Burke believes Vacant Homes Grant Scheme has the ability to transform towns and villages

Ballinrobe based Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke has welcomed the number of applications for the vacant homes grant which is expected to drastically reduce the number of derelict properties in the town and surrounding villages over the next 18 months.

Speaking earlier this week Cllr Burke said he was delighted with the support from the general public for the scheme and has advised anyone who owns a vacant or derelict property to contact the council for further information to see how they may benefit.

Cllr Burke added: “Dereliction has been a terrible stain in towns across rural Ireland since the property market crash and subsequent recession. When things improved, construction costs rose so quickly it was difficult to justify the investment required. These grants will help the owners of these properties to breathe new life in to them which will greatly enhance the image of our towns and I’m delighted to see so many people interested in the scheme.

“Currently we have 16 derelict sites in Ballinrobe that have been highlighted to me. Three of these located on the Castlebar Road, Creagh Road and Glebe Street are being taken over and redeveloped by the Council and I have been informed that up to another 10 are either currently going through the application process or have expressed an interest in applying for the grant. I’m also aware of some properties in Kilmaine and Shrule which may benefit from the scheme and I would encourage all property owners throughout South Mayo who have vacant properties to get in touch with the council to see if their property qualifies.”

Since the grant started Mayo County Council have processed almost 500 applications, further information is available from https://www.mayo.ie/housing/vacant-homes