Hundreds attend Leitrim event on turning vacant buildings into vibrant homes

Leitrim County Council recently hosted an information event aimed at showcasing the potential to transform vacant and derelict properties across County Leitrim into vibrant homes.

The event was held on Thursday, June 19, from 3pm to 8pm at the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-On-Shannon. It attracted nearly 300 attendees and featured 30 exhibitors representing the financial, construction, home improvement, and auctioneering sectors, each showcasing their services and expertise.

Leitrim has long struggled with a high number of vacant properties, recording the highest residential vacancy rate in Ireland last year.

The event was officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke. The keynote address was delivered by award-winning architect Hugh Wallace, who highlighted the many benefits of refurbishing existing housing stock, particularly in restoring vitality to towns and villages.

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Other speakers included Anne Marie O’Connor from the Vacant Homes Unit at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Shane Mulvey, Vacant Homes Officer with Leitrim County Council; Mel Galvin, R&D Coordinator at Sligo ATU; and Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council.

Colin Regan served as MC, facilitating engaging panel discussions with the speakers and former grant recipients Ciara Reynolds and John and Amanda O'Connell, who shared their experiences renovating older properties and accessing the Croí Cónaithe grant.

John and Amanda O’Connell (grant applicants) with Hugh Wallace.

Leitrim County Council extends thanks to everyone involved in organising the event, with particular appreciation for all who spoke, exhibited, and attended. 

It is hoped that the event has helped raise awareness of the vital support available through the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

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Recordings, discussions, and presentations from the event will be shared on Leitrim County Council’s social media channels in the coming days.

For more information about ‘Turning Vacant Properties into Cosy Homes’, contact vacanthomes@leitrimcoco.ie.

Sinead Flynn, Acting Senior Executive Officer, LCC, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Hugh Wallace, CEO of LCC Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services LCC Mary Quinn.