New youth facility is opened in Belmullet

The official opening of the Canal House Community Youth Facility in Belmullet was carried out by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary on Friday, December 19th.

This landmark project will provide a dedicated space for young people in the Erris region and for the provision of youth services.

The seeds of the Canal House Community Youth Facility in Belmullet were sown following a study commissioned in 2018 by the Erris Interagency Group, which outlined a significant demand for services for children and young people with disabilities, out-of-school activities, work experience opportunities, and safe social spaces for them to use.

Canal House now delivers on these needs by creating a modern, inclusive hub for youth engagement and development, which is located close to Belmullet town centre and adjacent to the scenic canal bank walk. 

Canal House has been transformed from a semi-derelict building into a state-of-the-art NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) that reflects environmental sustainability and contemporary design. The facility includes indoor spaces for activities and for social gatherings, ensuring young people have a safe and welcoming environment.

This ambitious redevelopment was made possible through €500,000 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2022, with additional support from Mayo County Council, Erris Chamber of Commerce, Belmullet Community Futures Steering Committee, Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board (MSLETB), and Foróige.

Minister Calleary said at the opening: “I am delighted to officially open the newly constructed Canal House Community Youth Facility. This centre has been developed with support from my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme. It will provide a much-needed centre for youth activities for the Erris area. 

"The original Canal House was a very familiar landmark in the area. It has made way for this modern, bright space for young people which will enable users to access appropriate youth services in their own local area. 

“My aim is to ensure that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in supporting sustainable employment creation and town centre resilience and regeneration in Ireland’s rural towns and villages.”

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey, added: “Being a son of Erris myself makes days like this even more special – as we are opening something that is much more than just bricks and mortar.

“The Canal House Community Youth Facility will play a significant role in improving the lives of our young people, giving them a safe space to congregate, socialise, learn and access appropriate youth services in their local area is a game changer, for not only them but their families.” 

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly stated: “This redevelopment not only creates a dedicated youth space in Belmullet, but it does so in a location close to the heart of the town centre and has returned a formerly derelict building to use in a most productive way, to help shape and mould the future of the area.

"Getting a project of this nature to the stage of where it is today is something that took time and collaboration with local groups and other agencies. As a local authority, we take great pride in this collaborative approach in the delivery of projects that benefit our communities."

Tom Grady, MSLETB Chief Executive, said: “Mayo County Council is to be highly commended for the careful planning and delivery of this wonderful project. Their work has transformed Canal House into a vibrant youth centre - a safe, welcoming space where learning, creativity, and fun can truly flourish. This centre stands as a testament to their genuine commitment to the young people of Belmullet and its surrounding areas.

“MSLETB looks forward to working closely with Mayo County Council and Foróige in bringing this youth centre to life and ensuring it becomes a place where young people feel supported, valued, and inspired.”