Funding allocation from Historic Structures Fund welcomed in Mayo town

The recent announcement of a funding allocation from the Historic Structures Fund has been met with great relief in Belmullet town.

A total fund of over €278,000 has been granted in total to five projects in Mayo, including €152,000 for the historic Knight’s Pier on Quay Street in the heart of the Erris capital.

A successful application to the fund had been made in 2022 to the sum of €92,000 but delays and construction cost increases forced the project beyond the September 2022 completion deadline, with funds being returned.

Local architect Mark Ruddy, who instigated the project through a successful volunteer application on behalf of Belmullet Town Development Society in 2021, has revealed his relief in securing funding for the second time.

He said: “Many hours of voluntary work have been given to this project since 2021 in preparing two previously successful applications and background reports. We are relieved and thankful that the National Heritage Council has continued to support this hugely important project to safeguard this important structure of Mayo’s maritime and social history for generations to come.

“The pier is an integral component of the planned town of Belmullet, which Patrick Knight, engineer, laid out in 1824. When complete, Knight’s Pier will again become an important focus for community, forming a safe access point to the sea as a coastal amenity for leisure boating and sea swimming as well as forming a backdrop to town bicentenary events in 2024.

“We greatly look forward to progressing works in collaboration with Mayo County Council Heritage and Conservation department over the coming months.”

This latest funding for Belmullet follows an allocation of €500,000 in February through the TVRS (Town and Village Renewal Scheme) for a youth amenity facility at Canal House, which was also led by the community partnership and by Mark Ruddy, recently designated Hometown Architect 2023 by the Irish Architecture Foundation.

Noted Mark: “It is an exciting time for the town and the wider region of Erris. These projects which we have undertaken demonstrate the importance of protecting our heritage and sustainably implementing vital community infrastructure using the limited resources and assets available.

“With the support of our community, our council and our local representatives, we are in a much stronger position to continue to deliver upon these plans and create a sustainable future for our people at home in Erris.”

Funding allocated to Mayo through the Historic Structures Fund 2023 is as follows: Belleek Castle, Garrankeel, Ballina - €35,000; Harbour House Outbuildings, Upper Quay, Westport - €37,500; Holy Trinity Church, Aughaval, Newport Road, Westport - €44,000; Barns at House, Moyhastin, Westport - €10,000; Pier at Quay Street, Belmullet - €152,030.