A senior official on Mayo County Council has said people in tourist hotspots should consider socially boycotting second home owners. 

Tom Gilligan made the suggestion in an email to councillors, many of whom were quick to distance themselves from the idea.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Mr Gilligan said the email “probably wasn’t meant for public debate” but added that the county is suffering hugely from the housing crisis. 

“According to the 2022 census, there are 5,987 holiday homes in Mayo,” he said. 

“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.” 

The pier in Belmullet, Mayo. Picture by: Michael David Murphy / Alamy

Mr Gilligan described it as “very important to look at our options” and suggested a holiday home tax as one alternative to a boycott. 

“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,” he said. 

“But we have young people that are staying at home, they’re living at home with Mum and Dad, they’re living in the same room all their lives in their late 20s, early 30s. 

“These people need a home.” 

 

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Mr Gilligan continued that people who own holiday homes are “bad neighbours, unfortunately” and that people who want to visit the county should stay in local hotels. 

“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.”

Main image: Holiday homes in the West of Ireland. Picture by: Alamy.com.