TD welcomes major investment set to unlock up to 500 new Mayo homes
A Mayo TD has welcomed the inclusion of the Lodge Road scheme in Westport under the Government’s new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF), describing it as a significant step towards delivering much-needed housing in the town.
The project will provide upgrades along approximately 900 metres of Lodge Road, including pedestrian and vulnerable road user infrastructure, active travel measures, public lighting and sustainable urban drainage infrastructure.
The investment is expected to directly unlock lands for approximately 200 residential units and indirectly facilitate a further 300 homes in the wider area.
Deputy Keogh said: “This announcement builds on previous funding commitments for Lodge Road, but its significance goes far beyond transport infrastructure. Most importantly, it provides the investment needed to unlock substantial housing development in Westport and help meet growing demand for homes.
“Westport will benefit hugely from Uisce Éireann investment in water treatment plant upgrades. And the ESBN will be investing in upgrades to overhead lines and substations.
“I want to acknowledge the work of Cllr Peter Flynn, who has been campaigning on this issue for many years and has consistently highlighted both the safety concerns along Lodge Road and the housing potential of the area.
"I thank Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State John Cummins for their support in bringing this project forward.
“While the active travel and road safety elements are extremely important, particularly for schoolchildren, families and other vulnerable road users, the most urgent priority is housing.
"This investment has the potential to unlock up to 500 homes and provide the infrastructure needed to support the future growth of Westport.”
Deputy Keogh said there is significant potential for housing development in the area.
“There is council-owned land ready for development and there are also private landowners and developers actively engaging with Mayo County Council regarding future housing projects. Lodge Road is ideally positioned to accommodate mixed housing developments, and this investment will help turn that potential into reality.
“We know there is strong demand for housing in Westport. Young people want the opportunity to stay in their community, families are struggling to find suitable homes, and many people are being priced out of the market. Infrastructure has been one of the barriers to development and this investment helps remove that barrier.”
Reflecting on her own connection to the area, Deputy Keogh added: “The first door I knocked on as a candidate two years ago was in the Monamore estate on the Lodge Road.
"The residents asked then for a safer route to school and to Westport town and I am delighted to see progress, but residents have waited long enough and now we need to see shovels in the ground.
“This project is about creating a safer route between residential areas, schools and Westport town centre, but it is also about ensuring that we can build the homes our community needs. The focus now must be on activation and delivery.
“I will continue working closely with Cllr Peter Flynn, Mayo County Council and all stakeholders to ensure this project moves forward as quickly as possible so that families can finally see the homes they have been waiting for delivered.
“This is a major vote of confidence in Westport’s future. It demonstrates what can be achieved when local representatives, Mayo County Council and Government work together. Most importantly, it will help deliver the homes that Westport urgently needs while creating a safer and more connected community for everyone.”