Mayo Strategic Policy Committee reviews IPAS figures and integration supports

The Mayo Strategic Policy Committee for Community, Integration and Recreation met on Wednesday, February 26, to discuss updates on community and integration developments across the county.

Anna Connor, Head of Integration with Mayo County Council, presented the latest figures relating to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP). As of February 15, 2026, 866 BOTPs are residing in centre-based accommodation in Mayo. A further 3,905 individuals are living in dispersed accommodation throughout the county.

The breakdown of dispersed figures shows 990 BOTPs, who are primarily Ukrainians, living in Castlebar, 764 in Claremorris, 687 in Westport, 669 in Ballina, 375 in Belmullet and 35 in Swinford.

Members were also informed that there are currently 14 IPAS centres operating in Mayo, accommodating a total of 1,553 residents. Of these, 695 are children.

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The committee heard that the Local Authority Integration Team has established a Community Integration Forum aimed at strengthening coordination and collaboration between mainstream services, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community and voluntary groups. The forum supports Ukrainian refugees, International Protection applicants, individuals granted status, and participants in the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.

Community-based initiatives were also highlighted at the meeting. In Achill, a BOTP-focused programme delivered classes to 30 participants during November and December. The classes concentrated on developing language skills related to hospitality, cooking and customer care, particularly supporting those already employed in the sector. “Cooking up a Storm”, a hospitality training initiative for BOTP’s, was also delivered. 

Separately, Deirdre Finnerty outlined several Government funding schemes administered locally through the Community section of Mayo County Council. These include the CLAR programme, the Towns and Villages Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), and the LEADER programme.

The committee noted the continued efforts to support integration and community development across Mayo as demand for services remains.