The Irish government is offering to pay individuals €84,000 (£70,000) to purchase a property in one of the country's remote offshore islands.

This initiative, part of the 'Our Living Islands' policy, aims to boost the population and revitalise remote communities off the West Coast of Ireland.

In total there are 23 inhabited offshore islands that qualify for the scheme. As of 2016, these islands had a combined population of just 2,734. 

One of the most famous islands included in the scheme is the Aran Islands, consisting of three picturesque rocky isles, Inishmaan, Inisheer and Inishmore, where parts of The Banshees of Inisherin were filmed. 

However, there are plenty of other obscure gems in need of more residents, such as Clare Island, Dursey, Inishturk, Inishbofin, Bere and, the most remote of them all, Tory (Toraigh) - which boasts a population of just 141 people as of 2023. 

Each island possesses unique characteristics and landscapes, contributing to its individual charm. 

From dramatic cliffs and ancient ruins, to stretches of lush green fields and dry stone walls, to pristine beaches and rugged coastline, these stunning surroundings offer prospective residents a breathtaking change from the hustle and bustle of urban life. 

Anyone can apply, even if they're not an Irish citizen. However, there are some important things to note.

The Irish government is offering grants of up to £70,000 to renovate vacant or derelict properties on the islands, not directly paying people to move there. 

Though the 'Our Living Islands' scheme is aimed at encouraging population growth, it also sets out to improve housing and infrastructure, which in turn creates sustainable communities. 

Renovating older properties can be costly, and the grant money is not provided as a lump sum for general living expenses, but rather specifically for renovating and refurbishing existing properties. 

Successful applicants could receive as much as €84,000 (£69,650) to transform a property into a residential home. Short-term rentals or holiday homes are not eligible for the grant.

While the standard Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers up to €50,000, or up to €70,000 in the case of homes deemed to be derelict, the government is offering more to those prepared to refurbish properties on the qualifying islands.

This means that those willing to brave a refurb job on one of the islands can secure up to €60,000 for the refurbishment of a vacant property, or up to €84,000 where the property is also derelict.

You don't need to be an Irish citizen to apply, but there are additional catches that come with the grant.

Applicants need to meet specific criteria, including owning or being in the process of buying the property, and the property must meet the age and vacancy requirement. 

The property must be vacant or derelict, built before a certain date (2007) and unoccupied for a minimum period. 

Each property must also be situated on islands not connected to the mainland by a bridge or causeway, and are often cut off daily by the tide.

Anyone can apply for the grant, as long as they plan to buy a property to do up and either live there permanently, or rent it out.

For those planning to do up a property to let it out, that is also possible, as long as they are not doing so as a registered company or developer.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is handled by local authorities on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Each local authority therefore decides on applications for the grant.

A person also needs to live in or rent the qualifying property for at least 10 years from the date of payment of the grant to avoid having to pay large sums back.

If someone decides to sell the property, or it ceases to be their main home, or the property is no longer being rented they may need to reimburse the local authority all or part of the grant.

In the first five years this amounts to repaying everything back. Between five and 10 years this equates to repaying 75 per cent of the grant back. 

After 10 years, home-owners can do as they wish without having to repay the grant.