Over €1 million paid in vacant property grants in Laois amid drop in applications
There has been a lower amount of applications for the grant in Laois in 2026 compared to 2025
There has been a drop in the number of applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in Laois, although the scheme has been expanded to improve uptake.
As of the end of May, Laois County Council has received 27 applications for the grant this year and 20 grants have been paid out. In total, €1,086,197 has been paid to applicants so far in 2026.
This is down from the same time last year, where 31 applications were submitted and 34 were paid out. By the end of May 2025, €1,943,443 was given out as part of the scheme.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available for up to a maximum of €50,000, including VAT, for the refurbishment of vacant properties for use as private residences or for rent.
This includes the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential.
A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is also available for properties which are derelict.
The scheme was expanded in March to support more vacant and derelict properties being refurbished to provide homes. This includes the provision of top-up amounts to existing grant levels where vacant former commercial/public use buildings are being converted in their entirety into two or more residential units.
Now, Laois County Council has introduced an online application system for the vacant property grant.
According to Laois County Council, “the new system will make it easier for applicants to apply, with all documentation and supporting resources stored within their own personal account.
“The new system will enhance the Council’s efficiency of application processing.”
All applications can now only be submitted online.
In addition to this year’s funding, a total of €6,450,136 has been paid out by Laois County Council between 2022-2025.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme