Modular homes not only option for housing Ukrainians in Mayo town

HOUSING options other than modular units are available in the Claremorris district to provide homes for Ukrainian people fleeing the war, a meeting has heard.

Plans by the OPW to put 28 modular units on a town centre site on the Ballyhaunis Road are being opposed.

The lack of consultation with councillors and the community and the fact planning permission is not needed for a development referred to as 'a shanty town' was highlighted at a special meeting of Mayo County Council convened to discuss the proposal.

Councillors were clear on two points - their support for the people of Ukraine, with 300 already welcomed to the area, and the fact the site selected is not suitable.

Councillor Richard Finn said in the past councillors lay in front of machines and he warned that if it has to be done again it will be.

The Independent member highlighted local vacant units that are available to house refugees; among them are two ran by housing agencies - 30 units in Knock and 11 at An Tintean in Claremorris.

The modular units would cost €3 million - to bring existing properties back into use would cost far less, he stated.

His Claremorris colleague Councillor Tom Connolly said they had 'huge sympathy' for the people of Ukraine but also for our own people too, where we have our own emergency.

The site, which was purchased by the OPW when decentralisation was on the cards, was not suitable, and yet available housing was lying idle, he said.

The point was also made to the meeting that there is a planning application before the council for 80 apartments at the location.

A number of councillors spoke on the absence of consultation during the two-hour meeting, with Councillor Michael Burke making the point: “If you don't have local engagement with any project you are on a loser.”

The head of the council housing committee, Councillor Patsy O'Brien, admitted he had heard nothing about the proposals.

Councillor John Cribbin said the Claremorris members had accurately articulated the mood of the people. There is blanket opposition to the proposal.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said all this had stemmed from the lack of consultation.

Director of services for housing, Tom Gilligan clarified that housing for Irish citizens and those fleeing war are two separate streams. Refugees are not on the social housing list.

This proposed project was led by the OPW and Department of Children, and they were leading on communications on it. The council are not leading and are not the primary source of contact.

Chief executive Kevin Kelly said the council are obliged to give advices but were not in control of the process.

It is not a local authority initiative or under their control. It is being done by the OPW under government policy.

At the end of the debate, Councillor Finn proposed a motion expressing their total opposition to the units and requesting the OPW, IPAS and officials of Mayo County Council desist from implementing the proposal and that an alternative site be secured. Council management were requested to not cooperate with the proposal.

The chief executive said the motion, which was adopted, put the officials between government and members' policy. He would have to take legal advice on which one they complied with.