Funding boost for three Mayo 'town centre first' projects

Minister of State Dara Calleary has welcomed funding for three Mayo projects under The Town Centre First Funding Stream from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Minister Calleary elaborated: “I am delighted to announce very good news for three Mayo communities who will each receive funding for projects under the Town Centre First Plan.

"In Killala €49,875 will be earmarked for the redevelopment of the Tower Bar site to deliver a multi-faceted community hub in the town centre.

"The funding will allow the proposal to move through the planning and development phase, making it ready for construction.

"The building has previously been purchased by the community.

"This is a further example of sustained investment in Killala in recent years as we move towards unlocking its undisputed potential.

"With such development comes a certain level of disruption and I want to thank all business owners and residents for their continued patience as these projects move through the construction phase.

“In Charlestown €47,500 has been secured for a project that relates to the repurposing of a town centre building as a community hub.

"This funding will enable feasibility studies, design drawings, planning, fire and DAC certification compliance drawings and reports to be completed, while in Tourmakeady €50,000 has been allocated for a project allowing access to the former Coláiste Connacht with the intention to repurpose it into a Smart Village and Cultural Innovation Hub.

“I am delighted to continue to support our rural towns and villages and thank Minister Humphreys for her ongoing support of so many projects throughout Mayo that have benefitted from Department of Rural and Community Development funding since 2020.

"I look forward to each of these projects being completed and assisting to make our smaller towns and villages more attractive places to work and live in,” he said.

Minister of State Alan Dillon said the funding will assist Mayo County Council in creating a pipeline of significant, well-developed projects in these local towns and he is particularly delighted for the three chosen Mayo towns.

“The scheme aims to address issues of dereliction and vacant properties. It represents another step towards revitalising Mayo’s local communities and fostering growth and development in rural areas," he stated.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Michael Ring said the funding will support bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use and support excellent projects such as the development of community and visitor hubs.

“I am delighted to see such investment in our Mayo towns and villages making these locations even better places to live, work and raise a family in.

“I look forward to seeing these projects and initiatives progress,” he added.