Apartment project in heart of Mayo town gets go-ahead

Councillors in the Castlebar Municipal District have granted planning permission for the development of 13 apartments at Ellison Street, which includes the demolition of the existing buildings.

The proposed development consists of the demolition works and the construction of one studio apartment, six one-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments. The scheme includes pedestrian access from Ellison Street and all associated and ancillary works. It is expected to take two years to complete.

Concluding his report, Senior Planner with Mayo County Council John McMyler recommended that planning permission be granted. All councillors agreed to proceed with approving Part 8 planning for the development.

Director of Services for the district David Mellett said a contractor is currently clearing out the back lands of the site and demolition should take place around the end of March or the start of April. He said the tendering process is progressing and expects construction to conclude within a 24-month period.

Independent Cllr Harry Barrett said he was delighted with the outcome of this process and predicted it will be "a confidence boost for Castlebar as a whole to see this progress".

“For far too long these buildings have been a major eyesore right in the centre of our county town. Local people have been frustrated at the lack of progress and the sense that nothing was happening,” he said.

“It is very positive to now have a clear timeframe for demolition. This is an important step forward for Castlebar. Clearing these unsafe and unsightly properties will lift the look of the street and send a strong signal that dereliction will not be allowed to linger in our town centre.”

Cllr Blackie Gavin said it was great news to see this area of the town being cleaned up and more homes being provided in the town centre.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.