If you've ever fantasised about leaving everything behind for a quieter, more picturesque life by the coast, there's a programme that could turn that dream into reality - and it's just a stone's throw from the UK.
The Irish government is providing substantial grants to people prepared to relocate to one of its isolated offshore islands and renovate an empty or run-down property.
The programme forms part of Ireland's "Our Living Islands" policy, a decade-long plan unveiled in June 2023 by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Its purpose is straightforward - to revitalise the country's 30 offshore islands that lack bridge connections to the mainland and become isolated daily by tidal waters.
"These islands are an integral part of the fabric of rural Ireland," the government's website explains. "Our ambition is to ensure that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live - and thrive - on the offshore islands for many years to come."
These islands have experienced declining populations for generations. Government statistics reveal that under 3,000 people currently reside across the 23 inhabited islands eligible for the grant programme.
Several have only a small number of permanent inhabitants, raising genuine concerns about community viability. To address this issue, the government is providing grants worth up to €84,000 (approximately £75,000) for those prepared to buy and restore abandoned properties on these islands.
The funding is available through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which forms part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, and was extended in 2023 to cover offshore communities.
The scheme isn't designed to simply distribute money to anyone considering relocation. Rather, the grants facilitate the restoration of vacant or derelict buildings into permanent residences or long-term rental accommodation - addressing housing shortages whilst preserving historic structures that might otherwise fall into ruin.
The precise sum available depends on the property's condition. For vacant buildings, grants of up to €60,000 (roughly £50,000) can be claimed.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
