80 applications for refurbishment grant in Leitrim

"That is one way of getting people back into rural Leitrim," said Cllr Enda Stenson about the level of interest there has been in the vacant/derelict housing grant in Leitrim.
He was told in a response from Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services that to date, 80 applications have been received by Leitrim County Council for the Croí Cónaithe Refurbishment Grant of which 48 have been approved.

"Of the total received 21 applications have been received for rental properties. Currently two applications have been withdrawn and only one application has been rejected. The remaining 29 applications are being assessed with additional supporting documentation sought," the official response continued. 

Cllr Stenson also praised Shane Mulvey, Executive Engineer, Leitrim County Council for his work in the area. 

Cllr Sean McGowan supported the motion but said he was "saddened to see the one area that hasn't been taken up is in the towns" and suggested that this element be promoted more. 

Cllr Brendan Barry suggested writing to the relevant minister and department asking that work be carried out on a "phased basis" as applicants must "pay the builder before you can draw down the grant" and that this would "make it more attractive to more people and they might take it on."

This suggestion was approved. 

Cllr Thomas Mulligan suggested trying "public notification on the streets, be it in a window, etc." He said it might "trigger" people into action.

Cllr Des Guckian said it would "be great if we could get our young people to come back and live in Co Leitrim but that won't happen with the way things are trending" adding that difficulty obtaining planning permission was a big factor in this, in his view, among other issues.