New construction methods would help address housing issues in Mayo

ADOPTING new construction methods could help address housing and environmental issues in Mayo.

We cannot build homes quick enough and we have to look at construction methods that will provide passive, A-rated homes that are cheaper than what we have at the moment, delivered in quicker times, Councillor Harry Barrett told an environment committee meeting.

He cited one company, Scandanavian Homes, who provide homes throughout northern Europe that can be placed on site within two weeks, with complete quality control.

If serious about the environment, we have to move away from highly polluting methods, using concrete blocks, which in their construction destroy the atmosphere, he said.

Councillor Barrett asked that the council would look at a pilot project with these new construction methods to provide social and affordable housing, tackling two major problems.

Committee cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray suggested a site meeting at local provider Donal Byrne's Big Red Barn business.

This model, he said, is working well and the carbon footprint is a lot less than conventional building.