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Irish Independent
21 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Site in Mayo town identified as suitable for large housing project
This was revealed at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The six-hector site is currently zoned for infrastructure and utility. A report estimates that the cost of development and infrastructure will be between €68,750,000 and €86,450,000. Dearbhla Lawson, the director of planning services for the Land Development Agency (LDA) outlined details about the site. Ms Lawson added that 'there may be other sites the local authority has [but], this [site] has been shortlisted out of a longer process. There's probably more infill sites [in Ballina] and I'm very happy to take that forward with the local authority'. Senator Mark Duffy welcomed the site identified by the LDA, calling it 'promising' and asked the agency to work with him on other sites across Mayo. He proposed the Ballina Mineral Water site located in the town centre. This area had previously been put through a compulsory purchase order by Mayo County Council for a new Tesco supermarket however, the proposal never came to fruition. 'In terms of acreage it's quite small, it's about 4-5 acres,' said the Fine Gael representative. 'While the site might not be the most attractive size, in terms of scale [it] can have a huge impact in being the catalyst for the regeneration of our town' he added. John Coleman the CEO of the LDA, made clear that the main focus for development had previously been in city areas, but he confirmed that 'we will be looking at opportunities in Mayo going forward'. Senator Duffy made the point that while he understood the thought process behind the focus on cities, he recognized there are 'financial impediments that make it more cost effective if we target towns over the 10,000 population that can help to unlock a lot of the housing challenges, because this is a crisis that faces every community'. The type of housing that would be built on the utility site in Ballina is unknown, however the lack of social housing and affordable homes is a Mayo-wide issue, an estimated target of 708 homes are needed under the current Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Councillor Peter Flynn, the chair of Mayo County Council's Strategic Policy Committee on Housing, has said he welcomes 'any intervention that will accelerate the delivery of housing in Mayo, particularly for large scale affordable housing schemes'. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Cllr Flynn said, 'The delivery of large-scale affordable houses and apartments is critical to any solution and the demographic of the working poor is a group that needs to be the focus of any initiative particularly in an era of almost full employment,' "For too long Mayo County Council has failed to deliver in this area and their delivery in relation to Social Housing can be described at best as average. We have seen the extraordinary increase in working people who don't qualify for any Government or Council supports becoming homeless and the needs of these people must be urgently addressed,' "I would welcome the LDA getting involved in Mayo towns if they particularly focus on affordable housing in suitable locations' he added. The LDA report was prepared and submitted under Section 52 of the Land Development Agency Act 2021.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Over 50 Mayo children's books to be showcased at Cruinniú na nÓg
June 7 will see the launch of The Children's Books of Mayo Map in the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar at 2pm. Led by Mayo County Library and Mayo County Council's Culture and Creativity Team, with the support of local authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers, the map aims to celebrate the unique literary landscape of Mayo and inspire children to visit their local libraries, discover new books, and explore the places that inspired these books. Local artist Melanie Whelan was commissioned to design and illustrate the Children's Books of Mayo Map. The launch of the map will include an exhibition called 'Islands of Imagination' showcasing the characters created by children during a series of workshops held across Mayo in the lead-up to the launch. Ms Whelan, who led the workshops, described the Children's Books of Mayo Map as 'a dream project'. Austin Vaughan, County Librarian and Creative Ireland Coordinator, Mayo County Council, described the project as 'a great way to celebrate the stories inspired by Mayo, and talent from Mayo'. Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day celebrating the creativity of young people, with events taking place around the country. A range of other creative activities and book readings will take place at in the National Museum of Ireland at 11.30am to 4pm to coincide with the launch of The Children's Books of Mayo Map. The Children's Books of Mayo Map features a diverse selection of books, ranging from illustrated storybooks to graphic novels, available in both English and Irish. A complete list of the featured books is provided on the back of the map.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Extra bedroom accommodation space sought at former hotel in Mayo
