An investment of €364,000 to kick-start the refurbishment of 50 vacant social housing units in the county was announced this week.
The money will get the refurbishment of these houses underway and has been welcomed as a boost to not only those in need of social housing but for the construction industry in the county.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaking after the announcement said: “This is a very positive programme that increases the supply of social housing in a relatively fast period. More importantly, it will bring some relief to the waiting lists for social housing, as well as reducing the number of vacant units. This is a worthwhile investment in Mayo and the funding will make a substantial difference to those families that will now benefit from the housing units to be refurbished. I look forward to this beneficial work commencing as soon as possible, and the resulting investment in the Mayo construction sector.”
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring also welcomed the news, saying: “One of the biggest scandals of recent years has been the high number of vacant, boarded-up local authority homes. Today’s allocations will refurbish 50 of these units in Mayo and transform them into family homes. The investment will create and sustain many jobs in the construction sector. In framing proposals local authorities were encouraged to examine the role that community based organisations who recruit, train and engage long-term unemployed people can play in the refurbishment programme.”
