Nearly 100 vacant homes brought back into use in Leitrim under refurbishment grant

Figures released have shown that 92 previously vacant or derelict homes in Leitrim have been brought back into use, supported by €4.74m in funding to Leitrim applicants under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant since the scheme launched.

The figures, revealed today by the Department of Housing, Local Government, also show a strong pipeline of projects set to transform vacant and derelict properties into homes in Leitrim, with 321 applications submitted and 240 approvals granted since the introduction of the scheme in July 2022.

“This grant is tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on, and the surge in vacancy grant payments underlines its growing success in bringing homes back into use across our villages, towns and cities including here in Leitrim,” said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.

“As more and more applications are approved, I fully anticipate this trend to continue and more previously disused properties will become permanent homes for people,” he added.

He also noted that during a housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is “completely unacceptable.”

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Nationally, as the scheme continues to gain momentum, the pace of delivery has increased significantly, with the rate of grant payments in 2025 more than doubling compared to 2024.

In total last year, 3,066 grants were paid out nationally, compared to 1,349 in 2024 showing an increase of 127 percent.

Overall, between July 2022 and December 2025, 16,607 applications have been received nationally, with 12,096 approved and 4,514 grants paid out on completion of works, amounting to almost €247m.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme has been extended until 2030, and an enhanced support package of up to €140,000 has also been introduced to transform vacant ‘above shop’ spaces into homes. This will be made available at the end of Q1 of this year.

“I would encourage anybody in Leitrim who is interested in availing of the scheme to check it out and engage with the local authority,” he concluded.

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Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, successful applicants can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial building into a permanent home or rental property. 

Grants are paid on completion of works, following submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the approved work has been delivered.