Ireland’s new “Our Living Islands” initiative is offering substantial financial incentives—up to $90,000—to encourage individuals to relocate to remote offshore islands and renovate long-vacant properties, in an effort to revitalize these sparsely populated communities.
Program Overview
The Our Living Islands program is a government-led initiative focused on boosting population levels and economic vitality on roughly 30 offshore Irish islands. These islands, only accessible by ferry and home to fewer than 3,000 permanent residents combined, are eligible for generous renovation support when restoring old, vacant properties.
Grant Breakdown
The funding is composed of two primary grants that, when combined, offer a maximum total of $90,000 per eligible property:
- Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant: Targets buildings unoccupied for at least two years
- Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Scheme: Specifically supports the restoration of pre-1993 homes
Eligibility Criteria
Not every island or property qualifies for the program. To ensure the funds specifically benefit the most remote communities, certain restrictions apply:
- Only islands without bridge access are eligible, such as Clare Island, Tory Island, and the Aran Islands
- Properties must have been built before 1993 and unoccupied for at least two consecutive years
- Applicants must reside permanently in the renovated property; renting it out is not allowed
Approved Renovation Expenses
The funding can be used for essential construction and modernization expenses, including:
- Structural repairs to stabilize the home
- Insulation improvements for better energy efficiency
- Electrical and plumbing updates for safety and comfort
- Modern heating system installations
Beyond Housing: A Long-Term Investment
Our Living Islands is more than just a housing renovation scheme. The Irish government has laid out a ten-year strategy aimed at making island life more sustainable and attractive. This includes:
- Expansion of digital infrastructure for remote work and business opportunities
- Business and tourism development incentives to stimulate the local economy
- Improved ferry and transport links for easier access to the mainland
- Support for start-ups via the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme
Through this ambitious plan, Ireland hopes to breathe new life into its beautiful, secluded islands while offering adventurous homeowners a rewarding fresh start in some of the country’s most breathtaking locations.
Up to $90,000 Available Through Ireland’s Our Living Islands Grant Program
Ireland’s government has launched an ambitious initiative that offers substantial financial incentives for those willing to embrace island life. The Our Living Islands program provides grants totaling up to $90,000 (€84,000) to encourage relocation to approximately 30 remote offshore islands scattered around Ireland’s coastline.
Combined Grant Structure and Maximum Benefits
The impressive $90,000 maximum comes from combining two distinct government schemes. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant works alongside the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Scheme to create this substantial financial package. Both programs focus on breathing new life into properties that have sat empty, creating opportunities for individuals ready to make a dramatic lifestyle change.
Accessing these funds requires meeting specific property criteria. The grants apply exclusively to buildings that have remained vacant for at least two years and were originally constructed before 1993. This targeting ensures the program addresses Ireland’s dual challenges of housing shortages and rural depopulation while preserving the character of these historic island communities.
Approved Uses for Grant Funding
The grant money comes with clear guidelines about acceptable renovation projects. Recipients can use funds for essential structural repairs that bring aging properties up to modern living standards. Insulation upgrades represent a major eligible expense, crucial for making these often centuries-old buildings comfortable year-round in Ireland’s maritime climate.
Installing modern amenities also qualifies for funding support. This includes:
- Updating electrical systems
- Upgrading plumbing infrastructure
- Implementing efficient heating solutions
These improvements help transform vacant shells into livable homes. The program recognizes that successful island living requires reliable utilities and comfortable living conditions.
Property owners and prospective purchasers both qualify for these grants, expanding opportunities beyond current island residents. This approach encourages new residents to consider purchasing abandoned properties specifically for renovation, rather than limiting support to existing property owners. For those considering survival on a quiet island, this financial support can make the transition significantly more feasible.
The initiative represents Ireland’s commitment to population revitalization across its remote island communities. These grants provide practical relocation support while encouraging the transformation of neglected properties into vibrant homes. The program acknowledges that successful rural development requires both financial incentives and infrastructure improvements to attract new residents willing to embrace the unique challenges and rewards of island living.
