The scheme offers grants of €50,000 and €70,000.
Just three grants from the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme have been issued in the midlands in the third quarter of the year.
The scheme, which offers up to €50,000 to bring an empty building back on stream, or €70,000 if the property is derelict, has received just under 80 applications in the region up until the end of September.
Westmeath received the most applications, at 36, followed by 23 in Laois and 19 in Offaly - one grant was paid out in each county.
Nationally, over 4,000 applications have been received but just 21 grants have been issued.
Junior Housing Minister, Kieran O'Donnell says, timing is the issue:
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026