Concern over loss of commercial Mayo properties for residential use

Fine Gael Cllr Alma Gallagher has said she wants to seen an increase in social and affordable housing in Mayo in the coming years.

Cllr Gallagher made her comments at Mayo County Council's Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on Housing, which last week held its first meeting since last June's local elections. The Ballyhaunis-based councillor is a new member of the committee, representing Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District.

Cllr Gallagher stated that her objectives include increasing social and affordable housing in her area and added that she welcomed plans for an additional 25 houses at Abbeyquarter in Ballyhaunis. While she expressed the need for more housing, the councillor said she has "a huge concern" about the loss of commercial properties in Claremorris and Ballyhaunis.

“We have large-scale developers coming into the towns. We need to protect our town centres and we cannot move the commercial sector into residences.” 

Cllr Gallagher concluded by saying she wants to strengthen the voluntary housing sector and described it as having “huge potential”, having worked in the sector.

“It’s about increasing the confidence and the knowledge. We hear so much about all of these funds available - for the voluntary and private sectors. We just need to get the information out there.” 

Following a run-through of the points outlined on the agenda, the decision was made between councillors and staff that there will be another SPC meeting provisionally dated December 10.