Domestic violence forcing housing policy shift in Mayo

Councillors in Mayo have backed a motion calling on the perpetrators of domestic violence to be removed from tenancy agreements rather than forcing victims to flee the family home.

Ballina-based Marie Thérèse Duffy proposed the motion, saying victims had asked public representatives to speak out on their behalf.

She cited figures showing 2,607 domestic violence incidents recorded across Mayo, Roscommon and Longford Garda Division in 2025, a significant increase compared to previous years.

"No one should have to decide between homelessness and living in fear," she said.

She called on Mayo County Council to engage with the gardaí to review tenancy agreements and future housing policy so that perpetrators, rather than victims, are removed from properties.

"We have a responsibility to shift accountability and protect victims," she said.

Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, who seconded the motion, said it was ground-breaking.

"There is nothing wrong with us forming the standpoint that the person who perpetrates is the one who leaves," he said.

He noted that coercive control is already a criminal offence and praised the progressive approach taken by An Garda Síochána and Tusla on issues he has witnessed locally.

Councillor Munnelly also acknowledged that for the first time the council had achieved 50/50 gender representation at the top table, describing it as a milestone worth noting.

Sinn Féin’s Gerry Murray said victims were effectively being punished by being forced to leave their homes and called on the council to go further by purchasing properties where women could stay safely for the three to four months required for due process to run its course.

"I have had women ringing me extremely fearful with no plan B," he said.

"We need to be picking a house for these women to go into for that time period, then they can go back to their homes."

Noting the increased garda call-outs, Councillor Annie May Reape said the problem was escalating and called for action.

"We need to take action on this and take it further," she said.

* Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.