The Government has revealed that 2,481 vacant social homes were brought back into active use in 2023.

The homes were supported by the Voids Programme which aims to help local authorities in preparing homes for re-letting and the ongoing work to tackle vacancy and dereliction.

In 2023, local authorities recouped €46 million through the Voids Programme. Out of this amount, €3.4m was allocated to sustain ongoing payments for planned maintenance. This sum also included funding towards stock condition surveys which help to ensure quicker turnarounds for putting existing stock back into use.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien said:

"Refurbishment and the return to use of vacant properties helps to reduce pressure on existing housing stock, increase supply, and ultimately, provide much needed homes for people.

-- Advertisement --

"Apart from addressing the need for social housing, the refurbishment of these unoccupied social homes also has a positive impact on communities. It prevents the decline and abandonment of vacant properties, which, in some instances, can lead to antisocial behaviour

"I commend local authorities’ for working with us to bring these homes back into active use in 2023. Their efforts, will make a real difference in the lives of over 2,400 households All local authorities are encouraged to continue to be as proactive as possible in the return of all vacant properties to use through the use of the Voids Funding Programme as well as other programmes such as the Buy & Renew and Repair & Lease Schemes.

"Speed in tackling vacant social housing is also critical to regeneration and improving the vitality and vibrancy of communities in towns and cities across the country. Through this Housing for All action we have now have shifted to a position of planned maintenance of social housing stock to ensure the fastest possible turnaround and re-let times for social housing stock."

Over €163 million has been spent by the Government since 2020 to return 10,820 homes

to active use, this is almost half (46 per cent) of the homes returned over the lifetime of the programme since 2014 (23,315 units).