A Leitrim Councillor says moves which will allow tenants greater scope to purchase council housing could help inject new life into many rural communities, however he has also warned that the changes could also reduce the level of housing at the disposal of Local Authorities.
More people will be able to buy the local authority home they live in when new rules kick in this month.
Changes are being made to the Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme that include replacing the previous income limit.
The changes to the qualifying criteria of the scheme will now mean those with an annual income of €11,000 will now be eligible to apply, while some older tenants will also be able to buy their homes if they have the financial means to do so.
Fianna Fail Councillor Justin Warnock is the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council he says while the changes are welcome it will place pressure on the housing stock owned by County Councils: