Mayo military barracks site 'under consideration' for two multi-million-euro projects

The Military Barracks site in Castlebar is under consideration as the preferred location for a major further education and training education facility, The Connaught Telegraph can reveal.

The Department of Higher Education is moving closer in its efforts to construct a proposed College of Further Education and Training on the town centre site.

The site and a number of buildings at the location have been identified as a potential suitable place for the top class facility serving the region.

Castlebar was one of 12 locations nationally selected for a wide range of third-level courses, including apprenticeships, following a successful application process.

Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB has to submit a final business care for the project to progress in 2025.

If successful, the new college will be taking over a substantial proportion of the barracks property, including buildings nearest the Rock Square access.

However, Mayo County Council is to retain ownership of blocks A and B near the Barrack Bridge entrance where €7 million will be spent on converting them into an innovation centre.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Harry Barrett said the projects will finally transform a major site near the town centre which had fallen into decline over the past number of years.

"This is very significant progress and I look forward to work starting on site on both of the proposals," he added.

Elected members of Castlebar Municipal District were briefed on both proposals at a workshop.

Council officials and Minister of State Alan Dillon have involved closely in the successful negotiations to date.