Exempted Development

New exemptions were brought in as part of the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018 which allow change of use, and related works, of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use.

The exemption applies to existing completed commercial buildings, such as shops and offices, which have been in use for commercial purposes but which have been vacant for a period of two years prior to the proposed works commencing and are available and suitable for housing. The works to be carried out must primarily relate to the interior of the building.  This exemption has been extended until 31 December 2025 under the Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022.

This exemption removes the need to obtain planning permission and the associated costs of preparing and submitting a planning application. Secondly, as there is no planning application, then no development contributions will apply to the proposed development.  Further information on the exemptions can be found here 

If you own a vacant commercial/over the shop premises and are interested in knowing more about this exemption, you can contact the Roscommon County Council Vacant Homes Office at vacanthomesoffice@roscommoncoco.ie or telephone (090) 6637100.

Better Energy Home Grants

Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) provides Better Energy Home grants to help homeowners and landlords reduce their energy costs and emissions. Grants are available for the following energy-saving and renewable solutions:

• attic insulation and wall insulation (including cavity-wall insulation),
• internal dry lining and external insulation),
• heating-control upgrades,
• solar thermal solutions
• heat-pump systems,
• a Building Energy Rating (BER) after the energy saving work is carried out.

The works being undertaken must be carried out by a SEAI-approved contractor and you must get a BER to qualify for the grant.

Further details on grants payments and qualifying works are available from the SEAI website at www.seai.ie