Donegal, Dublin, and Cork lead way as vacancy grant sees over 7,000 homes back in use

More than 800 vacant and derelict properties returned to residential use between July and September through the vacant property grant, according to the Dept of Housing.

More than 800 vacant and derelict properties returned to residential use between July and September through the vacant property grant, according to the Dept of Housing.

In total, the scheme has now helped bring 7,162 vacant and derelict properties back into use, backed by over €396m in grant funding, sine the launch of the scheme in 2022. Almost 20,000 applications have been received in that time, with over 15,000 approvals granted.

Donegal County Council has seen most homes restored since the scheme launched (600) supported by €34.411m, followed by Dublin City Council – 554 homes brought back into use supported by €26.829m, and Cork County Council – 547 homes brought back into use supported by €30.662m.

Between July and September 2026, Cork County Council approved 90 grants, with over €5m of funding. Cork City Council approved 38 grants on completion of works in the quarter supported  with €2.2m in funding. Cork City Council approved. Kerry Co Council funded 26 refurbishments supported by €1.4m. Limerick City and County Council funded 41 completions with €2.43m; Waterford City and County 21 completions with €1.1m, Tipperary 24 with €1.4m while Clare Co Council 41 with €2.3m

"Dereliction is a scourge that blights communities, undermines town and village centres, and removes much-needed homes from use, and it is something this Government will not tolerate. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results right across the country," said housing minister James Browne. 

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results right across the country."

The Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which targets the reuse of vacant upper-floor space as a means of expanding housing supply, saw 30 additional applications bringing the total submitted since the scheme's launch earlier this year to 78. Mr Browne said momentum in Vacant Above the Shop applications was particularly encouraging as they "will play a vital role to play in regenerating our towns and villages while providing additional homes in well-serviced locations".