The scheme has been subject to criticism, with claims it's only attractive to a select group.
A midlands auctioneer is defending Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant, despite many having issues with the scheme.
Concerns have been raised the grant is only attractive to a select group.
The grant offers up to €70,000 to refurbish a vacant or derelict property, however, the owner would need to raise their own funding initially and be reimbursed once the works have been completed.
Independent Councillor, John Leahy, of Leahy Midland Auctioneers, says the scheme is still a good way to bring vacant homes back on stream:
Midlands Man Represented Lough Ree at Buckingham Palace
Westmeath ATM Removal Leaving Residents With Minimal Access To Cash - LE Candidate
Decision On N4 Upgrade Route Expected This Year
Visitor Centre And Green Gym Set To Be Developed At 'Bog Beach'
'Rigidity' Of HAP Leaves Domestic Abuse Victim In Athlone Emergency Accommodation For 18 Months
Concerns Raised With Speeding Levels In Rural Offaly
€1.8m Overspend On Midlands Homeless Services Last Year
Event In Offaly Celebrating Palestinian And Irish Culture
"Grave" Funding Situation For East Galway And Midlands Cancer Support Centre
Event In Laois To Pull 85 Tonnes In Aid Of Autism Charity
First Millennial To Become A Saint - "God's Influencer"
Westmeath Home Damaged By Fire
Westmeath Health Services "Stretched"
Changes In The Irish Rail Network Could Benefit Entire Line
Recruitment Underway For Midlands MRI Scanner
Retro Cannonball Coming to Westmeath
Newly-Published Feasibility Study From 2019 Recommends New Laois Sports Hall
LE Candidate Calls For Provision Of Bus Stops In Every Offaly Town And Village
Recovering Jobs Lost In Just Transition Top Of Conference Agenda
Not Fair To Blame Asylum Seekers For Rise In Protests - Westmeath Councillor