Green light for major housing development in Mayo town

Councillors in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District have approved a Material Convention of the County Development Plan that will allow for the construction of a new housing development.

The subject site at Convent Road, Clare, Claremorris which is earmarked for the development of 28 houses, is currently zoned as a Strategic Residential Reserve Tier 1 meaning it had been set aside for future residential development but is not intended for development within the term of the current County Development Plan, which runs until 2028.

Brendan Munnnelly, with the Planning Section of Mayo County Council, outlined in a report that a Material Contravention should be considered in this instance for the proposed development, comprising of 8 two-bedroomed townhouses, 6 four-bedroomed detached units and 14 three-bedroomed semi-detached units.

He said the land is located in close proximity to Claremorris town centre and is a well-connected and permeable location. Mr Munnelly added that there is a housing target of 182 units for Claremorris in the County Development Plan and there is a need for these new units.

Cllr Alma Gallagher proposed adopting the Material Contravention.

“This is a great win for Claremorris and new housing is a welcome addition,” she said.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Damien Ryan.

“This would be a huge step forward for any town. While it is not the whole solution, it is a great addition and I’m delighted to welcome it,” he said.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien said he wished the developer the best and wished to support the proposal.

Cllr Deirdre Lawless welcomed the houses coming on stream and said she hopes that homeless Irish people and homeless children will be prioritized if there is an element of social housing included in the development.

Cllr Michael Burke said this was a multi-million euro project that would have a big impact for housing in the Claremorris area.