'Tangible progress': More than 80 vacant homes back in use in Longford
New Department of Housing figures show in Longford, grants worth €4,901,731 have been paid out, bringing 86 properties back into use.
More than 80 vacant and derelict homes have been brought back into use in Longford through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
This means, on average, six previously vacant properties are being brought back into active use every working day across Ireland under the scheme.
In the second quarter of this year alone €52.6 million of grants were issued on completion of works, bringing 923 vacant homes back into use.
In Longford, grants worth €4,901,731 have been paid out, bringing 86 properties back into use. 202 applications have been approved, which will see more properties continuing to be brought back into use in the near future.
The figures, released by the Department of Housing, Local Government, showed that 11 applications were received during the second quarter of this year and 21 applications were approved during the same three-month period.
The total value of the the grants issued on completion of the works during the first six months of this year was €1,307,100 with €178,400 of that issued during the second quarter of this year and €1,128,76 issued between January and March.
The latest statistics show that 202 applications for the grant have been approved in Longford since the scheme was introduced in July 2022, with €4,901,731 million in funding issued on completion of works.
Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said: “These figures show real, tangible progress on tackling vacancy and dereliction in Longford. Every one of these homes is a family home restored and a boost for communities.
“Fine Gael has consistently backed this scheme because this works. It’s cost-effective, it’s popular, and it’s putting existing housing stock in Longford back to use faster than building from scratch ever could.”
Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, you can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial 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.
Longford Senator Joe Flaherty also said the latest Vacant Property Refurbishment are very encouraging.
"These figures show the difference the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is making for families, communities and towns across Longford.
“Every vacant or derelict property that is restored is another home made available at a time when we need to increase housing supply."
"The grant is helping people take on projects that may not otherwise have been financially viable, while also breathing new life into our towns, villages and rural communities."