'Shameful and shocking’ Mayo housing target figures revealed

A Mayo TD has revealed figures release on the delivery of new build social and affordable homes in the county are 'shameful and shocking'.

Deputy Rose Conway Walsh said: “Government housing targets for Mayo were 151 social and affordable homes in 2023.

“That was a very modest target and was never going to meet the level of need in the county.

“Today we learn that only 61 houses were built in 2023.

“This is a shameful and shocking failure in the midst of a housing crisis.

“They didn’t even manage to build half the houses that they promised.

“The majority (54 of 61) were built as part of a much-needed housing project in Ballina.

“Other than that, only 7 social and affordable homes were built across all other towns and areas in the county.

“Mayo County Council built less houses this year than they did last year.

“Mayo County Council built more houses in 2019 than they did this year despite all other talk from this government on housing.

“There are currently 1,235 people on the housing lists. Many others are excluded.

“But everyone suffers when the government fails to deliver social and affordable homes because it means less supply and higher prices and rents.

“These failures we have deep and lasting effects on the people and communities in Mayo.

“The longer this government is in power the worse things get. It is time for a general election," she added.