Mayo ghost estate left derelict despite housing crisis
A GHOST housing estate in Mayo has been left lying vacant despite a growing housing crisis in the county.
The development at Saleen, Ballinrobe Road, Castlebar, has over 70 residential units that could be brought into use within a relatively short period of time.
But nothing has happened to progress the matter because of what is described as 'a legal quagmire'.
Local Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has expressed his anger and frustration over the delay in resolving the issue to ensure accommodation is provided to those on the emergency housing list.
He stated: "It's now well documented that more and more people are turning to housing agencies, including Mayo County Council, looking for a new place to reside since the lifting of the eviction ban.
"They found themselves unable to pay rent increases and it's a worrying crisis for many families.
"Yet, against this background of stress and trauma, there is a ghost estate in Castlebar that, with a little investment, could help out many people facing accommodation difficulties.
"I am calling for an urgent investigation into the matter so that progress can be made in making these units available to those who need them.
"I cannot understand why Mayo County Council cannot take the estate in charge at this point. Members of the public cannot get their heads around the fact that an estate is left derelict for over a decade without a solution being found to whatever legal obstacle is there.
"It's nothing short of a disgrace, particularly at a time of huge housing need in the area. The sad fact is that it will end up being demolished and family in need will miss out.
"That, in my view, could be a shocking indictment," he added.
Elected members of Mayo County Council were informed last July that a number of legal judgements have been registered against the estate.
They were also told the company involved has been dissolved in the companies registry office, with the assets entering into State ownership and the cost of bringing the 77 houses back into use would be prohibitive for the council.
Councillor Kilcoyne said the climate has changed since the July report on the issue and there is an onus on the government to deliver on their housing promises and this was one opportunity to do so.
Before going to press this week an update issued to councillors which suggested some progress may be on the horizon.
The council's director of services for housing said the developer of the site had been in contact.
The developer acknowledged that the site has been 'problematic' but were hoping and trying their best to get the site over the line.
They stated: “I believe now that a positive outcome is in sight and hope to try and move forward. It has taken a long time to try and resolve issues attached to this site and I do apologise for the length of time it has taken but a lot of this was out of my control.”
Illegal dumping and residents frustration about this was also noted. This was not carried out by the developer but they hoped to rectify this and make the site safe again as soon as final negotiations with the various stakeholders are completed.