Burke cites ‘progress’ as 144 homes returned from vacancy in Westmeath

A total of 144 vacant and derelict homes have been brought back into use in Westmeath since the Government’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was introduced in 2022, Minister Peter Burke has confirmed.

The Westmeath Minister said more than €8 million had been paid out locally to homeowners on completion of refurbishment works, transforming long-term vacant properties into much-needed family homes across the county.

The grant, administered through local authorities, provides up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant property, with a top-up grant of up to €20,000 available for derelict properties.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said the scheme has been a huge success in Westmeath.

“We are seeing real progress in tackling vacancy and dereliction across Westmeath.

“Every one of these 144 homes is a property that has been brought back to life, providing much-needed housing for individuals and families while strengthening communities across our county.

“Too often, derelict properties become an eyesore at the heart of our towns, villages and neighbourhoods. Restoring these homes not only provides much-needed housing but also improves the appearance of our communities and gives people renewed pride in the places they live.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is making a genuine difference. Rather than leaving homes lying idle, this scheme is helping people restore existing properties and breathe new life into towns, villages and rural areas throughout Westmeath," Minister Burke said.

The Longford Westmeath representative said 295 applications had been approved in Westmeath since the scheme’s launch.

“It’s particularly encouraging that so many homeowners in Westmeath are availing of this support," he said.

“The level of approvals shows there is a strong pipeline of projects underway, meaning even more vacant and derelict properties will be restored over the coming months and years.

“This is about making the best use of the homes we already have. Bringing existing properties back into use is one of the quickest and most sustainable ways of increasing housing supply while revitalising our communities," the Minister added.

Nationally, 14,377 applications have been approved since the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched in July 2022, while 6,312 grants have been paid on completion of works, bringing thousands of vacant homes back into use across the country.