Turning the key: Leitrim sees steady uptake of vacant property grants
Since the launch of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme in 2022, Leitrim has seen 239 applications, 178 approvals and 52 grants issued as of March 31.
Leitrim homeowners are steadily bringing vacant properties back to life, with 14 grants paid out in the first three months of 2025 under Croí Cónaithe, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD has published new figures showing that over €112 million has been paid out nationally to Croí Cónaithe applicants, bringing more than 2,000 homes back into residential use.
Since the scheme's launch in 2022, Leitrim has seen 239 applications, 178 approvals and 52 grants issued as of March 31.
Across Ireland, more than 12,400 applications for the grant had been received by the end of March this year.
According to the figures, 14 grants were issued in Leitrim during the first quarter of this year on completion of works.
Welcoming the numbers of homes returned from vacancy, Minister for Housing James Browne TD, TD said: “The momentum of this grant continues to build, with another significant increase in grants being paid on completion of works as more vacant and derelict properties are brought back into use as homes for people across County Leitrim.”
“The grant is making a significant and important contribution to cities, towns, villages and rural areas, supporting people to bring these vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes and in tandem with that - helping to revitalise communities,” he added.
The payment of grants is expected to continue at pace throughout the year as more refurbishment works reach completion.
A new interactive story map developed by Minister Browne’s Department has also been launched with the statistics. The map shows the far reaching impact of the grant scheme across the country since its launch.
Information includes the number of grants issued per local authority since the scheme’s launch. ‘Before and after’ images of some of the refurbishment works already carried out by grant recipients under the scheme are available to view.
The new map is available to view here