Eleven derelict properties in Mayo could soon be bought back into use
Local councillors have urged Mayo County Council to take ownership of 11 properties in Claremorris.
An Tinteain is a building located on James Street in Claremorris and has been closed for the last 20 years. It consists of three houses and eight apartments. It had been under the ownership of an Approved Housing Body (AHB).
Cllr Richard Finn requested an update on the building at the latest meeting of the Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District.
He was informed by the Director of Services for Housing, Tom Gilligan, that the council are currently liaising with their legal representatives to move on the transfer of the building into their ownership.
While welcoming the response, Cllr Finn described An Tinteain as one of the “prime properties on James Street in relation to dereliction.” He said Claremorris was “doing its best” to tackle the problem, but said he wanted to see Mayo County Council and the State “doing their bit” as well.
“This was an AHB operation that was neglected,” he said, recognising that while there are “fantastic AHBs around,” this project had been left to “wreck and ruin.”
Cllr Alma Gallagher told the meeting that other AHBs in the Claremorris area had previously approached Mayo County Council about the property, but their offers to engage were declined. She pointed out the site’s potential for age-friendly housing given its central location in Claremorris.
“It’s there for the taking,” she said, highlighting that there would be no need to issue a commencement notice for a change of use as the building is already a residential property.
Mr Gilligan has previously acknowledged that the case is complex but said the council is committed to bringing the property back into use.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien also supported the motion, urging Mr Gilligan to consider the urgency of the housing crisis. He pointed to the number of people on the housing list and the growing problem of homelessness across Mayo.
Cllr Damien Ryan added it was time for the local authority to “get tough” in relation to housing.
He stated there are many different ways of dealing with unused or derelict properties: “I think the local authority will need to become proactive at the county level through the housing unit. I think that's important, this situation can't be left. It is one we should pursue aggressively.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.