Photograph: Bryan O BrienThere was a dramatic decline in the number of social homes acquired by local authorities last year via schemes to prevent tenants from becoming homeless and to bring vacant properties back into use. Local authorities recouped €520 million from the department for having purchased 1,501 second-hand social homes in 2024 and €417 million for buying 1,830 such units the year before. The Buy and Renew Scheme enables local authorities to purchase and refurbish derelict properties for use as social housing. Last year, local authorities recouped only €290 million of €375 million available to them under the second-hand acquisitions budget, said a department spokeswoman. The spokeswoman said councils will soon be notified of the parameters of this year’s second-hand acquisitions programme.

Source: The Irish Times February 24, 2026 16:00 UTC