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Irish Government Offers Up to € 70,000 for Those Interested in Living on Isolated Islands and Renovating Abandoned Homes as Part of a Program Aiming to Revitalize Communities in Demographic Decline.
The Irish government is offering up to € 70,000 (R$ 457,5 thousand) for individuals who agree to relocate to one of the 23 remote islands located off the west coast of the country. This measure is part of the Our Living Islands program, launched in 2023 and renewed in June this year. The initiative aims to combat depopulation and revitalize communities facing population decline.
According to Irish authorities, the program will remain active until 2033 and aims to attract those interested in inhabiting remote islands, helping to strengthen local culture, diversify regional economies, and improve the infrastructure of these areas.
Why Is the Government Offering Incentives?
The population of the Irish islands has been declining over the past few decades. Together, the 23 islands participating in the program have only 2,734 residents, according to 2016 data. The low population density threatens the continuity of local services and the maintenance of cultural traditions.
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The Aran Islands, Clare, Dursey, Inishturk, Inishbofin, and Bere are among the included islands. They are known for their stunning landscapes, which have even been used as settings for international films. The feature film The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), nominated for an Oscar, was filmed in some of these locations.
When launching the program, the government stated that it wants to ensure that the communities on these islands remain “vibrant and sustainable” over the coming years. Additionally, the financial incentive is expected to attract new residents, increase the number of inhabited properties, and boost the local economy.
How Do the Program Payments Work?
The bonus offered by the government must be used exclusively for renovations of vacant or abandoned properties on the islands. The amount can reach:
- € 50,000 (R$ 326,7 thousand) for the purchase and renovation of vacant properties;
- € 20,000 (R$ 130,7 thousand) additional if the property is abandoned and requires more complex renovations.
The sum of both benefits can reach a maximum of € 70,000 (R$ 457,5 thousand).
Applicants must purchase a property that has been vacant for at least two years and built before 2007. The purchased homes must be used as a primary residence or made available for long-term rental. It is not permitted to turn the property into a vacation home or rent it for short stays.
Another important point: the beneficiary must live on the island for at least ten years. If they sell the property before this period or do not comply with the rules, the bonus received must be returned to the government.
Who Can Apply for the Program?
It is not necessary to be an Irish citizen to apply, but one must have the right to reside legally in Ireland, following existing visa regulations. The program is open to anyone who meets these criteria and is committed to revitalizing the islands.
According to data from the newspaper The Independent, by March 2025, authorities had already received 35 applications. Of these, 22 were approved. The government’s expectation is to increase the number of interested applicants with the program’s renewal.
Comparison with Other European Programs
The Irish initiative is similar to the “homes for one euro” programs in Italy and France, which offer properties at symbolic prices to revitalize rural regions or small towns. The difference is that, in the Irish case, the government is paying directly for individuals to renovate homes.
Eligible properties are generally in poor condition and require significant renovations. Therefore, the financial bonus is considered essential to make the project viable.
Which Islands Are Included in the Program?
The Our Living Islands program includes islands scattered along the west coast of Ireland. Among them:
- Aran Islands
- Clare
- Dursey
- Inishturk
- Inishbofin
- Bere
- 17 other locations
The islands are known for their natural beauty but also face logistical challenges. Some have limited access by ferries and reduced services, contributing to population loss over the years.
Benefits and Challenges of Living on an Isolated Island
Living on one of the Irish islands can mean direct contact with unique landscapes and welcoming communities but also involves practical challenges. Access to healthcare services, schools, and commerce can be limited, especially during bad weather.
For the government, the program is also an opportunity to diversify the local economy, attracting professionals who can work remotely and generate new sources of income for the islands.
How to Apply for the Program?
Applications are made directly on the official website of the Our Living Islands program. Applicants must present:
- Documentation proving the right to reside in Ireland;
- Proof of purchase of the property;
- Detailed renovation plan and property use.
Applications undergo technical analysis and may include visits to the islands to verify the property’s condition.
The Future of the Irish Islands
With the financial incentive, the government hopes not only to attract new residents but also to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the islands. The goal is to prevent entire communities from disappearing over time.
The renewal of the Our Living Islands program until 2033 demonstrates the government’s long-term commitment to demographic recovery of the islands. With the approval of more applications, authorities believe it will be possible to keep local traditions alive while modernizing the infrastructure of the regions included.
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