Investment sealed to transform former south Mayo hotel into town hall
An elected representative has welcomed the “single largest public investment in a community project in the history of south Mayo” - funding of €4,594,600 for the development of a new Ballinrobe Town Hall
Local Councillor Michael Burke has expressed his delight the allocation has been granted for the project by the Department of Rural and Community Development, led by Minister Heather Humphreys.
He stated: “When I stood for election in 2019 securing the funding for the Ballinrobe Town Hall was my number one priority for the town.
"It’s been a long battle for us to get this funding and I have to compliment my fellow board members on the Town Hall committee, led by chairman Mick Sweeney, for the work they’ve done to get the project to this stage.
"Every member of the committee has played a vital role in getting this funding and the support we as a committee have received from the people of the town and surrounding areas has been crucial in keeping us going when at times it looked like it might not happen.
"In addition to local support, I have to pay special tribute to Deputy Michael Ring, who has been a long-time supporter of the project and without him championing our cause we would not have the funding we received today.
"I’d also like to mention the great help we received from Sabina Trench and the South West Mayo Development Company in completing our funding application.
"The committee abandoned plans for a facility at a site located on the Neale Road in 2020 and the decision was made to purchase the ‘Valk’ restaurant and nightclub when it was marketed for sale.
"The location of the new Town Hall will now take pride of place in the centre of the town on Main Street.
"It’s a massive investment for the town and I look forward to works beginning in the new year on what will be a first class community facility.
"This investment will not just include the new Town Hall but a complete redevelopment of the old Valkenburg complex resulting in additional community spaces, refurbished restaurant and accommodation," he added.
A statement issued by the Ballinrobe Town Hall committee outlined: "Today marks an ‘historic moment in time’ for Ballinrobe with the news that the campaign to convert a local hotel and entertainment complex into a new town hall has received almost €4.6m in government funding.
"Ballinrobe Town Hall committee, who purchased the Valkenburg complex on the town’s Main Street in 2020 with money raised locally, have reacted with joy to the funding news under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
"The announcement was made jointly by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and local TD, Michael Ring, a long-time supporter of the project."
Michael Sweeney, chairperson, said: “This is the day we’ve wanted for so long. It is an historic moment in time. We have worked extremely hard for many years to reach this day, and we are over the moon.
“In tandem with South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC), we applied for €4,594,600, and we are delighted to say we got every last cent of that.
"We will match the grant amount with local funding to convert the venue into something that will transform the centre of the town and prove an invaluable asset for the region.
“Our long-term plan includes the development of a multi-purpose space with ample dressing rooms to support shows, along with community and other events throughout the complex.
"In our RRDF application, we highlighted the building’s central location in the town; extensive car parking space on the street and in adjacent car parks (Church Lane, Christian Brothers and Abbey Street); and the potential for income from accommodation and a coffee shop/bistro in the venue.”
The committee paid tribute to Sabina Trench, Norita Clesham and the staff of South West Mayo Development Company, who led the RRDF application.
“They have done huge work and the success of this application reflects that,” added Michael.
“We are grateful to all who have supported the project in a variety of ways, including the strong political support we received. From the outset, local representatives were very supportive of the project and recognised its potential to transform Ballinrobe town centre as well as providing a badly needed local amenity.”
Paul Gibbons, chairperson, South Mayo Development Company, commented: “South West Mayo Development Company applied for this funding on behalf of Ballinrobe Civic Arts & Amenity Company.
"Our team worked with Michael Sweeney, chairperson, and his voluntary Board to prepare this successful application. I publicly acknowledge Ccouncillor Michael Burke and Deputy Michael Ring’s support which was instrumental in securing this funding for Ballinrobe. I would also like to thank Mayo County Council for supporting our application, which was most welcome.”
Ballinrobe has fought a lengthy campaign to restore its town hall. The old hall closed in 1996.
“As everyone locally knows, we had originally intended to build on the site of the old town hall on The Neale Road, but building costs were proving very expensive. The Valkenburg came on the market in July 2020, and we decided to pursue this as a possible venue for the new hall,” added Micheal Sweeney.
“We have received €200,000 from Mayo County Council. Additionally, we have collected €400,000 in community donations locally. Money raised to date has been used to acquire and maintain the property to date and also on associated fees.”