Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Flaherty. He has been a great champion of tackling vacancy and dereliction in his county, Longford. Under the vacant property refurbishment scheme, we have seen significant progress in County Longford, with over 124 applications received. Forty-eight have now been approved, and five were rejected, unfortunately. Three grants have been issued.

The Government has introduced a really important measure. The delivery of the vacant property refurbishment grant has been significant all across the country. Over 4,279 applications have now been approved, which is significant. It is our responsibility in this House to continue to campaign so owners will utilise the measure. It is important that we bring our existing housing stock back into use, revitalising not only urban and town centres but also rural areas where people want to resettle and own a home.

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