A derelict property in the middle of a “model” Mayo village is holding back further development, according to the local community council.
Members of Belcarra Community Council made a presentation at last week’s meeting of Castlebar Municipal District, which was held in the village located just outside Castlebar.
The delegation called for financial support for the village’s annual 8K run, assistance with public realm improvements and help to deal with a derelict site in the centre of the village.
Referring to the third issue, Community Council PRO Dean Kenny told the meeting the property in question has been on the Derelict Sites Register since 2020 but nothing has happened.
“This is probably the biggest challenge for Belcarra and is holding us back in our developments,” he said. “The owner has made no effort to improve the look of or the safety of the property and it is an accident waiting to happen.
“It is a waste of prime retail and is the one area that doesn’t live up to the picturesque look,” said Mr Kenny who asked councillors to be more proactive about the site.
Cllr Cyril Burke said it would be nice if something could be done about the property in question, adding that there are processes to deal with situations such as this.
Cllr Harry Barrett said Belcarra was a model for every other village and he was annoyed to see it suffer from having derelict buildings.
“We’re going to have to up our game and get more serious about dereliction,” he said.
Fine Gael Cllr Donna Sheridan said she was delighted as Cathaoirleach to bring a meeting to Belcarra, adding that the dereliction issue needed to be urgently addressed.
“Dereliction is a scourge in our county and to see that property like that here in the village is not acceptable. We have to take this on as a matter of urgency, it is bringing down the village and is a disgrace at this stage.”
Cllr Blackie Gavin called for dereliction to be a recurring item on the agenda from now on.
All councillors said they would do their utmost to assist with public realm improvements and to provide funding for the 8K from the General Municipal Allocation.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Al McDonnell said the village has made amazing strides in the last three decades.
“I remember over 30 years ago, Belcarra had no playgrounds or sports facilities. It was an ordinary village but some extraordinary work has been done in the last 35 years thanks to the foresight and vision of the people from this area,” he said. “You deserve support and we’re glad to give it.”
