‘This will put Castlebar on the map’ - Mayo County Council agrees Barracks sale

The majority of the historic Castlebar Barracks site is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art college of further education following Mayo County Council's approval of its sale to the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).

The ambitious redevelopment will see almost 2 hectares of the 2.4 hectare barracks site converted into a modern educational facility offering courses in agriculture, science, healthcare, humanities, mechanics and biopharma. The college will also feature dedicated spaces for engineering, hairdressing and beauty therapy programmes.

With capacity for over 1,000 students each year, the facility will also offer extended evening and weekend classes, addressing the need for skilled tradespeople in the region.

Councillors welcomed the development with enthusiasm at the monthly Mayo County Council meeting.

Cllr Blackie Gavin described it as "one of the best news stories to come out of this chamber," adding: "We can't afford to lose this for Castlebar, not alone for Castlebar but for the people of this county. People won't have to go to Athlone, Letterkenny – we'll be able to keep our own. This state is crying out for tradespeople."

Cllr Al McDonnell called it "one of the most exciting projects before this council in many years."

Cllr Harry Barrett emphasised the wider impact of the development: "Over a thousand students will put Castlebar on the map as a third level town. It will involve enhanced connectivity.”

Cllr McDonnell proposed that if nothing is done within three years, the site reverts back to Mayo County Council.

Cllr Harry Barrett urged that the Council “have to be thorough on timelines – we should impose clear deadlines for planning, appointing contractors, and regular progress reports to ensure this maintains momentum."

Cllr Kilcoyne noted that “if you don't get timelines, things will drift – not here – but in Dublin.”

However, Catherine McConnell, Director of Services, told councillors: "Once it's sold, it is not Mayo County Council's property. The two blocks we are retaining are integral. This is the jewel in the crown of Castlebar."

She also noted that MSLETB is a semi-state body and so the three year time limit would be “very onerous.”

READ MORE: Veteran Mayo County Council official retires after 41 years service

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme