Knock and rebuild recommended to solve Mayo Peace Park wall subsidence issue

THE Mayo Peace Park wall in Castlebar should be demolished and rebuilt, an expert has recommended.

There are safety concerns at the site due to subsidence, with works to erect fencing to cordon off the memorial wall due to start next month.

An update report on the matter, issued by Castlebar Municipal District, set out how the contractor has been appointed to fabricate and erect the fencing solution around the peace park wall to ensure visitors to the site are kept a safe distance back from the wall. This interim work is being funded from GMA, as agreed by elected members of the Castlebar MD.

The design has been approved and the 4-5 weeks of fabrication works is underway.

'We would expect works to commence on the ground in July 2024,' the report stated.

The report continued: 'The emerging long-term solution recommended by our appointed structural engineer consultant is to demolish the existing wall and rebuild it using modern construction techniques and materials.

'This approach offers the opportunity to address underlying structural and drainage issues comprehensively, ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the wall.

'This will require significant financial investment and we are looking to identify suitable sources of funding.'

Meanwhile the peace park committee, in a letter to local elected representatives, has raised issues with a recent council report, with, it says the council 'distancing' itself from its involvement in the initial build project.

Councillor Ger Deere said they seemed to contradict a lot of what was in the council report and he asked that the matter be looked at properly.