Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant uptake remains strong in Leitrim this year

There has been a steady uptake in grants paid out under Croí Cónaithe, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme, in Leitrim this year, alongside strong uptake in neighbouring counties.

Recent figures released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that between April 1 and June 30 of this year, Leitrim County Council received 28 applications for Croí Cónaithe. 

Of these, 21 were approved, and 14 grants were issued upon completion of works. The total value of grants issued during this period was €763,394.

This marks an increase of three additional applications approved compared to the first quarter of the year, when 18 were approved. 

Between January and March, grants valued at €757,736 were paid out in Leitrim. Since the scheme’s launch in 2022, Leitrim County Council has received nearly 270 applications.

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The scheme provides grants to support the renovation of vacant or derelict properties, something in ample supply in Leitrim, which has a residential vacancy rate of nearly 12 per cent.

Currently, the grant offers up to €70,000 for property refurbishment, but it is only paid retrospectively and in full upon completion of works.

Leitrim County Council has actively promoted Croí Cónaithe and continues to explore ways to boost participation. In June, the Council hosted a free information event to highlight the potential of transforming vacant properties into vibrant homes.

Councillors have consistently expressed support for the scheme, calling it a vital initiative to repopulate Leitrim. 

However, some have also repeatedly urged that grants be issued in staged payments to make the scheme more accessible, particularly for those already managing a mortgage or not in full time employment, who may find the end-of-project payment structure discouraging.

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Neighbouring counties have also embraced the scheme. Sligo County Council approved 27 applications from April to June and paid out 38 grants worth over €2 million.

Donegal County Council recorded a particularly high uptake, with 128 applications approved during the same period and 85 grants issued, totalling nearly €4.8 million. 

By the end of June, Donegal had received the highest number of applications overall with a number of 1,247.

Since the scheme's launch in July 2022, a total of 13,737 applications have been received nationwide. 

Of these, 9,979 have been approved, and €155.2 million has been paid out to 2,856 applicants.

Grant payments are expected to continue at a strong pace throughout the year as more refurbishment projects reach completion.