Ballinrobe Civic Arts & Amenity Company have lodged an application to Mayo County Council to reconfigure the ground floor, first floor and second floor as accommodation space. This includes the addition of two bedroom in the downstairs area formerly occupied by the restaurant. The Valkenburg Hotel had been closed for some time when it was acquired by the Ballinrobe Town Hall Committee in 2020 for €305,000 at public auction in 2020. In 2022, over €4.8 million was committed by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to develop a multi-purpose space capable of providing accommodation and staging major shows and public gatherings. KSN Project Management have been appointed as project design team for the development. It had originally been planned to construct a new two-story town hall facility on a site on The Neale Road before The Valkenburg Hotel was placed on the market. The hotel has stood in Ballinrobe since the 1820s and is listed as a protected structure by Mayo County Council. It is said to have operated the first petrol pumps in the town in the 1920s. The hotel was acquired by the Langan family in 1973, who operated the facility for several decades. As well as a restaurant and six ensuite bedrooms, the Valkenburg also boasts a nightclub and copious public car parking spaces. It has been used for indoor gatherings on a limited basis in recent years. Activities including Irish dancing, yoga, training courses, club meetings, rehearsals, St Patrick's Day celebrations and the Ballinrobe Christmas Market took place there in 2024.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Swimming at Mayo beach ‘may cause illness' as restrictions imposed at second bathing spot in 24 hours
Carrowmore Beach in Louisburgh becomes second Mayo beach in 24 hours to have bathing restrictions imposed Carrowmore Beach in Louisburgh has become the second Mayo beach in 24 hours to have bathing restrictions imposed on it. Mayo County Council have warned that swimming at Carrowmore Beach 'may cause illness' after elevated levels of bacteria were detected in water samples. This comes after Clare Island Beach was issued with a 'do not swim' notice following elevated levels of bacteria detected in the water. Restrictions at both beaches are expected to remain in place for 72 hours. The water quality at Carrowmore and Clare Island beaches are suspected to have been caused by deteriorated due to suspected agricultural activities/runoff following heavy rainfall. Bathing in Carrowmore Beach was last restricted between September 6 and September 13, 2024, following discharged from a wastewater treatment plant. The beach recorded 'excellent' bathing season water quality on three consecutive occasions in 2024. Carrowmore Strand forms part of the Cloghmoyle Dunes proposed National Heritage Area. Located at the southern mouth of Clew Bay, Carrowmore Beach is popular for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, jet skiing, scuba-diving/snorkelling and fishing. Works to install all new all-weather watersports facilities on Carrowmore Beach will begin this September. Funding of €650,000 has been allocated for facilities in Carrowmore Beach and Keel Beach in Achill and will consist of unisex toilets, indoor shower rooms and an accessible washroom, as well as external showers, a plant room, electrical rooms and cleaners' store. Swimming is prohibited towards the eastern end of Carrowmore Beach in the general area of Bunowen River and Tulin Beach. The beach lost its Blue Flag in 2022 after it failed to meet the required water quality standard. Mayo currently has eleven Blue Flag beaches.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Bathing restrictions imposed at popular Mayo Blue Flag beach
A do not swim notice has been issued for Clare Island Beach Bathing restrictions have been imposed at Clare Island Beach Photo: Bob Jones A do not swim notice has been issued for Clare Island Beach. Following the results of water samples taken on May 26, Mayo County Council have announced a no swim notice that will remain in place until water quality improves. The notice was imposed following diffusion from suspected agricultural activities/runoff after heavy rainfall. The notice is likely to remain in place for 72 hours. The public are advised to avoid swallowing or splashing water, to wash their hands before handling food, avoid swimming with an open cut or wound and avoid swimming if pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Bathing restrictions were last imposed on Clare Island on August 23, 2024. The restrictions were lifted five days later. Clare Island Beach is one of eleven Blue Flag beaches in Mayo recently recognised for their excellent water quality. The beach has recorded 'excellent' water quality results on 26 consecutive occasions. Located in the heart of Clew Bay, Clare Island's beach extends from the old pier on the south side of the beach to the stony shoreline on the northern end adjacent to the community centre in the main harbour. Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook The beach is located close to numerous domestic and commercial dwellings. Clare Island, which recorded a population of 138 in the 2022 census, is home to several historical sites and is popular destination for tourists during summertime.
