Mayo pyrite homeowner feels let down by 'broken promises'

A Mayo homeowner impacted by pyrite has been left frustrated and angry by inaction and "broken promises". 

Nicola Byrne has said she feels let down by Mayo County Council and political representatives as her home crumbles around her.

She said initial pleas for support appeared to be heeded but she now feels "ignored and frustrated". Nicola has witnessed her ‘dream home’ in Clogher outside of Castlebar deteriorate around her and her family. As well as the structural damage caused to their home, the family also had to cope with a rodent infestation caused by the holes and cracks in their residence.

Nicola estimates they face a shortfall of over €250,000 when it comes to rebuilding their five-bedroom home even if they receive the maximum €462,000 in compensation.

“I’m just so fed up and frustrated. Politicians say there are going to do something for you, you hold them accountable for that. They give you a timeline of when they are going to get back to you and then when they don’t and you ring them, they keep ignoring you,” said Nicola.

The mum of three first contacted Mayo County Council in May 2025 and was told they didn’t qualify for the scheme because they bought their home after 2021. Nicola has battled to be included, and the local authority agreed to work with them. But after submitting further testing and reports, months passed without any updates. She said contact has been minimal since and the family feel ignored.

“Everyone tells you these things take time but that wasn’t washing with me. I have three children with complex medical needs. They need adapted bathrooms in their house which we do not have. That’s a danger and this is a priority for me. I don’t have time to just wait around in these conditions,” said Nicola.

Nicola says a push for a joint-committee involving stakeholders and the local authority has been paid ‘lip service’ but is still not up and running. 

"Mayo County Council has ignored every effort we have made."