Row over hefty idle Mayo sites tax bill of €385,000
by Caoimhín Rowland
Mayo County Council is facing a significant tax bill of more than €385,000 as 31 zoned sites across the county lie undeveloped, sparking sharp criticism from local representatives and housing experts who are calling for urgent action.
The sites, which fall under the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), have remained idle despite the ongoing housing crisis, leaving the local authority exposed to a €385,586 levy due to inaction on their development.
Independent Councillor Harry Barrett has criticised what he described as a lack of urgency within the council chambers since his return to public life.
“This is why I put a motion on a housing emergency,” said Councillor Barrett. “It’s a crisis. The government has to give us (councillors) control to develop our own building plans.”
The issue comes as the newly appointed president of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), Gerard O’Toole, from Westport, called for the Housing Activation Office to urgently address persistent blockages delaying housing delivery.
“There needs to be greater coordination across all levels of government, state agencies and key stakeholders,” said Mr. O’Toole.
“These issues are stalling progress at a time when demand for housing is critically high.”
In its recent submission on rural development, the SCSI proposed a shift away from traditional ribbon development in favour of more sustainable ‘clustered’ rural housing.
It argues that isolated one-off homes should only be permitted where a clear local housing need exists, such as ties to farming.
Many of the idle sites owned by the local authority are in serviceable areas and zoned as residential, meaning they have access to sewage treatment sites as well as ESB and water connections.
Councillor Barrett also questioned the effectiveness of the government’s latest move to expand rent pressure zones nationwide. “This RPZ move will have no real impact on rents in Mayo,” he argued.
“The housing needs here are far greater and growing. We have the land, we need the funding and the authority to move forward with projects. This government is simply not giving us the control we need.”
Barrett insists that direct builds by local authorities remain the most cost-effective way to address the crisis.
“I’ll be calling on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to take a stand. Mayo County Council has the land. Now it’s time to build,” he said.
“We hear the same issues repeatedly - not enough local builders, banks unwilling to finance, no action. The solution is clear - council-employed construction teams delivering council-led homes.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Donna Sheridan (FG) stressed the importance of taking a more inclusive approach to development.
“Where land is available, we shouldn’t focus solely on social housing,” said Councillor Sheridan, who also serves as cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District.
“We should also provide affordable and serviced sites for those looking to buy and build their own homes. People deserve that opportunity, as long as their proposals meet planning criteria.”
Mayo County Council was contacted for comment.