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The “Our Living Islands” Program Aims to Revitalize 23 Underpopulated Islands by Offering Financial Incentives to Attract Permanent Residents and Strengthen Local Communities.
Ireland has announced the renewal of the program “Our Living Islands”, which offers up to 70,000 euros, around R$ 454,000, for individuals interested in renovating abandoned or unoccupied houses on remote islands off the country’s west coast. The initiative, which extends until 2033, was created to combat depopulation and revitalize 23 island communities, where only 2,734 people currently reside.
The incentive is intended for properties built before 2007 that have been unoccupied for at least two years. The funds must be used exclusively for renovations and structural improvements, and beneficiaries must utilize the property as their primary residence or rent it out for long-term contracts. Seasonal homes and short-term rentals are not eligible.
Among the participating locations are islands like Aran, Clare, Dursey, Inishturk, Inishbofin, and Bere, known for their rugged landscapes and for being the setting of the film The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), nominated for an Oscar. These regions have faced depopulation challenges for decades and seek to ensure the sustainability of their cultures and economies.
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Who Can Participate in the Program
The Irish government has stated that it is not necessary to be an Irish citizen to participate, but applicants must meet the residency and visa requirements in the country. Applications are made directly through the official website of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of Ireland.
As of March 2025, 22 out of 35 submitted applications have been approved. The government hopes to attract new residents willing to contribute to the economic and social development of the island communities and, thus, strengthen the culture and sustainable tourism activity on the islands.
To qualify, interested parties must commit to living in or renting the property for a minimum of ten years. If the house is sold within the first five years, the subsidy received must be returned to the local authorities.
Values and Conditions Offered by the Government
The incentive amounts vary according to the condition of the property. Vacant homes can qualify for subsidies of up to 50,000 euros (R$ 324,000), while abandoned properties in poor condition can receive a maximum amount of 70,000 euros (R$ 454,000). All funds must be directed to improvements that ensure the habitability of the property.
According to the authorities, the program was launched in 2023 and is part of a ten-year strategic plan to keep traditional communities alive and attract families and professionals who want to reside in remote areas.
As reported by the noticias.r7 portal, the measure follows the example of other countries that are also seeking creative solutions to repopulate isolated areas. In Italy, for example, the “houses for 1 euro” program has gained attention, although many properties require extensive renovations to become habitable.
Other Similar Initiatives in Europe
In addition to Ireland and Italy, Croatia, France, and Japan also have programs aimed at revitalizing rural areas and sparsely populated islands, offering properties for symbolic prices or accessible auctions. The goal is to attract new inhabitants and recover communities facing demographic decline.
Recently, Eisenhüttenstadt, a city in eastern Germany near the border with Poland, launched an unusual initiative: two weeks of free accommodation in furnished apartments for individuals interested in exploring the city before deciding to settle down. The measure aims to boost the local economy and repopulate urban areas emptied after the post-industrial period.
On the other hand, an opposite case caught attention in a previous article: one European country has become one of the most expensive destinations in the world, with zero income tax, extremely high property prices, and a lack of space to accommodate millionaires. The scenario, which has transformed the region into a virtually inaccessible tax haven for ordinary residents, contrasts with the efforts of other nations that seek, precisely, to attract new residents to prevent population decline.
Só fato de poder morar num lugar desse já e bom demais , Brasil tá complicado só corrupção
SE eu tivesse está oportunidade acho que não irei querer nem voltar . A paz e tranquilidade são as coisas que nos trará saúde e vida porque as demais coisas Deus acrescenta em nosso caminho . Me dê essa oportunidade e não se arrependeria
Eu quero ir!