Minister Dillon welcomes €1.4 million investment for Mayo
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed a major funding boost of €1.4 million for communities across Mayo under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, supporting transformative local projects that will enhance public spaces, strengthen community facilities, and boost tourism and economic activity.
Minister Dillon said the announcement represents "a significant investment in the future of our towns and villages, supporting projects that will revitalise community spaces, enhance local amenities, and ensure our towns remain vibrant, inclusive, and attractive places to live, work, and visit.”
He added: “The scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in Mayo’s rural towns and villages and this investment will further strengthen this work.”
The funded projects across Mayo are:
Castlebar – Community Hub (former swimming pool) €47,500
This allocation will progress the preparatory phase for transforming the disused swimming pool into a modern, inclusive community hub. The project aims to deliver a multifunctional facility that will serve diverse community needs and support social, cultural, and recreational activity.
Castlebar – Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre car park expansion €300,000
Funding will enable the expansion of the Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre car park to meet growing demand and support new sports facilities. This investment strengthens Castlebar’s development as a regional sports hub, ensuring shared infrastructure that benefits clubs, visitors, and the wider community.
Ballyhaunis – redevelopment of the scouts’ den site €47,500
Funding will support the detailed design, planning preparation, procurement steps, and necessary assessments to advance a strategic medium scale redevelopment of the derelict scouts’ den site. This marks an important step toward bringing a key town centre location back into productive community use.
The Neale – Phase 1 Village Enhancement Scheme (‘village plaza’) €500,000
The flagship ‘Village Plaza’ project will transform the existing village green into an accessible, high quality urban space suitable for markets, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. This is a major step forward in delivering the Neale Village Enhancement Scheme and creating a vibrant focal point for local life.
Belmullet – Slí na Farraige coastal walk €300,000
This investment will deliver a new section of the Slí na Farraige coastal walk, improving accessibility, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening cultural tourism in this unique Gaeltacht community. The project will support sustainable tourism while protecting and celebrating the area’s natural heritage.
Ballina – festival lights upgrade €300,000
Funding will upgrade and expand Ballina’s festive lighting infrastructure, installing versatile lighting schemes that can be used throughout the year. This will enhance the town’s public realm, support festivals and events, and contribute to Ballina’s growing reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.
Minister Dillon added: “This €1.4 million investment is a strong vote of confidence in Mayo’s communities. Each of these projects has been championed locally, and today’s announcement ensures they can move forward with real momentum.
"I will continue working closely with community groups, local authorities, and Government colleagues to secure further funding and deliver long term improvements for towns and villages right across Mayo.”