Once completed, the development will include twenty new semi-detached houses: 4 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom units. Designed in-house by the Architects Department of Mayo County Council, the scheme features linear terraces descending towards the shoreline on the site of the former Scoil Damhnait secondary school.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are key priorities, with all homes equipped with Air Source Heat Pumps and Demand Controlled Ventilation, achieving an A2 BER rating. The tiered layout ensures privacy for residents while maximising the natural scenic views.
Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Councillor Seán Carey, said: "This site has been of great civic importance to the people of Achill over the years, and I am delighted to see it being repurposed for another great civic purpose, that is, to provide much needed homes in the area. Housing is at the heart of sustainable rural communities and this development will be a very welcome addition to West Mayo’s social housing stock"
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Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly noted the importance of this development, stated: "This project designed ‘in house’ by our own Architects Department is a further example of Mayo County Council’s ongoing commitment to the provision of sustainable housing for communities across Mayo. The commencement of works here today follows on from recent development openings at Lios na Circe in Castlebar and Rehins Fort in Ballina, and it illustrates the work we are engaged in on an ongoing basis to deliver additional housing in the county. We are appreciative of the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which allows us to continue to progress high-quality housing developments such as these."
Mayo County Council will collaborate with several project partners to complete this development, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, contractors LPB Building Services Ltd, quantity surveyors Kane, Crowe & Kavanagh and consulting engineers Patrick McCaul Associates and MFA Associates.
In attendance at the commencement of works, along with Minister of State Alan Dillon TD, were Minister of State Dara Calleary TD, Councillor Paul McNamara, Kevin Kelly (Chief Executive of Mayo County Council,) Tom Gilligan (Director of Services, Mayo County Council), Liam Tansey (LPB Contractors), as well as Mayo County Council senior staff and representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
