Thumbs up for plan to turn vacant Mayo pubs into homes

Vacant pubs in towns across Mayo are to be turned into homes in an effort to help address the county's growing housing challenges.

Under plans being introduced in January, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien will extend exemptions for the conversion of commercial premises, as well as for above-shop living, out to 2025.

Welcoming the national initiative, Mayo Councillor Cyril Burke said the proposal means that a property owner will not have to apply for planning permission to change the premises from a commercial to a residential unit.

The government's Housing for All plan further commits to reviewing and extending the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2018, which provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission for the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises, including vacant areas above ground floor premises, to residential use.

Stated Councillor Burke: "Pubs are not currently included in that exemption but the minister is now providing that exemption which will enable former pubs to be converted to residential purposes.

"It will have benefits throughout Mayo."