Work to begin next year on Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre in Mayo

Construction on the €3 million Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre will begin early next year.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has received confirmation that tenders are currently being sought for the architect-led design team for the restoration of the east wing and the creation of a new cultural and heritage-based visitor attraction.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Dillon said: “In order to comply with public procurement requirements and to deliver the project through to completion under a public works contract, an architect-led design team must be procured and are currently being sought.

“Once appointed the design team will prepare tender documents for the construction stage. This is expected to happen in quarter two of 2023. Mayo County Council, the lead party for the project, expects construction works to commence in quarter one of 2024.”

Deputy Dillon continued: “The new building will comprise of three floors and will house an exhibition space, galleries and interactive technology to convey to visitors the history of Ballintubber and its Abbey in the context of the evolution of Christianity. Integral to the project are additional visitor facilities, including lifts and stairs, toilets and offices.”

The Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre project was awarded €2,677,352 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2019. A further €350,000 was allocated from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Deputy Dillon outlined his frustration with the slow progress through the procurement stages and is anxious that this project would be given priority and that works would start as soon as possible.

“The new Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre will really put Ballintubber Abbey on the map for culture, heritage and tourism. The funding is in place to allow for works on the reconstruction of the east wing and build on over 800 years of history that this landmark heritage location offers. I am delighted that a timeline is finally in place for this project and that work will get underway within the next 10 months.”