Castlebar Order of Malta secures €470,000 for new headquarters

Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, has announced a €474,145 grant for the redevelopment of a new Order of Malta headquarters in Castlebar. 

The funds, allocated under Category 3 of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), will revitalise the Pavilion Road building, which is currently unfit for use and requires redevelopment. 

This news was confirmed by Minister Heather Humphreys TD during her visit to Mayo.

Minister Dillon expressed his delight in supporting the Castlebar Order of Malta’s rebuilding efforts, calling the organisation ‘a pillar of support’ to the community in the last 80 years.

“It was disheartening to witness the current building on the verge of ruin, with operations being conducted from a garage at the rear of the unused building where they housed their ambulance and conducted training. 

“This funding will be instrumental in securing the continuation of their mission to save lives, touch lives, and change lives,” he added.

The Castlebar Order of Malta currently comprises 40 members and 25 cadets, aged ten and above.

Minister Dillon continued: “This new facility will allow them to host more events, enhance training, and maintain the highest standards, ensuring that ambulance and critical equipment are readily available even during peak periods.”

Minister Dillon praised Second Lieutenant Tom Jennings, ex Officer-in-Charge Lieutenant Liam Mc Hugh, current Officer-in-Charge Cathal O Boyle, Donal Geraghty, and all the members of the Castlebar Order of Malta unit for their hard work in securing this funding. 

He also thanked Mayo County Council and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD for their support.

Local Mayo councillor, Ger Deere, also welcomed the news and called it a ‘wonderful start to the week’.

“I was delighted to have supported this application along with all members of the Castlebar MD for this funding. For over 80 years, the Order of Malta have provided vital services to all sections of community life in our area.

“Their commitment and outstanding volunteerism has to be applauded. This last number of years has been very difficult for them as they had no base to operate from, but despite this, they managed to keep providing great services. Thankfully, with this funding, they will finally have a state-of-the-art headquarters going forward.” he said.

The local election candidate continued: “On a day like today we remember all the wonderful volunteers and members who gave so much to the order, in particular I think of the late John Cunnighman, Heather Heneghan, and Gerry Costello.”

The Fine Gael councillor commended Minister Alan Dillon, and said he has made this a ‘priority’ since he was elected.

He also acknowledged the work of longstanding volunteer, Tom Jennings, who ‘ultimately got this over the line’. 

“My good friend Tom who has given over 40 years of dedicated services to the unit, and not a conversation goes by with Tom that he makes reference to the Order of Malta.”

In addition, Minister Dillon confirmed funding for two more projects under the TVRS. 

An allocation of €137,148 has been made to Balla CRD CLG for its ‘Raise the Roof’ project, which aims to replace the roof of the Balla Community Centre. 

A further €224,139 has been allocated to the Ballycroy Tidy Towns for the redevelopment of the existing playground, including the replacement of play equipment and surfaces, to rejuvenate a key community space.

Minister Dillon said the ‘Raise the Roof’ project is a ‘shining example’ of the community’s ‘commitment to improving local facilities’. 

“The previous funding of  €120,000 I secured for the enterprise and remote working hub has already had a significant impact, and this additional funding will further enhance the community centre for the benefit of all residents.”

“While the dedication of the Ballycroy Tidy Towns team to improving their local area is truly commendable,” said the Mayo TD.

He concluded: “Today marks a significant day for these local communities, with over €835,423 being allocated to the county.”