Hopes for new lease of life for former Mayo Scouts Den

INITIAL exploratory works to remove an eyesore building in Ballyhaunis are afoot.

It is hoped that the former Scouts Den can be given a new lease of life to address much needed facilities in the town.

The lack of youth and childcare facilities is one area that has come out of consultation on the Ballyhaunis Town Centre First initiative, Councillor Alma Gallagher told a meeting of Mayo County Council.

An engineer's report has been completed on the Scouts Den, with a council commitment for additional reports to see what can be done with the property.

“It is a complete eyesore,” said Councillor Gallagher, and it is the first thing you see when coming out of the train station.

She looked forward to working with council management to see what can be done - demolish or repurpose some of it.

Councillor Gallagher said she just doesn't want to see reports - she wants action, and she told council management that funding has to be put behind the town centre first plan.