Memorial Wall at Mayo Peace Park 'needs to be demolished and rebuilt'

Engineers who carried out a study of serious subsidence issues Mayo Peace Park in Castlebar have recommended restricting access around the memorial wall of the amenity.

They have issued this advice to Mayo County Council because of 'the potential risk of the granite slabs coming away from the main structure'.

A spokesperson for the council stated: "The emerging long-term solution is to demolish and rebuild the wall.

"Given that, the interim measures of restricting assess around the wall could be in place until a funding source is secured for the long-term solution.

"We are seeking funding for a fencing resolution that would not detract too much from the amenity .

"Failing this, we may be looking at surrounding the wall with palisade fencing."

Reacting to the news, local Councillor Ger Deere said its a pity the situation has reached this point.

"But the reality is that if the fencing is not put in place around the memorial wall, the entire park would to be closed to the public for health and safety reasons.

"It is my hope that the fencing will not be too much of an issue until the funding is secured to to address the subsidence.

"We are told it's going to cost a lot of money to demolish the wall, take down the slabs and rebuild it.

"What's proposed is an interim solution. It's not the ideal solution.

"But it will ensure the peace park is kept open even thought people will not be able to go close to the wall in order to read the names on it.

"We are looking a number of potential funding streams to repair the damage.

"But the sooner it is restored to the fine amenity that it was (before the subsidence problems), the better.

"I am fully committed to ensure that it happens at the earliest possible time."