The policy, known as Our Living Islands, was launched in June 2023 and is designed to boost the dwindling population on these remote and hard-to-reach isles, including the stunning Arranmore (pictured), just off the coast of County Donegal.

Under the policy's Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, eligible candidates will receive a minimum grant of €50,000 (£44k/$57.4k) to breathe life back into a vacant house or up to €70,000 (£58.6k/$72.2k) to revive a derelict home that's structurally unsound. For context, the median sold price on Arranmore in 2025 was just €168,000 (£61.6k/$80.4k), so the grant could stretch a long way.

Homes where they’ll pay you to move there