Talks ongoing over costs of major Mayo community project

by Patrick Hennelly

Discussions are ongoing with regard to the redevelopment of the former Valkenburg Hotel, Ballinrobe, into a multi-purpose community facility, cultural and performance space.

Ballinrobe Civic Arts & Amenity Company lodged an application to Mayo County Council to reconfigure the ground floor, first floor and second floor as accommodation space.

Speaking after a recent event in Ballinrobe, Minister of State at the Department of Energy, Climate and the Environment, Alan Dillon TD, updated this reporter on the latest developments regarding the town hall project.

Minister Dillon said: “Under Our Rural Future (Rural Regeneration Development Project), Minister Heather Humphreys delivered over €4.5 million to that project, and I know that they are at an advanced stage with the procurement.

“However, there are a lot of discussions with the costs now and costs in inflation.

“I know that they are working with Minister Dara Calleary and the committee to try and ensure that this project, when it does go to construction, can be completed in its entirety.

"There are ongoing discussions in that regard, and I would hope that they will be brought to a conclusion very soon.”