Over 800 vacant/derelict Mayo buildings restored to residential use

A total of 835 previously vacant and derelict properties in Mayo have been restored to residential use through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, marking a major milestone in efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD has stated.

“Up to 835 approvals have issued for the Vacant Property Grant in Mayo – a government investment of €14.9 million - while demand also remains strong, with 52 applications received in the period July 1 to September 30, 2026.

“Of these applications, nine have now been approved while the remainder are presently being assessed. During the same period, 28 grants have issued, representing an investment of €1.6million.

“I am also encouraged that the Vacant Above the Shop Grant continued to gain traction in Q3, with 30 additional applications nationwide including 3 in Mayo.

"This reflects increasing interest in town-centre living and the reuse of vacant upper-floor space as a means of expanding housing supply.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is proving beneficial in bringing previously utilised properties back into use in Mayo.

"It is also helping to tackle the scourge of dereliction in our towns and villages and I am encouraging anyone interested in the scheme to take immediate steps to inform themselves about what levels of supports are available,” he added.