Contractor appointed to complete €2.5m. Castlebar Urban Greenway Link project
Funding of €2.5 million has been secured under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local government to develop the last remaining town centre section of the Greenway from Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, to Turlough.
The URDF fund is a government initiative under Project Ireland 2040 as part of a commitment to balanced regional development.
Mayo County Council has now appointed Paraic McTigue Contractors Castlebar Limited to carry out the work
The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, which is deemed a model of sustainable thinking, now links vast areas of the county and was extended from Westport in 2015 to connect Islandeady, Castlebar and Turlough House Park andGardens (National Museum of Country Life).
The Castlebar Urban Greenway Link project will see the final connection in a chain of public amenities stretching from Lough Lannagh in the west to the Town Park and Turlough Trailhead to the east of the town centre.
Incorporating Bridge Street, Castle Street car park, the Military Barracks, Lower Charles Street and Springfield, this regeneration project will serve to provide a high value amenity and a sustainable transport option to connect social, cultural, retail, educational and residential districts of Castlebar.
It will incorporate significant street enhancements, a new link to the Military Barracks and the creation of a new public space for outdoor events and markets.
The total project cost is €2.5 million, a sum of €938,000 being allocated for the Greenway link and €1.6 million to commence work on the restoration of the military barracks.
The urban regeneration project will provide an attractive and accessible pedestrian friendly public environment where the attraction to use the motor vehicle is mitigated in favour of a high quality sustainable model linking other primary and secondary complimentary initiatives including the Castlebar Riverwalk, The Mall, Great Western Greenway (Primary), schools, Military Barracks and public parks.
It will enhance social participation including engagement with schools, stake holders and the establishment of new market stalls
The project is designed to increase tourist and visitor numbers, encourage social and cultural participation, promote historical heritage, ensure high quality accessible environment, suppress vehicle dominance and underpin economic growth.
New footways, parking, street lighting, crossings, roads and street lighting will be out in place.
It will also establish and enhanced connection to the military barracks.
Councillor Blackie Gavin, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, said it is a good news story for the county town and he acknowledged the efforts of all those involved in bringing the project to this stage.
"I am extremely proud of this achievement," he added.
Local TD Alan Dillon welcomed the news. He explained a sum of €938,000 is allocated for the Urban Greenway link and €1.6 million to commence work on the restoration of the military barracks.
"Well done to everybody at Mayo County Council for their hard work," he stated.