Only 2% of Vacant Grant Funding Has Gone to Leitrim Properties

Only around 2% of the €77 million in vacant property funding has been allocated to Leitrim since the grant began, with just 38 homes being brought back into use in the county.

The vacant property grant, launched in 2022, is designed to bring properties built before 2008 that have been vacant for at least two years back into use through grants of up to €70,000.

Since its inception, the grant has delivered approximately €77 million in funding; however, only €1.8 million of that has been allocated to Leitrim.

On average, €47,000 has been spent on each home brought back into use in Leitrim, with 161 out of 223 applications submitted in the county approved for work.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results, with over €77 million already paid out to bring nearly 1,500 homes back into use in towns and villages across the country,” said James Browne, Minister for Housing.

“The rapid increase in grant payments, €1,826,613 in Leitrim, shows the scheme is gaining momentum, helping to tackle vacancy and providing much-needed housing.”

The grant disburses funds based on the completion of work and the submission of required paperwork, demonstrating that the approved work has been carried out.

“There needs to be a scheme in place to renovate old properties and bring them back into use. It's welcome, and it seems to be working pretty well, but I think it could be enhanced,” said Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny.

“Stage payments are something people could benefit from. They would be able to receive funds as they reach certain milestones, making it easier since many find it difficult to borrow money based solely on the grant. Many people are already stretched because they may have a mortgage to buy the property in the first place, and renovating it can be quite challenging.”

Mr. Kenny also emphasized that the grant amounts could be an issue for some. “€50,000 or even €70,000 isn't enough to stimulate people to actually do the work,” he said.

“For many people in situations where they own a house they can't afford to renovate, we've had longstanding issues in County Leitrim with people unable to get planning permissions to build new houses. A lot of people are purchasing old houses or renovating properties, often in rural areas or towns.”

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