A Monaghan Senator has called on the Government to extend the €50m Croí Cónaithe Fund to homes in rural Ireland.
Robbie Gallagher says the fund - which supports the restoration of vacant and derelict buildings in towns and cities - would revitalise rural areas.
He added that it would provide people with the opportunity to live and work regionally bringing many areas back to life as a result.
"This is a very promising scheme for revitalising our towns and villages," continued Senator Gallagher.
"But it could have equally important potential in rural areas where there are many vacant and derelict homes - places where families would love to raise their children and support local schools.
"I believe the potential of such a scheme needs to be explored as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, the Croí Cónaithe Fund is part of the Housing for All Plan which was launched last September.
17,000 new homes have been delivered since September and the Government is expected to deliver on its 2022 target of 24,600 new homes.
