Concerns over affordability of Mayo housing scheme
The large-scale affordable housing development has been proposed for Castlebar.
There are concerns about the affordability of Mayo’s first large scale affordable housing project.
The proposed project has taken a major step forward, with a 35-unit application now submitted to the Department of Housing under the Affordable Purchase Fund.
The proposed Heather View development in Snugboro, Castlebar is being hailed as a long-awaited boost for local families priced out of the housing market.
Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed the submission and described it as a “significant milestone for Mayo,” noting the importance of securing progress on key housing projects following the publication of Governments housing plan last month.
Minister Dillon said these homes, priced between €260,000 and €300,000, will offer reduced, below-market options for first-time buyers and those who have been locked out of home ownership.
The development proposes a mix of high-quality homes designed to meet varied local needs.
The proposed development will be made up of: Mid Terrace Houses (2-bed) four units; End Terrace Houses (2-bed) six units; Mid Terrace Houses (3-bed) eight units; End Terrace Houses (3-bed) 11 units; Semi-Detached Houses (3-bed): six units.
"This is a major and long-overdue boost for Castlebar and for Mayo," added Minister Dillon.
At a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District, Cllr Harry Barrett said he feared the cost of the units will price many young people out of a scheme that is supposed to be affordable.
Looking at the higher end of the homes (€300,000), he estimated that a young couple would need a €30,000 deposit and a combined income of in the region of €65,000.
“Not a first-time buyer you are looking at €77,000 combined. I think if we have to be very careful on the price-point here,” Cllr Barrett stated.
He said he welcomed the project but felt the prices mentioned need to be re-examined and are "far too expensive."
The meeting was also told that under the scheme Mayo County Council would have an equity in the units which can be purchased back by the homeowner.
"That's bonkers," exclaimed Cllr Barrett.
