Donegal County Council has the highest number of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, it has been revealed.
Some 1,114 applications have been made in Donegal, with 811 approved so far.
Individuals can avail of a grant of up to €50,000 for vacant properties, with a maximum grant of €70,000 for derelict properties. The maximum grant rate is 20% higher on qualifying offshore islands.
Since the scheme launched in 2022, a total of €112.5 million has been paid out to 2,096 applicants.
The payment of grants is expected to continue at pace throughout the year as more refurbishment works reach completion.
Welcoming the numbers of homes returned from vacancy, Minister for Housing James Browne 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 the country.
“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.”