'Everything is on the table' when it comes to tackling dereliction claims council official

A senior official with Mayo County Council believes that 'everything is on the table' when it comes to incentivising small businesses to set up in the centre of the county's small towns and villages.

Director of Services, Tom Gilligan made the comments at the monthly meeting of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District where he agreed that a balance is needed between commercial and residential developments to prevent the hollowing out of the town centres.

“The reality is that vacancy and dereliction is one of our major challenges and is something we will have to deal with and it is a serious blight on our communities. I accept that we need to get the mix right and build sustainable communities in addition to building homes which is a challenge.

“We are under huge pressure in relation to online shopping so trying to incentivise a commercial element and over the shop combination is something which we are working on and is a challenge but we have to solve. Our towns and villages are dying in the centre and are being hollowed out and a real focus is needed to turn the tide,” he told the meeting.

His comments were welcomed by Ballyhaunis-based Fine Gael councillor Alma Gallagher who has been critical in the past of the number of commercial businesses in the east Mayo town which have been converted into residential units.

She agreed that a balance is needed between residential and commercial buildings and asked for a plan to incentivise small businesses to open in small towns.

“I would like to see more communication and collaboration between the local authority and chambers of commerce to see what incentives can be put in place in terms of attracting businesses to small towns and villages.

“Mayo County Council can play a strong role in our towns and villages to attract new small businesses like coffee shops and small retail shops where there is a role despite the pressure from online shopping. People still like that shopping experience and we can support our towns and villages,” she said.

Cllr Gallagher suggested that incentives such as a cut in rates for new businesses may be required and Mr Gilligan replied that 'everything is on the table'.

“I agree it will require out of the box thinking in relation to this and everything is on the table as far as I am concerned. We need to incentivise as many businesses to come in and start up business because it will be a win win for everyone. We want footfall and people to come into the town centre,” he added.

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The level of dereliction and vacant properties was raised by Cllr Damien Ryan who said that there were only two CPO's in Mayo a year since 2014 and asked for the Head of Housing to attend the next meeting of the municipal district.

Kiltimagh-based councillor Adrian Forkan also expressed concern at the number of derelict buildings in small towns and said that the council needs to do what it can to get those buildings back into use.