Claim of 'timebomb ticking' over 'illegal' Mayo apartments

AN urgent call has been made for an audit to be conducted on the number of 'illegal' apartments in Castlebar.

Councillor Ger Deere expressed his worry over the numbers of houses in the town being converted into apartments without planning permission.

“There is a timebomb ticking in respect of this matter and it will explode down the road in terms of health and safety issues,” he said.

Councillor Deere said he was also aware of a situation in which a shed had been converted into living quarters without approval.

He said there is a need for the council's planning enforcement unit to investigate the situation.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the elected members allocate a budget for planning enforcement at its budget meeting every year.

“I am seeing little evidence of enforcement taking place,” he hit out.