Keogh left ‘genuinely speechless’ after meeting Mayo pyrite victims

A Westport-based Fine Gael General Election candidate has voiced concern for dozens of homeowners affected by pyrite in a local housing estate. 

Keira Keogh was left ‘genuinely speechless’ following a public meeting in Páirc na Coille which heard impassioned pleas for help from local residents. 

At least 32 houses in the estate have been confirmed to be infected with pyrite - most, if not all, will require total demolition. 

Several homeowners in Páirc na Coille have been left with out-of-pocket rebuild costs in the tens of thousands despite qualifying for the government’s redress scheme. 

Ms Keogh was among five general election candidates who visited the home of Linda Claxton last Friday. 

^{Local politicians gather in the home of Linda Claxton in Páirc na Coille in Westport (Pic: The Mayo News)}

Ms Claxton was left over €90,000 out of pocket after rebuilding her home, which was the first in the estate to be demolished. 

Ms Keogh described the toll the physical toll on homes, the financial strain, and the emotional weight on families as ‘immense’ after visiting Páirc na Coille and a pyrite-ridden estate in Carrowteige in Erris. 

“Each home tells a story of resilience and heartbreak. Carrowteige is a nearly deserted social housing estate, with only two houses remaining occupied. It really highlights the devastation caused by these defective blocks,” said Ms Keogh

Ms Keogh welcomed the inclusion of a total review of the pyrite redress scheme in Fine Gael’s programme for government. 

She believes the scheme requires much more flexibility to fully meet the needs of affected homeowners.

The Minister for Housing has proposed a retroactive one-off payment for homeowners left out of pocket after rebuilding their houses after accessing the old scheme. 

Under new proposals, those accessing the scheme can avail of a maximum grant of €462,000 to rebuild their homes. The rates payable per square foot will also be increased under these yet-to-be-enacted proposals. 

“Some homes need foundational replacements, while older residents may prefer the option to sell their property under the scheme rather than go through a lengthy rebuild. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Ms Keogh said. 

“I am dedicated to ensuring that this program is adjusted to provide each homeowner the flexibility and support they deserve. This issue requires not just policy, but also understanding and compassion.”

Ms Keogh, who works as a behavioural consultant in Westport, unsuccessfully contested the recent local election. She is seeking to take the seat held in the town by her Fine Gael colleague Michael Ring since 1994. 

^{Gathered outside the home of Linda Claxton in Páirc na Coille Westport are (left to right)  General Election candidate Keira Keogh (Fine Gael), Senator Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fáil), Cllr Peter Flynn (Fine Gael), Cllr John O'Malley (Independent), Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh (Sinn Féin), MEP Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland), Linda Claxton, Cllr Chris Maxwell (Independent Ireland), Tom Gilligan, Mayo County Council's Director of Services for Housing, Cllr Brendan Mulroy (Fianna Fáil) and General Election candidate Stephen Kerr (Independent) Pic: The Mayo News}