Artists group faces huge bill for work on old courthouse in Mayo
The courthouse in Ballyhaunis dates back to 1874 but has been vacant since 2013.
Concerns have been raised about the pressure on a local community group to raise the funds needed to bring Ballyhaunis’ historic former courthouse back into use.
The old courthouse, which opened in 1874 and closed its doors in 2013, will be redeveloped into an art studio by the Rural Irish Artists Group, which is working with Mayo County Council on the project.
The building was transferred from the Office of Public Works (OPW) to Mayo County Council, which then leased it to the Rural Irish Artists Group.
Cllr Alma Gallagher welcomed €150,000 awarded to the project through the Community Recognition Fund (CRF), but warned that “a lot more to be done and a lot more to fundraise” to bring the refurbishment to fruition.
Cllr Gallagher praised the support provided to the project by Mayo County Council Municipal Architect Orla Kennelly and Director of Services Tom Gilligan, as well as the work being carried out by the Rural Irish Artists Group.
However, she said a “huge responsibility” was being placed on a community group to raise funds and manage large amounts of money in order to bring a protected historic structure back into use.
The nature of the building means conservation methods and specialist works are needed, adding to the complexity and cost of the redevelopment.
“There has to be more investigation into different models of how we can attract private investment, and the governing structures along with those partnerships as well.” Cllr Gallagher said.
Work has begun on the courthouse, with the CRF allocation funding a new roof, as well as work to dry out the damp interior and rewire the building. However, further refurbishment works will depend on securing additional funding.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
