Plans to turn former pub into education centre

There are plans to transform a former Mayo pub into an education centre related to medical technologies.

A planning application has been submitted to Mayo County Council seeking to turn the former public house and restaurant premises located at Derryherbert, Liscarney, Westport into a new facility which facilitate technical and vocational education and training activities relating to medical and catheter-based technologies.

The premises, previously known as Darbys, has been vacant for some time. The applicant, Damian Carr of Eydea Medtech Consulting Ltd, is aiming to create employment opportunities and economic benefits through the project.

A supporting Planning Statement comments that the proposal seeks to sustainably reactivate an existing vacant commercial premises through a low-impact educational use which is compatible with the surrounding rural environment and aligned with national and local planning objectives encouraging rural regeneration, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, sustainable development, and enterprise growth.

“The existing build form and commercial layout will be retained and reused. The proposed development therefore represents the sustainable reuse of an existing underutilised premises rather than the creation of a new greenfield development,” the statement said.

The proposed use will include educational workshop facilities, classroom and demonstration areas, ancillary office and administration uses, and practical technical training functions. The proposed facility will operate primarily during daytime weekday hours.

"The proposal represents an appropriate adaptive reuse of an existing vacant commercial premises while avoiding unnecessary new-build development within the rural landscape,” the Planning Statement prepared by Keith Walsh Architects states.

“The long-term objective of the development is to contribute positively toward inward investment opportunities, specialist employment growth, technical skills development, and increased engagement between international medtech organisations and County Mayo. The proposal is also intended to support broader regional economic activity within areas including Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Knock, and Claremorris through associated educational, accommodation, transport, and business activity,” the Statement adds. Mayo County Council is expected to rule on the application by August 24.