Councillor seeks affordable housing units in Ballina

A business case for an affordable housing scheme in Ballina has been submitted to the Department of Housing with councillors calling for existing, in-progress schemes to have units earmarked as affordable.

Head of the Ballina Municipal District Declan Turnbull told last week's meeting of councillors that the business case, which outlines the need and costings for an affordable scheme in Ballina, is now with the Department and Mayo Co Council is hoping for a positive outcome.

Cllr Marie-Therese Duffy said a large-scale affordable housing scheme has recently made progress in Castlebar and she wants to see a similar project in Ballina.

“We want to see a proper application submitted to the Department so that Ballina is considered for affordable housing."

Cllr Duffy said she would like to see a number of the 31 units at the Duffy’s Bakery and some of the 80 units at the former Cheshire Home site earmarked for affordable housing, as cost of housing is a real challenge facing prospective homeowners in Ballina.

Cllr Jarlath Munnelly supported the proposal: “We would hope to see the Department move positively on this and we would like to see some of those units earmarked as affordable housing. It has been done in other parts of the country and should be done in Ballina.” 

Both the Duffy’s Bakery and Cheshire Homes projects have received approval from councillors. Construction has now commenced on a 12-unit housing project at the Meadows.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.