Donegal County Council still has the highest number of applications in Ireland for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme.
By the end of June, the council received 1,247, of which 922 have been approved and 226 paid out.
Donegal has also consistently been ranked one of the most efficient local authorities when it comes to payout and application approval times.
Individuals can avail of a grant of up to €50,000 for vacant properties, with a maximum grant of €70,000 for derelict properties. The maximum grant rate is 20% higher on qualifying offshore islands.
Deputy Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher acknowledged the ‘outstanding work’ of the council in administering the scheme. He also praised the local authority for its leadership and efficiency in tackling the ongoing housing crisis.
“Donegal County Council is setting a national standard,” Deputy Gallagher said.
“I want to especially acknowledge the efficiency and commitment of the council’s Vacant Homes Team, who have worked tirelessly to process applications, support
homeowners, and ensure funding reaches those transforming vacant and derelict properties into homes.”
Nationally, a total of 13,737 applications have been received for the grant since it was launched in July 2022. Of those, 9,979 applications have been approved. A total of €155.2 million has been paid out to 2,856 applicants to date.
Welcoming the numbers of homes returned from vacancy, Minister for Housing James Browne TD said:
“We are in a crisis situation, and I am determined to pull every lever at my disposal to get things moving and get houses that are lying there under used or unused to become desperately needed homes.
“I am pleased at the serious impact the vacant property refurbishment grant delivers. The good work shown by this grant continues to grow, with the increase in payments reflecting the fact that more vacant and derelict properties are being brought back into use across the country. I take a very firm, indeed grim view of any properties left to lie vacant at this point in time”.
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