People who paid deposits in Mayo ghost estate remain out of pocket

PEOPLE who paid deposits in a ghost estate in Castlebar over a decade ago are still waiting for their money to be refunded.

There seems to be 'some confusion' surrounding the 77-unit Waterways estate on the Ballinrobe Road in the town, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne told a meeting of Mayo County Council.

A recent housing meeting was told the understanding was that the homes would have to be knocked.

Now, the council's director of services for housing has stated that there are no plans to knock any houses at this stage.

The council, who don't own the site, have been trying to progress it.

Councillor Kilcoyne questioned the position with the estate as regards it being knocked, and did the council acquire it.

He also asked about the people who paid deposits when it was being built.

One lady he received an email from had paid a €15,000 deposit.

Councillor Kilcoyne said he had asked the department to provide funding to the council to acquire the estate and finish it off, but nothing happened.

He asked for clarification:

Who is going to knock it, if that is correct?

Who is going to pay the people who paid deposits?

Director Tom Gilligan said it is a 'very complex' site and he is in negotiations with the developer.

He stated: “It is not a site that is owned by Mayo County Council. There are no plans to knock any houses at this stage.”

There are a number of legalities and issues that need to be resolved.