Mayo has thousands of vacant homes

There are 8,922 empty homes across Mayo, which is more than enough for everybody who needs them, campaign group Uplift has said.

Uplift, a people-powered campaign group, is urging all new TDs - including Mayo's five - to focus on bringing the tens of thousands of empty and derelict homes back into use.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that, in 2022, there were a staggering 8,922 empty homes across Mayo, not including holiday homes that may also be sitting empty.

"Research commissioned by Uplift has shown again and again that having a home is the top issue facing people and communities right across the country," said Saoirse McHugh, from Uplift.

During the local and European elections, Uplift completed a piece of research showing how councils and the government could do far more to turn empty houses into homes by buying and leasing empty houses, making it easier for families to access unused grants, working with businesses to turn empty main streets into vibrant communities, and accurately counting the number of vacant and derelict buildings in the county.

Ms McHugh said: “No matter who we are or where we come from, we all need a home where we can sleep at night, knowing that we will wake up tomorrow feeling safe and secure.

“But far too many of us are living on edge, not knowing where we’ll live month to month, year to year. We have so much space for everyone, but can’t use it.

“Politicians need to know that the only way to get and stay elected is to turn empty houses into homes for everyone who needs one, no exceptions. So we’re asking people to email their TDs to sign up to our pledge now to show voters that they will prioritise turning empty houses into homes.”