Redevelopment of four derelict sites can be a 'catalyst' for Mayo town

The redevelopment of four derelict sites in Ballinrobe into residential units should be a catalyst for further development in the south Mayo town, councillors were told.

Councillors in south Mayo welcomed the development of four projects in Ballinrobe which will see derelict buildings in the town redeveloped into 14 residential units.

The projects were given the green light by local councillors at the monthly meeting of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District and they were described as something which Ballinrobe badly needs.

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The four separate derelict buildings located on Convent Road, Creagh Road, Castlebar Road and Main Street in Ballinrobe will be redeveloped to comprise of a mix of apartments, bungalows and two-storey houses.

The buildings on Convent Road and Castlebar will be demolished while the other two buildings on Main Street and Creagh Road will be refurbished and extended.

Some of the derelict buildings in the town were described as 'eyesores' and local councillor Michael Burke complimented the council staff and local residents for working together.

“I want to compliment everyone involved in doing the drawings and the consultation with the neighbourhood. There were a few issues and I have to say that I am truly satisfied that everyone is happy and hopefully those projects will go out to tender as soon as possible.

“It is not always easy to facilitate but I must complement John [Kearns, Senior Executive Engineer, Mayo County Council] and Simon Wall [Senior Architect]. It is amazing what can be solved over a cup of tea. The council have proven in these cases that they can more than facilitate and we have a project in my point of view that I can support 100 percent without anyone saying they are not happy and that is unusual in four schemes like this,” he told the meeting.

Independent councillor Patsy O'Brien also voiced his support for the projects saying that they could not come quick enough for the town.

Fianna Fáil councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Damien Ryan echoed his colleagues' sentiments and suggested that the project should be submitted for a national award as an example of what can be done to derelict buildings.

“The fact we are talking about four locations in a state of considerable disrepair and we are doing a great service to the public.

“I want to acknowledge the work of the Municipal District and our derelict site unit in getting these proposals here today. Ballinrobe has the worst statistics in relation to derelict sites and here we are now taking out four sites and delivering 14 units.

“It has been on the agenda for many a day and in fairness you have pushed it and pushed it. This can be a project which can be submitted for a national award when it's done. We should photograph it before and after and show how you can turn around dereliction in your town and turn a negative into a positive,” he said.

Director of Services Tom Gilligan thanked the members for backing the project but added there were a lot more derelict and vacant sites which need developing.

“It is a bit early yet to break open the champagne because there is still an awful lot of dereliction and vacancies we have to deal with. This is a great moment and can be a catalyst for Ballinrobe and great to see projects take fruition.”