Which Remote Islands Qualify and Their Struggling Populations
The Irish government’s €84,000 grant program targets islands that maintain complete separation from the mainland. Only islands without bridges or causeways connecting them to mainland Ireland qualify for this initiative. This deliberate restriction ensures funding reaches the most isolated communities facing the greatest challenges.
Qualifying Islands and Their Geographic Isolation
Approximately 30 Irish islands meet the program’s criteria, including some of the nation’s most remote locations. The Aran Islands, famous for their cultural heritage, qualify for the funding despite their tourist appeal. Clare Island, Inishbofin, and Inishturk off the Mayo coast also make the list, along with southern islands like Dursey Island and Bere Island in Cork. Tory Island, positioned off the Donegal coast, represents one of the most challenging locations for year-round living.
These qualifying locations share common characteristics that make them particularly suitable for the program:
- Ferry services provide the primary connection to mainland Ireland.
- Weather conditions frequently disrupt ferry schedules.
- The absence of bridge access complicates access to services like healthcare and essential shopping.
The communities on these islands must carefully plan daily life around weather and ferry availability. Even simple errands can be delayed due to inclement weather or seasonal schedules.
Critical Population Challenges
The collective population across all qualifying islands totals fewer than 3,000 permanent residents, highlighting the scale of the demographic crisis. Some islands face particularly dire circumstances, with certain qualified locations maintaining as few as two year-round inhabitants. This dramatic population decline threatens the very existence of these island communities.
Population trends on these islands reveal concerning patterns the government hopes to reverse:
- Young residents often leave for educational or employment opportunities on the mainland.
- Few return to raise families due to limited services and career growth.
- Remaining populations skew older, leading to sustainability concerns.
These challenges affect vital services such as schools, post offices, and medical clinics, all of which struggle to justify their continued presence.
The isolation that defines these qualifying islands contributes directly to their population struggles. Limited job opportunities force residents to consider alternative destinations for career advancement. Basic amenities that mainland residents take for granted become significant challenges on islands without bridge access. Internet connectivity, reliable electricity, and even cost-effective living solutions can prove problematic.
Transportation costs add another layer of difficulty for island residents:
- Bringing a car requires ferry transport—an ongoing financial burden.
- Grocery shopping must often be done in bulk during less frequent trips to the mainland.
- Emergency medical evacuations can be delayed due to weather and ferry schedules.
The program’s focus on these specific islands reflects the government’s recognition that traditional development strategies haven’t worked for these locations. Previous attempts to maintain island populations through standard economic incentives failed to address the fundamental isolation challenges. The €84,000 grant represents a more substantial intervention designed to make island living financially viable despite the inherent difficulties.
Cultural preservation adds urgency to these population concerns. Many qualifying islands maintain unique traditions, languages, and ways of life that could disappear with further population decline. Gaelic-speaking communities on several islands represent irreplaceable cultural resources that face extinction without demographic revitalization.
The eligibility criteria ensure that funding reaches islands where residents truly experience isolation and its associated challenges. By excluding islands with bridge connections, the program targets communities that can’t easily access mainland amenities or employment opportunities. This geographic restriction creates a clear distinction between islands requiring significant intervention versus those functioning as mainland extensions.
Whether someone seeks survival experiences or simply wants to escape mainland pressures, these qualifying islands offer authentic remote living opportunities. The combination of stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and genuine community needs creates unique possibilities for those willing to embrace island life’s challenges and rewards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzKC7gdUOQQ
Strict Requirements You Must Meet to Get the Money
Getting your hands on Ireland’s generous housing grant isn’t as simple as packing your bags and heading to a remote island. The Irish government has established specific criteria that you’ll need to satisfy before receiving any funding.
