Plans for major Mayo urban development facing a deadline

Plans for a multi-million-euro town centre development for Castlebar will become clearer shortly.

The proposal by the Mall Syndicate includes a 98-bedroom nursing home, 49 sheltered apartments, and a mix of retail and office space on a site adjacent to the Castle Street carpark.

If approved, it is set to be one of the biggest ever town centre development in Castlebar.

However, the planning office of Mayo County Council is awaiting further information after a three-month extension was requested by the developers.

This information is expected to be furnished by July 3 next.

In the event of the deadline not been met, the application will be deemed to have been withdrawn.

The site in question is an infill and part brownfield site adjoining the Castle Street carpark, Rock Square and the laneway to the former military barracks (a protected structure) at Gorteendrunagh, Castlebar. It also includes a derelict property on Castle Street - Ivy House.

The proposed development would provide for 49 sheltered apartments, with a mix of 24 two-bedroom and 25 one-bedroom units, as well as 46 undercroft parking spaces.

This four-storey block will also have three retail spaces plus an office unit.

Two new pedestrian connections between the Castle Street carpark and existing military barracks laneway also form part of the plan, with five new openings in the barracks wall, which is a protected structure.