A 'scandal' that 22 homes in west Mayo town remain vacant

THAT 22 units are left vacant after fours years during a housing crisis is 'incredible'.

The homes are at Black Oak Rise in Newport and local councillors have voiced their disquiet about the ongoing situation.

Councillor Peter Flynn, at a municipal meeting, requested an update on the 22 vacant units which were supposed to be progressed as social housing by Mayo County Council and Tuath three years ago.

He also asked for an update on the taking in charge of the estate by the council. A plebiscite was presented by residents back in 2017 under Section 180 of the Planning Act 2000 requesting that the council initiate the takeover process.

In a written reply, he was informed that the director of services responsible for housing has updated the municipal district to say Tuath Housing responded to a query submitted to them.

'Tuath advised that the developer is still waiting to be released from their funder. Once this happens, the developer will be in a position to re-engage with Tuath Housing.'

On the takeover, the reply continued: 'The road in Black Oak Rise is unfinished and is currently not in an acceptable condition to be taken in charge.

'There is an opportunity to deal with this as part of the project to provide 22 social housing units but this is dependent on the finalising of the contract between Tuath and the developer.'

Nearly four years down the line, that 22 homes are vacant in this estate considering the housing crisis was 'incredible to believe', said Councillor Flynn. The homes were vacant and becoming derelict by the day.

Had the council moved on four years ago with a CPO there would be people living in the properties today.

It was, he said, a perfect example of 'abdicating responsibility' and handing it over to a housing body.

The fact that 22 units are sitting vacant with so many people looking for homes was described as a 'scandal' by Councillor Johnny O'Malley.

On the estate takeover, there had been a plebiscite and the council is legally obliged to take it over, Councillor Flynn informed management. It didn't matter if there was no road, he said.

He was told legal advice will be sought on this.