Mayo celebrates opening of new canal house community youth facility

The Canal House Community Youth Facility in Belmullet was officially opened on Friday, December 19, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

The new facility provides a dedicated space for young people in the Erris region and is intended to support the delivery of a range of youth services. The project was developed in response to identified local needs, following a study commissioned in 2018 by the Erris Interagency Group, which highlighted demand for services for children and young people, including those with disabilities, as well as a need for out-of-school activities, work experience opportunities and safe social spaces.

Located close to Belmullet town centre and adjacent to the canal bank walk, Canal House has been redeveloped from a semi-derelict building into a modern, inclusive youth hub. The building has been upgraded to a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard and includes indoor spaces designed for activities and social gatherings.

The redevelopment was supported by €500,000 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2022. Additional support was provided by Mayo County Council, Erris Chamber of Commerce, the Belmullet Community Futures Steering Committee, Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), and Foróige.

READ MORE: Mayo woman kidnapped in Haiti returns home to visit former Westport school

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, said at the opening: “I am delighted to officially open the newly constructed Canal House Community Youth Facility.  This centre has been developed with support from my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme. It will provide a much-needed centre for youth activities for the Erris area.

"The original Canal House was a very familiar landmark in the area. It has made way for this modern, bright space for young people which will enable users to access appropriate youth services in their own local area."

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey, added: “Being a son of Erris myself makes days like this even more special, as we are opening something that is much more than just bricks and mortar.

"The Canal House Community Youth Facility will play a significant role in improving the lives of our young people, giving them a safe space to congregate, socialise, learn and access appropriate youth services in their local area is a game-changer, for not only them but their families."

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, said the project had returned a formerly derelict building to productive use in a central town location.

"Getting a project of this nature to the stage of where it is today is something that took time and collaboration with local groups and other agencies. As a local authority, we take great pride in this collaborative approach in the delivery of projects that benefit our communities.

MSLETB Chief Executive Tom Grady commended Mayo County Council for the planning and delivery of the project and said the centre would provide a safe and welcoming environment for young people:

"This centre stands as a testament to their genuine commitment to the young people of Belmullet and its surrounding areas.

"MSLETB looks forward to working closely with Mayo County Council and Foróige in bringing this youth centre to life and ensuring it becomes a place where young people feel supported, valued, and inspired."

READ MORE: Westport based councillor appointed Peace Commissioner for Mayo