Almost 200 vacant or derelict properties brought back into use in Mayo
Figures released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government today show that 195 previously vacant or derelict homes in Mayo have been brought back to use thanks to €10.628 million in funding to applicants under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant since the scheme launched.
The figures also reveal that there is a robust pipeline of projects set to transform vacant and derelict properties into use as homes in Mayo as there have been 931 applications and 696 approvals since the introduction of the grant in July 2022.
Nationally, as the scheme continues to gain momentum, the pace of delivery has also increased significantly, with the rate of grant payments in 2025 more than doubling compared to 2024. In total last year, 3,066 grants were paid out nationally compared to 1,349 in 2024. This represents an increase of 127%.
Overall, between July 2022 and December 2025, 16,607 applications have been received, 12,096 approved and 4,514 grants paid out on completion of works to a total of almost €247m.
Welcoming the new figures the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said: “This grant is tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on, and the surge in vacancy grant payments underlines its growing success in bringing homes back into use across our villages, towns and cities, including in Mayo. As more and more applications are approved, I fully anticipate this trend to continue and more previously disused properties will become permanent homes for people.
“In a time of housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is simply unacceptable. That’s why, last month alongside extending the grant until 2030, I also introduced an enhanced support package of up to €140,000 to transform vacant ‘above shop’ spaces into homes – revitalising communities and creating sustainable housing. The extended support package will be made available at the end of Q1 2026.
“Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity to ensure existing properties are put to use for housing. I would encourage anybody in Mayo who is interested in availing of the scheme to check it out and engage with the local authority.”
Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, applicants can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial building into your permanent home or a rental property. The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.
Welcoming the figures, Minister of State Alan Dillon said the grant is playing a vital role in tackling dereliction and vacancy in towns and villages across the county.
“I’m delighted to see 195 homes brought back into use in Mayo. We all want to see vacant buildings in our towns and villages being lived in again, and this grant is proving key to turning them back into homes,” he said.
Minister Dillon added: ‘This grant is key to repurposing the buildings we already have, boosting available accommodation and rejuvenating our towns and urban centres. Fine Gael is committed to helping more people in Mayo own their own home, and increasing supply is central to achieving that. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is bringing buildings back into use and revitalising our communities.”