Castlebar affordable housing development being progressed

A site in Castlebar with planning permission for 75 houses is currently being assessed for an affordable housing scheme. 

Mayo County Council is currently assessing a greenfield development site off the Rathbawn Road to determine its suitability under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF). A decision is expected on the matter in the coming weeks. 

If approved, this will be the first Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in Castlebar and the second in Mayo.

Five homes contained within a 50-house development in Westport are currently under construction and consideration for the affordable housing scheme. A separate 13-unit development in the West Mayo town is also being progressed. 

According to Minister Alan Dillon, it is understood that the development would include six four-bed detached houses, 30 three-bed houses, and 16 two-bed houses. It is also understood that the remaining 23 houses will be purchased by an Approved Housing Body.

“House prices are still too high for too many, and increasing supply will absolutely help with affordability in the private market,” said Minister Dillon. 

A recent report by the Real Estate Alliance found that the price of a second-hand three-bedroom semi detached house in Mayo has risen to €230,000.

The average price in Westport this quarter rose by 10 percent to €330,000, and six and a half percent in Castlebar. 

This Affordable Housing Fund application in Rathbawn will be subject to approval by officials in the affordable housing section within the Department of Housing prior to entering into an advanced purchase agreement with the developer. 

This agreement provides for the direct sale of homes by the developer to an eligible purchaser nominated by the local authority.  

The site is within walking distance of all amenities and would comprise 52 affordable homes.

Minister Dillon concluded: “I look forward to seeing this housing development progress in the months ahead, ensuring that young people and families who aspire to get on the property ladder can do so.”