€30.9 million paid out to bring 542 Donegal properties back into use

Donegal County Council has issued €30.9 million in grants, bringing 542 properties back into use under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

According to new statistics released by the Minister for Housing, James Browne, €4,272,309 was issued in grants on completion of works by Donegal County Council in the second quarter of 2026.

Over the same period, 110 applications were received by Donegal County Council, with 105 approved and 75 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants issued on completion of works.

Commenting on the figures, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “The number of properties being brought back into use here in Donegal demonstrates the real impact that targeted investment can have in bringing much-needed homes back into use.

"These latest statistics show the difference the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which was introduced in July 2022, is making for families, communities and towns across Donegal. Every vacant or derelict property that is restored is another home made available at a time when we need to increase housing supply in Donegal.

"The grant is helping people take on projects that may not otherwise have been financially viable, while also breathing new life into our towns, villages and rural communities throughout Donegal, as the figures clearly show.

“Nationally, Donegal County Council has issued the greatest number of grants to date, valued at €30.9 million, bringing 542 properties back into use. A total of 1,638 applications for the grant have been made in Donegal, with 1,233 approved to date.

"I want to commend Minister Browne for his work in tackling vacancy and dereliction. Fianna Fáil has made bringing empty homes back into use a key priority, and these latest figures demonstrate that this focused approach is delivering real results for communities across the country.

“I would encourage anyone considering renovating a vacant or derelict property to contact Donegal County Council’s Vacant Homes Officer or visit the Department of Housing website to find out more about the supports available.”