Local news: Significant housing project gets the go-ahead in Mayo town
Students from St Colman's College in Claremorris at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference 2025. Picture: Trish Forde
Plans for 28 new homes on Convent Road, Claremorris, have received official approval from Mayo County Council, marking a significant boost to local housing supply and town development.
The project, located to the rear of and adjacent to Jay’s shop, will deliver a mix of 14 three-bedroom semi-detached houses, six four-bedroom detached units and eight two-bedroom townhouses. The 1.2-hectare greenfield site had previously been zoned as Strategic Residential Reserve Tier 1, but a material contravention of the Mayo County Development Plan was approved by members of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District earlier this month, clearing the way for construction to proceed.
Applicant Shane Macken initially sought permission to build 31 homes, including six one-bedroom apartments, on lands owned by Cathal and Tom O’Dea. However, the design was later revised after planners expressed concern that the original proposal did not fully reflect the town’s housing priorities.
While three submissions were made on the development - citing issues such as traffic safety, privacy and pedestrian access - the revised layout was ultimately described by planners as offering “a good housing mix” that would “provide much-needed residential units in Claremorris town”.
The Convent Road site, positioned close to the town centre and adjoining lands zoned as the town centre outer core, was also commended as “a good example of a well-connected and permeable location". Council officials highlighted the development’s proximity to local services and its potential to strengthen the residential core of the town.
During the planning process, local authority planners also encouraged greater visual interest in the design, advising that the original layout “lacked innovation” and that the proposed 1,800mm block walls were “not an appropriate design feature”. The final proposal incorporated these recommendations, resulting in a more cohesive and attractive scheme.
In granting permission, the council attached 22 conditions, including the installation of public street lighting and adequate road markings. It also requested that the new development be given a name reflecting the townland or a distinctive feature of the area, which is a welcome condition.
Other conditions, standard in this type of proposal, include a requirement to provide a number of units for social and affordable housing, and that the developer meets the requirements of Section 47 of the Planning Act, which can prevent a developer from selling all the units to a single institutional buyer, to ensure a mix of individual and long-term rental properties are available.
Claremorris has a target of 182 new homes under the Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028. The addition of 28 new homes on Convent Road represents an important step toward meeting those goals - and a welcome investment in the future of the town.
The news has been welcomed by community and political leaders from the area. IRD chairperson Seamus McCormack told the that his organisation would be happy with any increase in the housing stock of the town.
“This is a regional town and anything that makes it possible for more and more people to live in the town is always good news,” he said. “We have great facilities in the town and we look forward to the opening of the Western Rail Corridor section linking Athenry to Claremorris, which will help grow the town significantly over the next decades and beyond.”
Cllr Alma Gallagher said it was great to see additional houses being built in the town.
“It was a long time in the pipeline, and I’m delighted to see it come to fruition. I've worked with the developers for some time and I was very honoured to propose at the Municipal District meeting for a material contravention of the Town Development Plan to facilitate the building of these houses. I know a lot of work went into getting this through.
"There's more units coming on stream all the time. I think that the private investment in Claremorris is fantastic news and it's great to see more development happening.”
Claremorris Family Resource Centre is inviting locals to get creative this November with a new Furniture Upcycling Workshop, a five-week course designed to inspire participants to learn, create, and transform everyday items into something beautiful.
The hands-on workshops will teach a range of practical paint techniques and decorative styles, helping participants breathe new life into old or tired furniture pieces. Each person is asked to bring along a small item that can be easily carried to and from the class each week.
Places are limited, and early registration is advised. The cost is €30 per person. To book, contact the Family Resource Centre by phone at 094-9377838 or email info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
In addition to workshops and community events, the Claremorris Family Resource Centre continues to offer a free and confidential Citizen’s Information service, staffed by trained personnel who can assist with queries on a wide range of topics.
The Centre also provides practical supports for the community, including photocopying, lamination, binding, and access to valuable citizen information.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm. The centre is located on Mount Street, Claremorris (F12 H2C2).
There was great excitement in the Ballindine and Irishtown community this week as Brian McTigue scooped the Davitts' GAA Lotto jackpot of €17,200.
Congratulations were extended to Brian from all at Davitts GAA, along with thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
It was a lucky week for Chloe Charles, who won €1,188 in Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 draw. Chloe bought her winning ticket in Hanley’s Bar and was delighted to take home the prize.
