Up to €135,000 now available to convert empty space above Leitrim shops into homes

A new grant to convert empty spaces above shops into homes is available in Leitrim from today with the aim of improving housing supply and revitalising town centres.

The new Vacant Above the Shop Grant, will provide funding of up to €135,000 to support the conversion of vacant space above commercial premises into residential units, while retaining the commercial use at ground floor level.

An expert advice grant, with funding of up to €5,000 towards professional advice on the conversion of above-the-shop space, will also be made available.

A grant of up to €95,000 will be available where one unit is created, up to €115,000 will be available where two units are created, and up to €135,000 will be available where three or more residential units are created ‘above the shop’.

The Grant will be available for buildings in cities, towns and villages with vacant ‘above the shop’ space (vacant for two years), where the ground floor is remaining commercial. It is not required that the commercial ground floor of the premises be vacant.

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Sligo-Leitrim TD Minister Frank Feighan has welcomed the measures introduced on April 1.

“These measures represent a practical and impactful step towards addressing housing supply challenges while breathing new life into our towns and villages.

“By focusing on vacant properties and unused space above shops, we are making better use of existing buildings,” he said.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, or Croí Cónaithe, used to help transform vacant buildings into liveable homes, has received 16,000 applications, with over 4,400 payments made, representing an investment of almost €250 million.

The grant pays either €50,000 to renovate vacant homes or €70,000 for derelict properties upon completion.

Changes have now been made whereby an additional €20,000 for a second residential unit created, and a further €20,000 where three or more units are created, will be payable going forward.

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