Local authorities have received notification of eleven developments to turn vacant pubs into housing units in the Shannonside region. Planning exemptions introduced in 2018, removed the requirement for planning permission for the conversation of certain types of commercial properties into residential units. In 2022, the exemption was extended to allow vacant pubs to be converted into homes.
Figures published in The Irish Times show that between 2018 and 2024, 86 overall notifications were sent to county councils in Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon with the potential of creating 194 homes. 11 of the 86 notices locally related to pubs which could create up to 38 new homes. Local TD, Michael Fitzmaurice says problems surrounding housing still persist:
