Figures reveal almost 100 vacant and derelict Longford properties brought back into use

ALMOST 100 previously vacant and derelict properties have been restored to residential use across Longford through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD has said this marks a major milestone in efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction in the county, as he responded to the publication of his Department’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics for Q3 2026 on Tuesday.

In total, the scheme has now helped bring 97 vacant and derelict Longford properties back into use, backed by over €5.5 million in grant funding. Demand also remains strong in Longford with 271 applications received and 214 approvals granted since the launch of the scheme in 2022.

In the third quarter of this year, the scheme maintained its strong performance supporting the refurbishment of ten vacant and derelict homes between July and September with 16 grant approvals during the same period.

Commenting on the latest figures, Minister Browne said:

"Dereliction is a scourge that blights communities, undermines town and village centres, and removes much-needed homes from use, and it is something this Government will not tolerate.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results right across Longford , with almost 97 homes now brought back into use through the scheme. That represents families, homebuyers and renters who now have access to homes that may otherwise have remained vacant, while also helping to revitalise communities.”

Nationally, the scheme has now helped bring 7,162 vacant and derelict properties back into use, backed by over €396 million in grant funding.