Louth receive over €1.1 million to bring social homes back into use

Louth County Council have received over €1.1 million in funding in an effort to bring vacant social homes back into use. 

The funding increase was announced by Minister for Housing James Browne and represents a 28% increase on the €880,000 allocated in 2025. 

The Minister also announced a new model for the ‘Voids Programme’ which will link future funding allocations to local authority performance, with a focus on reducing vacancy levels and improving turnaround times. 

Minister Browne announced an average turnaround target time of 18 weeks by 2027 with the view to reducing it to 12 weeks in 2029. 

The Department of Housing said local authorities that meet these targets will be eligible to receive full funding under the revised model. 

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Minister Browne said the increased funding will offer security and stability for those who need it most. 

“Too many social homes have remained vacant for too long, particularly when we are in a housing crisis. The new vacancy and turnaround time targets will mean that properties spend less time empty and more time providing security and stability for people who need them most."

“By linking funding to turnaround performance, we are ensuring that every local authority is supported and incentivised to return homes to use as swiftly as possible.

Minister Browne said the funding will bring 2,200 homes back into use nationwide. 

"This approach will help prepare around 2,200 homes for re‑letting. That investment will make a tangible difference to people and their families across the country, ensuring that properties are not left idle but are brought back into use with speed. Ultimately, this is about making better use of what we already have and delivering homes to people sooner.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.