Council houses for Knockmore are back on the plans

BALLINA area councillors have welcomed plans to construct eight houses in Knockmore village.

The north Mayo village was the next place on the list for a council-led housing development before the economic crash curbed development in 2009/10.

Now, well over half a decade later, the council is recommending the construction of eight houses in Knockmore following public consultation on the matter.

Paul Benson, senior executive officer, told a Ballina Municipal District meeting today (Wednesday) that the proposed development won't entirely meet the housing need in the area but utilises only part of the site on which it is situated, leaving open the opportunity in future for affordable and voluntary housing on the remaining lands, subject to the provision of adequate sewerage disposal.

Councillor Seamus Weir had made a submission on the proposal calling for a mix of 50% affordable housing, 25% social housing and 25% voluntary housing, and he reiterated at the meeting that he would be happier to see mixed development in the area, but his fellow councillors expressed broad welcome for the plan.

With the support of councillors secured, the local authority can move on to final design stage and go to tender.

Mr. Benson said that, subject to approval from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, they hope to go to tender in early summer 2017 with a view to starting the project next autumn and people moving in to the new houses in around two years' time.