Leitrim housing crisis: Councillors urge change to Croí Cónaithe scheme

The Croí Cónaithe scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, provides grants to support the renovation of vacant or derelict properties.

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

Currently, the grant offers up to €70,000 for property refurbishment, but it can only be claimed retrospectively and in full upon certified completion of works.

In February, Minister James Browne said he is looking to introduce staged payments while works are being undertaken - an approach that many councillors have previously proposed.

At March’s Leitrim County Council meeting, Cllr Mary Bohan urged the local authority to call on Minister Browne as a matter of urgency to amend the Croí Cónaithe grant scheme, allowing for staged payments.

“There are a number of people being held back because they can’t get finance,” Cllr Bohan said.

“It’s essential in a housing crisis where there are a number of derelict houses throughout the county. I don’t see any reason why this can’t be staged payments,” she added.

Councillor slams social housing limits in Leitrim as ‘ridiculous’

Cllr Pádraig Fallon has called for an increase in income thresholds for social housing, stating that the limits should ideally be doubled.

She also emphasised that more people would avail of the scheme if staged payments were introduced, noting that some applicants may already have an existing mortgage or may not be in full-time employment but still wish to renovate a home.

Cllr Bohan’s motion was seconded by a number of members.

Cllr Gary Prior backed the motion and proposed increasing the grant from €70,000 to €100,000.

Cllr Enda McGloin highlighted that Leitrim has the highest number of derelict houses in need of repair, stating, “The bottom line is houses are not being lived in.”

Cllr Justin Warnock recalled contacting Eoghan Murphy - Minister for Housing from 2017 to 2020 - alongside Micheál Martin, to advocate increasing the grant to €100,000 for young couples or first time buyers while keeping it at €70,000 for developers.

The importance of Croí Cónaithe was underscored, with Cllr Enda Stenson describing it as a vital initiative to bring people back to Leitrim.

It was agreed to amend Cllr Bohan’s motion to not only push for staged payments but also request an increase of the grant to €100,000.

READ MORE: Leitrim councillors oppose changes to housing aid grant