Mayo county council official Tom Gilligan’s proposal in an email to councillors for a social boycott of second home owners has sparked discussion nationwide..
The recent census indicates that there are 5,987 holiday homes in Mayo, highlighting concerns over housing availability for residents.
Gilligan expressed urgency about the housing crisis, stating that it affects young people unable to find homes despite job offers.
He mentioned the moral implications of having a significant number of vacant properties while locals struggle for housing.
Gilligan suggested exploring alternatives to a boycott, such as a holiday home tax, to address the pressing need for housing solutions.
Tom Gilligan shared “According to the 2022 census, there are 5,987 holiday homes in Mayo. In the middle of a housing crisis, we need homes for people – not just for seasons. I’m not trying to demonise holiday home owners or blame anyone in relation to this. But the reality is, we are in the middle of a housing crisis. We have young people who cannot find a home, we have people here who have been offered jobs but can’t find a place to live – we need to do something,” he shared. When you have 6,000 homes in Mayo that are vacant for nine, 10, 11 months of the year in the middle of a housing crisis, it’s morally wrong. Unfortunately, people who own holiday homes are bad neighbours. When you’re travelling around Mayo in the depths of winter and you’re seeing all these homes and there’s no lights on, you’re not a neighbour.”
