Members of the planning SPC at their meeting on Tuesday in Ballyhaunis were informed that as of May 2009, 54 affordable housing units are available for purchased in the county, with the majority of them available in the Castlebar electoral area.
The Castlebar area has 22 units available; 20 in Saleen and two in Glenisland, while the Westport area has 10 units available at the Tubberhill development. In the Claremorris electoral area 17 units are available (Knock five; Claremorris six; Irishtown three; and Ballyhaunis 30 ), and there are also five units for sale in Foxford.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and auctioneer by profession, Cllr Joe Mellett, criticised the Government for not allowing the council to sell these units at a more competitive price during this bleak economy as “it is shame to see the units there”, but unfortunately the council have “their hands tied”. Director of services Peter Hynes said that this dilemma is a countrywide issue but that “we will continue to make a case” to the department for increased subsidy.
Mr Hynes also outlined to committee members that €2.8 million was this week announced for the allocated for housing grants in the county, means that “there is little room to manoeuvre” as spend to date is €1.2 million and commitments of €1.6 million have been made.
In wrapping up the term of the housing SPC, the director of services said that some 22 meetings were carried out which were chaired by Councillor John Cribbin, where “robust discussion” led to significant achievements such as the adoption of nuisance and antisocial behaviour policy; the adoption of Traveller accommodation programme 2009-2013; and a policy on the scheme of letting priorities. Mr Hynes thanked all committee members, staff, and the media for their hard work over the past five years.
