Plans for Mayo urban regeneration project 'to go to tender soon'

Works on the revitalisation of Castlebar's historic core is expected to go go to tender in August, local elected representatives have been informed.

Progress is continuing on the tender documents for a multi-disciplinary team to provide a full scope of service from design, planning, tender, construction through to completion for the Military Barracks, master plan at Ellison Street and backlands as well as improvements at The Mall.

A framework of consultants has now been established by Mayo County Council and a first draft of a suite of tender documents for this project is expected to be completed in June with a view to going to tender in August.

A sum of €11 million was allocated for this work in 2020.

Councillor Martin McLoughlin has welcomed the updated report on the project.

He stated: "There is an urgent need for the council to get this project delivered and, if re-elected, I will be working to ensure it gets over the line as swiftly as possible.

"The Military Barracks, like the Imperial Hotel, has huge significance in the county town and it's a shame to see them going to waste.

"We have seen the fantastic job that was done with the barracks in Ballina. Although it is not fully completed, the space is already being used by the public.

"I want to see the same delivery for the people of Castlebar and the sooner, the better."

The council is still in negotiations with a private investor in respect of the sale and renovation of the Imperial Hotel.