Offaly County Council announces significant progress in the delivery of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, a critical initiative aimed at turning vacant or derelict houses and buildings into permanent homes or rental properties. To date, 196 applications have been received, of which 129 have been approved/approved in principle.
Under the scheme, applicants may receive up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant property, with an additional top-up of €20,000 available for properties requiring structural repairs. Since the program’s inception, the grant has facilitated the restoration of over 28 properties in Offaly, making valuable contributions to both urban and rural communities across the County. Offaly County Council has processed approximately €1.5 million in payments under the scheme, marking a significant step in addressing housing needs across Offaly. As more applications are completed in the coming weeks, the pace of refurbishments is expected to accelerate even further, ultimately delivering essential housing for families and individuals in Offaly.
Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, applauded the latest figures, which showcase the commitment to rejuvenating properties across Offaly. “This support is not only bringing previously unused homes back into use but is also fostering a renewed sense of community and purpose in towns and villages and more rural arears throughout the County. The scheme reflects, and assists, the council’s commitment to increasing housing availability.”
Acting Director of Services, Andrew Murray, highlighted the execution of the scheme, saying, “Offaly County Council’s support in establishing a dedicated vacant homes team has been crucial in implementing the scheme effectively. We are now seeing the tangible results of this initiative as these properties are brought back to life and enhancing vibrancy in our communities.” Adding “the scheme not only increases housing supply but also revitalises our towns and villages, sparking new economic and social opportunities.”
Town Regeneration Officer, Olwen Cummins stressed “to ensure timely approval and processing of applications, Offaly County Council strongly encourages applicants to submit complete and accurate applications, including all required supporting documentation. Incomplete applications can cause delays, so applicants are urged to review guidelines carefully and reach out to the Vacant Homes team for assistance if needed.” Ms. Cummins added “In order to allow applicants move forward with their refurbishment plans and start contributing to the local community sooner, the application must first be approved, works on the property cannot commence in advance of receiving a letter of approval from Offaly County Council.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Tony McCormack encouraged property owners to apply for the grant, stating, “This grant is a fantastic opportunity for property owners in Offaly to bring vacant properties back into use, whether they’re planning to create a family home in the countryside or a rental unit in one of our towns. We’re seeing the real impact of this initiative as these properties are restored to become vibrant parts of our communities once more. I would like to thank Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, and the dedicated team at Offaly County Council for their work in driving this initiative forward. I’m optimistic that the momentum will continue to grow as more property owners take advantage of this support.”
The image below illustrates the widespread interest in the scheme and the equitable distribution of funds across the county.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant remains open to eligible property owners across Offaly.
Application forms, along with detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, can be found at https://www.offaly.ie/croi-conaithe/
For queries, property owners can reach the team at vacanthomes@offalycoco.ie or submit completed applications the Vacant Homes Officer in Offaly County Council.