Grants of €5M returns 89 vacant homes to use

€5M returns 89 vacant homes to use

Almost €5M in grants has brought 89 vacant and derelict homes back into use across County Cavan. The funding is part of the national Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme.

Since the grant’s launch in July 2022, Cavan homeowners have submitted 482 applications, with 378 approved, leading to one of the most active uptakes of the scheme per capita, according to government figures.

The local uptake reflects a growing national trend, with over €200M disbursed across Ireland and 3,672 homes returned to residential use, between July 2022 and September 30, 2025.

Minister for Housing, James Browne, welcomed the figures, calling vacancy and dereliction a “blight” on communities and vowing stronger action against long-term neglect.

“These figures show the impact this scheme is having in places like Cavan,” the Minister said.

“Derelict homes are not just eyesores - they’re missed opportunities during a housing crisis.”

Nationally, the third quarter of 2025 marked the highest-ever grant payments since the scheme began, more than double (up 126%) for the same period the previous year.