Transparency call as use of Mayo property for homeless accommodation questioned
QUESTIONS have been asked about the use of The Olde Woods in Balla for emergency accommodation for homeless people.
There needs to be discussion and transparency, Councillor Donna Sheridan told a Castlebar Municipal District (MD) meeting this week.
Some clarity was offered by cathaoirleach Councillor Al McDonnell who, speaking with the owner, said the property is leased to a company and he has no say in who is accommodated there.
There are 10 units, which have been occupied exclusively by people from Ukraine up until a short time ago. Three became vacant and Mayo County Council approached the lessee to request the accommodation for homeless people, which was granted.
There was a 'rumour' all the property was vacant and leased, which is factually incorrect, he continued. Further rumours alleging anti-social behaviour by new occupants have not been confirmed either.
The owner is highly respected and any indication of anti-social behaviour would be as appalling to him as it would be to the people of Balla, said Councillor McDonnell.
Having made contact with the lessee, he was determined that any future misunderstanding or misbehaviour will be rectified.
Opening the debate, Councillor Sheridan said it had come to her attention from residents that the property was being used as homeless accommodation. This hadn't been communicated with the community, she said.
They need emergency accommodation and resources in the district, she commented, but without full-time staff and wrap-around services, it isn't suitable.
The people of Balla wanted a public meeting, for discussion and transparency, said Councillor Sheridan. However her proposal on this wasn't seconded.
It's a sad situation, said Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, that we live in a country where we have to have emergency accommodation, but that's the reality, and it rests with the government, who have failed.
Councillor Cyril Burke proposed a meeting take place involving a delegation of community leaders, municipal officials and elected representatives, and the accommodation provider.
They need to have further debate around the provision of emergency accommodation in the MD, he added, saying a lot of people don't want it in their area, and that is a big difficulty.
Large numbers of people being housed together isn't a great idea, coming from different backgrounds and needing accommodation for different reasons, Councillor Burke continued. And they need to keep people in their own locality.
It's important to have all the information and clarity, he added.
Director of services David Mellett said there is no formal arrangement with any provider in Balla. The only one is in Charlestown. When that is full they look for other providers on an availability basis.
Efforts are made to keep young families close to schools and homes.
The suggestion of a debate around emergency accommodation would be welcome, he added.
Councillor Sheridan was disappointed her call for a public meeting wasn't supported by her colleagues, saying she was asking for openness and transparency.
STATEMENT BY THE DEMPSEY FAMILY, BALLA
In a statement issued to The Connaught Telegraph, the Dempsey family said it wished to set the record straight regarding some issues at The Olde Woods premises in Balla, as highlighted by Councillor Donna Sheridan.
It outlined: "The premises is leased out to an independent company to house Ukrainian residents who fled the war in 2023.
"A short time ago the company approached us regarding the housing of people on the homeless list, on a short term basis until more suitable accommodation became available, and we agreed to allow three units out of twelve to be used as such.
"Contrary to misinformation the majority of the premises is still occupied by Ukrainian residents, who have been warmly welcomed in the community and have integrated very well with many now employed and in education locally.
"The people of Balla showed great warmth and solidarity with the Ukrainians when they arrived with many donations of clothes and toys.
"It is very disappointing for us that Councillor Sheridan chose to raise these issues without having her facts correct.
"She was also offered the opportunity to engage with the company that lease the property, which she declined.
"We are very supportive of the suggestion by Councilor Cyril Burke to hold an information session with all the relevant stakeholders to allay any concerns that exist.
"We, the Dempsey family, have provided over 70 years of hospitality and service to the people of Balla and beyond, as well as countless hours of voluntary commitment to the many organisations that benefit the people of the community and anything that is not in order in Balla is as much a concern to us as to any other members of society."
* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme