Call for focus on built heritage in making Mayo town a more attractive place to live and visit

A call has been made to improve the visual aesthetics that should be central to the identity and character of Castlebar.

That's the view of David McCarthy in a submission to Castlebar Town & Environs Local Area Plan 2021-2027.

Describing himself as a native of Castlebar with a background and interest in the arts, culture and built heritage, he said it is apparent that many aspects of the urban environment are under-appreciated and in a depressed state.

He puts forward some ideas for renewal that can contribute to make the town a more attractive place to live and visit.

Mr. McCarthy elaborated: “A focus on built heritage and their façades in conjunction with art mural projects and a landscaping plan along the river should be considered to any improvement works that take place in future developments, while also helping to enhance pride of place, recreation, tourism and amenities.”

He stated it is evident that many buildings on the streets of the town centre are in poor condition.

They include remnants of decades-old signage, features on building façades that are unrelated to businesses currently occupying premisses along Main Street and other thoroughfares.

He outlined: “Such relics are an eyesore and visual obstruction. Disjointed and shoddy appearances of buildings are also evident in the upper storeys and gables of the streetscape.

“Enhancement projects planned for buildings on Ellison Street, The Mall and Barracks will help reinvigorate the town.

“Further features and details of persistent dereliction evident in both occupied and unoccupied premises throughout Castlebar should not be overlooked and would benefit from remedial and preservation works via an urban enhancement scheme.

“Recent improvements at Burleigh House, Ellison Street, and at Faheys, Main Street, are fine examples that represent a contemporary approach while highlighting built heritage features.

“A dedicated uniformity extant in key architectural buildings would improve the character, perception, and profile of Castlebar.

“Initiating such a project by involving local trades and crafts would provide employment, reinvigorate aesthetic and appearance, while demonstrating pride of place.

“Other examples of such improvement schemes that have taken place in Irish towns are plentiful and should be considered as a reference point.”

Mr. McCarthy said The Mall, a fine feature, appropriately signifies Castlebar’s position as administrative capital of the county.

But alternative references to this designation and theme of importance and the town's history are lacking, he pointed out.

“Sympathetically designed information points relating to the town’s origins, cultural and social history could be placed at key locations and serve as a self-guided tour feature.

“Locations could also include, but are not limited to, the old Humbert Inn, the Linenhall, Staball Hill, old bacon and hat factories, McHale Park, birthplace of Ernie O’Malley, in addition to other landmarks relating to significant figures and events.

“There is an ample amount of history at key locations that could be accessibly presented while helping to signify Castlebar’s position as the county town.”

At key approaches into the town, he stated at the N5 roundabout a new welcome signage and a sculptural work that is representative of Castlebar’s historical origins could be erected.

“Adding to this, where possible on other routes at strategically located buildings and back land areas, consideration should be given for several artistic mural projects and/or art installations that reflect the area’s diverse culture and heritage in historical and contemporary themes.

“Overall, there is a lack of artistic projects in public spaces throughout the urban environment.

“Interlinking and showcasing quality urban art would help improve Castlebar’s sense of community and identity while also providing revitalisation of the area.

“The river is a much undervalued and forgotten feature of the town. While it is not comparable to the geology and beauty of a natural river, it is however unique by Irish standards.

“Features of its urban and man-made character are conducive to modern enhancement and integration with the built environment.

“Adopting a biodiverse urban garden theme, inclusive of shrubs, wildflowers, plants, and sculptural features at bridge locations and stretches of bank from Lucan Street area to the town lake could prove to be a worthy attraction while improving recreation and tourism.

“Any potential residential apartment developments and living areas in the town centre could also incorporate contemporary urban gardens while linking thematically with enhancements carried out along the river,” he added.