More than 3,000 vacant homes were refurbished across Ireland in 2025 under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.


The North-West led the way, with Donegal seeing over 1,000 approvals and €22 million paid out.


The scheme has now returned over 4,500 properties to use since its launch in 2022.


Speaking to Ocean Fm news Minister Marian Harkin says the grant is a practical and effective way to increase housing supply in the North West.

More than 3,000 vacant homes were refurbished across Ireland in 2025 under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The North-West led the way, with Donegal seeing over 1,000 approvals and €22 million paid out. The scheme has now returned over 4,500 properties to use since its launch in 2022. Speaking to Ocean Fm news Minister Marian Harkin says the grant is a practical and effective way to increase housing supply in the North West.

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Vacant homes grant boosts housing in the North West

Flash flooding has been reported on a number of roads in Ballyshannon following heavy rainfall, with Upper Main Street and the Mall Corner on the Rossnowlagh Road among the worst affected.


Donegal County Council and the fire service are responding to the flooding, while motorists are being urged to slow down, follow road closure signs and avoid flooded areas where possible.


With another thunderstorm warning in place for the North West this evening, people are being advised to remain vigilant as further heavy downpours could lead to additional flooding.


Speaking to Ocean FM News, Councillor Michael McMahon says people should take care, stay alert and follow the guidance of emergency services as crews work to keep roads safe.

Flash flooding has been reported on a number of roads in Ballyshannon following heavy rainfall, with Upper Main Street and the Mall Corner on the Rossnowlagh Road among the worst affected.
 Donegal County Council and the fire service are responding to the flooding, while motorists are being urged to slow down, follow road closure signs and avoid flooded areas where possible.
 With another thunderstorm warning in place for the North West this evening, people are being advised to remain vigilant as further heavy downpours could lead to additional flooding.
 Speaking to Ocean FM News, Councillor Michael McMahon says people should take care, stay alert and follow the guidance of emergency services as crews work to keep roads safe.

Local Councillor urges caution as flash flooding hits the North West 

Drumkeerin Fianna Fáil Councillor Mary Bohan has been confirmed as the new Cathaoirleach Leitrim County Council.

 

She succeeded outgoing Cathaoirleachm Paddy Farrell at today's Annual General Meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon.

 

 

Mary Bohan was first to the Local Authority in 1979, and is now entering into her fifth term as Council Cathaoirleach.

 

In a wide ranging interview with Ocean FM she identified the lack of housing and challenges facing rural communities are just two of the big challenges that must be addressed in the year ahead.

 

Drumkeerin Fianna F&aacute;il Councillor Mary Bohan has been confirmed as the new Cathaoirleach Leitrim County Council.
&nbsp;
She succeeded outgoing Cathaoirleachm Paddy Farrell at today's Annual General Meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Mary Bohan was first to the Local Authority in 1979, and is now entering into her fifth term as Council Cathaoirleach.
&nbsp;
In a wide ranging interview with Ocean FM she identified the lack of housing and challenges facing rural communities are just two of the big challenges that must be addressed in the year ahead.
&nbsp;

Drumkeerin Councillor elected as new Leitrim Cathaoirleach

The Taoiseach has given a commitment to consider providing support to the Rory Gallagher and Cowboys and heroes' Festivals in Ballyshannon and Ballinamroe.


Fianna Fáil TD Eamon Scanlon has directly raised the collapse of Tickets.ie in the Dáil. 

The Tickets.ie collapse has caused severe financial difficulties for the two major festivals based in the North West and has thrown their futures in the doubt.

Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Scanlon says the organisers of the events must receive government support.

In response the Taoiseach says that legislation needs to be put in place to avoid a repeat of this situation and agreed that the festival sin question need support

The Taoiseach has given a commitment to consider providing support to the Rory Gallagher and Cowboys and heroes' Festivals in Ballyshannon and Ballinamroe.
 Fianna F&aacute;il TD Eamon Scanlon has directly raised the collapse of Tickets.ie in the D&aacute;il. The Tickets.ie collapse has caused severe financial difficulties for the two major festivals based in the North West and has thrown their futures in the doubt.
Speaking in the D&aacute;il Deputy Scanlon says the organisers of the events must receive government support.
In response the Taoiseach says that legislation needs to be put in place to avoid a repeat of this situation and agreed that the festival sin question need support

Vacant homes grant boosts housing in the North West

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