Just 16 CPOs of derelict houses in Mayo in past two years

Mayo County Council requires a dedicated dereliction team to combat the housing crisis, a senior official has stated.

A meeting of the council's strategic policy committee (SPC) on housing was told that the local authority has completed 16 compulsory purchase orders (CPO) in relation to housing over the last two years.

In 2024, there were seven CPOs commenced and 10 completed, while this year, 10 CPOs were commenced and six were completed.

“We totally recognise the value of removing dereliction and vacancy because we want to regenerate our towns and villages and at the same time there is a need for housing,” Olivia Gallagher, the council's head of housing told the meeting last Thursday.

“Time is up on dereliction,” said Castlebar-based Independent Cllr Harry Barrett. 

Cllr Barrett said owners who leave their properties in a derelict state need to be pursued. 

“I want to see more focus and energy brought to bear on this."

Fianna Fáil Cllr John Caulfield said "bureaucracy" is preventing property owners from engaging with the CPO process.

“We are in crisis in housing and I’m asking again that everything be thrown at this,” he added.

Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn highlighted Waterford and Limerick where there are designated dereliction teams on their county councils.

Director of Housing Tom Gilligan conceded that the current approach is “too fragmented". 

“I would be very much in favour of setting up a stand-alone unit that has the clout and the authority to go after people,” Mr Gilligan remarked. “I do think we need to follow the example of Limerick and Waterford and do that,” he added.

Mr Gilligan said he believes some property owners are "laughing" at the local authority.

“We just need to take off the gloves and get in there and sort this out once and for all.” 

The council's senior architect, Simon Wall, informed the meeting that there are plans to turn two derelict properties on Barrack Bridge in Castlebar into family homes.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.