Council say they have no control over decision to allow modular homes for refugees

A MODULAR housing development in Claremorris which did not require planning permission as it was to house Ukrainian refugees will have to go through the planning process after the planning derogation expires.

In August, Ukrainian refugees moved into a 28-unit modular housing development on land owned by the OPW on the Ballyhaunis road in Claremorris. The development was built without having to go through the normal planning requirements on foot of an EU directive which designates the provision of modular homes as a ‘matter of extreme urgency’.

This planning derogation was raised at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council where an Independent councillor claimed that it was discriminatory that housing for Ukrainian refugees could be fast tracked but the same could not be done for people on the housing list.

“We recently saw over 25 new houses built in Claremorris and not a single person born in this country got a house in it,” commented Cllr Michael Kilcoyne at the meeting during a discussion on housing in the county.

“Can I get an exemption if I want to build a modular home?” he asked.

When he was informed he could not, he asked why couldn't he and that he felt discriminated against if that was the case.

He was supported by Westport-based councillor Christy Hyland who said he did not object to the housing being given to Ukrainian refugees but felt Irish people should also be prioritised.

“Cllr Kilcoyne will need planning permission for a modular home but people can come from another country, and I have no problem with them coming, but there is no planning permission required for them. You can land in Castlebar, Westport, Claremorris or Ballina and plant 20 modular homes on a site not belonging to the council with no planning. But do I need planning? We do. I can't get my head around it,” he said.

Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, informed the council that the council had no control over the modular home development as it was exempt from planning.

“There was a derogation in respect to planning for the accommodation of refugees if it is on council land or otherwise. We can only deal with the things that are under our control. If there are questions regarding derogation from planning brought in at national level that is where the questions will have to be asked,” he said.

When asked by Cllr Kilcoyne, why such derogations are not in place for Irish people, Mr Kelly said that he is not the person to be asking.

Mr Kelly also confirmed that when the derogation expires these developments will have to go through the normal planning procedures.

“Yes, the planning process will be undertaken at the end of the derogation period which includes the appeal mechanism that is there in normal planning legislation,” he confirmed.