Nationally, 2024 saw 292 exemption notifications for 713 homes.
A total of 12 planning exemption applications led to the delivery of 20 residential units in the midlands last year.
The Housing Department introduced an exemption scheme in 2018 removed the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of certain types of commercial properties into residential units.
Their latest figures show there's been a 25% decline in midlands applications which resulted in a 53% decline in residential units delivered through the scheme when compared to last year.
However nationally, 2024 saw 292 exemption notifications for 713 homes - the highest yearly figure since the exemption scheme was introduced.
Photos: The Greenfields Festival
Midlands Mens Sheds Receiving Funding
Taoiseach: Westmeath Town 'Capable' Of Being First Green City
Plans Set For Major Westmeath Housing Project
Concerns Raised Over Fire Safety In Asylum Accommodation
Midlands TD Urges Review Of Ireland’s Ticket Resale Legislation
Illegal Dumping Of Dead Calves In Westmeath Under Investigation
Midlands MEP Warns Of Loss To Farming Sector
2,400 Motorists Caught Speeding Over Bank Holiday Weekend
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident