Major affordable housing development for Mayo county town
MAYO County Council is assessing a large affordable housing development for Castlebar.
A decision on the proposed application is expected in the coming weeks to determine its suitability under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
The greenfield development site, situated off Rathbawn Road, has full planning permission for 75 homes. It is within walking distance of all amenities and will comprise a mix of unit types.
Minister of State within the Department of Housing, Alan Dillon, commented: “I have been working hard with Mayo County Council to progress the delivery of affordable housing units right across the county and am satisfied to see action and progress on this.
“It is understood that the affordable homes will include six four-bed detached houses, 30 three-bed houses, and 16 two-bed homes.”
The development will deliver A-rated energy-efficient homes. It is also understood that the remaining 23 houses will be purchased by an approved housing body.
When approved, this will be the first local authority affordable purchase scheme in Castlebar and the second in Mayo, with five homes in a 50-house development in Westport currently under construction and consideration.
Said Minister Dillon:“The provision of affordable housing has been my sole focus since being appointed Minister of State. I fully appreciate the difficulties young couples, individuals and families are experiencing in accessing affordable homes close to their places of work and services for themselves and their children.
“I continue to work with officials in Mayo County Council in providing both social and affordable homes. House prices are still too high for too many, and increasing supply will absolutely help with affordability in the private market.
“All of us want to see house prices moderate, and we want to see them affordable. The government is playing a central role in making sure that this can happen.”
This Affordable Housing Fund application will be subject to approval by officials in the Department of Housing prior to entering into an advanced purchase agreement with the developer.
The advance purchase agreement provides for the direct sale of homes by the developer to an eligible purchaser nominated by the local authority. Mayo County Council will assess the affordable purchaser’s eligibility and nominate them.
Added Minister Dillon: “I believe that everybody should have access to good-quality and affordable homes. We know there are local affordability challenges for those seeking home ownership, and not everybody is feeling that, but with new supply, we want to increase housing delivery, and this will absolutely help with affordability.
“I look forward to seeing this housing development progress in the months ahead, ensuring that young people and families who aspire to get on the property ladder can do so.”