Over €1 million paid out in vacant property refurbishment grants in county Longford

More than €1 million has been paid out in in grants so far to bring homes in county Longford back into use, according to new Department of Housing figures.

A grant of €50,000 is available to renovate a vacant property and turn it into a permanent home or rental property, and an additional €20,000 is available if the property is also derelict.

A total of 172 Vacant Property Refurbishment grant applications have been received with 124 of those approved in the region -the lowest in the country.

During this period, 18 grants have been paid with funding of €1,027,811 awarded to county Longford people.

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Across the country, €112.5 million has been paid out since the grant was launched in July 2022 bringing more than 2,000 homes back into residential use from vacancy.

Deputy Micheál Carrigy said that the grant is supporting people across Longford to bring these vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment grant was introduced to help bring derelict properties back to life as affordable homes.
So far in Longford, €1,027,811 in grants have been drawn down.

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“We can see the number of grants being paid out continuing to rise significantly each quarter as works on properties are completed. It’s fantastic to see so many people in Longford availing of this grant.

“(A total of) 124 applications have been approved in Longford and I hope to see a continued increase in approved applications throughout 2025," he added.

A higher number of applications were received and given the green light in neighbouring counties than in county Longford.
There were 260 applications received from Westmeath with 183 of those approved.

A total of 239 applications were received from county Leitrim and 124 of those applications were approved.

In Cavan and Roscommon 395 and 397 applications were received with 308 and 213 of those receiving the green light for funding.

A total of 210 and 397 applications from Offaly and Laois were submitted for assessment with 153 and 213 of those approved.
There has been 58 grants paid out in county Westmeath with funding of €2,988,309 awarded.

In Cavan, 55 grants have been issued, which amounts to €3,092,857 of funding, while in county Leitrim 52 grants have been paid and funding of €2,584,348 has been awarded.

In Roscommon, 66 grants have been paid, which amounts to €3,913,278 of funding.

Deputy Carrigy said €112.5 million has been paid out nationwide since the grant was launched in July 2022, showing the 'importance' of the scheme.

“The grant helps repurpose the buildings we already have, so we are boosting available accommodation whilst also rejuvenating our towns and urban centres.

“Fine Gael is committed to helping more people in Longford own their own home and increasing supply is key to achieving that.

"The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant helps bring buildings back into use and revitalises our communities," he concluded.