Disappointment as north Mayo town's regeneration application is unsuccessful

THERE is disappointment in Belmullet after an application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) for an ambitious project in the town was unsuccessful.

The proposal included the redevelopment of the old technical school (An Sean Teic) as a community hub for education, family resource centre, community groups and the Irish language, and the provision of a new open public library on Main Street.

It also allowed for the expansion of existing town facilities and infrastructural services, town centre social housing units especially for the elderly, and an extension of facilities in the G-Teic for industry (life lab – creators/enterprise/collaboration area).

Speaking at a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting, Councillor Sean Carey said there was 'huge disappointment' locally when the application was unsuccessful.

He requested a breakdown of where the application fell so they could improve on this in applying again.

Meanwhile, a decision is due on a Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) application in respect of the Canal House, Belmullet.

Application for funding was made last July to redevelop the Canal House as a youth facility and multi-purpose centre.

There was, said Councillor Carey, 'great expectations' locally and hopefully it would be successful.