Photograph: Getty ImagesThe approval of €25 million in State grants last year to landlords seeking to renovate vacant and derelict properties has been described as “shocking”. The total value of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants paid to people intending to let the renovated properties, an approach deemed as “affordable housing delivery” in official housing statistics, has risen by 234 per cent since 2024. Minister for Housing James Browne: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is 'tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on'. Mr Hearne described the “huge increase” in public funds paid to landlords through the grants as “shocking”. In a time of housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is simply unacceptable.”

Source: The Irish Times January 26, 2026 09:02 UTC