'Significant day' following approval of 35 new affordable homes in Mayo town

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has announced the formal approval by the Department of Housing for 35 new Affordable Purchase homes in Snugboro, Castlebar, delivered as part of the Heather View development. This represents a major milestone in delivering long sought affordable home ownership options for families across Mayo.

The approval was confirmed in a letter issued today to Mayo County Council, approving €2,625,000 in Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) support, equivalent to €75,000 per affordable home.

"This is a significant day for Castlebar and for Mayo," Minister Dillon said.

"Over the past 18 months, I have worked closely with Mayo County Council, the Department of Housing and Sayvale to drive this project forward, resolve obstacles and ensure these 35 affordable homes secured the funding required. Today’s approval is the direct result of that sustained collaboration."

The Heather View development in Snugborough comprises 99 modern, energy efficient homes, including 35 Affordable Purchase units, and represents a total investment in excess of €30 million.

These affordable homes will include the following mix:

- 6 × 2 bed end terrace 

- 4 × 2 bed mid terrace 

- 11 × 3 bed end terrace 

- 8 × 3 bed mid terrace  

- 6 × 3 bed semi detached 

In accordance with the Affordable Housing Fund requirements, the homes will be advertised at a minimum of 15% below current open market value, and will be sold under Section 7 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021.

Construction works are progressing strongly, with completion expected late 2026 or early 2027.

Minister Dillon said the project will make a significant contribution to the town’s development: “These new affordable homes will give young families and first time buyers the real chance to own a home in their own community. This is exactly what Housing for All is designed to achieve. The Snugboro scheme strengthens Castlebar’s housing supply, supports the local construction sector and underpins long term economic growth.”

He added: “Castlebar is growing, and demand for affordable, secure home ownership is stronger than ever. I will continue working with Mayo County Council, the Department of Housing and active developers like Sayvale to maintain momentum and secure further housing investment across Mayo.” 

Mayo County Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from contractors and developers for additional affordable housing schemes in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport.

Minister Dillon also paid tribute to Mayo County Council and Sayvale Limited for their proactive engagement throughout the process.

“I want to sincerely thank Mayo County Council, particularly the Housing team Tom Gilligan and Oliva Gallagher for their professionalism, persistence, and commitment to ensuring this project met all AHF requirements. Their detailed work in preparing the submission was absolutely essential.” 

He also acknowledged the strong role played by the project developer: “I also want to thank Sayvale Ltd, led by Austin Currie and Tom Corrigan, for their constructive partnership and for their growing investment in Castlebar. Their decision to expand operations into Mayo and establish a local office reflects real confidence in this county’s future.”