A new ‘Vacant Above the Shop’ Grant is set to be introduced to convert unused upper floors of commercial buildings into much‑needed homes.

The new grant is part of an expansion to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced to Cabinet today.

It’s understood that the grant will provide up to €95,000 to applicants to create one residential unit, and an additional €20,000 for each unit thereafter.

Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher welcomed the continuation of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to 2030 and said the expanded scheme represents “a major opportunity for counties like Donegal, where vacancy and dereliction have long held back the regeneration of our towns and villages.”

He continued: “Across Donegal, from Bundoran to Buncrana, from Dungloe to Carndonagh, we have far too many buildings lying idle while young families struggle to find a place to live. This enhanced grant—offering up to €140,000 for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, including above‑shop units—has the potential to transform our town centres.

A grant of up to €95,000 will be provided where one residential unit is being created, with an additional of up to €20,000 where two residential units are being created and a further €20,000 where three or more residential units are being created.

“Furthermore, up to €5,000 will also be made available towards expert advice on conversion of these properties for residential use. This will bring the total grant package available towards the refurbishment of these properties up to €140,000

“It will help bring life back to our main streets, support local businesses, and create sustainable housing in the heart of our communities. This is exactly the type of targeted support rural counties need.”

Pat the Cope highlighted that Donegal has a large stock of older commercial buildings with unused upper floors, many of which could be converted into high‑quality homes with the right financial backing.

“The additional funding for expert advice is particularly welcome,” he added. “Property owners often want to bring these spaces back into use but are unsure where to start. This scheme removes barriers and gives people the confidence to take on these projects.”

He concluded by encouraging property owners across Donegal to explore the scheme through their local authority:

“This is a real chance to tackle dereliction head‑on, boost housing supply, and breathe new life into our towns. I strongly urge anyone with a vacant or underused property to look seriously at what this grant can offer.”

Above‑shop vacancy grants set to revitalise town centres across Donegal was last modified: December 16th, 2025 by Staff Writer