€8.3m came to Carlow and Kilkenny in the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant last year

Kilkenny and Carlow has benefited from vacant property refurbishment grants to the tune of over €8.3million.

New figures from the Department of Housing show the number of vacant and derelict homes brought back into use across the country more than doubled last year.

Just over 3,000 were renovated using the grant, compared to 1, 300 in 2024.

There was a strong uptake locally – in Carlow 37 grants were issued in 2025, worth nearly €2million while Kilkenny saw 114 grants completed, totaling more than €6.3 million.

Officials say the scheme is helping boost local communities and increase the housing supply across the country.