€350,000 awarded for reconstruction of Ballintubber Abbey east wing

Minister of State Malcom Noonan has confirmed that €350,000 has been allocated towards the reconstruction of the east wing of Ballintubber Abbey.

The minister relayed the news to Mayo TD Alan Dillon during his visit to Mayo today.

Stated Deputy Dillon: "Following a tour of Ballontubber Abbey today I’m delighted to announce this news that Minister Noonan's department will now support this fantastic project.

"I must acknowledge and compliment Fr Frank Fahey, the Ballintubber Abbey committee and officials of Mayo Council Council on their hardwork to date on this wonderful restoration project. It’s a great day for the parish.

"I thank Minister Noonan and the officials from his department who were genuinely impressed with the scale and potential for the future of the Abbey.

"Former Rural and Community Development Minister, Michael Ring, had also previously contributed funding.

"The project will deliver a flagship cultural and heritage visitor attraction, which showcases Tóchar Phádraig, one of the ancient pilgrim routes being developed as part of the Irish Camino proposal.

"Once completed, it will be a real gem building upon Mayo’s tourism infrastructure such as the Wild Atlantic Way.”