Councillor voices disappointment at total absence of affordable housing in new scheme

A Mayo County Council project to develop 66 new houses at Lawn Park in Castlebar has been criticised by a local councillor as it includes no affordable units.

Head of Castlebar Municipal District David Mellett told last week's municipal meeting that all 66 units are to be social houses. 

Fine Gael Cllr Donna Sheridan described the news as "extremely disappointing". 

"We call constantly for both affordable and social housing and while the social housing is welcome, there has to be an affordable element. Was it even considered for this development and if it was, why was it not included? It is very important we have housing for people in this town," Cllr Sheridan added. 

It was agreed that management would provide a report on the matter for the next meeting.

Meanwhile, Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said dangerous parking at the existing Lawn Park estate is making it difficult for motorists to negotiate their way through the area.

“People can’t get out with their cars because there are cars parked everywhere. There was a tragedy there recently and an ambulance couldn’t get in.”

He called on the engineers from the council's roads section to look into the matter.

Cllr Kilcoyne also raised the issue of speeding along St Martin’s Terrace as well as at the roundabouts at Mulroy's and Lidl, saying that people who walk and live along the routes are being frightened by the speed motorists are travelling at. He asked the roads section also look into these matters.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.