Grant to tackle vacant homes "making a difference" - Senator Gallagher
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is "making a difference" claims a local senator as national statistics on the uptake have been published.
Nationally the refurbishment grant has paid out over €112m bringing more than 2,000 homes back into residential use from vacancy. So far, over €7 million in grants were approved for Monaghan and Cavan.
A new interactive story map developed by Minister James Browne’s Department has been launched with the latest statistics. The map shows the impact of the grant scheme across the country. Information includes the number of grants issued per local authority since the scheme’s launch. ‘Before and after’ images of some of the refurbishment works already carried out by grant recipients under the scheme are available to view.
“The number of grants being paid out continues to rise significantly each quarter, as works on properties are completed," said Senator Gallagher. "More than 630 grants were issued in Q1 2025 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 Quarter 1 of 2024 showing a growing momentum as more vacant and derelict properties are brought back into use as homes for people across the country.”
Over 700 applications were received in Cavan-Monaghan. Of the 395 applications from Cavan, 308 were approved with only 10 rejected.
There were 311 applications from Monaghan, 210 approved and 12 rejected.
In Monaghan grants issued on completion for 67, came to a total of €3,947,452 and in Cavan, grants issued on completion was for 55, with a total of €3,092,856. The payment of grants is expected to continue at pace throughout the year as more refurbishment works reach completion.
“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is making a difference, not only in bringing homes back from dereliction and providing housing but also in the improvements being made to the streetscapes of our towns and villages. "