Donegal’s Vacancy Rate Climbs to 9%, Nearly Tripling National Average

UPDATE: New data reveals that Donegal has one of the highest residential vacancy levels in Ireland, with a staggering vacancy rate of 9%, nearly triple the national average. This urgent report from GeoDirectory highlights a critical housing crisis affecting the county, prompting immediate concerns from residents and officials alike.

According to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, the number of new residential address points in Donegal dipped by 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. In the past twelve months, only 667 new residential address points were added to the database, while 829 new residential buildings were reported to be under construction as of last month. These figures indicate a troubling trend in housing availability just as demand continues to rise.

The report also indicates that Donegal’s occupancy rate is alarmingly low at 80.3%, reflecting only a 0.4% increase from the second quarter of 2024. This situation is exacerbated by the county’s status as having the highest proportion of holiday homes in Ireland, accounting for 25.3% of all residential properties.

In terms of affordability, the average house price in Donegal was recorded at €218,739 in June, while the average rent remains the lowest in Ireland at just €1,231 per month. These figures highlight the stark contrast between property prices and the alarming number of vacant homes.

Residents are feeling the impact of these vacancy rates, with many expressing concerns about the future of their community. The implications could be far-reaching, affecting local businesses and the overall economy of Donegal as housing remains a pivotal issue.

As the situation develops, officials are urged to take action to address these vacancy levels and consider the long-term effects on Donegal’s housing market. Attention is now focused on what measures will be implemented to mitigate this growing crisis.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds and authorities respond to the urgent housing challenges facing Donegal.