.

From July 2022 to March 2025, Cavan County Council received 395 applications for the grant with 308 approved. To the end of March 2025, 55 grants has been paid out in the Breffni county totalling €3,092,856.71 making for an average payment of €56,233.76 per qualifying property.

Looking to neighbouring County Monaghan, the local authority had processed 311 applications to the end of March, with 308 approved. So far 67 grants have been paid out in the Farney county or €3,947,452.90 or an average payment of €58,917.21 per project.

Individuals who own or are in the process of purchasing a vacant property can avail of a grant of up to €50,000 for vacant properties, with a maximum grant of €70,000 for derelict properties.

The property must be vacant for a period of two years or more at the time of application; it must also be built on or before 2008 and proof of ownership is required.

The grant is paid following completion of approved works. Applicants since May 2023 have 13 months from approval date to finish the works.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, published the figures this week.

The number of grants being paid out continues to rise significantly each quarter, as works on properties are completed. Nationally, more than 630 grants were issued in the first quarter of this year on completion of works, according to the new figures.

This represents a significant increase on the same period last year when 146 grants were paid out in the first three months of 2024.

Welcoming the numbers of homes returned from vacancy, Minister Browne said: “The momentum of this grant continues to build, with another significant increase in grants being paid on completion of works as more vacant and derelict properties are brought back into use as homes for people across the country.

“The grant is making a significant and important contribution to cities, towns, villages and rural areas, supporting people to bring these vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes and in tandem with that – helping to revitalise communities.”

The payment of grants is expected to continue at pace throughout the year as more refurbishment works reach completion.