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4w ago

Ireland Approves 20 Island Renovation Grants as ‘Our Living Islands’ Seeks More Applicants

Limited applications underscore the challenge of reviving Ireland’s 23 offshore communities through strict refurbishment rules and decade-long residency pledges.

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The most remote island is Tory (Toraigh), which had a population of just 141 people as of 2023.
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Overview

  • The scheme offers up to €84,000 for renovating vacant or derelict properties built before 2007 on remote offshore islands.
  • Since its 2023 launch, the initiative has received 29 applications with 20 approved as of July 2025.
  • Grant recipients must live in or rent out the refurbished home as their main residence for at least ten years to avoid repaying funds.
  • Applicants of any nationality can apply if they own or are contracting to buy a qualifying island property and meet Irish residency requirements.
  • Local authorities manage the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the program runs through 2033.