Pressing case for affordable housing in south Mayo town
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has welcomed Mayo County Council’s updated request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from contractors and housing developers for the delivery of new affordable housing, describing it as a positive step while reiterating his ongoing campaign to ensure Claremorris and wider south and east Mayo are included in future calls.
The revised EOI, now published by Mayo County Council, seeks proposals for the delivery of new affordable purchase homes in Castlebar, Westport and Ballina. Under the call, developers with planning permission are invited to offer schemes of a minimum of 10 dwellings to the council under an advance purchase turnkey arrangement, with funding support available via the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Speaking in response to the updated EOI, Minister Dillon said the inclusion of Ballina reflects growing pressure for affordable housing across Mayo’s key towns.
“This is an important and timely call from Mayo County Council, and I welcome the decision to expand the EOI to include Ballina alongside Castlebar and Westport,” said Minister Dillon.
“It clearly recognises the demand that exists for affordable homes for workers, families and first-time buyers in our main population centres.”
Minister Dillon noted that where proposals meet the required criteria, Mayo County Council can apply to the Affordable Housing Fund for subsidies of up to €100,000 per unit, helping to bridge affordability gaps and ensure homes are delivered at a minimum 15 per cent discount to purchasers.
“The Affordable Housing Fund is a critical tool for local authorities,” he said. “It allows councils like Mayo to partner with developers and bring forward viable schemes that genuinely make home ownership more attainable.”
While welcoming the progress to date, Minister Dillon stressed that the current EOI must be viewed as part of a broader and evolving affordable housing programme, and he reiterated his firm position that Claremorris must be included in future phases.
“I have been very clear, both publicly and directly with the council and the department, that Claremorris cannot be left behind,” he said. “Claremorris is a major employment, transport and service hub for south and east Mayo. The demand is there, the growth is there, and affordable housing must follow.”
The minister said he continues to actively campaign for Claremorris to be recognised as a priority location for affordable housing delivery.
“If we are serious about balanced regional development, then towns like Claremorris have to be part of the solution,” he said.“Castlebar, Westport and Ballina are rightly included in this call, but we must plan ahead. South Mayo and east Mayo have strong growth potential, and affordable housing is key to unlocking that.”
Minister Dillon also confirmed that he remains closely engaged with the Department of Housing on progressing affordable housing projects already in the pipeline, including a 35-unit affordable housing development in Castlebar, which is currently under consideration.“I am continuing to work directly with the Department of Housing on the proposed 35-unit affordable housing development in Castlebar,” he said. “This project is an important part of meeting local need, and I am pushing to see it progress as quickly as possible through the approvals process.”
Under the EOI, Mayo County Council is inviting expressions of interest from developers offering schemes with planning permission, subject to AHF cost limits, tenure mix requirements and compliance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
Minister Dillon concluded by acknowledging the ongoing work of Mayo County Council while signalling that further expansion of the affordable housing programme across the county remains a priority for him.
“Mayo County Council has shown real leadership in advancing affordable housing,” he said. “My focus now is on ensuring that this momentum continues and that towns like Claremorris are fully considered in upcoming calls, so that every part of Mayo has access to affordable, sustainable housing options.
Developers interested in participating can submit proposals by email to affordablehousing@mayococo.ie or by post to: Housing Department, Mayo County Council, College House, Station Road, Swinford, Co. Mayo.