Collapse of Mayo Peace Park Wall would be an 'international embarrassment'

Mayo County Council faces ‘international embarrassment’ if it allows the Mayo Peace Park Memorial wall to collapse.

Cllr Harry Barrett told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District that the situation must be addressed.

The Memorial Wall continues to deteriorate with cracks and fissures spreading across the black stone which bears the names of those who died in the wars of the 20th century.

The Mayo Peace Park and Garden of Remembrance, located on Lannagh Road, Castlebar commemorates all those from Mayo who served and died in conflicts around the globe.

Opened in 2008, it served as a tribute and also a tourist attraction but is now facing collapse.

Cllr Barrett called on Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to be issued an invite to Castlebar where councillors can personally request he provide the funding for the specialist repair work required.

Demolishing and fully rebuilding the wall is estimated to cost in the region of €200,000. The 16-year-old structure has suffered from severe subsidence issues with safety fencing installed as a result.

“If that collapse on our watch it will not only be a national embarrassment, it will be an international embarrassment. There needs to be significant OPW money spent on the specialist techniques that will be needed to renovate it,” said Cllr Barrett.

The meeting heard that the problem was caused after the foundations of the wall failed.

Cllr Ger Deere said he has spoken to experts who disagree with the council’s assessment that the wall cannot be underpinned.

“It’s a block wall at the end of the day,” he remarked.

However, Director of Services with Mayo County Council, David Mellett, told councillors that the cost of underpinning the structure was estimated to be €400,000.