The Emerald Isle is calling — with cash.
As a means of repopulating Ireland’s more isolated corners, its government is dangling a huge monetary incentive in front of the world’s citizens.
“Our coastal islands and their communities are an integral part of the fabric of rural Ireland,” begins a post about the alluring new program, announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development this month.
“They [are] also an integral part of the State’s heritage and have a special significance in Irish culture.”
In order to ensure that these regions continue to thrive, Ireland is launching a new program called Living Islands, part of which includes offering up to €84,000, or roughly $92,000, grants to individuals willing to fix up “a derelict building.”
Enticed but intimidated?
Grants of €60,000 ($65,000) are also available for those who’d rather only take on a “vacant” property in need of less work, CBS noted.
The grants apply to about 30 islands, all located in the Atlantic, on the nation’s west coast, many of which enjoy hundreds of thousands of annual visitors keen on taking in their rocky peaks and lush fields — but very, very permanent residents.
“Island communities generally have a higher than average age profile, as many young adults leave the islands to avail of further education or employment opportunities elsewhere,” explained a Living Islands pamphlet, adding that Census data shows the islands targeted by the program have decreased by at least 12% since 1996.
Sound too good to be true?
There are some requirements to qualify for the grants. Applicants must be in good standing with their taxes, and must either rent or live at the property once they fix it. Companies and developers will not be considered.
And then there’s the biggest “catch,” which is that while Ireland does not have any residency-based restrictions to buying property, owning property in Ireland does not mean you have the right to live there permanently.
