Leitrim Council opens €500k scheme to buy vacant buildings for community spaces

Leitrim County Council has announced a new community‑development scheme that will allow local groups to acquire vacant buildings or land for use as community spaces. The council is offering up to €500,000 in funding to support the purchase and conversion of derelict properties into venues that can host events, meetings, or other community activities.

Under the scheme, community groups across County Leitrim are invited to submit proposals for buildings or sites that are currently unused. The council will consider each application on its merits and, where appropriate, provide the financial support needed to bring the property into use for the benefit of the local population. The funding is intended to cover the cost of acquisition and any necessary refurbishment, enabling communities to create spaces that can serve a range of functions, from social gatherings to educational programmes.

Applications for the scheme will close on 15 May 2026. Groups wishing to take advantage of the opportunity should prepare a detailed proposal outlining the intended use of the property, the community benefits it would deliver, and a plan for its ongoing maintenance. The council will review all submissions and will announce the selected projects in due course.

The initiative is part of Leitrim County Council’s broader commitment to strengthening community infrastructure and fostering local participation. By turning vacant buildings into active community hubs, the council aims to support social inclusion and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout the county.

For further information and to submit an application, visit the Leitrim County Council website.

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