Kilcoyne slams ‘pathetic’ inaction on affordable housing in Castlebar

MINISTER Alan Dillon TD, has been criticised for not advancing an application for an affordable housing scheme in Castlebar that was made almost a year ago.

Mayo County Council applied for funding for 15 affordable housing units in Rathbawn, Castlebar at the end of September 2023.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne described the delay in securing affordable housing for the county town as ‘really pathetic’ and accused Mayo’s TDs of being ‘out of touch’.

The Independent councillor singled out Mayo TD Alan Dillon, who was recently appointed Minister of State at the Department of Housing.

“We have the Minister for housing in the town, and we cannot get an answer from the department about the affordable housing [application]. I mean, are our TDs totally out of touch?,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.

His remarks were met with push-back from two of Minister Dillon’s Fine Gael colleagues, who insisted that he was working to progress the application.

Cllr Cyril Burke said that the affordable housing scheme could not be started until the right location had been identified.

“I have spoken to him about it and I understand that they are working on it for us,” said Cllr Burke.

Cllr Ger Deere said that securing an affordable housing scheme for Castlebar was Minister Dillon’s ‘top priority’.

“As Cllr Burke said there, a lot of work has to be done regarding a suitable location and it’s a priority of the minister,” said Cllr Deere.

“Cllr Kilcoyne, he’s well aware of it, so there’s no need to be making remarks like that.”

A 22-unit social housing development was recently opened at Lios na Circe in Castlebar.

Eight three-bedroom houses at Chestnut Grove are to be delivered in the town before the end of this year.

Works have also commenced at social housing developments in the villages of Carnacon (nine units) and Ballyvary (12 units) and Charles Street in Castlebar (four units).

Councillors from the Municipal District highlighted issues concerning the recently-commenced works on Charles Street, where two derelict properties are being developed into four one-bedroom apartments.

Cllr Blackie Gavin said that parking had become an issue on the street since works commenced.

Both Cllr Gavin and Cllr Ger Deere said barriers should be installed on the street to improve ease of access for local residents.

Cllr Deere also called for the slates on the roof to be secured before winter ‘before somebody gets hurt’.

David Mellett, Head of Castlebar Municipal District, noted the councillors’ concerns and said the council would discuss them with the contractor.