Construction of social housing units to begin on fire damaged site in Mayo
Construction on a 31-unit social housing development in Ballina will formally commence next month.
The former Duffy’s Bakery site on Kevin Barry Street will be redeveloped to provide 31 own-door access apartments. Works are expected to take approximately 18 months, with completion due by August 2027.
Finna Construction, based in Cross, County Mayo, have been appointed to manage the construction of the social housing scheme.
The Duffy’s Bakery Site was severely damaged after it caught fire on the evening of July 21, 2025.
The fire occurred the week after Ballina Municipal District Council had granted a part eight for the site.
Following the fire, Mayo County Council released a statement dismissing rumours that the site was being developed into an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre.
They clarified that the site had never intended to provide housing for anyone other than those on the Mayo County Council Housing list.
News that construction is now moving ahead has been widely welcomed, as the development will provide much-needed housing for people on the waiting list while breathing new life into the former bakery site.
The project will consist of 31 own-door apartments, including three three-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and 14 one-bedroom units.
Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly welcomed confirmation of the start date for the construction phase of the project during Housing Focus Week. He said that the varied housing mix ensures there is housing for all sections of the community.
“With a mix of three-bedroom, two-bedroom and one-bedroom homes, we are creating a community for both families and individuals to thrive and have long-term housing security,
“Along with providing homes, this development has been carefully thought out and planned by our architects and housing section, to increase a sense of neighbourhood and connection on Kevin Barry Street and James Connolly Street,” he said.
The development is located within walking distance of Ballina town centre and will include a private courtyard for residents.
Access will be provided from both Kevin Barry Street and James Connolly Street, with associated site development works, including footpaths, cycle lanes, parking, public lighting, and a communal green space, included in the plans.
The council hopes the site's layout will promote connectivity, passive surveillance, a sense of security, and opportunities for social interaction, helping lay the foundations for a close-knit and vibrant community in Ballina.
Ballina is set to welcome over 130 new homes over the next couple of years.
Another housing development at the Cheshire Home site in Ballina will be breaking ground in March this year, and will see over 80 units. The estate will consist of 20 one-bedroom apartments, 43 two-bedroom apartments, 16 three-bedroom semi-detached houses, and one five-bedroom bungalow.
The Meadows development behind Shanaghy Heights in Ballina is will deliver 12 units comprising of one five-bedroom bungalow and six three-bedroom two storey houses.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.