Extra funding to be sought from Government to complete Ballinrobe Town Hall project

The annual general meeting of Ballinrobe Civic, Arts and Amenity Company CLG (Ballinrobe Town Hall) took place last week, drawing the largest attendance in many years.

The proposed new Town Hall, to be developed in the former Valkenburg building, will provide a modern multi-purpose venue including a 300-seater theatre and events hall, sub-dividable spaces, meeting rooms, changing facilities, accommodation, a kitchen suitable for caterers catering for events in the venue, nine bedrooms for short-stay accommodation and accessible and inclusive design features throughout.

Chairperson Michael Sweeney opened the meeting by outlining the extensive work undertaken during 2025, much of it behind the scenes. He paid particular tribute to South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) for leading the application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and acknowledged the roles of CEO Sabina Trench, CFO Patricia Joyce and the wider professional team. He also thanked Mayo County Council and local Councillors Damien Ryan, Michael Burke and Patsy O’Brien for their support. Mr Sweeney emphasised that while outward progress may have appeared slow during 2025, weekly issues required attention throughout the year.

He reported that the project now faces increased financial pressure due to inflation and enhanced building regulations, resulting in higher construction costs. The company is seeking an uplift in Government funding and a reduction in local match-funding from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.

This position is fully supported by the detailed business case submitted by SWMDC said Mr Sweeney. With meetings expected shortly with officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, he stressed that political support will now be critical in securing the necessary funding.

A number of design modifications were outlined, notably the incorporation of two universal-access bedrooms on the ground floor, which will allow the Town Hall to provide modern, accessible accommodation for visitors with disabilities. Treasurer Seán O’Connell reported that the board had explored various income-generating options and agreed that additional accommodation met the needs of Ballinrobe more effectively than a café, given the presence of similar businesses in close proximity to the hall. The accommodation model will also support the long-term sustainability of the building.

Secretary Siobhán O’Malley delivered a detailed account of the year’s work, including design- team progress to tender stage, ongoing liaison with the Department regarding increased costs, building inspections, planning applications for roof elevation and change of use and the sale of surplus items after the building was closed to all public use.

She highlighted the voluntary commitment of board members, including travel to Dublin, door- to-door correspondence delivery and continuous engagement with professional partners.

PRO Liam Horan presented his annual report, noting that 2025 had been primarily a year of technical and preparatory work. Mr Sweeney authorised Mr Horan to prepare a PR plan for the next phase of the campaign. During general discussion, attendees expressed strong consensus that Ballinrobe needs this Town Hall and that every possible effort must be made to secure the project. The high attendance reflected widespread community interest in progress and ‘next steps’. Ballinrobe Town Hall opened in 1886 and had served as a central hub for musicals, plays, concerts, meetings, dances and a wide variety of community events until its closure in 1996, after it had fallen into significant disrepair.

It was demolished in 1999 for unavoidable safety and legal reasons as debris from the failing roof had begun to fall, creating a serious hazard to the public. Insurers were no longer willing to cover the building and the board at the time did not have the funds required to replace the roof.

In these circumstances, demolition was deemed to be the only responsible option. Mr Sweeney concluded by emphasising that securing additional Government funding is essential to the future of the project, noting that failure to do so would be a huge blow to the town and could delay any future attempt for many years. He stressed that Ballinrobe is not seeking a hand-out but a hand-up, and that the redevelopment of the Valkenburg represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regenerate the centre of a rural town that is grappling with vacancy and dereliction.

He urged a united approach as the organisation works with SWMDC and local representatives to secure the required support. If the extra funding is not secured, he said, it will inevitably be allocated elsewhere, and the clear implication would be that Ballinrobe is not considered deserving of this vital investment. He said that this would be a very disappointing outcome, given the scale of community commitment and the transformative potential of the project.

Anyone interested in supporting this major project should contact Chairperson Michael Sweeney (087 258 8615) or Secretary Siobhan O’Malley (087 207 2307). The following are the directors and officers for the coming year: Chairperson, Michael Sweeney; Vice-chair, Michael Burke; Secretary, Siobhan O’Malley; Treasurer, Sean O’Connell; PRO, Liam Horan. Directors: Des May, Margot O’Shea, Sheena Duddy.

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