Your target property must have sat empty for at least two years before you can apply. This requirement ensures the program focuses on truly abandoned homes rather than recently vacated properties. The building also needs to predate 1993, which typically means you’ll be dealing with older structures that require significant updates to meet modern living standards.
Residency and Usage Restrictions
The grant comes with strings attached regarding how you use the property. You must commit to making the renovated home your primary residence, which means no weekend getaway plans or living arrangements elsewhere. Renting out the property to others isn’t permitted under most program guidelines, so forget about turning your Irish retreat into an income-generating rental property.
This residency requirement connects directly to the program’s core mission: bringing permanent residents back to Ireland’s remote areas. The government wants people who’ll contribute to local communities year-round, not seasonal visitors who might abandon the property during harsh winter months.
Documentation plays a crucial role in securing your grant money. You’ll need to submit detailed receipts for all renovation work along with approved building plans before receiving any disbursement. This paperwork requirement protects both you and the government by ensuring funds go toward legitimate improvements rather than questionable expenses.
The Croí Cónaithe scheme sets the framework for these requirements, emphasizing long-term community stability over quick fixes. Under this program structure, grant recipients become invested community members rather than temporary residents seeking financial advantages.
Approved Renovation Costs
Approved renovation costs typically cover major structural improvements that bring older homes up to current standards. Heating system installations or upgrades qualify for funding, which proves essential given Ireland’s often chilly climate. Insulation work also receives approval, helping reduce long-term energy costs while improving comfort levels throughout the year.
Electrical system updates represent another eligible expense category. Properties built before 1993 frequently need complete rewiring to meet safety codes and support modern appliances. These upgrades aren’t just cosmetic touches – they’re necessary improvements that make older homes livable by today’s standards.
Application Process Guidance
The application process requires patience and attention to detail. You can’t simply estimate costs or provide rough sketches of planned improvements. Professional building plans and contractor quotes become essential documents that determine whether your application moves forward or gets rejected.
I’ve found that successful applicants often work with local contractors who understand both the renovation requirements and the paperwork process. These professionals can help ensure your improvement plans align with program guidelines while staying within budget constraints.
The government’s strict oversight extends beyond initial approval. Grant recipients typically face periodic inspections to verify that work progresses according to submitted plans. This monitoring system prevents fraud while ensuring grant money produces the intended community benefits.
Smart applicants start gathering documentation early in their planning process. Island living requires careful preparation, and the grant application process reflects this reality through its detailed requirements and thorough vetting procedures.
Understanding these requirements upfront helps potential applicants determine whether they’re ready for both the financial commitment and lifestyle change that comes with renovating an abandoned Irish property. The program offers substantial financial support, but only for those willing to meet its demanding standards and long-term residency expectations.
How to Apply and What the Process Involves
I’ve discovered that applying for Ireland’s island property grant requires careful preparation and patience. The application process demands extensive documentation and follows strict guidelines to ensure public funds are used appropriately.
Potential applicants must first gather comprehensive property information about their chosen vacant island home. This includes detailed building surveys that assess the structural condition, electrical systems, plumbing, and overall safety of the property. I’ve learned that these surveys must be conducted by certified professionals and clearly document the current state of the building.
Essential Documentation Requirements
The application package requires several critical components that demonstrate both eligibility and serious intent:
- Detailed renovation proposals outlining specific improvements planned for the property
- Professional cost estimates from licensed contractors breaking down expected expenses
- Verification documents proving how long the property has remained vacant
- Proof of eligibility including residency status and financial capability
- Building surveys conducted by qualified inspectors
- Compliance plans showing adherence to Irish building codes
Grant funds aren’t distributed as a lump sum payment. Instead, I’ve found that money is released in carefully managed stages tied directly to completion milestones. This staged approach protects public investment while ensuring projects move forward according to approved timelines.
