'Game changer': historic Mayo site to become a 'college of the future'
Councillors in the Castlebar Municipal District greatly welcomed a Section 183 notice for the sale of Block C and D of the town’s historic Military Barracks to the Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) for a figure of €704,835 (excluding VAT).
They noted the proposal at a meeting of the MD in Balla yesterday where Director of Services Katherine McConnell outlined the plans which would see the Council retain Block A and B of the Barracks for future development.
“The MSLETB want to create a college of the future in Castlebar and it seems it could be a game changer,” she said.
“This would be the largest educational investment in Mayo.”
She said that the proposed development would address issues of dereliction at the site and would also recognized the archaeological importance of the area.
Cllr Blackie Gavin said this was a great news story for Castlebar and the county at large and he said he hopes that it will boost the number of tradespeople.
“We’re crying out for different tradesmen, these are the type of people we need in this economy. This is a great start and we’re right in the heart of Castlebar,” he said.
Cllr Donna Sheridan, who is on the board of the MSLETB, welcomed the proposal.
“The Council have been so helpful and so supportive. This is absolutely brilliant and will be a game changer for Castlebar.”
Cllr Michael Kilcoyne welcomed the proposal but expressed concern over a lack of accommodation for prospective students.
“It is past time something is done with the Barracks but there are a lot of students going to be coming in. Where are they going to stay? That needs to be considered.”
The proceeds from the sale of assets such as the Barracks and the Imperial Hotel, which was also discussed at the meeting, typically go into the Council's capital account to help fund capital projects and provide match funding for projects part funded by Government funding and allocations.
The item will be discussed and finalised at Monday's meeting of Mayo County Council.