The club extended sincere thanks to everyone who continues to take part, reminding supporters that each ticket sold contributes to club development and underage coaching. Tickets are available both online and in local outlets and pubs across Claremorris.
Preparations are well underway in Brickens for the annual Christmas Market, which will take place on Sunday, December 14th, from 10am to 3pm at Brickens Community Centre (F12 RX04).
Organisers are now inviting local traders and craftspeople to take part in what promises to be a festive day of community spirit, with stalls, seasonal treats, and fun for all ages.
The event, held in aid of Brickens Meals on Wheels, supports an essential local service while bringing residents together for a celebration of the season.
Those interested in booking a stall can contact 094-938 0910 or 087-6505260 for details.
Claremorris AFC has extended its congratulations and best wishes to six of its young players who are moving on to join Mayo FC next season.
The club expressed pride in seeing Tiernan Slattery, Conall Boyle, John O’Grady, Conor Murphy, Darragh McCormack and Ryan Walsh take the next step in their football careers. All six were members of Claremorris AFC’s academy, a group that has enjoyed consistent success through the age grades.
Club representatives said they are delighted to have played a part in the players’ development and will be following their progress with great pride.
“Everyone at Claremorris AFC wishes the lads the very best as they continue their football journey,” the statement added. “We’re excited to see what the future holds for them and look forward to cheering them on in Mayo FC colours.”
Ten students from St Colman’s College proudly represented their school at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg 2025 event in Castlebar, held just before the Halloween mid-term break. The day brought together students from across the county for lively debate and discussion on issues that matter most to young people.
Comhairle na nÓg provides a platform for young people to express their views, explore challenges facing their generation, and develop ideas and solutions in a relaxed, collaborative environment.
St Colman’s College students once again played an active role in the discussions. Taking part were Eoin Humphreys, Dara O’Connor and Conall Boyle (First Year); Devin Kelly, Callum Reilly and Seán Leydon (Second Year); Cathal Tighe and James Fahy (Third Year); and Ross Connelly and Malachy Devane (Transition Year).
The school extended its thanks to all participants for their enthusiasm and engagement, and to Iarla Killeen, who accompanied the group on the day.
Celebrity chef Neven Maguire will visit Claremorris next weekend to headline a special Charity Cookery Night in aid of Taugheen National School and the Cancer Fund for Children.
The event takes place at the McWilliam Park Hotel on Sunday next, November 17, with doors opening at 7pm for a craft fair, followed by Neven’s cookery demonstration at 8pm.
Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Taugheen NS and local outlets including Sam’s Stores and Hunt’s Filling Station (Claremorris), Murphy’s Newsagents and Jennings Butchers (Ballinrobe), The Shop (Ballyhaunis), Hollymount Stores, O’Connor’s Spar (Cong), The Old Ground Restaurant (Knock), Quinn’s Newsagents (Tuam) and the SVP Charity Shop (Castlebar).
All proceeds will go to Daisy Lodge, the Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short-break centre, which provides vital support to families affected by childhood cancer. The evening promises great food, community spirit, and a chance to support a worthy cause.
The death has occurred of Seán Forde of 10 Ardaveen Avenue, Dublin Road, Newry, and formerly of Hollybrook, Co Mayo. Seán died peacefully on October 31, 2025.
Seán was predeceased by his parents May and Malachy, and his sisters Mairead and Fionnuala. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Jacinta, sons John (Louise), Declan (Donna), Andrew (Luisa) and Daniel (Sarah), and his adored grandchildren Courtney, Georgia, Cate, Maeve, Sarah, Declan Jnr, Conor, Jack and Aoife. Seán is also sadly missed by his siblings Malachy, Brian, Siobhán, Halogue and Andrew, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
Seán’s remains reposed at his home, followed by Funeral Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Cloughoge, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Rita Margaret Gleeson of Doogra, Tuam, Co Galway, formerly of Annefield, Hollymount, and recently of Brooklodge Nursing Home. Rita died peacefully at University Hospital Galway.
Rita was predeceased by her husband Jim, parents George and Margaret, sisters Bridie Corcoran and Lucy, and brothers Patrick, Peter and Matt. She will be deeply missed by her brother John, sister-in-law Mary, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Rita’s remains reposed at Glynn’s Funeral Home, High Street, Tuam, followed by removal to St Benin’s Church, Kilbannon. Funeral Mass took place on Friday, followed by burial in Kilbannon Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
