Most Definitely Leitrim! – Campaign encourages more people to live and work in the county

• New Leitrim County Council campaign aimed at remote workers, home restoration grant applicants and diaspora
• Council is to also undertake survey of current remote work set-up and consider enhancements

Leitrim County Council has launched Most Definitely Leitrim, a campaign designed to encourage people living in cities and larger urban centres to consider relocating to one of Ireland’s most idyllic locations.

The social media-led campaign features the stories of individuals and families who have already made the move from across Ireland and beyond. They include not only remote and hybrid workers, but also individuals and families who chose Leitrim for lifestyle, affordability, community and quality of life reasons.

Most Definitely Leitrim also shines a light on people who have restored vacant and derelict properties through the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and associated schemes such as the Vacant Above the Shop Grant.

Among the stories featured are:

• Martha Gilheaney, a business studies lecturer and influencer who is restoring a derelict house in Leitrim and documenting the project on her social media platforms
• Lynda Jones, a former Dublin-based Marketing Manager who founded a jewellery business after swapping Dun Laoghaire for a riverside home in Roosky
• Amanda and John O’Connell who have done a complete restoration of a 200-year-old family farmhouse near Ballinamore
• Raymond Goslitski, a linguist who moved to Leitrim via the UK, Germany, Belgium and Spain and who delivers language seminars to institutions including the European Parliament from the Mohill Enterprise Centre
• Britons Sam Craggs and Rebecca Cayton who restored a falling-down farmhouse in Mohill, with Sam becoming a part-time fireman with Leitrim Fire Service, stationed in Mohill
• Basavaraj Tadahal, a software engineer who swapped the snarl of city traffic and embraced cycling, hiking and walking to work in Carrick-on-Shannon
• Diego Sevilla, originally from Nicaragua but now works remotely from The Hive in Carrick on Shannon as a Technology & Business Strategist

Also taking part in the campaign with reflections on their experiences of Leitrim are former RTE News anchor Bryan Dobson, who frequents Co. Leitrim on a very regular basis; iRadio star Dave Duke as well as publisher and businesswoman Norah Casey.

By sharing these lived experiences, the campaign aims to highlight the practical supports available to those considering a move to Leitrim.

As part of the initiative, Leitrim County Council is also launching a comprehensive survey aimed at better understanding the experience of remote and flexible working in the county. It wants to hear from people currently working remotely in Leitrim, hybrid commuters, members of the diaspora considering a return home, and professionals elsewhere who may be open to relocating.

The research will explore issues including broadband connectivity, childcare access, housing, co-working facilities and community supports. Findings from the survey will help inform future investment and policy development across the county.

The campaign, delivered across its social media channels, forms part of Leitrim County Council’s wider work to support sustainable population growth, rural regeneration and housing renewal across the county.

Commenting on the campaign, Leitrim County Council  Cathaoirleach Councillor Paddy Farrell said:

“Most Definitely Leitrim is about showcasing the opportunities that exist for people seeking a better balance, stronger community connections and a high quality of life.

“The campaign highlights not only the growing potential of remote working in Leitrim, but also the positive impact schemes like Croí Cónaithe are having in helping people restore homes, settle in communities and build a future here.”

Leitrim County Council has set up a dedicated webpage with information on Remote Working and the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and related supports. The page can be accessed at https://www.leitrim.ie/live/relocate-to-leitrim/