10,097 applications have been for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant since the scheme was launched just over two years ago.

The latest figures published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that, up to the end of September 2024, there were 6,713 approvals.

The department said that 867 grants worth some €45 million have been issued.

The data, which is subject to change as applications are reviewed and processed, also outlines that 591 applications for the scheme have been rejected.

Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, an applicant can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or building into their permanent home or a rental property.

The grant is paid out to homeowners upon completion of all the works involved in an application.

In the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, 336 grants were paid out, this compares to 226 in the previous quarter and 146 in the first three months of this year.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said that the scheme, administered through local authorities, has been "an extremely popular and effective measure".

"It has already facilitated the return to use of hundreds of previously vacant or derelict homes which is not only more sustainable but has resulted in increased supply, and ultimately, provided much needed homes for people.

“In the coming weeks and months, the number of grant payments will continue to ramp-up as thousands of the successful applicants complete the refurbishment work on their properties and drawdown their full grant awards," he said.

The data shows that, to date, Donegal County Council has the highest number of applications (934), approvals (614) and grant payments (60).

Cork County Council (860) and Mayo County Council (614) have had the second and third highest number of applications respectively.

The following table provides a full breakdown of the applications received, approved and rejected, along with the number of grants issued by local authorities across the country to date: