The issue of providing new homes for people is one of the many challenges facing local authorities across the country.

The work of local authorities is recognised on ‘Your Council Day’ (YCD) a day long promotion which acknowledges the role, function and delivery supports by Roscommon Council and local authorities nationwide.

The theme of this year’s event is Building Stronger Communities, underpinned by the following sub-themes - supporting community spaces , local democracy , local economic development and  supporting community and voluntary groups and planning

The provision of housing is a challenge Roscommon County Council are acutely aware of and one the local authority is determined to deliver on for its citizens through the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ and other related programme. This mission is one that perfectly encapsulates YCD’s vision of supporting community spaces.

As well as meeting the housing needs of its citizens, the development of new houses also fulfils the objective of tackling dereliction and revitalising buildings, that in the process breathes new life in local towns and villages.

Two such projects illustrating the deliver of this ambition are in Elphin and Strokestown, respectively. Such developments, it is hoped, may be catalyst for further delivery in towns as well as creating the conditions for business opportunities.

Once such project is located on Main Street, Elphin where one site consists of the vacant courthouse and an adjoining derelict property which was acquired by Roscommon County Council.

 Following surveys and design, the site has now been converted into four new housing units. The courthouse has been completely refurbished and transformed into two one-bedroom apartments.

The existing derelict property was demolished and rebuilt to provide a new two-bedroom town house. An additional one-bedroom bungalow has also been constructed to the rear of the site which is age friendly.

This regeneration project now provides four new housing units and has greatly improved the streetscape of the town. The project commenced in August 2024 with handover due in July 2025. The project is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and funded under the Social Housing Investment Programme.

A similar housing need has been fulfilled Strokestown where a building has been extensively renovated on the town’s Elphin Street. The existing three storey dwelling had been vacant/derelict for a number of years before it was acquired by Roscommon County Council.

The property has been converted into three individuals one bedroom apartments on each storey, with the ground floor being age friendly. The project commenced in August 2024 with handover due in July 2025. The project is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and funded under the Social Housing Investment Programme.