Modular units must be part of solution to housing crisis in Mayo

WITH 263 people homeless in Mayo last month, modular units have to be part of the solution to the housing crisis, a local public representative has insisted.

The figures in private emergency accommodation in March - 193 adults and 70 children - looked like a record for the county, Councillor Harry Barrett commented at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

It's a 'shocking number' that seems to be an increase month on month, he said.

The council had failed to build social and affordable homes over the last 30 years, while they are competing for the spare homes in towns and villages.

Young people cannot compete with local authorities, the number of available properties is shrinking constantly, and then there's airbnb, with the houses left now an extortionate prices.

Part of the solution to the crisis has to be modular homes, Councillor Barrett commented.

Recently, members of the council's housing strategic policy committee (SPC) visited Vision Built in Tubbercurry.

“We are going to have to get into the modular space,” said Councillor Barrett, and he wanted the council to look at procuring a significant number of modular homes.

Homes are not being built quick enough and we're 'running to stand still'.

Modular has to be a significant part of the solution and the SPC will be making strong representations on it, he said.

Also on housing, Councillor Gerry Coyle questioned council houses being left vacant awaiting a retrofit when they become vacant.

Put a roof over people's heads, he implored council management, and then think about retrofit.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme