Westport courthouse could rejuvenate Castlebar Street – Flynn

'FANTASTIC ASSET' Westport Courthouse is now in the ownership of Mayo County Council but how it will be developed into the future is up for debate.  Pic: Conor McKeown


Anton McNulty

THE redevelopment of the Westport Courthouse should act as a catalyst to rejuvenate Castlebar Street, according to a Westport councillor.
The Westport Courthouse, which was closed by the Court Service in 2013, was recently taken over by Mayo County Council. The decision to take ownership of the historic building was welcomed by local councillors at last week’s meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District.
The building is located at the corner of Castlebar Street and Distillery Road, and Westport-based Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn said it is important that such a prominent building is put back in use.
“It is a prominent spot into town from the Castlebar side of town, and I would hope this will signal a rejuvenation of the Castlebar Street side of the town. It is somewhere that needs a little bit of an uplift. There are derelict buildings, particularly along the left side as you go into town, and I hope this will be a kick start for this street,” he said.
Cllr Brendan Mulroy also welcomed Mayo County Council’s decision to take ownership of the courthouse. He said its closure was a massive loss to Westport and believes it could be used by a number of local organisations.
The courthouse, which dates back to the 19th century, is a protected building. Catherine McConnell, Director of Services, told the meeting that some damage has been caused by its neglect since it was closed.
However, she said the council is delighted to take ownership of the building from the Courts Service and looked forward to applying for funding for its redevelopment.
“There is some damage which has occurred as a result of it being neglected for a couple of years. We will have to see what’s inside of historical, merit and the exterior has to be taken care of.
“It is a fantastic asset which we hope to be able to utilise some way, shape or form once we get our hands on appropriate funds to get it up to standards. We hope to turn it into a community asset for years to come,” she said.

Convent site
Meanwhile, councillors also welcomed the recent announcement that an addition €8 million in funding will be made available for the redevelopment of the convent site on Altamont Street in Westport.
The proposed works will include the restoration, reuse and extension of the former national school into a library and multi-use community facility. Ms O’Connell said this development will be part one of a multi-stage regeneration of that entire site, with proposals to develop accommodation for older people as well as affordable housing currently on the table.
Cllr Flynn said the restoration of the former Sisters of Mercy convent will make it one of the most significant sites in the town, and he insisted it be ‘handled sensibly’. Cllr Mulroy added that the site has a lot of history with ‘a lot of happiness and also a lot of sadness’, and asserted that it is important to find balance with any memorial in the future.