Each phase of renovation must be completed and verified before additional funds become available. Local government authorities play a crucial role throughout this process, conducting inspections and approving each stage before releasing subsequent payments. This collaborative approach helps maintain quality standards while supporting survival on a quiet island for new residents.
Applicants should expect rigorous scrutiny of their renovation plans. Irish building codes must be followed completely, and any deviations require formal approval through proper channels. The documentation requirements exist to protect both the applicant and the public investment in these island communities.
Professional contractors familiar with Irish construction standards become essential partners in this process. Their expertise helps ensure compliance while providing accurate cost estimates that align with grant funding levels. I recommend engaging qualified professionals early in the planning phase to avoid delays or complications later.
The verification process for property vacancy periods requires historical documentation that proves the home has remained unoccupied for the required timeframe. This might include utility records, property tax documents, or official statements from local authorities confirming the property’s vacant status.
Building surveys must address potential issues common to island properties, including moisture damage from coastal exposure, structural concerns from age or weather damage, and infrastructure challenges related to utilities and access. These surveys form the foundation for renovation proposals and cost estimates.
Financial accountability remains paramount throughout the grant process. Recipients must maintain detailed records of all expenditures and provide regular progress reports to local authorities. This transparency ensures proper use of public funds while supporting successful project completion.
Local government collaboration extends beyond simple approval processes. Officials often provide guidance on navigating Irish building codes, connecting applicants with qualified contractors, and understanding specific requirements for island properties. This support system helps increase success rates while maintaining program integrity.
The application timeline varies depending on property complexity and documentation completeness. Simple renovations might move through approval stages more quickly, while extensive rehabilitation projects require additional review time. Planning for potential delays helps manage expectations and ensures adequate preparation time.
Cost estimates must reflect realistic market conditions and include contingencies for unexpected issues common in older properties. Underestimating renovation costs can lead to funding shortfalls that jeopardize project completion. Professional estimators familiar with island construction challenges provide valuable expertise in this area.
Successful applicants often begin gathering documentation well before formally submitting their applications. This preparation time allows for thorough property evaluation, professional consultations, and careful planning that strengthens the overall proposal. The investment in proper preparation typically pays dividends through smoother approval processes and more successful renovation outcomes.
Beyond Housing: Economic Revival and Modern Infrastructure Support
Ireland’s Our Living Islands initiative extends far beyond simple housing assistance, encompassing a comprehensive ten-year strategy to breathe new life into remote island communities. This ambitious program tackles the root causes of depopulation while preserving the unique cultural heritage that makes these islands special.
The government recognizes that sustainable island living requires more than just affordable homes. Modern infrastructure forms the backbone of any successful revitalization effort, which is why the initiative prioritizes digital connectivity as a cornerstone of economic development. High-speed broadband installations are transforming these once-isolated communities into viable locations for remote work and digital entrepreneurship.
Digital Infrastructure and Economic Diversification
The creation of digital work hubs represents a significant shift in how these islands approach economic sustainability. These modern facilities enable residents to participate in the global economy while maintaining their connection to traditional island life. I’ve observed how survival on a quiet island increasingly depends on this type of technological integration.
Essential services receive equal attention through innovative solutions like eHealth pods, which provide remote medical consultations and basic healthcare services. This technology bridges the gap between isolation and access to quality healthcare, addressing one of the primary concerns potential residents have about island living.
Transportation improvements through enhanced ferry services ensure that islands remain connected to the mainland while maintaining their distinct character. These upgrades reduce the sense of isolation that often drives young people away from island communities.
The action plan includes over 80 time-bound measures scheduled for implementation between 2023 and 2026. This structured approach ensures accountability and measurable progress across all aspects of island development. Each measure targets specific challenges while contributing to the overall goal of economic sustainability.
Economic diversification efforts focus on leveraging each island’s unique assets while creating opportunities for modern enterprises. The strategy empowers local communities to take ownership of their economic future rather than relying solely on traditional industries or government support.
