Thumbs up for 14-unit Mayo social housing development

A PROPOSAL for 14 social housing units at Barr na hÁille in Claremorris has received the thumbs up from area councillors.

The scheme will comprise of five 3-bedroom houses, five 2-bedroom houses, and four 1-bedroom apartments, in what is essentially an extension to the existing estate.

Proposing the adoption of a Part 8 planning application, Councillor Richard Finn welcomed the investment, saying housing is needed.

He asked that a different entrance be explored during the works instead of bringing trucks and machinery through Barr na hÁille and Lui na Greine. The residents put a lot of effort into keeping their estates perfect and he asked if the council could help them by using a separate entrance, which would have to be negotiated with another land owner.

The councillor welcomed the mixture of properties, saying a recent report found people on the social housing list are generally single adults, for whom apartments would be suitable.

The west of Ireland seems to be 'anti-apartment' for whatever reason, he stated. But if the demand is there for apartments for single people and couples there is no need to be trying to house them in three- and four-bed houses if there's alternative accommodation available.