Design team appointed to give east Mayo town a new look

The Department of Rural and Community Development have given approval for the appointment of a design team to progress Ballyhaunis Community Vision to the design phase.

Earlier this month, the department accepted the tender report and costs giving approval to Mayo County Council to proceed to appoint the design team.

The design team will commence preparing detailed proposals for the project, which previously received Rural Regeneration and Development Funding of €168,352.

This work will include design services for the conversion and extension of the former convent school building into a proposed new community hub and other works benefitting surrounding areas.

The works include the design for a new public plaza, design an upgrade of the existing Riverwalk, a feasibility report on the potential location and cost of a new pedestrian bridge and a feasibility report on the potential for the provision of a new cover and heating for the public outdoor swimming pool.

Welcoming the news, Mayo TD Alan Dillon said: “This next step of entering the design phase for the Ballyhaunis Community Vision, which had previously received Rural Regeneration and Development Funding of €168,352 last year.

"The design team will commence preparing detailed proposals which will benefit a number of areas of Ballyhaunis town centre including the former convent school building, a new plaza, upgrading the existing Riverwalk and other works for surrounding areas.

“It is expected that the preparation of this design report will take approximately six months.

"Once complete, Mayo County Council will seek approval from the Department of Rural and Community Development to proceed to subsequent stages of the development.

"This will be a very positive project for the Ballyhaunis community following the €1million funding announced for a major extension at Scoil Iosa in Ballyhaunis a few weeks ago.”