Minister opens two new Mayo projects

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD was in Mayo on Monday, November 20, to officially open two major projects, along with other engagements.

Following a tour of the Business Innovation Quarter Project in Ballina, Minister O’Brien conducted the official opening of the new Rehins Fort housing development in the town. This new housing development has seen the construction of 50 new homes by Mayo County Council.

The development consists of eight single storey semi-detached two-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom two storey semi-detached units, 15 three-bed two storey semi-detached units, four four-bedroom two storey semi-detached units and one four-bed two storey dormer unit adapted for special needs, along with new connections to public services and street lighting.

Later that day, Minister O’Brien officially opened the new multi-million-euro Crossmolina Fire Station. It is the first new station to be constructed in the county in 19 years and the local fire service moved into their new premises in October. 

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus, said: “I am thrilled that Minister O’Brien was on hand to carry out these official openings in Mayo. Both projects are significant developments in their own rights.

“The construction of 50 new homes in Rehins Fort in Ballina is a major milestone not only for the council but more importantly a huge one for the residents who will get to call these units their home.

“The new fire station in Crossmolina is a fantastic piece of infrastructure, but it is much more than that. It offers peace of mind to the residents of the town and its hinterland that our fire service will be on hand quickly when they are called. It also gives our fantastic fire service personal a modern and state of the art base for their work and training.” 

The council's chief executive Kevin Kelly also welcomed the new projects.

“The delivery of 50 new housing units in Rehins Fort is a testament to Mayo Co Council’s commitment to provide housing solutions in the county.

“To get to a point of opening a project of this scale involves years of hard work and the dedication of a myriad of people and as with all projects, we deliver as a local authority, collaboration is key.

“I would like to acknowledge all involved in this project from its inception, elected members, government ministers, officials and the community and I want to wish the residents who will assume occupancy these homes the very best for their future lives here.

“This new Crossmolina Fire Station is state-of-the-art facility costing just under €2m will be an enormous asset to ensure public safety in the region and a modern home for our staff in the Mayo Fire Service and I recognise the financial and other support from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency and the Department officials.” 

 Minister O’Brien said: “From Ballina to Kiltimagh, Crossmolina to Castlebar, it’s clear to see there is a wide range of activity ongoing in Co Mayo and I must commend Mayo County Council for that.

“I was particularly delighted to have an opportunity to visit housing developments and to meet and speak with new tenants at the official opening of Rehins Fort in Ballina. Under Housing for All we want to see many more of these developments."