East Mayo community delighted with 21 new high quality homes
Minister of State Alan Dillon has officially opened the new housing development in Kiltimagh, adding 21 high-quality homes to Mayo County Council’s social housing stock.
The development, named Carn Tulach, includes six 3-bedroom houses, eight 2-bedroom homes, six 2-bedroom apartments, and one special needs bungalow, all within a minute’s walk from Kiltimagh town.
Minister Dillon emphasised the development’s positive impact, stating: “This project significantly contributes to Kiltimagh’s vibrancy and reinforces the state’s commitment to regenerating rural Irish towns.”
Funded by the government’s ‘Housing for All’ plan with €6.5 million, the development aims to create thriving, sustainable communities.
Minister Dillon expressed the progress being made across the country under the ‘Housing for All’ Plan, which focuses on increasing supply to support those with the greatest housing need.
“In 2023, more new social homes were built than in over 20 years. It has been a challenging road, but we are returning to the levels of public housing delivery that we need,” he noted.
Minister Dillon also highlighted the robust stock of new housing supply in the pipeline for Mayo.
“Housing commencements in Mayo have increased by 32% in the first eight months of 2024 compared to last year, and the county has seen a significant increase in planning permissions granted as well.
"In Mayo, we are seeing completions rising from 371 in 2021 to 523 in 2023. Mayo County Council is on track to deliver over 150 new social homes in 2024.”
He added, “Boosting supply is a key focus for me, and I know that increased supply will help stabilize house prices and rents.
"That is why I have been pushing Mayo County Council to deliver an accelerated programme of housing projects, including affordable purchase options.
"The government supports introduced to make home building viable and boost housing supply are working to deliver homes for people right across the country.”
He continued: “The trends are strong, but we are not complacent and will continue to use every tool available to build on this momentum.
"A review and refresh of housing targets is underway and will be completed with revised targets published later in this month.
"The targets will be informed primarily by research and modelling by the ESRI on population projections and long-run housing demand, which was published during the summer.”
Minister Dillon concluded, “I wish all future residents of Cloonkeadagh Road health, happiness, and joy in their new homes.”
The official opening was also addressed by Councillor John O'Hara, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, and Kevin Kelly, the council's chief executive.