Unexpected change of plan for historic building in Mayo town
The Imperial Hotel at the Mall in Castlebar dates back to 1838.
Castlebar councillors were divided on proposals for the future of the Imperial Hotel when they held their monthly municipal district meeting last Thursday.
Independent Cllr Harry Barrett tabled a motion calling on the council to agree to the development of the historic building as the site for the new civic offices and administrative buildings for the district.
He said Castlebar has a growing population and contended that council offices are at “bursting point". He also questioned why Castlebar Municipal District is left without civic offices that are available in other towns.
“This can be done if we vote to move on it,” Cllr Barrett stated.
Councillors had previously passed a motion calling on the council to explore options in relation to the development of the building as a hotel. That process is due to be completed in October.
Cllrs Cyril Burke and Ger Deere said this option should be explored fully and be allowed to reach its conclusion.
“The majority of the public want it open as a hotel,” said Cllr Deere.
Cllrs Blackie Gavin and Michael Kilcoyne backed Barrett’s proposal.
“The people of Castlebar deserve better,” said Cllr Gavin.
Cllr Al McDonnell said the famous building, the site of the founding of the Land League, has “gone downhill” since coming under council ownership.
“We want to see the doors open,” he commented.
Head of Castlebar Municipal District, David Mellett, said funding was received under the Urban Regeneration Fund for the development of the hotel as an Innovation Hub. He said this funding could not be applied to a civic office project.
“You don’t have the money to implement the motion and it contravenes a previous motion exploring the hotel proposal,” stated Director of Services, John Condon.
Mr Condon said at least €6 million would be required to develop the Imperial, adding: “We don’t have that.”
He also said it would take 10 years of General Municipal Allocation (GMA) money to fund Cllr Barrett’s proposal.
Cllr Barrett argued that political will could see it succeed.
“Let this be a general election issue," he said, adding that it was a “fallacy” to suggest the building could be developed as a hotel again.
“It’s never going to be a hotel,” he remarked.
A vote was taken with Cllrs Burke and McDonnell absent from the meeting. Cllrs Barrett, Gavin, and Kilcoyne voted in favour of the civic office plan while Cllrs Deere and Donna Sheridan voted against.
