There are 4,023 empty homes across Cavan and 2,793 vacant homes in Monaghan.
Campaign group Uplift says this is more than enough for everybody who needs them. Uplift, a people-powered campaign group, is urging all political candidates, if elected, to focus on bringing the almost 7,000 empty and derelict homes locally back into use.
CSO figures show that, in 2022, there were almost 7,000 empty homes across Cavan and Monaghan, not including holiday homes that may also be sitting empty. Research commissioned by Uplift has shown again and again that having a home is the top issue facing people and communities right across the country.
During the local and European elections, Uplift completed a piece of research showing how councils and the government could do far more to turn empty houses into homes by buying and leasing empty houses, making it easier for families to access unused grants, working with businesses to turn empty main streets into vibrant communities, and accurately counting the number of vacant and derelict buildings in the county.
Saoirse McHugh, a campaigner at Uplift, said: "No matter who we are or where we come from, we all need a home where we can sleep at night, knowing that we will wake up tomorrow feeling safe and secure. She said there are far too many of us are living on edge, not knowing where we'll live month to month, year to year. We have so much space for everyone, but can't use it.
