Mayo councillor calls for gated housing development in Castlebar

Fine Gael councillor Donna Sheridan has raised the issue of a gated housing development for the county town at the latest meeting of Castlebar Municipal District, where she suggested that Mayo County Council explore the possibility of encouraging such a development close to local amenities.

Cllr Sheridan said that a similar retirement-style development, known as Heritage, in Portlaoise could work well in Castlebar.

She explained that the idea would involve a secure, private gated community of smaller homes, with on-site facilities and community activities. Homes could be available to buy or rent, offering people the option to downsize if they choose.

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Cllr Sheridan stressed that downsizing should always be voluntary.

“We should not expect [people] to downsize unless they want to,” she said speaking to The Mayo News, before stressing that this could suit some people. “They may be lonely, they may like the opportunity to live in a secure area.”

She clarified that the proposal would be for a private development and would be separate from existing social housing projects in the town, including plans for one- and two-bedroom social housing units on Ellison Street.

Cllr Sheridan added that the council needs to broaden its approach to housing provision.

“We need to look beyond just social housing. We need to look at housing opportunities for all of the community,” she said. “This is a suggestion on the way we should look at housing.”