Vacant properties in two Mayo towns come under scrutiny

The plight of 22 vacant houses in Newport and a number of dormant sites in Chestnut Grove in Castlebar is a source of frustration for elected members of Mayo County Council as it's exacerbating the county’s pressing need for affordable housing solutions.

Approved housing body, Tuath, were in control of these sites before hitting a snag, it was revealed.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has expressed frustration and emphasised the detrimental impact of leaving houses unoccupied during a housing shortage.

The independent representative highlighted the failure to address the vacant properties as disheartening.

He called for immediate action to ensure that these homes serve their intended purpose of providing shelter for those in need.

"It's not good enough when 22 houses lie empty in Newport," Councillor Kilcoyne lamented.

The situation in Chestnut Grove also drew sharp criticism, with concerns raised over the prolonged vacancy of sites earmarked for housing development.

Councillor Richard Finn spoke about the need for accountability and action to address the dormant sites and the detrimental impact of allowing valuable land to remain idle amidst a housing crisis.

Tom Gilligan, director of housing service, Mayo County Council, assured elected representatives that the council have now taken ownership of the sites in Chestnut Grove after a developer fell victim to construction cost inflation.

"There is activity in Chestnut Grove and €290,150 is the cost per unit in the Castlebar estate," he added.

Councillor Ger Deere stated it’s not fair on the council who are “up to their eyes” by having to take the matter under control after having given responsibilities to the approved housing bodies.

Councillor Blackie Gavin compared the efficiency of housing bodies with town councils of the past.

“We built between 300 to 400 homes in housing estates in our time on town councils. I find it frustrating that houses in Chestnut Grove lie empty due some dispute between housing bodies, the council and developers.”

He lamented: “Everything has gone backwards, now it’s eight houses here 12 houses there and we’re even lucky to see that.”