Minister opens housing development and fire station in north Mayo
MINISTER for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien visited Mayo yesterday where he carried out the official opening of two major projects in the county, along with a number of other engagements.
Following a tour of the Business Innovation Quarter Project in Ballina, Minister O’Brien officially opened the new Rehins Fort housing development in the town.
This project has seen the construction of 50 new homes in Ballina by Mayo County Council.
The development consists of eight single story semi-detached two-bedroom units, twenty-two two-bedroom two storey semi-detached units, fifteen three-bed two storey semi-detached units, four four-bedroom two storey semi-detached units and one four-bed two storey dormer unit adapted for special needs, along with new connections to public services and street lighting.
Minister O’Brien then visited Crossmolina to officially open the new multi-million fire station.
This is the first new fire station to be constructed in the county in 19 years, with the fire service having moved into it last month. The project saw the construction of a new two-storey fire station building and a four-storey fire tower for training purposes.
The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Michael Loftus, said: “I am thrilled that Minister O’Brien was on hand to carry out these official openings in Mayo. Both projects are significant developments in their own rights.
“The construction of 50 new homes in Rehins Fort in Ballina is a major milestone not only for the council but more importantly a huge one for the residents who will get to call these units their home.
“The new fire station in Crossmolina is a fantastic piece of infrastructure, but it is much more than that. It offers peace of mind to the residents of the town and its hinterland that our fire service will be on hand quickly when they are called. It also gives our fantastic fire service personal a modern and state of the art base for their work and training.”
The chief executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, also welcomed the official opening of both projects.
He stated: “The delivery of 50 new housing units in Rehins Fort is a testament to Mayo County Council’s commitment to provide housing solutions in the county.
“To get to a point of opening a project of this scale involves years of hard work and the dedication of a myriad of people and as with all projects, we deliver as a local authority, collaboration is key.
“I would like to acknowledge all involved in this project from its inception, elected members, government ministers, officials and the community, and I want to wish the residents who will assume occupancy these homes the very best for their future lives here.
“This new Crossmolina Fire Station is a state-of-the-art facility, costing just under €2m, which will be an enormous asset to ensure public safety in the region and a modern home for our staff in the Mayo Fire Service. I recognise the financial and other support from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency and the Department officials.”
Commented Minister O’Brien: “From Ballina to Kiltimagh, Crossmolina to Castlebar, it’s clear to see there is a wide range of activity ongoing in Co. Mayo and I must commend Mayo County Council for that.
“I was particularly delighted to have an opportunity to visit housing developments and to meet and speak with new tenants at the official opening of Rehins Fort in Ballina. Under Housing for All we want to see many more of these developments.
“The ongoing work in terms of URDF projects which are rejuvenating and regenerating towns in Mayo is great to see and I look forward to watching these projects progress.
“Finally, I want to thank everyone in Crossmolina Fire Station for inviting me to officially open their new fire station. We never underestimate the work of our fire crews across the country and this government will continue to invest in them.”