Solutions needed to secure rural Leitrim’s future

The development of one-off housing in Leitrim has been an issue for the last 20 years, according to Cllr Felim Gurn in a motion he proposed to the Council in Carrick-on- Shannon on July 8.

Cllr Gurn noted that, with technology it can be helped, but it costs around €50,000 per house, and even with €10,000 grants, it remains too expensive for young people due to high material and labour costs.

He emphasised the need to solve this problem within the next five years to ensure the survival of Leitrim's rural areas, and the need to find an EPA-approved drainage system for the county.

“It's an ongoing issue and it's something now that we have to sort out. The issue here is no more than anything else, is down to cost.

“If we want to maintain Leitrim and our population growth, we have to sort this out,” Cllr Gurn said.

Council motion seeks adjustment of housing grant rates over cost concerns

Costs quoted by contractors are often exceeding grant rates

Cllr Mary Bohan seconded the proposal and acknowledged that this issue has been repeatedly raised in the Council.

Director of Services, Justin Fannon said: “The solution to this problem has been looked for over the last Council and I suppose it progressed from seeking for a solution to dealing with the EPA.”

Mr Fannon referenced research that had been undertaken in Trinity College Dublin 'Evapotreat,' using willow plants in an effort to transform wastewater treatment in rural Ireland.

This has been installed in two locations in Leitrim, and Mr. Fannon stated that results should be visible by the end of this year.

“We're still not quite there to have the results to go back to the EPA to convince them this system operates successfully, and hopefully we'll get to that point.

“We do appear to be ever so slowly heading towards a conclusion that will hopefully deliver a result making it easier for people to build their homes, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy O'Rourke said.

Councillors advocate for study on declining traffic on River Shannon

Cllr Flynn said the Shannon is Leitrim's greatest natural tourism asset

Cllr Gurn's motion garnered widespread support from other councillors.