Council accused of inaction on affordable housing

Mayo County Council has defended its efforts on affordable housing after councillors accused the local authority of "doing nothing". 

The lack of affordable housing in the county is a major cause of consternation with councillors venting their frustation at the monthly meeting of the council.

They accused local authority officials of sitting on their hands while projects are being delivered in other counties. 

Cllr Peter Flynn said the absence of affordable housing target figures from a report on service delivery in the county was "unforgiveable".

“It speaks volumes about the head of the housing unit and housing generally,” said Cllr Flynn. “Other county councils are powering ahead with affordable homes,” he said before accusing council management of "giving [councillors] two fingers".

Cllr Donna Hyland said council resources have gone into providing homes for Ukrainian and international protection refugees. 

“We also need to focus on the people who live here and need a home,” she stated.

Chief executive Kevin Kelly pointed out that Mayo was left off the original affordable housing scheme and had to fight to be included. He said applications have been sent to the Department of Housing for affordable projects but the council is powerless to proceed without approval.