A total of 51 vacant social homes in County Donegal were brought back into usage in 2024 through the Government’s Voids Programme.
That’s according to new figures released by the Department of Housing this week.
The Voids Programme helps bring derelict and vacant properties back into use for social housing.
2024’s figure of 51 homes being brought back into the usable social housing stock through the programme is down on 2023’s figure of 73.
There was €561,000 spent on the Voids Programme in County Donegal, also down on the €897,000 spent in 2023
In a statement, the Department of Housing said that decrease was in fact a “positive sign” as Donegal County Council is now carrying out more consistent maintainence on Council-owned properties.
“In Donegal, the fact that the overall voids figure of 51 for 2024 is slightly lower than 73 for 2023 is actually a positive sign – reflecting Donegal County Council’s shift towards a planned maintenance model which leads to quicker repairs, continuous use, and faster re-letting of social homes,” the Department said upon release of the figures.
“This trend is expected to continue in 2025 and will mean ongoing upkeep and more consistent occupancy.”