Some progress on derelict sites in Mayo but levy collection is low

THERE were 245 sites on the derelict register in Mayo at the start of the year, with 12 sites removed and 43 more added during 2025.

A total of 140 derelict sites levies were served in 2025 to date, with six sites the subject of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) and another 18 in process.

But just €37,000 was collected in levies, a figure members of the council's environment and climate change strategic policy committee were unhappy about when updated on the figures.

The breakdown of sites on the derelict register per municipal district is:

* Ballina 77

* Castlebar 40

* Claremorris/Swinford 90

* Westport/Belmullet 38

To date, 67 files have been processed with a view to adding them to the register, which is double that of 2024, Sally O'Leary, administrative officer in the environment section, explained in a presentation.

Councillor Peter Flynn welcomed the progress but said they are only a 'fraction' of the way through it, a point Councillor Donna Sheridan agreed with, that they are not getting through enough.

Councillor Flynn was also critical of the levies collection rate, with just €37,000 raised in 2024. It should be more like half a million, which the council could use for new homes or retrofitting, he said.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray said it's no easy task, with derelict sites being something of a 'minefield', some properties having their last registered owners going back to the 1920s/30s.