Leitrim property to be converted into four social housing units

A vacant property has been purchased by Leitrim County Council on Main Street in Ballinamore to be turned into four social housing units, Ballinamore Municipal District has heard.

Cllr Gary Prior proposed that Ballinamore M.D. explore the possibility of launching a pilot scheme in Ballinamore to identify and assess empty or derelict properties. 

The aim of this is for Leitrim County Council to potentially purchase these properties and renovate them, helping address the urgent housing shortage in Leitrim communities.

A report published by the GeoDirectory Residential Buildings in August found that Leitrim had the highest rate of vacant properties in the country.

A reply issued by the Economic Development to Cllr Prior’s proposal explained that as part of Leitrim County Council's efforts to regenerate towns and villages, the Town Regeneration and Economic Development sections have bought several vacant and derelict properties and are turning them into community spaces.

Further push for Lough Allen viewing bay in Leitrim

At a recent meeting of Ballinamore M.D., Cllr Brendan Barry requested funding from the M.D. to for a viewing bay overlooking Lough Allen at Cormongan.

The Housing section is also addressing dereliction and recently purchased a vacant property on Ballinamore’s Main Street.

They are working to convert the building into four social housing units. The Part 8 planning for this has been approved, and the tendering process is expected to begin in Q1 of 2025.

The reply also stated that the approach to providing social housing in town centres will continue where there is a need and suitable properties are available.

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