Come home and build, but not in parts of north Mayo - Coyle

A GOVERNMENT advertising campaign is urging Irish people to return and build back home.

But they've been warned about having their dreams dashed if they hope to build in parts of north Mayo.

Erris-based Councillor Gerry Coyle has frequently spoken out about the barriers facing the returning diaspora when they try to build there, from trying to prove their links to the area or not impacting scenic views.

People in Erris from Erris should be allowed to build a house there, Councillor Coyle told a municipal district meeting.

He had two signs from the Irish government in front of him, one stating 'You built Toronto - now come and build back home'. The second similar sign related to Sydney.

But exclude Erris in that, he said, advising: Don't come to a scenic area where someone likes the view for one week of the year but you can't live in 365 days.

Councillor Coyle cited a builder who is building houses for the council but can't build a house for himself.

He wasn't going to make a fuss about it now but he will down the road.

He also cited a girl in Doohoma, whose DNA could be found in any field, but she couldn't build on the land her father was 'socially extradited from' as there was no work here for him.

These people built England and America and also Ireland with the money they sent back home, he said. And now the new generation is being told to come back and build, 'but we don't seem to be respecting that ad by our government'.

He added that he is interested in scenery and visitors and likes views protected, but the people who live here 365 days a year deserve that view more than those who come for one week.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme