Work gets underway on new apartments in Castlebar
Work is getting underway on a new Mayo County Council apartment development at Ellison Street, Castlebar. Picture: Heverin Photography
A new housing project in the heart of Castlebar has been warmly welcomed but there is concern about the pace of its delivery and that of other developments in the town.
Work has got underway on the construction of four one-bedroom apartments on Lower Charles Street with the move welcomed by Fine Gael Minister of State, Alan Dillon.
“Breathing new life into our towns and villages by addressing dereliction and vacancy is a key priority of mine. Projects like this, while they take time to get from concept to site, are crucial to revitalise town centres.
"The project encompasses the demolition of two dilapidated properties, significantly contributing to the urban renewal in the centre of Castlebar."
Minister Dillon disclosed that the contract for the project has been granted to Finna Construction, a firm located in Cross, Cong. The project is slated for completion in July 2025.
“I am pleased that this project received approval from my own Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. This will result in the removal of two unsightly derelict properties from the area, breathing new life into them. I would like to extend my commendations to the team at Mayo County Council who are managing the development in-house. This project, alongside the Ellison Street regeneration plan converting old derelict buildings into 12 one and two-bedroom apartments, will undoubtedly contribute to the town’s revitalisation,” he added.
Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne welcomed the project but expressed frustration over the length of time it has taken to get started.
“There really should be people living in those apartments by now. This has been going on for years now and the same thing applies to the derelict houses further up the street closer to the bridge. That’s going on for ages and ages. It just takes so long to get anything done. We really need to see these type of projects speeded up."
