Decisive action confirmed for Mayo street of dereliction shame
The long-awaited demolition of four derelict properties on Ellison Street in the heart of Castlebar is now scheduled to take place at the end of March and into early April.
The confirmation has been welcomed by local Councillor Harry Barrett.
The move represents the first step in the construction of 13 new social housing apartments at the location.
He stated: "For far too long these buildings have been a major eyesore right in the centre of our county town.
"Local people have been frustrated at the lack of progress and the sense that nothing was happening.
"I have been raising this issue consistently, reflecting the concerns of residents and business owners who wanted to see real action taken.
"It is very positive to now have a clear time-frame for demolition. This is an important step forward for Castlebar.
"Clearing these unsafe and unsightly properties will lift the look of the street and send a strong signal that dereliction will not be allowed to linger in our town centre.
"I also very much welcome the plan to deliver social housing on this prime town-centre site.
"Bringing new social homes into the heart of Castlebar will help families who are crying out for secure accommodation, while also supporting local shops and services.
"Town-centre living makes sense and this development will breathe new life into Ellison Street.
"Credit is due to the council planners and to my fellow councillors who kept the pressure on to get this project moving. It has taken persistence and steady work behind the scenes to reach this point.
"There is still work ahead, but this is a significant milestone. I will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the demolition proceeds on schedule and that the new homes are delivered without unnecessary delay.
"This is a good day for Castlebar and a step in the right direction for the future of our town centre."
The housing project will consist of one studio apartment, six one bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments and two three-room units.
The scheme includes pedestrian access from Ellison Street to the new homes, including the provision of a new public access routeway, internal footpaths, public lighting, boundary works and landscaping.
The design includes a new building to the front which engages and intergrates with the historic streetscape, followed by a courtyard and a smaller apartment building to the rear of the site.
The plan incorporates a new archway which will facilitate a future public access route through to the lands behind, enhancing permeability and urban interest in the core of the town.