Major funding announcement for three Mayo projects
Castlebar Order of Malta.
Funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has been announced for three projects in the county.
A €474,145 grant has been made available for the redevelopment of a new Order of Malta headquarters in Castlebar. The funds, allocated under Category 3 of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), will revitalise the Pavilion Road building, which is currently unfit for use and requires redevelopment.
An allocation of €137,148 has been made to Balla CRD CLG for its ‘Raise the Roof’ project, which aims to replace the roof of the Balla Community Centre. A further €224,139 has been allocated to the Ballycroy Tidy Towns for the redevelopment of the existing playground, including the replacement of play equipment and surfaces, to rejuvenate a key community space.
The news was welcomed by local TDs.
Minister for State Alan Dillon expressed his delight in supporting the Castlebar Order of Malta’s rebuilding efforts, stating, “The organisation has been a pillar of support to our community for the past 80 years. It was disheartening to witness the current building on the verge of ruin, with operations being conducted from a garage at the rear of the unused building where they housed their ambulance and conducted training. This funding will be instrumental in securing the continuation of their mission to save lives, touch lives, and change lives.”
“The ‘Raise the Roof’ project is a shining example of the community’s commitment to improving local facilities. The previous funding of €120,000 I secured for the enterprise and remote working hub has already had a significant impact, and this additional funding will further enhance the community centre for the benefit of all residents.
“While the dedication of the Ballycroy Tidy Towns team to improving their local area is truly commendable,” he added.
Deputy Michael Ring congratulated and commended the successful projects.
“The benefit of this funding will be felt hugely in the successful areas. These projects have come from local communities themselves so the funding will make a real difference in these areas”.
“These projects are all about making our rural towns and villages great places to live, work and raise a family. I wish to commend the local communities who brought forward these proposals and I look forward to seeing these projects coming to fruition”.
Castlebar councillor Ger Deere singled out Order of Malta stalwart Tom Jennings for special praise in helping to get their project over the line.
"He has given 40 years of dedicated servie to the unit and not a conversation goes by with Tom that does not make reference to the Order of Malta," said Cllr Deere.
