New project 'could be a catalyst' for Mayo town

Approval has been given for 14 new housing units in Ballinrobe arising out of the demolition or refurbishment of several derelict properties. 

Councillors in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District granted approval for four proposals put before them at last week's area meeting.

A property on Convent Road will be demolished and replaced with two one-bed apartments and one one-bed bungalow while three properties at Creagh Road will be refurbished and extended to become three two-bed two-storey houses.

A property on Main Street will see an existing structure refurbished and extended to comprise three one-bed apartments while demolition works at a derelict structure at Castlebar Road will see it developed into four two-bed two-storey houses and one one-bed bungalow.

All proposals also included associated site development works such as landscaping and service connections.

Cllr Michael Burke said he was delighted to be able to propose the four schemes and complimented everyone involved from council staff to property owners.

Cllr Damien Ryan seconded the proposal and praised the work of the municipal district staff in getting these projects to this stage of the planning process.

“These four locations were sites in considerable disrepair but will now become a mixture of apartments and townhouses. I want to acknowledge the work of the municipal district on this and the council's Derelict Sites Unit,” he said.

“Ballinrobe has often had the worst stats for dereliction but we are now taking out four sites to deliver 14 units. 

"That is a project that could be in line for a national award, the way we have turned a negative into a positive.”

Cllr Patsy O’Brien also voiced approval for these works and said he hopes that similar projects can be turned around quicker in future.

"This has been a huge issue for many years and I'm delighted but the only issue is these buildings didn't come quick enough."

Director of Services Tom Gilligan added the development could be "a game-changer" for Ballinrobe.

“This is something that is to the fore of what we want to achieve and do. It is too early to open the champagne but this is a pivotal moment and it could be a catalyst for Ballinrobe,” he said.