Rural development principles guide every aspect of the initiative, ensuring that growth remains sustainable and respects the environmental and cultural integrity of these special places. The program demonstrates how strategic investment can reverse demographic decline while preserving what makes these communities worth saving in the first place.
Additional Business and Entrepreneur Incentives Available
Ireland’s financial commitment extends far beyond the initial housing grants, encompassing a comprehensive framework designed to foster entrepreneurial growth in rural communities. I’ve discovered that some properties may qualify for broader incentives under Ireland’s Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), which provides invaluable assistance with planning permissions and business startup guidance.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Housing
These enhanced supports represent part of a government initiative promoting long-term habitation and economic activity in rural communities. The program aims to transcend simple property restoration by encouraging enterprise development and enhancing community life. Key components of this expanded support system include:
- Streamlined planning permission processes for business-related property modifications
- Access to dedicated business mentorship programs specifically for rural entrepreneurs
- Connections to local business networks and money-saving resources for startup costs
- Technical assistance for integrating modern technology into traditional island settings
- Guidance on sustainable business practices suitable for island environments
The restoration of vacant homes creates ripple effects that boost local economies through increased construction activity and a rise in demand for services. This approach contributes to a cycle of economic renewal that benefits entire communities rather than individual property owners alone. Construction projects require local materials, skilled workers, and ongoing maintenance services, creating immediate employment opportunities.
I’ve observed that this initiative attracts entrepreneurs who might consider island living as an opportunity to escape urban pressures while building meaningful businesses. Remote work capabilities have made island-based enterprises increasingly viable, particularly for technology professionals, consultants, and creative industries.
The program’s focus on economic activity addresses historical challenges faced by Ireland’s rural islands, where population decline had threatened community viability. By incentivizing both property restoration and business development, the government creates conditions for sustainable growth rather than temporary population increases.
These business incentives complement the housing grants by ensuring newcomers can establish income sources within their new communities. The combination reduces financial stress associated with relocation while encouraging long-term commitment to island life. Many participants find that lower living costs on islands, combined with business support, create favorable conditions for independent ventures.
Planning permission assistance proves particularly valuable for entrepreneurs converting residential properties to mixed-use spaces or establishing home-based businesses. Traditional island architecture often requires creative solutions to accommodate modern business needs while preserving historical character.
The startup guidance component connects new residents with established business networks, reducing isolation that might otherwise discourage entrepreneurial activity. Mentorship programs pair newcomers with successful island-based business owners who understand unique challenges and opportunities present in these environments.
I recognize that this comprehensive approach reflects Ireland’s strategic thinking about rural development. Rather than simply maintaining existing communities, the program actively cultivates conditions for growth and innovation. The emphasis on alternative living arrangements aligns with broader trends toward remote work and lifestyle prioritization.
Economic renewal through property restoration creates positive feedback loops where successful businesses attract additional residents and services. This multiplier effect strengthens communities beyond what individual housing grants alone could achieve. Local shops, restaurants, and service providers benefit from increased customer bases, while new businesses often source materials and services locally.
The program’s success depends partly on attracting entrepreneurs with realistic expectations about island life. While these incentives provide substantial support, business development on islands requires adaptability and resourcefulness. Service costs may be higher, and logistics can present challenges not found in urban areas.
Ireland’s integrated approach demonstrates how government investment in rural areas can yield benefits extending well beyond initial expenditures. By combining housing restoration with business development support, the program creates sustainable foundations for community growth rather than short-term population boosts.
Sources:
OneBounce — “Move to Ireland for Free in 2025 with Government of Ireland Sponsorship”
Secret NYC — “Get Paid $90K To Move To These Irish Islands”
TravelPirates — “Thinking About a Move to Ireland?”
Government of Ireland — “Our Living Islands” policy page
Irish Times — “How to move to a remote Irish island, to live a ‘better way of life'”
The Independent — “The remote islands that will pay you to move there”
