120 properties brought back into use in Louth through Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

120 previously vacant or derelict homes in Louth have been brought back to use since 2022, as a result of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. 

Since July of 2022, Louth applicants have received €6.625 million in funding under the scheme. 

New figures released by the Department of Housing show that there have been 362 applications and 269 approvals since the schemes introduction. 

Minister for Housing, James Browne said the grant is tackling the "scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on". 

"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 Louth."

“Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity to ensure existing properties are put to use for housing. I would encourage anybody in Louth who is interested in availing of the scheme to check it out and engage with the local authority.”

Last month, Minister Browne announced the grant would be extended until 2030.

Nationally, the number of grants awarded in 2025 doubled on the previous year to 3,066 from 1,349 in 2024. 

Since the scheme launched in July 2022 there have been over 12,000 applications approved and more than 4,500 paid out on completion, totalling almost €247 million. 

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Martin Markey, Chief Executive of Hardware Association Ireland said the grant has made a real contribution to stock. 

"By the end of September there were 15,000 applications and 11,000 approvals of the grant. This will ensure that thousands of rejuvenated homes come back to residential use in 2026,” he said. 

Mr Markey said the introduction of the government's 'Above the Shop' grant has significant potential to unlock additional housing in existing buildings. 

The 'Above the Shop' grant offers up to €140,000 to renovate disused space above commercial premises into residential units.