€1.4 million investment for Mayo under Town and Village Renewal Scheme - Calleary

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD has today announced a major funding boost of €1.4 million for communities across Mayo under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, supporting transformative local projects that will enhance public spaces, strengthen community facilities, and boost tourism and economic activity.

Minister Calleary said: “This funding is evidence of my commitment to our rural future and to enhancing the towns and villages of Mayo as better places to live, work, socialise and to visit. I want to thank all those who have supported these particular towns and villages that have been successful on this occasion. I am excited about each of the projects and look forward to seeing the fruits of these labours, while I also look forward to supporting other towns and villages under the TVRS in 2026.”

Funded projects across Mayo include:

Castlebar – Community Hub (Former Swimming Pool) (€47,500). This allocation will progress the preparatory phase for transforming the disused swimming pool into a modern, inclusive Community Hub. The project aims to deliver a multifunctional facility that will serve diverse community needs and support social, cultural, and recreational activity.

Castlebar – Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre Car Park Expansion (€300,000). Funding will enable the expansion of the Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre car park to meet growing demand and support new sports facilities. This investment strengthens Castlebar’s development as a Regional Sports Hub, ensuring shared infrastructure that benefits clubs, visitors, and the wider community.

Ballyhaunis – Redevelopment of the Scouts Den Site (€47,500). Funding will support the detailed design, planning preparation, procurement steps, and necessary assessments to advance a strategic medium‑scale redevelopment of the derelict Scouts Den site. This marks an important step toward bringing a key town‑centre location back into productive community use.

The Neale – Phase 1 Village Enhancement Scheme (‘Village Plaza’) (€500,000). The flagship ‘Village Plaza’ project will transform the existing village green into an accessible, high‑quality urban space suitable for markets, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. This is a major step forward in delivering the Neale Village Enhancement Scheme and creating a vibrant focal point for local life.

Belmullet – Slí na Farraige Coastal Walk (€300,000). This investment will deliver a new section of the Slí na Farraige coastal walk, improving accessibility, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening cultural tourism in this unique Gaeltacht community. The project will support sustainable tourism while protecting and celebrating the area’s natural heritage.

Ballina – Festival Lights Upgrade (€300,000). Funding will upgrade and expand Ballina’s festive lighting infrastructure, installing versatile lighting schemes that can be used throughout the year. This will enhance the town’s public realm, support festivals and events, and contribute to Ballina’s growing reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.

Minister of State Alan Dillon, TD, also welcomed the funding: “A significant investment in the future of our towns and villages, supporting projects that will revitalise community spaces, enhance local amenities, and ensure our towns remain vibrant, inclusive, and attractive places to live, work, and visit.”

He added: “The scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in Mayo’s rural towns and villages and this investment will further strengthen this work.”

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