Council to refurbish and re-let 45 housing units

FUNDING of over €500,000 has been allocated to Mayo County Council for the refurbishment of 45 units under the 2020 Voids Stimulus Programme.

The funding will allow the council to refurbish and re-let housing units to people on the social housing list.

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Dara Calleary explained: “As part of the July Stimulus Programme, Minister O’Brien announced over €40 million for the refurbishment of voids, the largest single amount ever announced under the voids programme.

“In Mayo, the refurbishment of 45 units will be included in the scheme – an investment of €516, 218.

“I look forward to the works being carried out in a timely manner so that we can start to re-let these units to people who urgently require accommodation.”

Deputy Michael Ring explained how Mayo County Council made applications which were categorised into funding streams - standard voids at an average cost of approximately €11,500 and long-term voids at an average cost of €47,000.

“The department is in a position to approve these applications and Mayo County Council can now begin its work on making these vacant units available for individuals and families so they can start a new chapter in their lives and make a home for themselves," he said.

Also welcoming the allocation, Deputy Alan Dillon commented: “The government is helping local authorities and developers to plan and build better and more houses for people to live in, particularly during the current crisis.

“This includes providing social housing supports for people who cannot afford to provide a home for themselves and creating an environment that encourages builders to deliver houses for people who wish to buy their own home.”