Work set to start on Mayo centre of musical excellence

WORK will get underway early next month on the development of a centre of excellence by the Mayo Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA).

The contract for the project at Breaffy Road Retail Park in Castlebar has been awarded to local firm, Michael Duane Builders (Castlebar) Limited.

The contract-signing ceremony took place at the offices of Danny Moran Architects, Hopkins Road, Castlebar.

It was attended by the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Blackie Gavin, and the cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

Also in attendance were MAPA committee members Declan Hynes, Sean Gavin and Tom Kelly.

The work will involve the development and fitting-out of a newly purchased building which will be used to teach various aspects of performing arts and allow for performances and recordings.

Leader has allocated a sum of €164,868 towards the facility which will be used by a number of organisations, including Castlebar Concert Band, Mayo Concert Orchestra, Mayo Youth Orchestra and the Mayo Male Voice Choir.

The facility will also be available to all organisations promoting social inclusion and providing an opportunity to those keen to develop skills in the performing arts for various reasons.

Declan Hynes, chairman of MAPA, said he is looking forward to the new amenity being completed by next May.

“We are delighted to reach this point after so many years of hard work and endeavour. It will be a marvellous facility for the county, and particularly for those interested in the arts and music.”

* Pictured at the contract-signing ceremony were, from left, Danny Moran, architect, Micheal Duane, building contractor, Declan Hynes, chairman of MAPA, Councillor Blackie Gavin, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, Sean Gavin, MAPA committee member, and Tom Kelly, MAPA committee member.