Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne with the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Councillor Sean Carey, Jody Kilkenny and Bernice and Liam Tansey from LPB builders at the official opening of new gousing development at Bog Gate Demense, Westport.Photo Conor McKeown

Historic day for Mayo as 66 new houses are officially opened

History has been written in Mayo today with the official opening of 66 new houses across two housing developments at Murrevagh Close in Mulranny and Bog Road Demesne in Westport, by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, at the official opening of new Housing development at Murrervagh Close, Mulranny, with Zitta Mulcahy, Councillor Paul McNamara and Paddy Chambers. Photo: Conor McKeown

Minister Browne also carried out the official sod turning of a new 15 house development at the Meadows in Ballina.

The development at Murrevagh Close in Mulranny has seen the construction of 16 dormer style homes arranged in two linier terraces.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne with Vincent Lydon, Finna Construction, Laurence Daly and Michéal Waldron from Mayo County Council at the official opening of new Housing development at Murrervagh Close, Mulranny. Photo: Conor McKeown

A total of eight three-bedroom houses and eight two-bedroom homes were constructed in this project.

This new scheme provides much-needed housing directly adjacent to the Mulranny village centre, offering residents both convenience and stunning natural surroundings.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne was joined by Minister Dara Calleary, Keira Keogh TD, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr. Sean Carey, fellow councillors, council chief executive Kevin Kelly, staff from Mayo County Council Housing and Architectural section, LPB Contractors and local residents as he cut the tape at the official opening of new housing development at Bog Gate Demense, Westport. Photo: Conor McKeown

A total of 50 houses were constructed a Bog Road Demesne in Westport, substantially increasing the housing supply in the town.

Exactly 45 of the new houses in the development are social houses, with the other five affordable homes, in total the development saw the construction of 36 three-bedroom houses and 14 two bedroom The new development has been arranged in clusters to foster a strong neighbourhood ambience.

Minister James Browne said: "I am determined to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable homes delivered through a well-planned supply of housing.”

“Housing represents more than just a roof over your head. It’s about offering safety, warmth and security. It’s about enabling people to grow up and grow old in their communities.”

“This commitment is reflected in my department’s allocation of €14.3 million to these three housing projects.

"These investments are part of our broader strategy to expand the availability of social and affordable housing both in Mayo and nationwide.”

The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey added: “We all know how important housing is, it is not just about shelter, it is about opportunity, security, giving people the chance to live where they come from – to keep their hometown growing and further foster their connection to their locality and the community.

“These new developments will bring new life to our streets. It will bring children to our classrooms, volunteers to our community groups, and neighbours to our doorsteps.

The chief executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, stated: “The 66 newly constructed houses in Mulranny and Westport and the 15 planned houses in Ballina, where the sod was turned earlier today are a testament to Mayo County Council’s commitment to the regeneration of rural Irish towns and to the belief that every community, no matter how small, deserves to receive the benefit of our housing programme”.

“I extend our thanks to everyone who played their part in bringing these projects to fruition. Together, we have not only built homes—we have laid the first steps in a brighter future for the residents and the wider Community “