A derelict building was found ablaze on Monday night, a week after it was earmarked for social housing.
Mayo County Council agreed last week that the property on Foxford Road in Ballina would be refurbished into a complex exclusively for those on the social housing waiting list.
However, rumours on social media claimed the building was to be used as an asylum centre. On Monday night, emergency services had to be called after the site had been engulfed in flames.
Mayo Fire Service arrived and managed to control the blaze. Gardaí told no injuries were reported, and a spokesman said the scene was preserved and a technical examination was underway.
Mayo County Council told the Western People: ‘The development was intended to provide own-door accommodation for the growing section of the population who are seeking one- and two-bedroom units located within walking distance of the town centre.’
Local said she was ‘shocked’ to learn the site had gone up in flames. She said the project would have provided quality housing to 31 people on the social housing list.
She also insisted the fire was just a setback and ‘the plan will go on’, however, misinformation has been circulated online surrounding the site. Claims made by far-right commentators said it would be used to house asylum seekers under the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
The property was offered for use as an IPAS centre in 2023, but this was rejected in April. The council said it can categorically...
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