Leitrim among lowest in Ireland for apartment planning approvals

New statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal a sharp decline in the number of planning permissions for apartments.

Nationally, the number of approved apartments fell by 39 percent compared to 2023.

Leitrim remains among the lowest in the country, with just 12 apartment units approved in 2024, while Sligo saw only eight.

Developers are increasingly reluctant to invest in apartment projects, as inflation in the construction industry makes such developments a risky venture for shareholders.

For new house builds, 65 units were approved in Leitrim, while Sligo received approval for 140.

Data released in January from the Department of Housing, Government and Local Heritage shows that Leitrim has the lowest number of house builds in Ireland by a considerable margin.

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Since its introduction, the Croí Cónaithe scheme has facilitated the restoration of over 200 houses in Leitrim. However, calls are growing for amendments to allow staged payments, making the scheme more accessible and encouraging the revival of more derelict properties.

Leitrim has the highest level of vacant houses in the country. 

The difficulty in acquiring second-hand homes, combined with the slow pace and high costs of construction, has driven up the demand for newly built houses, further exacerbating the housing shortage in the county.

If changes were made to Croí Cónaithe, Leitrim could see improvements in housing availability.

According to the CSO, the total number of units - both houses and apartments - granted approval in 2024 nationwide was 32,401, down from 41,225 in the previous year.

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