Historic Mayo hotel to get exterior facelift

WORK has started on the painting of the exterior of the historic Imperial Hotel in Castlebar.

John Condon, head of the Castlebar Municipal District, confirmed the building, which had become an eyesore in recent years, is being tidied up.

A plan is being formulated for a complete renovation of the premises where the Irish Land League was founded in 1878.

Those plans are expected to be completed next year and put on public display as part of a consultation process.

Councillor Ger Deere welcomed the news that works had commenced to give the building a facelift.

But he will continue to campaign for the former hotel to be given a new lease of life as a museum, tourist office or municipal district headquarters.

"The manner in which it has been allowed to fall into decline in recent years has been an embarrassment for Castlebar," he stated.

Mayo County Council are the owners of the building at the Mall.

Meanwhile, Mr. Condon confirmed that plans are being drafted for the old Castlebar swimming pool and will be revealed within the coming months.