Roscommon has recorded 290 approved claims under the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme since July 2020, representing just 0.85 percent of the 34,188 claims nationwide. The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, highlight a lower uptake of the scheme in the county compared to other areas.
The HTB scheme, introduced to assist first-time buyers in securing a deposit for a newly-built home or self-build, offers a rebate on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the previous four years. Despite its availability, Roscommon’s claim numbers remain relatively low.
Neighbouring Galway recorded 1,642 claims, significantly higher than Roscommon, while Mayo had 669. Meanwhile, Longford (104 claims) and Leitrim (99 claims) recorded some of the lowest figures nationwide, placing them alongside Roscommon as areas with the least engagement with the scheme.
By contrast, urban counties recorded much stronger uptake, with Dublin leading at 5,027 claims, followed closely by Cork (5,157) and Kildare (4,355). These counties also tend to have more new housing developments, making the scheme more accessible to first-time buyers.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, responding to the parliamentary query, reaffirmed that the scheme remains available in 2025 and continues to be reviewed for its effectiveness in improving access to homeownership. However, the data suggests that uptake remains considerably lower in counties where new housing supply is more limited, particularly in rural areas such as Roscommon, Longford, and Leitrim.
