Funding sought for student apartments at Mayo military barracks site
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simn Harris has confirmed that he will look carefully into an application by ATU Mayo to convert the old Military Barrack in Castlebar into student-purpose accommodation.
The Atlantic Technological University, in conjunction with Mayo County Council, have lodged an application for funding to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Military Barracks is in the ownership of the council since 2012 and it is hoped that the former barracks will be used for student accommodation as well as summer lettings and business opportunities.
During ministerial parliamentary questioning in the Dáil, Deputy Alan Dillon questioned Minister Simon Harris on the provision of student accommodation across universities and third level college campuses nationally.
Deputy Dillon said everyone is aware of cases where student accommodation fails to meet quality standards.
“Many students have reported poor living conditions such as inadequate heating and ventilation, mould and dampness.
‘We need to ensure we have modern suitable student accommodation. We need to look at providing this accommodation in a structured manner.
"I would encourage the adaptive reuse model, public – private partnerships or the co-living models.”
He requested that Minister Harris give serious consideration to the application lodged by ATU Mayo for the old Military Barracks in Castlebar.
“I want it to be given careful consideration. It is a vacant building in the centre of Castlebar. It would make an enormous contribution to the town centre itself.
"That money should be invested into these types of projects to get people into the town and support the ATU.”
Minister Harris said he would personally enquire about the application by ATU Mayo.
“I will see where it is at and familiarise myself with it. I know you have mentioned it to me a number of times before.
"We will get a view from ATU and the Department and revert back to you.”