Ballinrobe’s Ulster Bank sold

Ciara Galvin

EVERY assistance will be given to the new owner of Ballinrobe’s iconic Ulster Bank building in order to create jobs. That was the promise by local Fianna FΡil councillor Damien Ryan.
Cllr Ryan was speaking to The Mayo News about the recent purchase of the cut limestone former banking house which was bought by a local businessman last month.
The building, which is located at the junction of Glebe Street and Main Street, had been on the market for three months following the closure of the Ulster Bank branch last March.
It was bought for approximately €100,000 over the asking price of the bargain €120,000 price tag.
Speaking about the sale, auctioneer Michael Mannion of Sherry Fitzgerald Mannion in Tuam, said there had been ‘very good interest’ in the property since it went on the market.
“It’s a fine building and you wouldn’t see the likes of it being built now,” said Mr Mannion.
It is not yet known of future plans for the building but it was marketed as being suitable for retail, hospitality or residential.
“I hope it is a local person that has bought the property and that they will have the best interests of Ballinrobe at heart. It is an iconic building in the town. 65 plus jobs have been lost in the town in recent times so whatever we can do as the local authority to facilitate the creation of jobs here, we will,” said Ryan.
The building is made up of a concealed cellar which could be used for storage. The first floor is laid out into four separate rooms previously used as offices; The second floor is similarly laid out to provide four rooms and there as some more offices on the third floor.
“There are some wonderful view of the town of Ballinrobe,”said Mr Mannion.
The three storey stone cut property is listed as a protected structure under the Mayo County Development Plan.
Planning policy for the area is contained within the Ballinrobe Local Area Plan 2010-2016.