Search Results for 'Mayo Fine Gael'

Affordability of housing in Mayo is now at a crisis point, Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon highlighted during ministerial questioning in the Dáil. Deputy Dillon expressed disappointment that Mayo County Council has been excluded from the national affordable housing five-year delivery targets despite the problems that exist. At present no scheme has been approved to provide affordable housing in the county and this is having a negative impact on future economic development in the county. "There is a shortage of affordable homes to rent or purchase in parts of the county, especially in towns such as Westport, Castlebar and Ballina." Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien explained an identified level of affordable housing need arises where, of the projected housing need in the county, more than five per cent of new households would not qualify. "The level of affordability constrained need in Mayo is assessed at below five per cent. I understand there are localised affordability issues, particularly in Westport and also potentially in Ballina. We are happy to consider those issues. Where local authorities have localised affordability measures, as is the case in the two towns in question, they can still apply to the Department for funding to develop affordable housing schemes if they can demonstrate that an affordable scheme is needed to address those localised affordability challenges and they can meet the criteria for the fund. I am confident that can be done. As regards Mayo in particular, in June 2021 a scheme was submitted for 25 homes in Westport under the previous fund, namely, the Serviced Sites Fund. We have told Mayo County Council that it can resubmit that to the new fund and I understand work is ongoing between my Department and the council on that." Minister O’Brien informed Deputy Dillon of KPMG’s ongoing work for Mayo County Council on the future analytics side, to prove the affordability constraint in pressure areas within Mayo, and following the conclusion of KPMG work this month his Department has agreed to meet with Mayo County Council in June. Deputy Dillon said Mayo has the fourth-lowest market house price in the country but that is certainly not reflective of the open market price of new-build homes in areas such as Westport, Castlebar and Ballina. Some of these A-rated new premises are on the market for between €270,000 and €350,000. He said: "I am delighted to see Mayo County Council has been proactive. It reached out to the public in Mayo, seeking information to understand better the demand for affordable housing, including locations of choice and the affordability constraints of potential applicants. The threshold for social housing in Mayo is €25,000. Many people are above that threshold but caught within the squeezed-middle bracket. It is important that we respond to these pressure areas. Mayo has significant issues in respect of vacancy and dereliction. Increasing housing supply in the area would be an important step forward."

Seven towns and villages in Mayo are set to benefit from nearly €780,000 in funding under the Department of Community and Rural Development Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has confirmed that community organisations in Mayo will receive funding to support sport and physical activity measures.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon, has stressed the importance of connectivity between towns and cities, stating that vital rail infrastructure must be provided in future to ensure that a new, post-Covid-19 economy, can flourish west of the Shannon.

Mayo Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon, has called for immediate measures to be put in place at both EU and Government level to keep the beef sector operational during this difficult period.

Thirteen angling clubs and organisations in Mayo have received funding for projects from Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has welcomed confirmation that Crossmolina is to get a new fire station. "I have been pursuing the issue since my election with former minister Hogan and current minister Alan Kelly. Former councillor Eddie Staunton had brought it to my attention and I visited the premises and met with the fire fighters to see for myself," said Deputy Mulherin this week.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Mayo, Deputy Michelle Mulherin, has this week welcomed the decision by the Minister for Defence Simon Coveney, to expand the criteria for eligibility for small businesses affected by recent flooding so that they can make a claim under the temporary emergency humanitarian support scheme which is being administered by the Irish Red Cross.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has welcomed the news that a chairperson is soon to be appointed to the expert group set up to investigate the problems that have been caused to dwelling houses in Mayo and Donegal by pyrite and mica in concrete blocks.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has welcomed confirmation she has now received from the Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton that financial assistance will be provided to landlords of private rented houses towards the cost of repairs to their flood damaged properties where the landlord has no flood insurance.