Major Lodge Road investment set to unlock up to 500 new homes in Mayo town
Deputy Keira Keogh welcomes Government funding package aimed at boosting housing delivery and improving road safety in Westport
Mayo TD Keira Keogh, has welcomed the inclusion of the Lodge Road scheme in Westport under the Government’s new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF), describing it as a major boost for housing development in the town.
The project will see significant upgrades carried out along approximately 900 metres of Lodge Road, including improved pedestrian facilities, active travel infrastructure, public lighting, sustainable urban drainage systems and enhanced safety measures for vulnerable road users.
Crucially, the investment is expected to unlock land for around 200 new homes directly, while also facilitating the development of a further 300 homes in the wider area.
Deputy Keogh said the funding represents a significant step forward in addressing Westport’s growing housing demand.
“This announcement builds on previous funding commitments for Lodge Road, but its significance goes far beyond transport infrastructure,” she said. “It provides the investment needed to unlock substantial housing development in Westport and help meet growing demand for homes.”
The Fine Gael TD also highlighted planned investments by Uisce Éireann in water treatment upgrades and by ESB Networks in overhead line and substation improvements, which she said would further support future development in the area.
Deputy Keogh paid tribute to local Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn for his long-standing campaign on the issue and thanked Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State John Cummins for their support in progressing the project.
“I want to acknowledge the work of Cllr Peter Flynn, who has been campaigning on this issue for many years and has consistently highlighted both the safety concerns along Lodge Road and the housing potential of the area,” she said.
While acknowledging the importance of road safety improvements, she stressed that housing delivery remains the key priority.
“While the active travel and road safety elements are extremely important, particularly for schoolchildren, families and other vulnerable road users, the most urgent priority is housing,” she said. “This investment has the potential to unlock up to 500 homes and provide the infrastructure needed to support the future growth of Westport.”
Deputy Keogh noted that there is significant development potential along the Lodge Road corridor, including council-owned lands and privately owned sites where discussions on future housing projects are already underway.
“There is council-owned land ready for development and there are also private landowners and developers actively engaging with Mayo County Council regarding future housing projects,” she said. “Lodge Road is ideally positioned to accommodate mixed housing developments, and this investment will help turn that potential into reality.”
She added that infrastructure constraints have been a key barrier to housing delivery and said the funding will help remove those obstacles.
Reflecting on her first election campaign, Deputy Keogh recalled that one of the first issues raised with her by residents was the need for a safer route to schools and Westport town centre.
“The residents asked then for a safer route to school and to Westport town and I am delighted to see progress, but residents have waited long enough and now we need to see shovels in the ground,” she said.
The project, she added, will create stronger connections between residential areas, schools and the town centre while supporting much-needed housing growth.
Deputy Keogh said she will continue working with Mayo County Council, local representatives and stakeholders to ensure the scheme progresses as quickly as possible.
“This is a major vote of confidence in Westport’s future,” she said. “It will help deliver the homes that Westport urgently needs while creating a safer and more connected community for everyone.”