Positive news for rejuvenation of historic building in heart of Ballina

An application has been made to the Department of Heritage under a new funding stream for the refurbishment of an old Garda Barracks in Ballina.

Last month, the Ballina Municipal District office submitted a funding application under the Thrive scheme for work to be carried out at the Garda Barracks on Walsh Street.

The scheme offers local authorities up to €7m to renovate disused heritage buildings in cities, regional growth centres and key towns. It is part of the Government's Town Centre First policy.

The barracks, which were built in the mid to late 1920s, closed its doors in 2005 when Gardaí moved to a new station at Lord Edward Street. The building has never been used since. In the past, it has been mooted for both housing and a cultural centre, and Cllr Mark Duffy hopes it can become an important public resource.

“It is good to see the Thrive application for the Garda Barracks. It is well placed in a cultural quarter of Ballina,” he told a meeting of Ballina Municipal District.

Head of the district Declan Turnbull said there has been some vandalism at the property recently but if funding becomes available the council will be able to move quickly and begin work.