Works commence on Mayo County Council homes in Achill

Works on a new housing project in Polranny, Achill Sound have begun this week.

Mayo County Council formally marked the commencement of a new housing project with the first sod turned by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Alan Dillon TD. 

Once completed, the development will see the construction of twenty new semi-detached houses, consisting of a mix of 4 one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units and 4 three-bedroom units. 

The scheme has been designed ‘in house’ by the Architects Department of Mayo County Council and consists of a series of linear terraces tapering down toward the shoreline at the site of the former Scoil Damhnait secondary school.

Sustainability and energy efficiency have been prioritised as a key element of this development and all dwellings will feature Air Source Heat Pumps, Demand Controlled Ventilation, and will achieve an A2 BER rating. The tiered layout will ensure privacy for residents, while also taking advantage of the natural scenic views present at the site.

Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Councillor Seán Carey, welcomed the commencement, and said the site has been of ‘great civic importance to the people of Achill’. 

“I am delighted to see it being repurposed for another great civic purpose, that is, to provide much needed homes in the area. Housing is at the heart of sustainable rural communities and this development will be a very welcome addition to West Mayo’s social housing stock,” he continued.

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, noted the importance of this development, and explained that the project is designed ‘in house’ by the council’s Architects Department.

The commencement of works follows on from recent development openings at Lios na Circe in Castlebar, and Rehins Fort in Ballina.

Mr Kelly concluded: “We are appreciative of the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which allows us to continue to progress high-quality housing developments such as these”.

Mayo County Council will be working closely with a number of project partners to complete this development, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, contractors LPB Building Services Ltd, Quantity Surveyors Kane, Crowe and Kavanagh and consultant Engineers Patrick Mc Caul Associates and MFA Associates.

In attendance at the commencement of works, along with Minister of State Alan Dillon TD, were Minister of State, Dara Calleary TD; Councillor Paul McNamara; Kevin Kelly (Chief Executive of Mayo County Council,) Tom Gilligan (Director of Services, Mayo County Council), Liam Tansey (LPB Contractors), as well as Mayo County Council senior staff and representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.