Minister for Local Government and Planning visiting Mayo this week

THE Minister for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke, will be visiting a number of Mayo locations tomorrow (Wednesday).

His itinerary includes the opening of the Killala wastewater treatment plant, visiting a proposed housing development in Swinford, and viewing the planned urban regeneration funding project and a housing project in Castlebar.

The minister will be meeting with communities regarding the Rural Water Programme and will also meet with senior officials in Mayo County Council including the new chief executive, Kevin Kelly, and director of services for housing, roads and services development, Tom Gilligan.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Deputy Alan Dillon said: “It is great to see Minister Peter Burke visiting Mayo the same week as Further and Higher Education Minister, Simon Harris. There has been a number of ministerial visits to Mayo to view first-hand the proposed and completed projects around the county.

“I will be raising the issue of housing needs in Mayo, as well as increasing the supply of affordable and social housing. I will also seek an update on the pyrite working group and relay some of the concerns raised by affected homeowners both locally and nationally.”

He continued: “Minister Burke is particularly interested in seeing some of the upcoming projects in Mayo including the €11 million funding announced in March for urban regeneration in Castlebar at the Military Barracks and the Mall. He will also visit some housing projects in Swinford and Castlebar.

“I am particularly keen to ensure local housing projects are prioritised and that the funding being offered to local authorities matches the reality of housing costs and the preferred types of housing in Mayo.”