“Deserve the same ambition” - Mayo councillor calls for extended LDA housing investment

Councillor Harry Barrett has called for Castlebar and Westport to benefit from housing investment by the Land Development Agency (LDA), following a workshop with the agency on Tuesday.

Cllr Barrett said the meeting represented an opportunity to advance plans for much-needed social and affordable housing in the county.

He had originally called for the LDA to meet with Mayo County Council’s Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), saying the engagement must lead to practical steps towards delivering housing developments.

“I pushed for this meeting because I believe the LDA can play a major role in tackling our housing crisis,” he said.

Cllr Barrett highlighted the difficulties facing young couples trying to buy their first home, families struggling with high rents and working people who earn too much to qualify for social housing but cannot secure a mortgage.

“These people deserve a chance to own or rent a home they can afford,” he said.

The councillor welcomed the LDA’s project for a 140-home development in Ballina but said similar ambition and investment were needed in Castlebar and Westport.

“The commitment to 140 homes in Ballina is fantastic news, but Castlebar and Westport deserve the same ambition and investment from this state agency,” he said.

He called on Mayo County Council’s executive to work closely with the LDA to identify suitable land and develop a clear plan for housing projects in both towns.

“I’m calling on the executive of Mayo County Council to do everything in its power to work with the LDA, to identify suitable land and to put a proper housing development plan in place for Castlebar and Westport,” he said.

Cllr Barrett said residents needed tangible progress on housing affordability rather than further assurances.

“The people of Castlebar don’t need more promises about housing. They need homes they can actually afford,” he said.