A total of 48 derelict homes in Laois have been brought back into use since July 2022 with the help of a grant scheme that supports the refurbishment of vacant properties.
Under the vacant property refurbishment grant, you can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or building into your permanent home or a rental property.
In all, €2,528,772 in funding has been drawn down by people in Laois with 48 homes completed. The average amount received by successful applicant in Laois so far is just over €52,000.
Overall, since the launch of the grant in July 2022, in Laois there have been 199 applications, 144 approvals and 48 grants issued up to the end of December.
The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.
“The vacant property refurbishment grant was introduced to help bring derelict properties back to life as affordable homes,” says Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird.
“While Fine Gael is determined to increase the supply of new homes for people to buy, it is also vital that we get the best use of existing housing stock.
“That’s why the Government introduced funding to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use and make these an affordable option for those seeking to buy their own home.
“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has proven very successful since its launch with over 11,300 applications received across the country and over 7,700 approved as at end of December 2024.
“By repurposing the buildings that we already have, we are boosting available accommodation whilst also rejuvenating the towns and urban centres we know and love.
“Fine Gael are committed to helping more people in Laois own their own home and increasing supply is key to achieving that. This grant helps bring buildings back into use and breathes new life into our communities”, concluded Deputy Aird.
“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 Minister for Housing James Browne.
“The rapid increase in grant payments, €2,528,772 in Laois shows the scheme is growing momentum, helping to tackle vacancy and providing much-needed housing.”
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