Planning exemptions to convert commercial properties into 71 new homes in Roscommon
Roscommon County Council received 23 notifications under planning exemptions to convert vacant commercial properties.
Latest figures released by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government show that between 2018 and 2024, Roscommon County Council received 23 notifications under planning exemptions to convert vacant commercial properties, paving the way for the potential delivery of 71 new homes.
Minister James Browne TD published figures last week showing that between 2018 and 2024, local authorities have received 1,457 notifications with the potential to create 3,429 new homes throughout the country.
Planning exemptions introduced in 2018, removed the requirement for planning permission for the conversation of certain types of commercial properties into residential units.
Commenting on the new figures, Minister Browne said, “I feel very strongly about buildings lying often vacant in the middle of a housing crisis, and to be honest it is not acceptable if a conversion is possible. It is imperative that we convert suitable properties into homes and give people the opportunity to do that.” He added, “We want our towns and cities to be living and working areas. We recognise the face of our towns is always changing, and we have to adapt to that and rise to the need right now of people for homes.”
