Mayo's dismal housing delivery record is lamented by TD

A huge chasm exists between government rhetoric on housing and the reality locally, a Mayo TD has stated.

Deputy Paul Lawless made his remarks when drawing the attention of Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the housing situation in Mayo.

He elaborated: "The first home scheme, introduced in 2022, has delivered, on average, just six houses each year across the county.

"The affordable housing scheme, introduced in 2019, has delivered just five units, which is less than one per year.

"The cost-rental scheme in Mayo has delivered no housing units.

"There were hundreds of applications for the vacant property grant but just 83 payouts.

"Only four houses transitioned into the mortgage-to-rent scheme.

"The tenant in situ scheme has, in effect, ceased in Mayo, which is causing great difficulty.

"This is the reality locally in Mayo. Five affordable housing units were delivered.

"In fact, there are no targets for affordable housing. That is the reality.

"The government must introduce targets and apply some urgency in regard to the provision of affordable housing.

"Most of Mayo is not even considered for affordable housing. Claremorris, Ballina and Castlebar still have no affordable housing."

An Taoiseach said a lot more social homes are built now than there were historically.

“The building of social homes is at a 40-year record, which does not get recognised at all,” he added.