FIANNA Fail TD Willie O’Dea hosted an information night at the Greenhill’s Hotel, where around 600 people turned out to learn about the new Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
More than 3,000 previously disused homes were returned to use in 2025 with 3,066 grants paid out in the same year nationwide, compared to 1,349 in 2024. This represents an increase of 127 per cent. In 2025 in Limerick, 97 grants were paid out on completion of works to the value of €5,409,017.
Overall, since the launch of the scheme in July 2022, up to December 2025; 16,607 applications were received, 12,096 approved, and 4,514 grants paid out on completion of works to a total of almost €247m.
In Limerick, since the launch of the scheme, 174 grants have been paid out on completion of works to a total of €9,316,413.
Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, you can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial building into your permanent home or a rental property. The grants are paid once the works are completed and documentation approved.
At the meeting, Deputy O’Dea provided an overview of how to access over €100,000 in available grants, including Vacant and Derelict Property grants of up to €70,000 and SEAI energy grants of up to €38,000.
Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O’Brien recently announced a package of grants for homeowners across the country looking to benefit from home energy upgrades, including a new windows and doors grant, up to €12,500 for a heat pump system, and higher grant amounts for attic and cavity walls.
Deputy O’Dea told the Limerick Post there was significant interest in the new SEAI grants for windows and doors at his information meeting covering who is eligible for the grants and how the full process works, from assessment to grant claim.
“If you are thinking about renovating your house, and require details about the new grants for windows and doors, please feel free to contact me or the SEAI by phone 01 808 2004 or email [email protected],” he said.