Ballina community group gets lease extension for historic building
The Estoria Cinema on Teeling Street in Ballina (now occupied by the Ballina Men's Shed group) could accommodate 750 patrons in its heyday in the 1950s.
Councillors in Ballina have agreed to extend the lease of the Estoria Cinema to Ballina Men’s Shed for the next five years.
The agreement will see the Men’s Shed pay €100 per annum for the lease of the building on Teeling Street. Head of the municipal district Declan Turnbull told last week's meeting that the rent was below market value but legislation allows the council to offer a lease with lowered rent to a community group such as the Men’s Shed.
Cllr Mark Duffy said the Ballina Men’s Shed was a great organisation that does beneficial work for its members and local community.
“The work is beneficial but from a mental health point of view, it is great for older people, people who are retired or might be alone otherwise,” he said.
Cllr John O’Hara also welcomed the lease.
“The Estoria is a fine building, a spacious building but was in bad shape before the Men’s Shed brought it up to standard. It is a great asset to the people of the town.”
Cllr Annie May Reape said it was fortunate Ballina retained its Men’s Shed as a number were lost during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, a proposal to finalise the lease will be placed on the agenda of the next full meeting of Mayo Co Council in September.
