Renewed Mayo residential concerns after latest fire outbreak at derelict site

Renewed community concerns have been raised after the Mayo Fire Services were called out to a fire at a derelict property on the Pound Road in Castlebar.

The alarm was raised by local Councillor Ger Deere who was passing the area and noticed smoke coming from the site.

He praised the quick response of the fire service in bringing the blaze under control.

Councillor Deere said that two former dwellings at the location have been vacant for decades and, following anti-social behaviour over 20 years ago, the the former Castlebar Town Council secured the site by erecting fencing.

But in recent months the fencing has been damaged with the buildings being used again for drinking and anti-social activities.

Councillor Deere understands that the fire services have been called out on a number of other occasions in recent months to deal with fires at the location.

He said as a matter of urgency he has requested that the site be re-secured before a serious incident occurs.

Residents living nearby are very anxious in regard to the situation.