Ballina, Co. Mayo (July 22, 2025) – A fire severely damaged a derelict property in Ballina overnight, at a location earmarked for a 31‑unit social housing development, prompting concern from both local authorities and community members.
Mayo County Council issued a statement expressing its “profound disappointment” at the fire, emphasizing that the property was acquired expressly to ease housing demand through the local social housing programme. The authority also commended the swift action of the Mayo Fire Service and other emergency units, who helped limit the damage
Officials have confirmed they will begin assessing the feasibility of delivering on the now-compromised housing scheme once the structural safety of the site is confirmed
Meanwhile, traffic diversions and road closures on Kevin Barry Street remain in place pending the outcome of the structural assessments
Fire Incident
- Time & location: Shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday, July 21, the blaze broke out at a vacant building on Kevin Barry Street, directly opposite Ballina’s Bus Éireann station
- Response: Emergency services swiftly responded after passersby raised the alarm. While the fire was brought under control later that night, the building sustained extensive damage
- Injuries & investigations: No injuries were reported, and Gardaí have preserved the scene and are conducting a technical examination. A structural engineering report is pending to assess safety concerns
Development Background
- Planning approval: Just last week, elected members of the Ballina Municipal District approved plans submitted under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Act for the construction of 31 new social housing units
- Proposed layout: The project included 14 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and 3 three-bedroom units. It would have featured two three-storey apartment blocks, one two-storey block, and the refurbishment of existing terraced homes at 5–7 Raheen Row, alongside site amenities including footpaths, cycle lanes, public lighting, landscaping, and access from Kevin Barry and James Connolly Streets
- Housing need: The development aimed to provide own-door accommodation within walking distance of Ballina town centre for residents on Mayo County Council’s social housing list. Currently, 631 people are registered on the list in the Ballina Municipal District
Council Response
Mayo County Council issued a statement expressing its “profound disappointment” at the fire, emphasizing that the property was acquired expressly to ease housing demand through the local social housing programme. The authority also commended the swift action of the Mayo Fire Service and other emergency units, who helped limit the damage
Officials have confirmed they will begin assessing the feasibility of delivering on the now-compromised housing scheme once the structural safety of the site is confirmed
Meanwhile, traffic diversions and road closures on Kevin Barry Street remain in place pending the outcome of the structural assessments
