While County Leitrim has recorded a reduction in house vacancy it still has almost 2,900 houses empty according to the 2022 census. I propose that this local authority applies for funding to investigate through an expert led study to clarify what is the reason for such a large number of vacant properties, the reason for same and what measures can be considered to encourage the owners of these properties if they are viable to either sell them or rent them, to allow some ease to the pressure we have in Leitrim for homes to buy or rent.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda McGloin;
"While County Leitrim has recorded a reduction in house vacancy it still has almost 2,900 houses empty according to the 2022 census. I propose that this local authority applies for funding to investigate through an expert led study to clarify what is the reason for such a large number of vacant properties, the reason for same and what measures can be considered to encourage the owners of these properties if they are viable to either sell them or rent them, to allow some ease to the pressure we have in Leitrim for homes to buy or rent."
Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services
"The recently published census data show a significant reduction in the level of vacancy rates across the County. Notwithstanding this reduction Leitrim County Council acknowledges the need to further reduce the number of vacant homes throughout the County.
The Council has appointed a fulltime Vacant Homes Officer who will actively monitor and assess vacancy data locally using CSO / Geo Directory data, vacanthomes.ie, etc., build local vacancy knowledge through site inspections, surveys, etc., and support the implementation of current and any emerging initiatives from the Department.
The Vacant Homes Officer will provide an advisory role to local authority teams and is available to provide advice to members of the public on vacant homes/properties to assist, inform, provide and promote up to date advice on bringing vacant property back into use including across the suite of schemes available at national level."
Councillor Enda McGloin said 2,900 is a significant number of houses to be vacant across a population of 35,000. Councillor Enda McGloin noted it is a shame to see so many houses empty during a housing crisis and that nothing is ever done about them. Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that Leitrim County Council seek funding for a study to be undertaken to clarify what is the reason for so many vacant properties, and what measures can be considered to encourage the owners of these properties if they are viable to either sell or rent them, which will in turn ease the demand that exists in Leitrim for homes to buy or rent.
Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the reply received and welcomed the appointment of a Vacant Homes Officer. Councillor McGloin said he hoped to receive a report from the Officer in the near future as to how these vacant properties could be brought back into use in the community.
Councillor Sean McDermott said this would be one way of correcting the problem of rural depopulation and getting people back into living in these areas.
Councillor Brendan Barry said many people like to come and live in Leitrim, but he acknowledged that landowners are afraid of selling property they own as issues may develop after the property is purchased.
Councillor Felim Gurn said he was shocked by the number of vacant houses in Manorhamilton and there is a need to get them back into use and make them viable.
Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the motion said there are many houses out there and he referred to a house in his area that was built in 1963 that has been turned into a family home with a relatively small outlay and he said once houses are structurally sound these have quite a potential.
Councillor Des Guckian said he is not sure if this will sort out the issue and he referred to the Urban Regeneration Report that was circulated to the Members from Senator Victor Boyhan. Councillor Des Guckian said he was very sceptical of what is being said as there is no damp proof in these older houses, and they are not suitable for present day needs as they are expensive to renovate and to heat.
Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the motion and said there is too much red tape involved in Local Authority tenants buying out their houses from the Local Authority.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly said there was good news in the census regarding houses vacancies and he noted that the census information released does not give a breakdown on the different categories of vacancy.