Community-led regeneration project in Mayo town awaits funding decision

A funding application has been submitted for the Tower Hub Project in Killala under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), with hopes that the community-led project will act as a “real catalyst” for the town.

Spearheaded by Killala Community Council, the Tower Hub Project will see the former Tower Bar in the centre of the town transformed into a vibrant community hub.

The group purchased the site after the pub was put up for sale in 2021. In June this year, Mayo County Council granted planning permission for the building to be converted from a licensed premises into a community building.

The development will include a library space, training space, as well as a retail and multi-purpose space. The total estimated cost for the project is in excess of €2m.

At the October meeting of the Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly welcomed progress on the funding application and said the project would be a “real catalyst for Killala”.

“It has gone forward for funding and hopefully we will know before the end of the year. At the core [the project] is regenerating the building, creating a visitor experience, and it is a building that will be used by the local community as well,” he said.

Cllr Munnelly said the Tower Hub Project was a key objective of Killala's Town Centre First plan, adding that it will utilise the town's heritage while offering something to visitors.

“Hopefully we will have a positive outcome,” he added.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.