What Exactly Is the Island Grant?
The grant is part of Ireland's 'Our Living Islands' policy, a 10-year strategy designed to increase the population and vitality of the nation's inhabited offshore islands. It isn't free money to move; rather, it’s a significant financial incentive to help
new and existing residents purchase and renovate vacant properties. The program is an enhanced version of the nationwide Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (also known as Croí Cónaithe), offering higher funding levels to offset the increased costs and logistical challenges of building on an island. The goal is to bring abandoned houses back into use as permanent homes, either for the owner to live in or for long-term rental.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The grant amounts for island properties are 20% higher than those on the mainland to account for greater costs. Applicants can receive up to €60,000 to refurbish a property that has been vacant for at least two years. If a property is classified as derelict—meaning it is structurally unsound—the available grant increases to a maximum of €84,000. It's important to understand that this is a reimbursement scheme. Homeowners must fund the works themselves and then claim the approved grant amount back from the local authority after the project is completed and inspected. The grant is capped and may not cover the entire cost of a major restoration.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Several key conditions must be met to qualify. First, the property in question must have been built before 2008 and have been vacant for at least two years. The applicant must either own the property or be in the process of buying it. A crucial point, especially for international applicants, is that the grant does not confer any residency or immigration rights. Applicants from outside the EU must secure the appropriate visa or permission to live in Ireland independently of the grant scheme. The renovated house must become the owner’s principal private residence or be placed on the long-term rental market; it cannot be used as a short-term holiday let.
Which Islands and Works Are Covered?
The policy applies to 23 inhabited offshore islands, including well-known spots like the Aran Islands (such as Inis Mór), Clare Island, Bere Island, and Arranmore. The funding is intended to cover substantial renovation work needed to make a house habitable. This can include structural repairs to the roof, walls, and foundations; re-wiring and re-plumbing; the installation of new windows and doors; and improving insulation. Cosmetic work like general painting and decorating is also covered, but the primary focus is on bringing the core structure back to a safe and usable standard. All works must be approved before they begin.
The Bigger Picture and Practical Realities
The 'Our Living Islands' strategy is about more than just housing. It's a comprehensive plan to improve infrastructure, from high-speed broadband to healthcare and education services, making island life more sustainable for modern families and remote workers. However, prospective applicants should be realistic about the challenges. Renovating a derelict property, especially on a remote island where supplies must be delivered by ferry, can be complex and costly. Despite significant international interest, the uptake has been modest, with reports from early 2025 showing a small number of applications, indicating the scale of commitment required.
