Mayo deputy hits out at lack of progress on derelict site in Claremorris

An Aontú TD has strongly condemned what he describes as an inflexible government planning policy that prioritises bureaucratic rules over practical solutions.

His comments come in response to a recent decision by planners to reject the redevelopment of the old bank building on Lower James Street in Claremorris.

Paul Lawless TD, argues that this decision exemplifies the inconsistency, short-sightedness, and counterproductive nature of the current planning system.

“On one hand, planning guidelines insist the structure must be preserved due to its historical significance. On the other hand, policies in place have ensured that no one in their right mind will take on the financial burden of restoring it to such rigid and expensive standards,” he said. “The irony? The building will continue to decay, crumble, and eventually become so unsafe that the only inevitable solution will be demolition. A classic case of 'preserve it until it falls apart.'”

Lawless went on to question the logic of the rejection, arguing that the decision does little to protect the town’s character and integrity. “If this rejection is meant to protect the character of the area, we’d love to know what’s so charming about an abandoned, boarded-up shell of a building.

Meanwhile, people in Claremorris are crying out for housing. Here was a chance to breathe new life into a derelict site, provide much-needed homes, and revamp a key part of the town, yet government policy has ensured it’s better left to rot.”

Mayo County Council planners justified their decision by stating that the proposed redevelopment would have a “jarring” impact on the streetscape. However, Lawless strongly disagreed, calling attention to the current state of the structure.

“You know what’s really jarring? An eyesore of an abandoned building that has been sitting there for years. You know what’s hazardous? A decaying structure left to become a safety risk in the heart of town. This 'Look But Don’t Touch' approach to development is a recipe for failure.”

He further argued that restrictive planning policies discourage developers and investors from taking on restoration projects, leaving towns with derelict structures that continue to deteriorate.

He called for the government to grant elected Mayo County Councillors more power over planning decisions to prevent such situations from persisting.

“It’s time the Government gave elected Mayo County Councillors more power over planning, so regressive, 'computer says no' decisions like this become relics of a bygone era,” he asserted.