‘Real progress’ as 144 homes returned from vacancy in Westmeath

Local ministers have confirmed that 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.

Amidst a rising housing crisis, the grant scheme was launched with an aim of transforming long-term vacant or derelict properties into family homes. So far, more than €8 million has been paid locally to homeowners on completion of refurbishment works.

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

Since the launch of the grant scheme, 295 applications have been approved in Westmeath, and nationally the figure is 14,377 approved applications. The number of grants paid up completion is 6,312.

Minister Ptter Burke said: “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.”

Deputy Burke informed that close to 300 applications have been approved in Westmeath since the launch of the scheme. “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 under way, 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.”

Minister of State, Robert Troy welcomed the figures showing that 144 vacant and derelict homes in Westmeath have been brought back into active use through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

The latest statistics show that 295 applications for the grant have been approved in Westmeath since the scheme was introduced in July 2022, and 144 grant payments have issued following the completion of works, valued at over €8.1 million.

Minister Troy said: "These figures show the difference the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is making for families, communities and towns across Westmeath.

Every vacant or derelict property that is restored is another home made available at a time when we need to increase housing supply. The grant is helping people take on projects that may not otherwise have been financially viable, while also breathing new life into our towns and villages."

In the second quarter of this year, 23 grants paid out in Westmeath were worth over €1.3 million, part of €52.6 million paid nationally to bring 923 vacant homes back into use.

Minister Troy added: "I want to commend Minister James Browne for his work in tackling vacancy and dereliction. Fianna Fáil has made bringing empty homes back into use a priority, and these figures show that focused approach delivering real results here in Westmeath.

"I would encourage anyone considering renovating a vacant or derelict property in Westmeath to contact the Vacant Homes Officer at Westmeath County Council or visit the Department of Housing website to find out more."