Housing plan for properties not impacted by N5 works

THE future of houses purchased as part of the construction of the new N5 between Castlebar and Westport and which are still standing has been questioned.

There are four such properties along the route.

Councillor Ger Deere has asked council management what will happen to these homes, which were supposed to be impacted by the new route but are still there. The council should be taking them over to sell or let.

He was told they will have to be brought back into use for housing.

Work is starting now to move on them.

Also on housing, Councillor Deere has asked that Mayo County Council would conduct an audit on tenants in HAP, RAS and council stock.

He explained how in some cases, people's circumstances change and one person ends up living in a three-bed property. Some may prefer to move to smaller sized accommodation and that should be looked at.

This would free up larger homes for families.

Director of services Tom Gilligan said they try and match people with properties.

People want to live in a certain area or have an attachment to a house. If a tenant wants to move and there is an opportunity to swap, it can be looked at.