Housing crisis: Leitrim faces Ireland’s lowest house builds

Leitrim has the lowest house builds in Ireland by a considerable margin, according to data released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The data shows the number of Commencement Notices issued, reflecting residential construction starts.

101 homes were commenced in Leitrim, the lowest in the country, followed by Carlow (213), and Longford (248).

The figures come amidst the highest number of annual residential commencements since records began in 2014. Nationwide, 60,423 houses commenced with Dublin City leading all local authorities.

In 2024, just 65 houses were granted planning permission in Leitrim. This comprised 25 units in small schemes across the county, 22 one-off houses, eight replacement houses,  nine individual dwellings and a community dwelling in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Cllr Enda McGloin questioned the reasoning for the low number of houses being built at January’s meeting of Leitrim County Council, and a reply clarified that the Council primarily responds to the private housing market, which faces challenges such as rising construction costs.

This is a major factor contributing to Leitrim’s very low number of house builds.

The expenses associated with building new homes exceed the price these homes can sell for on the market. As a result, new construction becomes financially unappealing for developers and builders, leading to a lack of new housing development. 

One area where Leitrim is performing well in housing is through the Croí Cónaithe scheme. Croí Cónaithe, or the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, is funded by the Department of Housing and provides grants to support the renovation of vacant properties.

Since its introduction, the scheme has helped restore 230 houses in Leitrim.

Uisce Éireann has also been identified as a problem in constructing new builds in the county.

‘It’s not enough’: 65 houses in Leitrim granted planning permission in 2024

Cllr Enda McGloin proposed a motion requesting information from Council officials on the number of houses granted planning approval last year.

There are potential opportunities for housing projects outlined in the County Development Plan for towns like Leitrim Village, Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon, but the plans can’t proceed because of wastewater infrastructure.

This was discussed at length at the most recent Council meeting, leading to a decision to invite Uisce Éireann executives to meet with the Council to discuss their role in facilitating new builds.

Commenting on the 65 houses granted planning permission in 2024, CEO of Leitrim County Council Joseph Gilhooly emphasised that the figures must be viewed within the context of a national housing crisis and noted there is ongoing housing activity in Leitrim.

Another obstacle delaying housing in general  has been changes to the measures regarding housing acquisitions. 

In 2023, the Department of Housing withdrew funding for the purchase of individual second-hand houses.

The shift in policy was to focus on increasing the supply of new build housing, which has not been sufficiently delivered in the county.

Cllr Pádraig Fallon recently questioned if the local authority is able to acquire housing, and was informed that the Council cannot consider the acquisition of any more units under the Acquisition Programme until they receive confirmation from the Department of Housing.

The limited ability to acquire second-hand houses, coupled with the slow pace and high costs of construction, drives up the demand for newly built homes, exacerbating the housing shortage in the county.

Despite challenges in housing, Leitrim County Council has emphasised its commitment to working with construction companies to maintain housing supply.

READ MORE: Leitrim drivers brace for premium hikes as car insurance costs surge