Almost €1.5m funding announced to bring vacant social homes back into use in Kildare

Local Fianna Fáil Minister James Lawless TD has welcomed new government funding of €1,472,440 for County Kildare under the 2026 Voids Programme and Planned Maintenance Scheme.

The funding, announced by Housing Minister James Browne, will support the return of vacant social homes to active use and help maintain existing homes across the county.

Of the total allocation, €891,000 will go towards returning vacant social houses to use and €581,440 will fund planned maintenance works to prevent homes becoming vacant in the future.

Minister Lawless said the funding will help ensure more homes are available for families on the housing list while also protecting existing housing stock.

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“This is very positive news for Kildare. Every vacant social home that can be refurbished and returned to use is another home for a family or individual who needs it”, the Minister said.

“This funding will help Kildare County Council get more homes ready for re-letting while also carrying out essential maintenance, so properties remain in good condition and don’t fall vacant in the first place.”

Minister Lawless also said that the government’s continued investment in the national Voids Programme has already returned thousands of homes to active use since it began.

“This programme has proven to be a practical way to quickly increase the number of homes available for people. I look forward to seeing this funding make a real difference in communities across Kildare.”

The national programme will support the preparation of around 2,200 social homes for re-letting in 2026, helping local authorities reduce vacancy levels and improve turnaround times.