LAST UPDATE | 22 Jul

TWO HOUSES OWNED by Mayo County Council went up in flames last night, following incorrect reports they would be used to accommodate asylum seekers.

The two properties were on Kevin Barry Street in Ballina.

Gardaí and fire services attended the scene at approximately 9.15pm, according to a statement. No injuries were reported.

“The scene is preserved and a technical examination will be conducted in due course,” a garda spokesperson said.

The two houses had recently been approved for refurbishment to be used as social housing, a spokesman for the council confirmed.

Mayo County Council has expressed its “profound disappointment” following the fire.

It said that it had purchased the property “for the purpose of providing much needed additional housing in the town and the council can categorically state that this property was only ever intended to provide housing for persons on the Mayo County Council Social Housing list.”

There are 631 people on the housing list in the Ballina Municipal District, it said.

The development was intended to provide “own door accommodation for the growing section of the population seeking one and two bedroom units within walking distance of the town centre.”

The Housing Section of Mayo County Council is now assessing the impact of the destruction of the fire and will begin working on a timeframe or the feasibility of delivering on the recently approved 31-unit housing scheme and providing homes for those on the social housing list, it said.

“The council wishes to thank the Mayo Fire Service and other emergency services for their swift response to the fire, which they brought under control and ensured that damage was kept to a minimum.”

Traffic management at the location will remain in place until structural assessments are completed on the buildings.