Council needs to be clear with public about future of Imperial Hotel

MAYO County Council needs to clarify its position on the future of the Imperial Hotel in Castlebar. That is the opinion of Sinn Féin local election candidate Donna Hyland.

Ms. Hyland explained: “Mayo County Council acquired the Imperial Hotel when it came up for sale in 2011. At the time, many people applauded the council’s decision to buy the property but unfortunately nothing has been done to rejuvenate the property in over a decade and it has been let fall into a state of disrepair.

“The Imperial Hotel holds significant value to the people of Castlebar and indeed in the County of Mayo. The hotel has an important connection to the Land League, to Michael Davitt and Charles Parnell. The hotel has many other associations with the history of our people.”

The future of the hotel has become the subject of intense debate and interest to the public since the sale of the hotel fell through.

The Sinn Féin local election candidate thinks that ‘given the current public discussion on the future of the building, Mayo County Council should seek ideas for the hotel’s use’.

Ms. Hyland continued: “I understand that funding has been ring-fenced to regenerate the hotel and the council is looking at the possibility of re-establishing a boutique hotel on the property or a business innovation hub.

“I do not think it would be for me to say what the property could be used for, but I think given the clear public interest in the hotel that Mayo County Council should hold a public consultation to identify possible uses for the hotel.

“This is what I have requested in a letter to the chief executive of Mayo County Council.”

Mayo County Council recently sought expressions of interest from developers to carry out works to bring the hotel back into use.

Added Ms. Hyland: “There is some confusion amongst the public about the future of the property and as the owners of the site Mayo County Council need to be clear with the public as to whether the Imperial Hotel will remain in public ownership.

“I think the view that the hotel could be developed with its connection to Michael Davitt at the heart of the development will be eroded if the hotel does not remain in public ownership.”